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batsutousaiTitle: Déguiser
Author:![[livejournal.com profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/external/lj-userinfo.gif)
batsutousai
Beta:magickmaker17
Rating: PG-13 for now
Pairings: Intended - HP/LV, Possible - HP/DM, Possible - NL/HG, SB/RL
Warnings: AU, an attempt to not copy the book, bit of Ron-bashing and some definite Dumbles-hate going on
Summary: When Albus Dumbledore leaves Harry Potter on the doorstep of the Dursleys, the last thing he expected was for an unknown relative to disappear with the boy for ten years. Enter Thomas Potter, a man who intends to change the past, the present, and the future.
A/N: Monster chapter is too big. Part One.
-~/^\~-
Things continued pretty routinely for the children at Hogwarts for the rest of February. The Hogsmeade visit at the beginning of March found Thomas, Remus, Sirius and the two Granger adults spending time with their children again. When asked about the last task, Thomas would always smile knowingly and say that Harry would find out in May with everyone else. He also added, to Harry, that practising some offensive and defensive spells now would be a good way to prepare.
The six children spent the next two and a half months duelling each other. At one point in late April, Harry invited Fleur, Cedric and Krum to join them. Cedric came with Cho and Fleur one of the other girls from Beauxbatons, Aimée. Fred and George dragged Lee in with them some time in early May and Neville invited Ron, Seamus and Dean not long after. When Draco asked if he could bring some of his fellow Slytherins the weekend before the task was to be announced, the group largely agreed to it, so Blaise Zabini and Pansy Parkinson joined them that Saturday.
The evening that they were told the task, Harry sent Rowan home with a quickly scribbled letter in Parsel:
'Mr Crouch appeared on the grounds. Cedric and Fleur saw him. Fleur went to get Madam Maxime, but by the time they got back, Cedric was out cold and Crouch was gone. No one knows what happened, but Fleur got a quick note to me about what Crouch was saying, or, at least, what she got out of the gibberish he was spewing. It was something about him escaping and needing to tell Dumbledore and some woman named Bertha and Voldemort getting stronger?
'Have you Seen anything?
'Harry'
-~/^\~-
'Harry,
'Voldemort is returning. I told you, I think, that Voldemort is behind your being in the Tournament? If not, I apologize. I should have. He found out about it from Bertha Jorkins, who disappeared in Albania over the summer. He WILL try something at the end of this task, but I'm not sure what. If you have the chance to win alone, go for it. You have a chance to survive Voldemort that others will not. Trust me on that.
'Be safe, child.
'Love,
'Thomas'
-~/^\~-
After Thomas' letter, the group of children trained even harder. According to Hermione, Harry had adopted a grim air when duelling with their group. He had passed on Thomas' warning about Voldemort trying something during the third task only to his three closest friends, who worried about it, but recognised that the only thing they could do at the moment was train.
The rest of May and June until the day of the task seemed to speed by. Thomas became jumpy and snappish as the twenty-fourth approached, but since he'd warned Sirius and Remus that Voldemort would try something during the task, they weren't surprised, though they were worried.
When the letter came that invited Thomas, Sirius and Remus to visit the day of the task, all three agreed to go. Thomas also sent a letter to Lucius telling him to remain at his home for the task. Lucius didn't question Thomas on the order, just agreed to stay at the Manor.
When Harry came into the back room where the Champions were to meet their families, he grinned and made a beeline for Thomas, who hugged him tightly. "Alright?" Harry asked after a moment.
Thomas offered him a tight smile. "Not particularly."
"Harry'll be fine," Sirius said for what must have been the twentieth time that morning. Thomas just rolled his eyes while Sirius grinned and gave Harry a quick hug. "Won't ya?"
Harry glanced at Thomas worriedly. "I hope so," he said, then hugged Remus.
Fleur led her mother and little sister over. "Maman, thes," she said in English, "is 'Arry Potter and 'is uncle, Thomas." Then she frowned faintly at Sirius and Remus, having never met them before.
Thomas inclined his head. "This is Sirius Black and Remus Lupin, Harry's godfathers. It's a pleasure to meet you, Madame Delacour."
"As et is for me," the woman said, smiling. "Merci, both of you, for 'elping my daughters."
"Of course," Harry said, smiling. "Fleur is a wonderful friend, and not helping Gabrielle was out of the question, right Uncle Thomas?"
"What Harry said," Thomas agreed, amused. It appeared that Fleur had taught Harry how to talk his way into her mother's good graces.
Fleur nodded to them, then turned back to her mother and sister. "I will show you around, yes?"
Madam Delacour nodded her head in agreement, then smiled again at Thomas and Harry. "A pleasure."
"Oui," Thomas agreed, bowing slightly.
The Delacours left, then, chattering away about the castle in French. Harry grinned up at Thomas. "Want to see the castle? I'm sure you know most of it by now, seeing how often you're here..."
"You give me too much credit," Thomas replied, smiling. "Why don't you give us a quick tour and we'll make bets on how long until Professor McGonagall catches Sirius doing something he shouldn't be?"
Harry snickered while Remus smiled and Sirius pouted. "I'm not that bad!"
"I give him until we get out into the Great Hall," Remus said, eyes dancing.
"Moony!"
They all laughed, then made their way out for Harry's tour.
-~/^\~-
They ate lunch with Harry's Gryffindor friends and chatted with Cedric and his parents for a little after lunch. Once the Diggorys left, Harry dragged his family over to visit with the Horntail, who was still living on the Hogwarts grounds, though her eggs had hatched and they could have all flown back to Hungary. When asked, the dragon simply said that she enjoyed Hogwarts. No one bothered them and they got regular food. Anyway, she knew that her presence helped protect the members of the castle.
Dinner was a silent affair at their pocket of the table. Neither Harry nor Thomas ate much, and their worry and nerves affected Sirius, Remus, Hermione and Neville, who all knew why the two were nervous and didn't feel so confident either. As Dumbledore made the announcement that the Tournament would begin shortly, Thomas leaned over and whispered to Harry, :No matter what happens, remember that we're all here rooting for you and that, above all else, you will always be the most important thing to me.: Then he pushed the startled Harry to follow the other Champions out of the Hall.
Kaz poked his head out. :Why did you say that?:
Thomas pushed his plate away. :Because I'm afraid he'll need to hear it, lest he thinks I've betrayed him.:
:Because you are more inclined to Voldemort's side?:
:Partially.:
:What have you Seen?: Kaz demanded.
:My Sight won't help me now,: Thomas replied, then stood with the others and headed for the Pitch.
Kaz huffed. :I don't know why. It's always helped before. I think you're being stupid.:
Thomas didn't smile.
-~/^\~-
As soon as Cedric came out of the maze, he was yelling about Harry disappearing when he took the Cup. About how Harry seemed to have known something would happen. While the Ministry personnel and professors tried to calm the teen and find out what went wrong, Thomas kept his eye on Karkaroff. When the man jumped, Thomas turned his eyes to the entrance of the maze and waited.
After what seemed like an eternity – but was probably no more than ten minutes – Harry appeared with the TriWizard Cup held in his hands, eyes wide, with a nasty cut on his arm and a few bruises on his face, but standing upright.
Thomas jumped down from his seat and ran over to pull Harry into a tight hug. "Thank Merlin," he whispered against his nephew's hair.
The Cup hit the ground with a dull thud and Harry wrapped his arms around Thomas. "Lucius begged for my life. Voldemort almost killed him, but Lucius said that getting on your bad side wasn't in Voldemort's best interest and said you were on his side and Voldemort... He–he let me go! He pointed to the Cup and told me to go!"
"I'm sorry," Thomas breathed.
