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batsutousaiTitle: The Forgotten
Author:![[livejournal.com profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/external/lj-userinfo.gif)
batsutousai
Beta:magickmaker17
Pairings: OC/OC, Tom/Doo(Harry)
Warnings: SLASH/YAOI, Character death, OOCness, AU(we all know Jo won’t let this happen…), OCs
Summary: What if Voldemort wins the “Final Battle,” but Harry Potter survives?
Living in the Muggle world with no memory of his past, can Harry find the key to saving them all?
Disclaim Her: The school bus driver knows who your kid’s got a crush on. Do you?
Key:
’Thoughts’
Writing
”Doo’s memory flashes”
¤Another language, like Bulgarian¤
:Parseltongue:
A/N: I started not liking where this chapter was going half-way through. *sighes*
-~/\~-
Chapter Seven
Harry Potter Lives
-~\/~-
‘Oh, Merlin, how come I couldn’t see it? Who else has those green eyes?! Who else was as powerful as me?! Who else spoke Parseltongue, for crying out loud?! Only him! Only ever Harry! I ignored every goddamned sign! I believed he was just another random Light person! So what do I do? I go and fall in love with him! Tom, you complete and utter idiot! Only you could muck things up this badly! Only you!’
:Tom? Tom, what is it?: Inda begged, slithering up the Dark Lord’s leg.
:He’s alive, Inda. Harry Potter’s alive.: Tom replied dully, glancing around at the others in the room. Nick and Deva were seated on the couch. Wormtail was seated in one of the plush armchairs while he sat in the other. Doo - no, Harry - had been moved to the bedroom. Nick had already called the meeting with the townspeople off, saying Doo had fainted from stress.
:So? You’re the all powerful Dark Lord. Kill him again.: Inda shot back sharply.
:I can’t, Inda!: Tom hissed back, trying not to cry. This wasn’t how this was supposed to happen.
:Why not? It’s not like he has his wand or anything, idiot. He’s defenceless, and asleep, to boot! Just go Avada Kedavra him and move on with life.: The snake grumbled
:I-I can’t kill him because I love him, Inda.: The Dark Lord whispered. :Damn me for being human. Damn me for having feelings!:
:If you love him, why does it matter who he is?: Inda asked in a much softer tone.
:Because we’re enemies! We’re out for one another’s blood! AND EITHER MUST DIE AT THE HAND OF THE OTHER FOR NEITHER CAN LIVE WHILE THE OTHER SURVIVES. Remember that prophesy? Hm?: Tom replied bitterly.
“But you did kill me, right?” A soft voice asked from the doorway to Doo’s room. Four heads shot up to stare at the man in the doorway. His green eyes were dulled with sadness. “Or have you not been living these past ten years?”
:You tricked me!: Tom hissed at Inda furiously as the serpent slithered quickly to Doo’s side.
“I told her to.” Doo sighed. “Don’t blame Inda for listening to me.” He rubbed at the bridge of his nose wearily. “Not to be rude or anything, but I’m officially kicking everyone but Tom out of my flat. As for you, Tom, you may stay, or go, as you please.” He decided before disappearing back into his bedroom with Inda.
“My Lord?” Wormtail whispered.
“Go. I’m staying here.” The Dark Lord muttered calmly. “Potter and I have things to discuss.”
Nick stormed over to the Dark Lord’s chair and punched him hard in the face before anyone could stop him.
“Nick, no!” Deva cried, running forward and pulling her boyfriend back to keep him from punching the Dark Lord again.
“What did I tell you, you fucking bastard?! What did I say four days ago to you?! Have you no brains?! No heart?!” Nick screamed, fighting Deva and Wormtail’s grips on his arms to get at Tom again.
For Tom’s part, he was just staring at the blood that was dripping into his hand from his bloody nose. Suddenly, like a tidal wave, his fury rose in him and he stood, magic radiating out from him and healing his nose. “So kill me Nicholas Ripley. Kill me if you can.” He said in a deadly voice.
“Oh, for Christ’s sake. What are you all, five?” Doo groaned, walking up to them all as if the tension in the air didn’t affect him. “You, sit down and cool it.” He ordered Tom, shoving him back into his chair, before looking at the others, who all looked startled. “Peter, the fireplace is over there. Move it. Nicholas, the door is that way. You have until the count of five to get out of my flat before I fire you. Deva, please make sure he doesn’t come back to do something else foolish?”
“Of course.” Deva nodded, pushing Nick towards the door as Wormtail took the Floo out. “Oh, and Harry?” The witch said suddenly, glancing over her shoulder at Doo.
The green-eyed man blinked at her dully. “Do you have to call me that?”
Deva smiled. “Take care.” She offered before pushing Nick the rest of the way out of the flat and closing the door behind them both.
Doo settled himself on the loveseat and watched Tom quietly for a long moment before speaking. “All I know about Harry Potter is what I’ve been told by Inda. No one mentions him anymore, and I think he would have preferred it that way. A quiet existence in an out of the way town with only a few good friends. Perhaps my dislike of public attention is stemmed from my life before the war? Perhaps I hate the media because Harry Potter hated the media.”
“You talk of him as if he were a totally different person.” Tom grumbled, frowning at the man across from him.
“Well, isn’t he?” Doo replied. “I have none of his memories, at least, not really. No one looks up to me here, except, perhaps, the kids who buy candy at my shop. No one expects any amazing things out of me. Harry Potter and Dooley Tarrant are two totally different people.”
“In the eyes of the public, perhaps.” Tom replied. “But to the people who have actually known you before and after can see all of the similarities. They’re obvious.”
“Perhaps not so obvious as one would like to think. After all, you didn’t recognize me.”
“You’re supposed to be dead!” Tom shouted, slamming his fist into the arm of his chair. “You were dead, dammit! I checked! You weren’t breathing! Your spirit had left your body and was rising up! Your heart was dead! You were dead!”
“I don’t know how I survived, Tom. I may have known once, but I don’t anymore. If you want answers, you must find a way to get them yourself.” Doo sighed wearily, closing his eyes.
Tom let out a heavy sigh. “There is a way.”
“But?” Doo opened his eyes to look at the man.
“Well, there are two ways, actually. I could either break the spell on you, or I could just jump into your mind myself and find out that way.” The Dark Lord raked a hand through his hair. “I don’t like either idea, though. To give you back your memories would make you a danger. And your Occlumency rivalled only mine or Dumbledore’s. Not that that is surprising... He was the one who taught you...”
“Tom, hear me out for a moment, okay?” Doo whispered. He waited until he had the Dark Lord’s full attention before continuing. “I haven’t seen much, but I like the Wizarding world as it is. I don’t want to change this government, really. You’re doing a good job, though I do think you need more vacations.” Tom smiled briefly at that. “But didn’t you just hear what I said? I like not having any expectations. I like living out of the eye of the media. I like my little candy shop and my little town and my small group of friends. I don’t want to change any of this. Ever.... Well, maybe I’d like to change one thing...”
“What?” The Dark Lord asked sharply.
Doo shook his head. “I’m not going to tell you, because it has nothing to do with your government and, therefore, is no threat to you.”
Tom stared at Doo for a long moment, weighing the options, before he finally spoke again. “I want a Wizard’s Oath.”
“A what?” Doo blinked in confusion.
“I want a Wizard’s Oath, an oath sworn on your magic, that you’ll never try and take over. That you’ll never try and demolish what I’ve worked so hard to build.” Tom explained seriously. “If you give me that, I will give you back your memories.”
Doo closed his eyes in concentration. In a strong voice, he spoke the magically binding words, “I, Dooley Shannon Tarrant, also known as Harry James Potter, hereby swear on the magic within me, that I will never try and bring down the government of the Wizarding world as it now stands under the control of one Lord Voldemort, also known as Tom Marvolo Riddle. I also swear to help Tom Marvolo Riddle squash the pocket of resistance in Hogwarts and any others he needs help with, if he will accept my help.”
Tom stared at the man in front of him in shock as Doo came back to himself. “How did you know about the resistance in Hogwarts?”