Dumbledore chose that moment to interrupt. "Mr Potter?"
Harry pulled out of the hug, but kept one hand on Thomas' arm. "Sir?" he said, refusing to meet the old wizard's eyes.
"Harry, child, what happened?" Dumbledore asked, leaning down to try and meet Harry's eyes.
Harry turned and buried his face in Thomas' robes. Thomas narrowed his eyes at the Headmaster. "With all due respect, Headmaster," he said coldly, "I think Harry needs to go to the Hospital Wing, not be probed for information."
Remus stepped up next to Thomas, eyes glinting gold. "Thomas is right," he said with a faint growl. "We're taking Harry to the Hospital Wing." Sirius nodded next to him, eyes hard.
Thomas leaned over slightly and let Harry wrap his arms around his neck, then picked the boy up and led the way from the stadium. Sirius and Remus followed him after shooting the Headmaster one last warning look.
In the Hospital Wing, Madam Pomfrey fussed over Harry and his minor injuries. When the Headmaster came in, Thomas turned to him and said, "Out. Leave Harry alone."
"Now, Thomas–"
"I refuse to allow a man who has no qualms using Legilimency on a fourteen-year-old anywhere near my nephew. Get. Out," Thomas replied coldly.
"Albus!" Madam Pomfrey snapped, turning from Harry to give the Headmaster a sharp look. "You'd better not be using Legilimency on these students!" Next to her, Remus' lip curled up in a silent growl while Sirius narrowed his eyes and fingered his wand.
Dumbledore rose his hands peacefully and left the ward.
"He wasn't, was he?" Madam Pomfrey asked Thomas, fear in her eyes.
"He tried," Thomas replied with a frown. "Only once that I know of."
"Is that why you told me to never meet his or Snape's eyes, Uncle Thomas?" Harry asked quietly. "Because of Legi–Legi–"
"Legilimency, yes," Thomas agreed, smiling at Harry faintly. "You're too young for Occlumency, or it wouldn't be a problem. Though, really, using Legilimency on anyone is wrong."
"Voldemort's also a Legilimens," Sirius commented. "I hadn't known that Snape was, though."
"Makes sense," Remus pointed out thoughtfully. "If you serve under two strong Legilimens, knowing Occlumency would be a boon. And once you know Occlumency, it doesn't take much to learn Legilimency. Right?" He glanced up at Thomas.
Thomas nodded. "Once I'd learned Occlumency, it only took me two days to learn Legilimency."
Harry shuddered. "When Dumbledore came to the house that first time. You told him to ask if he wanted to know something."
"Yes," Thomas agreed, knowing what Harry had asked.
Madam Pomfrey huffed angrily. "Albus and I need to have a long talk."
Harry shook his head and changed the subject. "Madam Pomfrey? How are Fleur and Cedric?"
The mediwitch's expression gentled. "They'll both be just fine. I've already released Mr Diggory, and Miss Delacour is sleeping now and should be fine by tomorrow."
Harry settled back into his bed with a relieved look. "Thank Merlin."
The adults all settled around Harry's bed in chairs and they spoke of things from the past. When Harry's friends came in – Madam Pomfrey said three at a time, so Hermione, Neville and Draco came first, then the twins and Lee Jordan, then Harry's other three roommates, with a relieved Cedric and Cho bringing up the rear – they offered jokes and laughter. Everyone was careful to not mention the most recent task and what Harry had faced away from the school, though everyone was dying to know.
Harry's friends were followed by the Minister, who gave Harry the prize money and congratulated him, then left. When the Headmaster tried to enter after the Minister, Madam Pomfrey yelled him back out of the ward with her wand drawn. After that, the mediwitch declared that there would be no more visitors, warned Thomas that he would be sleeping this time, then drew the curtains around the four wizards and left them to themselves.
"You should get some sleep, Harry," Remus suggested.
Harry glanced over at his uncle. "Will you tell me?" he asked.
Thomas sighed. He knew Harry wanted to know why he was on Voldemort's side. "There are a number of reasons," he offered after shooting a quick spell at the curtains to keep their conversation private. "Dumbledore is one of them. My mother is another." He paused to glance at the confused Remus and Sirius, then met Harry's curious eyes. "The Light side betrayed me. It killed my best friends and almost killed me."
"How'd they betray you?" Harry asked as understanding flared in Remus and Sirius' eyes.
"I was a Light wizard once," Thomas said sadly. "My friends and I fought for the Light side. When I found out that one of the most favoured Light wizards had just been using us, we confronted him. He killed my friends and almost killed me before I could get away. I fled to our enemy and he protected me."
"And your mother?" Harry asked.
"She was always Dark," Thomas offered with a shrug. "It was one of the reasons my father made her leave."
"But you were Light," Sirius pointed out. "And she was Dark?"
Thomas winced. "My childhood was....complicated."
"What will you do now?" Remus asked, eyes flashing gold.
Thomas understood the warning and rose his hands peacefully. "Harry is more important to me than joining Voldemort."
Harry jerked forward. "Remus!"
Remus crossed his arms over his chest. "How was I to know? Yes, he's taken care of you, but he's also close to Lucius–"
"And Lucius saved my life!" Harry snapped. "Uncle Thomas asked him to protect me if he could and Lucius did!"
Remus frowned. "I didn't know that."
Harry huffed. "I trust Uncle Thomas."
"Harry," Sirius offered gently. "We're just making sure. You grew up with Thomas, so you see what you want to see. And you're still young–"
"Uncle Thomas has never given me reason to think he would hurt me!" Harry shot back, eyes glittering with fury.
"He could be acting–" Sirius tried again.
"SHUT UP!" Harry roared, and the glass of water on his nightstand shattered, splashing Sirius with water and glass.
Thomas immediately vanished the glass, then turned Harry to face him. "Calm down, Harry."
"They're trying to say you'd hurt me!" Harry cried angrily.
"And they have every right to suspect me," Thomas replied softly. "If I were in their shoes, I'd be questioning my intentions too. I find no fault in their concern."
"But..." Harry shook his head, anger fading to sadness. "You'd never hurt me."
"No," Thomas agreed. "I wouldn't.
Harry sniffed and wiped at his eyes.
Thomas pulled his handkerchief from his pocket and handed it to Harry. "It will be okay, child."
Harry wiped his face and blew his nose, then glanced over at Sirius and Remus. "Leave Uncle Thomas alone," he ordered.
Thomas' lips twitched. "Go to sleep, Harry."
"Not until they promise to leave you alone," Harry snapped, glaring at his godfathers.
"We’ll leave him alone for tonight," Sirius promised. When Harry glanced at Remus, the werewolf nodded.
"Fine," Harry decided, then laid back down. "Night."
"Good night, child," Thomas said, leaning over to kiss Harry's head. Then he turned and walked over to one of the other two beds that Madam Pomfrey had included in the curtained area.
"Good night, cub," Remus said with a sad smile. Sirius ruffled Harry's hair, then the two went over to the other bed and climbed in.
Thomas waved his wand to extinguish the light next to Harry's bed and closed his eyes to sleep.
-~/^\~-
Madam Pomfrey released Harry and Fleur the next morning. Fleur's mother and sister had already left to return to France, so the two students walked down to the Great Hall with just Harry's family. Though the two students chattered happily about their summer plans and trading letters, Sirius and Remus were darkly silent while Thomas tried to smile every time his nephew looked his way.
Once in the Great Hall, Remus and Sirius were sidetracked by the twins and Lee Jordan while Thomas found himself drawn into a conversation with Hermione about a spell she'd found that night in her Charms text for next year.
Thomas, Remus and Sirius stayed until lunch. As they were preparing to leave in the entrance hall, Dumbledore came over and all three men suddenly found themselves in complete agreement as they got between Harry and the Headmaster. "What can we do for you, sir?" Sirius asked, wand held loosely in his right hand, but not pointing at the Headmaster.
Dumbledore smiled, though it looked a little forced. "I was hoping I might speak with Ha–"
"No," Thomas said firmly. "You will leave my nephew alone."
"Now, Thomas," Dumbledore tried.
"Perhaps you didn't understand me?" Thomas replied with a sneer. "But I told you to leave my nephew alone. This is not up for discussion. If you refuse, we will gather Harry's things and he will return home with us today."
Dumbledore frowned. "The term has not yet ended–"
"Harry is exempt from all exams," Remus slipped in, eyes flashing gold. "He has no need to remain for another week."
If nothing else, Dumbledore knew when he'd been defeated. "Of course. Mr Potter, my door is always open to you," he offered to Harry hopefully.
"I'll keep that in mind when I'm an Occlumens," Harry replied sharply.
Dumbledore's face fell. "I see," he said, then nodded to Harry's guardians and left.
"Er, what's an Occlumens?" Hermione asked in the silence that had followed in the Headmaster's wake. The few students in the hall took that as a signal to shuffle over to the stairs while Flitwick and McGonagall – both of whom had seen the entire confrontation – traded surprised looks.
Thomas sighed and turned back to the group of six children behind him. Draco's eyes were wide while Harry and Neville seemed to be trying to communicate through their eyes and the twins were watching the two younger Gryffindors with sharp eyes. Hermione gave Thomas a hopeful look. "An Occlumens," he said, "is someone who can guard their secrets from a Legilimens through the use of Occlumency."
"That was very helpful, Thomas. Thank you," Hermione said sarcastically.
"A Legilimens can read your emotions and, occasionally, get bits of memory from your mind," Remus explained in his teacher voice. "An Occlumens can block that invasion or only allow certain emotions to be read."
Hermione covered her mouth in horror and looked at Harry, who nodded grimly. "He tried. After the task. But I wouldn't meet his eyes."
"Legilimens need eye contact," Sirius offered as an explanation.
"Well," said one of the twins in an almost cheerful voice, "I suppose that explains–"
"–how he always knows when we're behind a prank," the other finished.
Thomas gave them both sharp looks. "That, or the pictures around the school are telling him when you're up to things."
"Eh? The pictures?"
"They're his informants?!"
The twins traded horrified looks. "Blast!"
Sirius snorted in amusement. "You can't have not caught on to that."
"Well, we had been wondering."
Thomas rolled his eyes, then turned to Harry seriously. "If he approaches you again, owl me and I will come get you."
"Better yet," McGonagall said, walking over with Flitwick, "if the Headmaster comes to bother you again, come find me." She turned to Thomas. "Do you have evidence he's using Legilimency on the students?"
"Nothing solid," Thomas replied. "Only that he was rather determined to meet Harry's eyes after the task."
"He's attacked Uncle Thomas at least once," Harry said, frowning when Thomas shot him a disapproving look. "He has. And I bet he did it again at the beginning of the year, didn't he? When you came to check on me after I was picked as the fourth Champion?"
"Yeah," Neville said. "You two were just staring at one another. After you said that Harry didn't have to come back next year."
McGonagall's lips were a thin line as she looked back at Thomas. "Is this true?"
"That I said Harry didn't have to come back next year?" Thomas asked.
"Thomas," McGonagall said sharply.
Thomas sighed. "Yes. Twice."
McGonagall's lips seemed to disappear. "Excuse me," she said after a moment. "I need to have a talk with Albus about his incessant usage of uncalled-for magic against parents and students alike and what the governors will say." Then she spun and stalked off towards the Headmaster's office.
"Oh dear," Flitwick said, then hurried after her.
Thomas stared after the two professors in surprise. "Well, there's something you don't see everyday."
Sirius coughed a laugh. "Right." He nodded to Harry. "If he bothers you again, any of you," he added, meeting the eyes of each of the children, "owl one of us or your parents and then go hide in McGonagall's office. Yeah, even you, Draco."
"And," Remus added, "whatever you do, don't meet his eyes."
"Snape's either," Sirius added, then shrugged when Remus shot him a warning look. "What? You don't have any proof Snivellus isn't attacking them, do you?"
"He'd better not be," was Remus' response.
Thomas cleared his throat, then met Harry's eyes. "Beware, also, of Mad-Eye."
"What?!" almost everyone said.
Harry nodded. "I will."
"But why?" the twins chorused.
"Because I said so," Thomas replied, then smiled. "We should go."
"Okay." Harry hugged his uncle and let Thomas kiss his forehead, then moved on to say goodbye to his godfathers.
Once the three adults were on their way to the gates, Sirius said, "Why beware Mad-Eye?"
Thomas shook his head. "I've already warned him. As long as Harry is safe, I won't say anything. Be assured, however, that if he hurts Harry, my telling you two will be the last of his worries."
"You're not going to tell us," Remus said dully.
"No," Thomas agreed.
"And if he hurts Harry?" the werewolf asked.
"I'll rip his heart out with my bare hands."
Remus nodded. "Are you going to try and get in contact with Voldemort?"
"Moony!"
"Be quiet, Sirius," Remus snapped. Sirius scowled, but nodded, so Remus turned back to Thomas. "Well?"
"I will talk to Lucius."
Remus nodded in understanding and they all stopped as they reached the edge of the wards. "Come back alive. I don't relish telling Harry you're dead."
"If someone doesn't walk away from this, it won't be me," Thomas replied grimly, then disapparated.
"Damnit, Moony!"
"No, Sirius," Remus murmured, still looking at the spot Thomas had just stood in. "I will trust Thomas. I have no reason not to."
Sirius groaned. "Fuck, whatever. Let's go home. I'm horny."
Remus choked and turned to look at his mate in disbelief. Sirius just grinned at him.
-~/^\~-
"Thomas," Lucius said neutrally as he met his friend in the entrance hall of his manor.
"Lucius," Thomas replied in the same tone. "Thank you."
"He is as much my son as Draco. It is simply not on paper or in blood," Lucius offered.
"He was angry?"
"He was."
"I'm sorry."
Lucius inclined his head. "I assume this isn't a social call?"
"No."
"I cannot guarantee your safety."
"I don't need you to."
Lucius nodded and pulled two black robes with large hoods out of the nearby closet. He handed one to Thomas and put the other on himself while Thomas changed out of the blue robes he'd worn to the task. Then the blond pulled out a white mask and put in on. "I will apparate us," Lucius said. When Thomas nodded, Lucius took his arm and apparated them to the receiving room of a large manor house that Thomas recognized as Slytherin Manor.
Lucius led the way through the halls to Voldemort's office. Two Death Eaters stood on either side of the door and gave the approaching men distrustful looks through their masks. "What is your business?" the one on the right said.
"I bring a possible recruit to meet our Lord," Lucius replied stiffly.
The Death Eaters at the door traded looks, then nodded. "Enter."
Lucius led the way into the office and knelt with a bowed head as soon as the doors closed behind Thomas. "My Lord," he murmured.
Thomas glanced up and met Voldemort's sharp red gaze. Before either man could speak, Kaz poked his head out from under Thomas' robe and said, :Your stones are glowing.:
Thomas' eyes widened. :What?:
Across the room, Voldemort's eyes widened in surprise, then narrowed.
:They just started. I didn't touch them!:
:I know.: Thomas sighed, then pulled one of the two long strings he'd taken to wearing under his robes off and tossed it to the Dark Lord, who caught it with a cocked eyebrow. "It's yours," Thomas told him dully.