“I’ve been visiting the school every weekend for over a month now, Tom. Anyone with eyes could see the division in the school.” Doo snorted, rolling his eyes.
“Do you know who the ring leaders are?” Tom demanded, standing and walking over to the loveseat.
Doo shook his head. “No. But I’ll help you find out.”
“...right...” Tom pulled out his wand as he seated himself on the couch. “Brace yourself, Mr Tarrant. I promise you this won’t be pleasant.”
“I should expect not.” Doo sighed, resting back against the cushions. “Whenever you’re ready, then.” He murmured, closing his eyes.
“Confringo!” Tom shouted, pointing his wand at Doo.
Doo bit back a scream as the figurative floodgates broke. Memories rushed back, and all the horrible ones seemed to be at the lead. The Dursleys’ house burning with the Dark Mark floating above it. Remus, leaping in front of an Avada Kedavra meant for Harry. Mad-Eye and Kingsley duelling a dozen Death Eaters on Grimmauld Place while Tonks dragged him away, both sobbing. McGonagall, Flitwick, Hagrid, Sprout, and Trelawney falling on the front steps of Hogwarts as Snape cursed them from behind. Lucius Malfoy standing triumphantly over Arthur and Molly Weasley’s bodies. Bill falling protecting Gringotts with the goblins. Charlie and his friends fighting with the dragons and falling, one by one. Neville and Luna standing together before the Final Battle, sharing one last kiss before they had to charge in. Students of all ages rushing out of the school to meet the attack head-on, determined to never let Hogwarts fall. Albus and Harry walking up to meet a woman neither knew and Voldemort together, then watching Albus fall to the woman.
Doo came back to reality, only to find himself sobbing into Tom’s shirt. The Dark Lord was rocking him gently, just as he had two nights before, after he’d woken the younger wizard from his nightmare. “Oh, Gods...” Doo finally whispered. “Oh, Gods, Tom...”
“Shush, shush...” Tom whispered, running his fingers through Doo’s hair. “You’re fine. You’re safe. It’s all over now.”
“It was a spell.” Doo said, focusing on the original reason for breaking the memory block. “Albus created it. It was meant to make the person using it appear dead, when mixed with the Killing Curse, for two hours. It could only be used once in a person’s life, and Albus and I agreed I would only fall back on it as a last resort. A way to build a rebellion, undetected. The only side effect was the white hair when you came back to yourself.”
Tom nodded, continuing to run his hand through Doo’s white locks. “How many people know of this spell?”
“Now? Only me. It takes an extreme amount of power. You, Albus, and myself were probably the only ones who would have been able to pull it off.” Doo smiled up at Tom rather suddenly. “You outsmarted us both, Tom. You cast your spell that made everyone forget, and it caught me too.”
Tom frowned. “Do you regret that?”
“No.” Doo cocked his head to one side. “If I’d started a rebellion, you wouldn’t be holding me right now, and I’m too comfortable to want it any other way.”
“You foolish child.” Tom whispered.
“You shouldn’t talk to yourself, Tom. It’s bad for you.” Doo offered before leaning up to kiss the Dark Lord on the lips. Then he rested his head against Tom’s chest again and let the Dark Lord’s heartbeat and the soothing action of Tom’s fingers combing through his hair lull him to sleep.
-~/\~-
“My Lord?”
Tom cracked an eye open and blinked at the head in the fireplace. “What do you want, Syna?” He growled, glancing down to make sure Doo was still sleeping.
Syna blinked at the two on the couch. “Deva and Nick came to me an hour ago, told me the vole thing. You didn’t kill him?”
“No. I made him give a Wizard’s Oath to behave, then let him have his memories back.” The Dark Lord sighed. “Don’t you dare wake him up.”
“Of course not, Lord.” Syna bowed her head. “I’ll let Nick and Deva knov, then, so ve can untie Nick.”
Tom’s lips quirked up into a smile. “Serves him right for punching me.”
Syna bit her lip, smiling. “Vould you like one of us to drop by later, my Lord?”