Voldemort looked at the gift with a scowl. "It's a glowing stone on a string," he said, giving Thomas a disgusted look.
"And it came from the ear of a dragon," Thomas shot back.
"Thomas!" Lucius hissed, glancing up at his friend.
Thomas shook his head. "The dragon said it would glow when I met my mate," he said, then ground his teeth together and cursed fate. Why did this shit always happen to him, anyway?
"Mate?" Voldemort repeated, then started laughing and dropped the stone to his desk. "Ridiculous!"
:Don't laugh, snake-man!: Kaz hissed angrily. :You became one with a snake to get that guise and now you're a magical creature! All magical creatures have mates!:
:Kaz,: Thomas murmured. :Hush.:
Voldemort sneered at the snake. :You dare to speak to me that way?:
:I'll speak to you however I want!: Kaz snapped back. :You're stupid and not worth my respect! You're not worth anyone's respect!:
Thomas groaned. :Kaz, stop acting suicidal.:
:It's not suicide unless there's a chance of me being killed,: Kaz replied matter-of-factly.
Voldemort pointed his wand at the snake. :Hold still,: he hissed, then said, "Avada Kedavra!"
Thomas ducked out of the way and pointed his own wand at the Dark Lord, eyes narrowed. "Lucius, you might want to go," he commented to his wide-eyed friend, who was still on the ground.
"Are you ordering my men around?" Voldemort said lowly.
Thomas snorted. "No, I'm telling my friend he might want to leave so he doesn't get killed if your aim is off."
"Thomas," Lucius half-moaned.
Voldemort didn't take his eyes from Thomas' wand. "What fool have you brought to be killed, Lucius?"
Lucius closed his eyes. "This is Thomas Leland-Potter, my Lord."
Voldemort's eyes narrowed. "You're the uncle of Harry Potter."
"In the flesh," Thomas shot back with a slightly cocky smirk.
Voldemort smiled. "Avada Kedavra."
Thomas ducked out of the way again. "Because I'm just going to stand there," he said sarcastically.
Voldemort's smile became cruel and he pointed his wand at Lucius, who hadn't moved. "Ah, but Lucius will, won't you?"
Thomas lowered his wand. "So you'll make an example out of another to punish my actions? How Dumbledore-esque."
Voldemort's face twisted and he quickly cast, "Crucio," on Thomas, who didn't bother moving.
Thomas closed his eyes, but the pain never came. He looked up at Voldemort in surprise, but the Dark Lord looked just as confused.
Kaz laughed. :Don't mock mate-bonds, snake-man! They do funny things to your magic!:
:When did you become so knowledgeable about mates, anyway?: Thomas grumbled while Voldemort shook his wand, as if to make it work.
:I read over your shoulder,: Kaz said, as if it were the most obvious thing in the world.
:Snakes can't read English,: Thomas replied.
:That's what you think.:
:Kaz, snakes can't read English. It's a fact.:
:And humans can't cast magic,: Kaz said.
"Crucio!" Voldemort said angrily.
Thomas rose an eyebrow at the Dark Lord when the spell didn't affect him again.
:I bet if you let his green curse hit you, it wouldn't do anything either,: Kaz said smugly.
:We're not testing it,: Thomas replied dryly.
Voldemort let out an irritated hiss. "Lucius, leave." Lucius shot Thomas a worried look. "Leave!" Voldemort snapped.
Lucius bowed and hurried from the room. The doors slammed shut behind him.
Voldemort and Thomas stared at one another while Kaz hissed in amusement.
After a long moment, Voldemort picked the glowing stone off his desk. "A dragon gave you this?"
"Yes."
"And told you it would glow when you met your mate?"
"Yes."
"I don't believe you."
"Obviously."
Kaz snickered in the following silence.
"Why would a dragon speak with you? They don't talk to humans."
Thomas shrugged. "There's dragon blood in the Potter line. And I saved some dragon hatchlings once."
Voldemort settled back into his chair and glanced over at a bookcase. "My spells don't work against you."
"The spells that intend harm to my person or psyche," Thomas corrected.
"You're the uncle of my nemesis."
Thomas shook his head. "I'm the uncle of a child who you dragged into you war by marking him for death. If you want an enemy, look to Dumbledore. Harry would sooner live in peace."
"The prophecy–"
"Would not have been fulfilled if you hadn't tried to kill him in the first place." Thomas shrugged while Voldemort gave him a disbelieving look. "Anyway, it's not even real."
"What?"
"The prophecy that Sybill Trelawney gave in 1979 isn't real. She made it up. Or, well, I should say that she made part of it up. The beginning is largely true, about someone with the power to defeat you being born and you marking the poor thing. But the prophecy also states that one of you two have to kill the other because neither of you can live while the other survives. That part is rubbish," Thomas explained.
Voldemort shook his head, looking rather confused. "How, then?"
Thomas sighed and conjured a chair, then sat. "The original prophecy is one given by Cassandra Trelawney. Sybill changed the words around a bit so it fit the moment. Yes, the original prophecy meant Harry and you, but there was nothing in it about you killing each other. I think it might have said something about 'joining together to return the rights of those downtrodden' or some such, but I don't know for certain. Anyway, Sybill thought it would be cool to put her great-great-grandmother's prophecy back into circulation. So when Dumbledore started looking like he wouldn't hire her, Sybill cast a silent spell to deepen her voice and said the damn thing."
"You're not lying?" Voldemort questioned.
Thomas shook his head. "No. I won't lie to protect Harry. If the prophecy had been true, I would have been training Harry to kick your arse as soon as he was old enough to hold a wand."
Voldemort snorted at that, then shook his head. "There's a prophecy globe in the Department of Mysteries."
"Of course there is," Thomas agreed. "The prophecy is partially real. The magic that records the damn things recognised that it was part real and recorded that part. If you were to listen, the globe doesn't contain the end of the prophecy. It's just silence."
Voldemort tapped his fingers on his desk for a moment, then paused and shot Thomas a sharp look. "The only people who can hear those prophecies are the ones who they're about. Did you take your nephew in to listen to it?"
Thomas blinked. Of course he hadn't. Harry didn't even know the damn thing existed. But–
"You didn't," Voldemort stated, having caught the knowledge from Thomas' mind.
Fucking mate-bonds! Thomas ground his teeth together. "No. I went and listened to it myself after I first got to England."
"How," Voldemort demanded, leaning forward. "You're not in that prophecy."
"Actually," Thomas shot back, eyes narrowed, "I am."
"Excuse me?"
"My name," Thomas said, meeting Voldemort's eyes, "my real name, the one my parents gave me when I was born, is Harry James Potter."
-
-
A/N: And I thought chapter five was long. Ugh.
Well, there's your answer about who Thomas is. Yes, most of you were right. Thomas will explain later. Next chapter, I hope.
As for when everyone else will know? Thomas will probably tell Harry when Hogwarts lets out for the summer. I might let him tell Sirius and Remus at the same time, haven't decided yet. (Then again, knowing Thomas, he may decide to tell them whether I want him to or not. Little bugger.)
I did my best to make what French I translated really simple, so I didn't have to make you all correct me again. If I did completely fuck up, let me know so I can trash this phrase book now, k?
French - English Translations:
Merci – Thank you
monsieur – sir
Je vous en prie – Don't mention it
Oui – yes
Maman – Mother
~Bats
Chapters:
Pro - To Face the Unknown / 1 - Two Potters
2 - Diagon Alley ||| 3 - Summer's End and Letters ||| 4 - The Trial
5 - Letters and Christmas ||| 6 - Dragons and Stones ||| 7 - The First Summer
8 - The Second Year ||| 9 - The Third Year |||10 - Fight For What You Believe In
11 - Thomas Potter ||| 12 - Plots and Plans ||| 13 - The Children's Hand
14 - ???
Incomplete
Author:
batsutousaiBeta:
magickmaker17Rating: PG-13 for now
Pairings: Intended - HP/LV, Possible - HP/DM, Possible - NL/HG, SB/RL
Warnings: AU, an attempt to not copy the book, bit of Ron-bashing and some definite Dumbles-hate going on
Summary: When Albus Dumbledore leaves Harry Potter on the doorstep of the Dursleys, the last thing he expected was for an unknown relative to disappear with the boy for ten years. Enter Thomas Potter, a man who intends to change the past, the present, and the future.
A/N: Monster chapter is too big. Part One.
Things continued pretty routinely for the children at Hogwarts for the rest of February. The Hogsmeade visit at the beginning of March found Thomas, Remus, Sirius and the two Granger adults spending time with their children again. When asked about the last task, Thomas would always smile knowingly and say that Harry would find out in May with everyone else. He also added, to Harry, that practising some offensive and defensive spells now would be a good way to prepare.
The six children spent the next two and a half months duelling each other. At one point in late April, Harry invited Fleur, Cedric and Krum to join them. Cedric came with Cho and Fleur one of the other girls from Beauxbatons, Aimée. Fred and George dragged Lee in with them some time in early May and Neville invited Ron, Seamus and Dean not long after. When Draco asked if he could bring some of his fellow Slytherins the weekend before the task was to be announced, the group largely agreed to it, so Blaise Zabini and Pansy Parkinson joined them that Saturday.
The evening that they were told the task, Harry sent Rowan home with a quickly scribbled letter in Parsel:
'Mr Crouch appeared on the grounds. Cedric and Fleur saw him. Fleur went to get Madam Maxime, but by the time they got back, Cedric was out cold and Crouch was gone. No one knows what happened, but Fleur got a quick note to me about what Crouch was saying, or, at least, what she got out of the gibberish he was spewing. It was something about him escaping and needing to tell Dumbledore and some woman named Bertha and Voldemort getting stronger?
'Have you Seen anything?
'Harry'
'Harry,
'Voldemort is returning. I told you, I think, that Voldemort is behind your being in the Tournament? If not, I apologize. I should have. He found out about it from Bertha Jorkins, who disappeared in Albania over the summer. He WILL try something at the end of this task, but I'm not sure what. If you have the chance to win alone, go for it. You have a chance to survive Voldemort that others will not. Trust me on that.
'Be safe, child.
'Love,
'Thomas'
After Thomas' letter, the group of children trained even harder. According to Hermione, Harry had adopted a grim air when duelling with their group. He had passed on Thomas' warning about Voldemort trying something during the third task only to his three closest friends, who worried about it, but recognised that the only thing they could do at the moment was train.
The rest of May and June until the day of the task seemed to speed by. Thomas became jumpy and snappish as the twenty-fourth approached, but since he'd warned Sirius and Remus that Voldemort would try something during the task, they weren't surprised, though they were worried.
When the letter came that invited Thomas, Sirius and Remus to visit the day of the task, all three agreed to go. Thomas also sent a letter to Lucius telling him to remain at his home for the task. Lucius didn't question Thomas on the order, just agreed to stay at the Manor.
When Harry came into the back room where the Champions were to meet their families, he grinned and made a beeline for Thomas, who hugged him tightly. "Alright?" Harry asked after a moment.
Thomas offered him a tight smile. "Not particularly."
"Harry'll be fine," Sirius said for what must have been the twentieth time that morning. Thomas just rolled his eyes while Sirius grinned and gave Harry a quick hug. "Won't ya?"
Harry glanced at Thomas worriedly. "I hope so," he said, then hugged Remus.
Fleur led her mother and little sister over. "Maman, thes," she said in English, "is 'Arry Potter and 'is uncle, Thomas." Then she frowned faintly at Sirius and Remus, having never met them before.
Thomas inclined his head. "This is Sirius Black and Remus Lupin, Harry's godfathers. It's a pleasure to meet you, Madame Delacour."
"As et is for me," the woman said, smiling. "Merci, both of you, for 'elping my daughters."
"Of course," Harry said, smiling. "Fleur is a wonderful friend, and not helping Gabrielle was out of the question, right Uncle Thomas?"
"What Harry said," Thomas agreed, amused. It appeared that Fleur had taught Harry how to talk his way into her mother's good graces.
Fleur nodded to them, then turned back to her mother and sister. "I will show you around, yes?"
Madam Delacour nodded her head in agreement, then smiled again at Thomas and Harry. "A pleasure."
"Oui," Thomas agreed, bowing slightly.
The Delacours left, then, chattering away about the castle in French. Harry grinned up at Thomas. "Want to see the castle? I'm sure you know most of it by now, seeing how often you're here..."
"You give me too much credit," Thomas replied, smiling. "Why don't you give us a quick tour and we'll make bets on how long until Professor McGonagall catches Sirius doing something he shouldn't be?"
Harry snickered while Remus smiled and Sirius pouted. "I'm not that bad!"
"I give him until we get out into the Great Hall," Remus said, eyes dancing.
"Moony!"
They all laughed, then made their way out for Harry's tour.
They ate lunch with Harry's Gryffindor friends and chatted with Cedric and his parents for a little after lunch. Once the Diggorys left, Harry dragged his family over to visit with the Horntail, who was still living on the Hogwarts grounds, though her eggs had hatched and they could have all flown back to Hungary. When asked, the dragon simply said that she enjoyed Hogwarts. No one bothered them and they got regular food. Anyway, she knew that her presence helped protect the members of the castle.
Dinner was a silent affair at their pocket of the table. Neither Harry nor Thomas ate much, and their worry and nerves affected Sirius, Remus, Hermione and Neville, who all knew why the two were nervous and didn't feel so confident either. As Dumbledore made the announcement that the Tournament would begin shortly, Thomas leaned over and whispered to Harry, :No matter what happens, remember that we're all here rooting for you and that, above all else, you will always be the most important thing to me.: Then he pushed the startled Harry to follow the other Champions out of the Hall.
Kaz poked his head out. :Why did you say that?:
Thomas pushed his plate away. :Because I'm afraid he'll need to hear it, lest he thinks I've betrayed him.:
:Because you are more inclined to Voldemort's side?:
:Partially.:
:What have you Seen?: Kaz demanded.
:My Sight won't help me now,: Thomas replied, then stood with the others and headed for the Pitch.
Kaz huffed. :I don't know why. It's always helped before. I think you're being stupid.:
Thomas didn't smile.
As soon as Cedric came out of the maze, he was yelling about Harry disappearing when he took the Cup. About how Harry seemed to have known something would happen. While the Ministry personnel and professors tried to calm the teen and find out what went wrong, Thomas kept his eye on Karkaroff. When the man jumped, Thomas turned his eyes to the entrance of the maze and waited.
After what seemed like an eternity – but was probably no more than ten minutes – Harry appeared with the TriWizard Cup held in his hands, eyes wide, with a nasty cut on his arm and a few bruises on his face, but standing upright.
Thomas jumped down from his seat and ran over to pull Harry into a tight hug. "Thank Merlin," he whispered against his nephew's hair.
The Cup hit the ground with a dull thud and Harry wrapped his arms around Thomas. "Lucius begged for my life. Voldemort almost killed him, but Lucius said that getting on your bad side wasn't in Voldemort's best interest and said you were on his side and Voldemort... He–he let me go! He pointed to the Cup and told me to go!"
"I'm sorry," Thomas breathed.
Dumbledore chose that moment to interrupt. "Mr Potter?"