Tom thought about the request for a moment before shaking his head. “No. If Doo feels up to it when he wakes, we might come to Hogwarts, but I would like you three to remain there, for now. Look into that rebellion some more. Include Ripley if you feel he might be useful. Muggles notice things we don’t.”
“Understood, my Lord.”
“And tell Nick that if he ever punches Tom again, I’ll do worse than just kick him out.” Doo added groggily.
“You’re awake.” Tom murmured, glancing down into green eyes.
“Mostly.” Doo agreed. “We’ll probably be at Hogwarts in an hour, Syna.”
“Very vell. Don’t overvork yourself, Doo. If Dulcie gets even the slightest bit suspicious, you’ll be back in the Hospital Ving faster than you can say Voldemort.”
“The woman’s worse than Madame Pomfrey. I swear.” Doo grumbled.
Tom laughed. “Yes, she is, isn’t she?”
“I shall see you both in an hour or so, then.” Syna said before popping out.
“How are you feeling?” Tom inquired gently.
“My head’s spinning and I’ve got to use the bathroom, but, hey, I’ve felt worse.” Doo replied cheerfully.
“Gryffindors.” Tom snorted, getting a laugh out of the wizard on top of him. “Go on, then. Use the bathroom. Or can you not stand?”
“I said my head is spinning, not the room.” Doo snorted, rolling his eyes and getting up off of the Dark Lord. “You make a good pillow, by the way.”
“Really?” Tom shot back sarcastically, getting up to stretch. “Ow, my back.”
“Old fart.” The pale-haired man teased before closing the door to the bathroom behind himself.
“Yes, he’s feeling better.” Tom decided with a faint smile. “Old fart indeed.”
“Well, you’re, what, eighty-five? Eighty-six?” Doo replied through the door. “You’re fifty-four years older than me. Of course you’re an old fart.”
“I’m going to regret giving you back your memories, aren’t I?” The Dark Lord groaned.
The bathroom door opened as the toilet flushed. “Yup.” Doo agreed, swallowing a pill. “I may love you, or something, but that’s not gonna keep me from tormenting you constantly.”
“Only you would have the balls to, not only do such a thing, but also admit to it.” Tom pointed out with an annoyed look.
“Duh. I’m the only one who’ll ever be a threat to you.” Doo pointed out, stalking up to the Dark Lord and placing both of his hands on Tom’s chest gently, looking up into scarlet eyes. “Did you mean it, earlier, when you said you loved me?”
Tom smiled and rested one hand against the side of Doo’s face. “Yes, Dooley Tarrant, I meant it. I do love you, and Merlin only knows why.” He leaned down and kissed the pale-haired man gently. “It’s Harry Potter I don’t like.” He added with a smirk.
Doo laughed. “Tom, you’re horrible! You just ruined the mood!”
Tom kissed Doo’s forehead. “Sorry, love.”
Doo blinked a few times in surprise before resting his head against Tom’s chest again, letting out a content sound when the Dark Lord wrapped him in an embrace. “I could get used to this, you know?”
The Dark Lord chuckled. “Don’t get too used to it, Mr Tarrant. We have to be at Hogwarts in fifty-five minutes.”
Doo reached up and tapped at Tom’s forehead. “Have you got a clock in there or something?”
“Yes.” Tom replied in an even tone.
Doo grinned. “Sure you do, Mr Riddle.”
Tom shook his head. “Marvolo.”
The shorter man cocked his head to one side thoughtfully. “Alright. Mr Marvolo it is.” He smiled faintly. “It makes sense, I suppose. You really didn’t like your father. The less memories the better.”
“You have this amazing ability to understate everything.” The Dark Lord complained.
Doo laughed. “You’ve changed.”
“Hm?”
“From the Voldemort, and even the Tom Riddle, I knew before the war. You’ve changed, a lot.” Explained Doo.
“I’ll have to take your word for that.” Tom decided. “After all, you knew me best.”
“Which was odd, since I was your enemy.”
“Perhaps not so odd, actually.” Tom shook his head. “What’s that Muggle saying? Keep your friends close, but keep your enemies closer?”
“True.” Doo grimaced. “I don’t think there could have been anyone closer than us during that war. We kinda lived in one another’s heads.”