Harry pulled out of the hug, but kept one hand on Thomas' arm. "Sir?" he said, refusing to meet the old wizard's eyes.
"Harry, child, what happened?" Dumbledore asked, leaning down to try and meet Harry's eyes.
Harry turned and buried his face in Thomas' robes. Thomas narrowed his eyes at the Headmaster. "With all due respect, Headmaster," he said coldly, "I think Harry needs to go to the Hospital Wing, not be probed for information."
Remus stepped up next to Thomas, eyes glinting gold. "Thomas is right," he said with a faint growl. "We're taking Harry to the Hospital Wing." Sirius nodded next to him, eyes hard.
Thomas leaned over slightly and let Harry wrap his arms around his neck, then picked the boy up and led the way from the stadium. Sirius and Remus followed him after shooting the Headmaster one last warning look.
In the Hospital Wing, Madam Pomfrey fussed over Harry and his minor injuries. When the Headmaster came in, Thomas turned to him and said, "Out. Leave Harry alone."
"Now, Thomas–"
"I refuse to allow a man who has no qualms using Legilimency on a fourteen-year-old anywhere near my nephew. Get. Out," Thomas replied coldly.
"Albus!" Madam Pomfrey snapped, turning from Harry to give the Headmaster a sharp look. "You'd better not be using Legilimency on these students!" Next to her, Remus' lip curled up in a silent growl while Sirius narrowed his eyes and fingered his wand.
Dumbledore rose his hands peacefully and left the ward.
"He wasn't, was he?" Madam Pomfrey asked Thomas, fear in her eyes.
"He tried," Thomas replied with a frown. "Only once that I know of."
"Is that why you told me to never meet his or Snape's eyes, Uncle Thomas?" Harry asked quietly. "Because of Legi–Legi–"
"Legilimency, yes," Thomas agreed, smiling at Harry faintly. "You're too young for Occlumency, or it wouldn't be a problem. Though, really, using Legilimency on anyone is wrong."
"Voldemort's also a Legilimens," Sirius commented. "I hadn't known that Snape was, though."
"Makes sense," Remus pointed out thoughtfully. "If you serve under two strong Legilimens, knowing Occlumency would be a boon. And once you know Occlumency, it doesn't take much to learn Legilimency. Right?" He glanced up at Thomas.
Thomas nodded. "Once I'd learned Occlumency, it only took me two days to learn Legilimency."
Harry shuddered. "When Dumbledore came to the house that first time. You told him to ask if he wanted to know something."
"Yes," Thomas agreed, knowing what Harry had asked.
Madam Pomfrey huffed angrily. "Albus and I need to have a long talk."
Harry shook his head and changed the subject. "Madam Pomfrey? How are Fleur and Cedric?"
The mediwitch's expression gentled. "They'll both be just fine. I've already released Mr Diggory, and Miss Delacour is sleeping now and should be fine by tomorrow."
Harry settled back into his bed with a relieved look. "Thank Merlin."
The adults all settled around Harry's bed in chairs and they spoke of things from the past. When Harry's friends came in – Madam Pomfrey said three at a time, so Hermione, Neville and Draco came first, then the twins and Lee Jordan, then Harry's other three roommates, with a relieved Cedric and Cho bringing up the rear – they offered jokes and laughter. Everyone was careful to not mention the most recent task and what Harry had faced away from the school, though everyone was dying to know.
Harry's friends were followed by the Minister, who gave Harry the prize money and congratulated him, then left. When the Headmaster tried to enter after the Minister, Madam Pomfrey yelled him back out of the ward with her wand drawn. After that, the mediwitch declared that there would be no more visitors, warned Thomas that he would be sleeping this time, then drew the curtains around the four wizards and left them to themselves.
"You should get some sleep, Harry," Remus suggested.
Harry glanced over at his uncle. "Will you tell me?" he asked.
Thomas sighed. He knew Harry wanted to know why he was on Voldemort's side. "There are a number of reasons," he offered after shooting a quick spell at the curtains to keep their conversation private. "Dumbledore is one of them. My mother is another." He paused to glance at the confused Remus and Sirius, then met Harry's curious eyes. "The Light side betrayed me. It killed my best friends and almost killed me."
"How'd they betray you?" Harry asked as understanding flared in Remus and Sirius' eyes.
"I was a Light wizard once," Thomas said sadly. "My friends and I fought for the Light side. When I found out that one of the most favoured Light wizards had just been using us, we confronted him. He killed my friends and almost killed me before I could get away. I fled to our enemy and he protected me."
"And your mother?" Harry asked.
"She was always Dark," Thomas offered with a shrug. "It was one of the reasons my father made her leave."
"But you were Light," Sirius pointed out. "And she was Dark?"
Thomas winced. "My childhood was....complicated."
"What will you do now?" Remus asked, eyes flashing gold.
Thomas understood the warning and rose his hands peacefully. "Harry is more important to me than joining Voldemort."
Harry jerked forward. "Remus!"
Remus crossed his arms over his chest. "How was I to know? Yes, he's taken care of you, but he's also close to Lucius–"
"And Lucius saved my life!" Harry snapped. "Uncle Thomas asked him to protect me if he could and Lucius did!"
Remus frowned. "I didn't know that."
Harry huffed. "I trust Uncle Thomas."
"Harry," Sirius offered gently. "We're just making sure. You grew up with Thomas, so you see what you want to see. And you're still young–"
"Uncle Thomas has never given me reason to think he would hurt me!" Harry shot back, eyes glittering with fury.
"He could be acting–" Sirius tried again.
"SHUT UP!" Harry roared, and the glass of water on his nightstand shattered, splashing Sirius with water and glass.
Thomas immediately vanished the glass, then turned Harry to face him. "Calm down, Harry."
"They're trying to say you'd hurt me!" Harry cried angrily.
"And they have every right to suspect me," Thomas replied softly. "If I were in their shoes, I'd be questioning my intentions too. I find no fault in their concern."
"But..." Harry shook his head, anger fading to sadness. "You'd never hurt me."
"No," Thomas agreed. "I wouldn't.
Harry sniffed and wiped at his eyes.
Thomas pulled his handkerchief from his pocket and handed it to Harry. "It will be okay, child."
Harry wiped his face and blew his nose, then glanced over at Sirius and Remus. "Leave Uncle Thomas alone," he ordered.
Thomas' lips twitched. "Go to sleep, Harry."
"Not until they promise to leave you alone," Harry snapped, glaring at his godfathers.
"We’ll leave him alone for tonight," Sirius promised. When Harry glanced at Remus, the werewolf nodded.
"Fine," Harry decided, then laid back down. "Night."
"Good night, child," Thomas said, leaning over to kiss Harry's head. Then he turned and walked over to one of the other two beds that Madam Pomfrey had included in the curtained area.
"Good night, cub," Remus said with a sad smile. Sirius ruffled Harry's hair, then the two went over to the other bed and climbed in.
Thomas waved his wand to extinguish the light next to Harry's bed and closed his eyes to sleep.
Madam Pomfrey released Harry and Fleur the next morning. Fleur's mother and sister had already left to return to France, so the two students walked down to the Great Hall with just Harry's family. Though the two students chattered happily about their summer plans and trading letters, Sirius and Remus were darkly silent while Thomas tried to smile every time his nephew looked his way.
Once in the Great Hall, Remus and Sirius were sidetracked by the twins and Lee Jordan while Thomas found himself drawn into a conversation with Hermione about a spell she'd found that night in her Charms text for next year.
Thomas, Remus and Sirius stayed until lunch. As they were preparing to leave in the entrance hall, Dumbledore came over and all three men suddenly found themselves in complete agreement as they got between Harry and the Headmaster. "What can we do for you, sir?" Sirius asked, wand held loosely in his right hand, but not pointing at the Headmaster.
Dumbledore smiled, though it looked a little forced. "I was hoping I might speak with Ha–"
"No," Thomas said firmly. "You will leave my nephew alone."
"Now, Thomas," Dumbledore tried.
"Perhaps you didn't understand me?" Thomas replied with a sneer. "But I told you to leave my nephew alone. This is not up for discussion. If you refuse, we will gather Harry's things and he will return home with us today."
Dumbledore frowned. "The term has not yet ended–"
"Harry is exempt from all exams," Remus slipped in, eyes flashing gold. "He has no need to remain for another week."
If nothing else, Dumbledore knew when he'd been defeated. "Of course. Mr Potter, my door is always open to you," he offered to Harry hopefully.
"I'll keep that in mind when I'm an Occlumens," Harry replied sharply.
Dumbledore's face fell. "I see," he said, then nodded to Harry's guardians and left.
"Er, what's an Occlumens?" Hermione asked in the silence that had followed in the Headmaster's wake. The few students in the hall took that as a signal to shuffle over to the stairs while Flitwick and McGonagall – both of whom had seen the entire confrontation – traded surprised looks.
Thomas sighed and turned back to the group of six children behind him. Draco's eyes were wide while Harry and Neville seemed to be trying to communicate through their eyes and the twins were watching the two younger Gryffindors with sharp eyes. Hermione gave Thomas a hopeful look. "An Occlumens," he said, "is someone who can guard their secrets from a Legilimens through the use of Occlumency."
"That was very helpful, Thomas. Thank you," Hermione said sarcastically.
"A Legilimens can read your emotions and, occasionally, get bits of memory from your mind," Remus explained in his teacher voice. "An Occlumens can block that invasion or only allow certain emotions to be read."
Hermione covered her mouth in horror and looked at Harry, who nodded grimly. "He tried. After the task. But I wouldn't meet his eyes."
"Legilimens need eye contact," Sirius offered as an explanation.
"Well," said one of the twins in an almost cheerful voice, "I suppose that explains–"
"–how he always knows when we're behind a prank," the other finished.
Thomas gave them both sharp looks. "That, or the pictures around the school are telling him when you're up to things."
"Eh? The pictures?"
"They're his informants?!"
The twins traded horrified looks. "Blast!"
Sirius snorted in amusement. "You can't have not caught on to that."
"Well, we had been wondering."
Thomas rolled his eyes, then turned to Harry seriously. "If he approaches you again, owl me and I will come get you."
"Better yet," McGonagall said, walking over with Flitwick, "if the Headmaster comes to bother you again, come find me." She turned to Thomas. "Do you have evidence he's using Legilimency on the students?"
"Nothing solid," Thomas replied. "Only that he was rather determined to meet Harry's eyes after the task."
"He's attacked Uncle Thomas at least once," Harry said, frowning when Thomas shot him a disapproving look. "He has. And I bet he did it again at the beginning of the year, didn't he? When you came to check on me after I was picked as the fourth Champion?"
"Yeah," Neville said. "You two were just staring at one another. After you said that Harry didn't have to come back next year."
McGonagall's lips were a thin line as she looked back at Thomas. "Is this true?"
"That I said Harry didn't have to come back next year?" Thomas asked.
"Thomas," McGonagall said sharply.
Thomas sighed. "Yes. Twice."
McGonagall's lips seemed to disappear. "Excuse me," she said after a moment. "I need to have a talk with Albus about his incessant usage of uncalled-for magic against parents and students alike and what the governors will say." Then she spun and stalked off towards the Headmaster's office.
"Oh dear," Flitwick said, then hurried after her.
Thomas stared after the two professors in surprise. "Well, there's something you don't see everyday."
Sirius coughed a laugh. "Right." He nodded to Harry. "If he bothers you again, any of you," he added, meeting the eyes of each of the children, "owl one of us or your parents and then go hide in McGonagall's office. Yeah, even you, Draco."
"And," Remus added, "whatever you do, don't meet his eyes."
"Snape's either," Sirius added, then shrugged when Remus shot him a warning look. "What? You don't have any proof Snivellus isn't attacking them, do you?"
"He'd better not be," was Remus' response.
Thomas cleared his throat, then met Harry's eyes. "Beware, also, of Mad-Eye."
"What?!" almost everyone said.
Harry nodded. "I will."
"But why?" the twins chorused.
"Because I said so," Thomas replied, then smiled. "We should go."
"Okay." Harry hugged his uncle and let Thomas kiss his forehead, then moved on to say goodbye to his godfathers.
Once the three adults were on their way to the gates, Sirius said, "Why beware Mad-Eye?"
Thomas shook his head. "I've already warned him. As long as Harry is safe, I won't say anything. Be assured, however, that if he hurts Harry, my telling you two will be the last of his worries."
"You're not going to tell us," Remus said dully.
"No," Thomas agreed.
"And if he hurts Harry?" the werewolf asked.
"I'll rip his heart out with my bare hands."
Remus nodded. "Are you going to try and get in contact with Voldemort?"
"Moony!"
"Be quiet, Sirius," Remus snapped. Sirius scowled, but nodded, so Remus turned back to Thomas. "Well?"
"I will talk to Lucius."
Remus nodded in understanding and they all stopped as they reached the edge of the wards. "Come back alive. I don't relish telling Harry you're dead."
"If someone doesn't walk away from this, it won't be me," Thomas replied grimly, then disapparated.
"Damnit, Moony!"
"No, Sirius," Remus murmured, still looking at the spot Thomas had just stood in. "I will trust Thomas. I have no reason not to."
Sirius groaned. "Fuck, whatever. Let's go home. I'm horny."
Remus choked and turned to look at his mate in disbelief. Sirius just grinned at him.
"Thomas," Lucius said neutrally as he met his friend in the entrance hall of his manor.
"Lucius," Thomas replied in the same tone. "Thank you."
"He is as much my son as Draco. It is simply not on paper or in blood," Lucius offered.
"He was angry?"
"He was."
"I'm sorry."
Lucius inclined his head. "I assume this isn't a social call?"
"No."
"I cannot guarantee your safety."
"I don't need you to."
Lucius nodded and pulled two black robes with large hoods out of the nearby closet. He handed one to Thomas and put the other on himself while Thomas changed out of the blue robes he'd worn to the task. Then the blond pulled out a white mask and put in on. "I will apparate us," Lucius said. When Thomas nodded, Lucius took his arm and apparated them to the receiving room of a large manor house that Thomas recognized as Slytherin Manor.
Lucius led the way through the halls to Voldemort's office. Two Death Eaters stood on either side of the door and gave the approaching men distrustful looks through their masks. "What is your business?" the one on the right said.
"I bring a possible recruit to meet our Lord," Lucius replied stiffly.
The Death Eaters at the door traded looks, then nodded. "Enter."
Lucius led the way into the office and knelt with a bowed head as soon as the doors closed behind Thomas. "My Lord," he murmured.
Thomas glanced up and met Voldemort's sharp red gaze. Before either man could speak, Kaz poked his head out from under Thomas' robe and said, :Your stones are glowing.:
Thomas' eyes widened. :What?:
Across the room, Voldemort's eyes widened in surprise, then narrowed.
:They just started. I didn't touch them!:
:I know.: Thomas sighed, then pulled one of the two long strings he'd taken to wearing under his robes off and tossed it to the Dark Lord, who caught it with a cocked eyebrow. "It's yours," Thomas told him dully.
Voldemort looked at the gift with a scowl. "It's a glowing stone on a string," he said, giving Thomas a disgusted look.
"And it came from the ear of a dragon," Thomas shot back.
"Thomas!" Lucius hissed, glancing up at his friend.
Thomas shook his head. "The dragon said it would glow when I met my mate," he said, then ground his teeth together and cursed fate. Why did this shit always happen to him, anyway?
"Mate?" Voldemort repeated, then started laughing and dropped the stone to his desk. "Ridiculous!"
:Don't laugh, snake-man!: Kaz hissed angrily. :You became one with a snake to get that guise and now you're a magical creature! All magical creatures have mates!:
:Kaz,: Thomas murmured. :Hush.:
Voldemort sneered at the snake. :You dare to speak to me that way?:
:I'll speak to you however I want!: Kaz snapped back. :You're stupid and not worth my respect! You're not worth anyone's respect!:
Thomas groaned. :Kaz, stop acting suicidal.:
:It's not suicide unless there's a chance of me being killed,: Kaz replied matter-of-factly.
Voldemort pointed his wand at the snake. :Hold still,: he hissed, then said, "Avada Kedavra!"
Thomas ducked out of the way and pointed his own wand at the Dark Lord, eyes narrowed. "Lucius, you might want to go," he commented to his wide-eyed friend, who was still on the ground.
"Are you ordering my men around?" Voldemort said lowly.
Thomas snorted. "No, I'm telling my friend he might want to leave so he doesn't get killed if your aim is off."
"Thomas," Lucius half-moaned.
Voldemort didn't take his eyes from Thomas' wand. "What fool have you brought to be killed, Lucius?"
Lucius closed his eyes. "This is Thomas Leland-Potter, my Lord."
Voldemort's eyes narrowed. "You're the uncle of Harry Potter."
"In the flesh," Thomas shot back with a slightly cocky smirk.
Voldemort smiled. "Avada Kedavra."
Thomas ducked out of the way again. "Because I'm just going to stand there," he said sarcastically.
Voldemort's smile became cruel and he pointed his wand at Lucius, who hadn't moved. "Ah, but Lucius will, won't you?"
Thomas lowered his wand. "So you'll make an example out of another to punish my actions? How Dumbledore-esque."
Voldemort's face twisted and he quickly cast, "Crucio," on Thomas, who didn't bother moving.
Thomas closed his eyes, but the pain never came. He looked up at Voldemort in surprise, but the Dark Lord looked just as confused.
Kaz laughed. :Don't mock mate-bonds, snake-man! They do funny things to your magic!:
:When did you become so knowledgeable about mates, anyway?: Thomas grumbled while Voldemort shook his wand, as if to make it work.
:I read over your shoulder,: Kaz said, as if it were the most obvious thing in the world.
:Snakes can't read English,: Thomas replied.
:That's what you think.:
:Kaz, snakes can't read English. It's a fact.:
:And humans can't cast magic,: Kaz said.
"Crucio!" Voldemort said angrily.
Thomas rose an eyebrow at the Dark Lord when the spell didn't affect him again.
:I bet if you let his green curse hit you, it wouldn't do anything either,: Kaz said smugly.
:We're not testing it,: Thomas replied dryly.
Voldemort let out an irritated hiss. "Lucius, leave." Lucius shot Thomas a worried look. "Leave!" Voldemort snapped.
Lucius bowed and hurried from the room. The doors slammed shut behind him.
Voldemort and Thomas stared at one another while Kaz hissed in amusement.
After a long moment, Voldemort picked the glowing stone off his desk. "A dragon gave you this?"
"Yes."
"And told you it would glow when you met your mate?"
"Yes."
"I don't believe you."
"Obviously."
Kaz snickered in the following silence.
"Why would a dragon speak with you? They don't talk to humans."
Thomas shrugged. "There's dragon blood in the Potter line. And I saved some dragon hatchlings once."
Voldemort settled back into his chair and glanced over at a bookcase. "My spells don't work against you."
"The spells that intend harm to my person or psyche," Thomas corrected.
"You're the uncle of my nemesis."
Thomas shook his head. "I'm the uncle of a child who you dragged into you war by marking him for death. If you want an enemy, look to Dumbledore. Harry would sooner live in peace."
"The prophecy–"
"Would not have been fulfilled if you hadn't tried to kill him in the first place." Thomas shrugged while Voldemort gave him a disbelieving look. "Anyway, it's not even real."
"What?"
"The prophecy that Sybill Trelawney gave in 1979 isn't real. She made it up. Or, well, I should say that she made part of it up. The beginning is largely true, about someone with the power to defeat you being born and you marking the poor thing. But the prophecy also states that one of you two have to kill the other because neither of you can live while the other survives. That part is rubbish," Thomas explained.
Voldemort shook his head, looking rather confused. "How, then?"
Thomas sighed and conjured a chair, then sat. "The original prophecy is one given by Cassandra Trelawney. Sybill changed the words around a bit so it fit the moment. Yes, the original prophecy meant Harry and you, but there was nothing in it about you killing each other. I think it might have said something about 'joining together to return the rights of those downtrodden' or some such, but I don't know for certain. Anyway, Sybill thought it would be cool to put her great-great-grandmother's prophecy back into circulation. So when Dumbledore started looking like he wouldn't hire her, Sybill cast a silent spell to deepen her voice and said the damn thing."
"You're not lying?" Voldemort questioned.
Thomas shook his head. "No. I won't lie to protect Harry. If the prophecy had been true, I would have been training Harry to kick your arse as soon as he was old enough to hold a wand."
Voldemort snorted at that, then shook his head. "There's a prophecy globe in the Department of Mysteries."
"Of course there is," Thomas agreed. "The prophecy is partially real. The magic that records the damn things recognised that it was part real and recorded that part. If you were to listen, the globe doesn't contain the end of the prophecy. It's just silence."
Voldemort tapped his fingers on his desk for a moment, then paused and shot Thomas a sharp look. "The only people who can hear those prophecies are the ones who they're about. Did you take your nephew in to listen to it?"
Thomas blinked. Of course he hadn't. Harry didn't even know the damn thing existed. But–
"You didn't," Voldemort stated, having caught the knowledge from Thomas' mind.
Fucking mate-bonds! Thomas ground his teeth together. "No. I went and listened to it myself after I first got to England."
"How," Voldemort demanded, leaning forward. "You're not in that prophecy."
"Actually," Thomas shot back, eyes narrowed, "I am."
"Excuse me?"
"My name," Thomas said, meeting Voldemort's eyes, "my real name, the one my parents gave me when I was born, is Harry James Potter."
-
A/N: And I thought chapter five was long. Ugh.
Well, there's your answer about who Thomas is. Yes, most of you were right. Thomas will explain later. Next chapter, I hope.
As for when everyone else will know? Thomas will probably tell Harry when Hogwarts lets out for the summer. I might let him tell Sirius and Remus at the same time, haven't decided yet. (Then again, knowing Thomas, he may decide to tell them whether I want him to or not. Little bugger.)
I did my best to make what French I translated really simple, so I didn't have to make you all correct me again. If I did completely fuck up, let me know so I can trash this phrase book now, k?
French - English Translations:
Merci – Thank you
monsieur – sir
Je vous en prie – Don't mention it
Oui – yes
Maman – Mother
~Bats
Pro - To Face the Unknown / 1 - Two Potters
2 - Diagon Alley ||| 3 - Summer's End and Letters ||| 4 - The Trial
5 - Letters and Christmas ||| 6 - Dragons and Stones ||| 7 - The First Summer
8 - The Second Year ||| 9 - The Third Year |||
11 - Thomas Potter ||| 12 - Plots and Plans ||| 13 - The Children's Hand
14 - ???
Incomplete
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