“Noticed that, did you?”
Doo poked the Dark Lord’s stomach. “Oooh, you are horrible, Tom!”
Tom smiled dreamily. “You know, now that you know who I am, I can have everyone go back to calling me Lord again.”
“Not me.” Doo declared. “I’ll be calling you Tom for the rest of your life.”
“That does not surprise me, Dumbledore.”
“Hey! Do I have blue eyes that twinkle?!”
“No. They’re green, instead.” Tom replied with a laugh. “But we both know he was the only one who called me Tom every time he saw me.”
“Don’t I get any rights?” Doo demanded.
“For what? Being a thorn in my side for twenty-two years?” Tom teased, grinning.
“No, you dick, for winning your undying affection, of course!”
Tom laughed. “Yes, yes, you may call me Tom.” He ran a hand through Doo’s hair. “But only you, unless we’re in the Muggle world, of course, then I’ll have to use Tom… Dammit.” He scowled darkly.
Doo tugged the Dark Lord’s head down for a kiss. “Your fault.”
“Hush, you.”
Doo laughed. “Let me go so I can pack a few things, right?”
“Oh, alright…” Tom sighed and let the younger wizard go. Then he followed him to the bedroom, leaning in the doorway as Doo pulled out a duffle bag and started packing it with his stuff. “Where did you get the paintings? Some of them look vaguely familiar.”
Doo blinked up at the painting directly over his head and pointed to a signature on the bottom. “I made them. They’re from my memory flashes. See, this one’s the Gryffindor common room.”
Tom’s eyes widened as recognition dawned. He glanced around at the other paintings. One was of the battle ground on the Hogwarts’ grounds from above. Another was a picture of a court room with faces leering down at the chair in the centre, where the artist had, no doubt, been sitting. There was a picture of the Headmaster’s office as it was during Albus’ time there. There was a picture broken into seven different parts that depicted the Defence Against the Dark Arts classroom, each block belonging to a different teacher. Another picture was of the Weasleys’ home, the Burrow, with different Weasleys hanging out in the garden and looking out of the windows. There was another painting of the Slytherin common room from the view point of a Gryffindor: dark and gloomy. Then, last, but not least, there was a painting of himself as Voldemort, red eyes blazing with hatred, standing over a nameless Muggle in the middle of casting the Killing Curse.
“By Merlin…” Tom whispered, running a finger over the ball of green blazing at the tip of his wand.
“You were a true horror back in the old days.” Doo said in a distracted voice. “I saw that image once in a memory flash and had to paint it. That was the first one, actually.”
“It’s amazing.” Tom murmured. “I didn’t know you could paint.”
“Nor did I. Must have been ability that just got crushed under everything else I did perfectly.” Doo muttered darkly. “Dammit, where’d I put that shirt?!”
Tom glanced over at the younger man and smiled. Doo was tearing through his wardrobe, throwing articles of clothing on the floor in a haphazard manner. “Well, now I know how that pair of pants got on the ceiling fan.” The Dark Lord teased.
Doo flipped him the birdie quickly. “I’m trying to find my lion shirt. Either help me, or shut up.”
Tom rolled his eyes and held out a hand. “Accio Doo’s lion shirt.”
Doo glanced up quickly enough to watch his red shirt fly from the dirty laundry box into the Dark Lord’s hand. “Oh, yeah, magic…”
Tom wrinkled his nose in distaste. “A gold lion on a red shirt? Please don’t wear this around me.”
Doo snorted and held out a hand. “Toss it here.”
The Dark Lord cocked an eyebrow at the green-eyed man. “No. Call it to yourself.”
“Tom, I haven’t used any magic in ten years! You can’t expect me to suddenly call something to myself! That’s a fourth year spell!”
Tom folded his arms across his chest. “You have too been using magic.”
“What? I have not!”
The Dark Lord rolled his eyes. “Flying a broomstick takes a certain amount of magic, you know.”
“Once!”
Tom smirked. “And, you do understand, of course, that those memory flashes were caused by your magic fighting my spell, right? It hasn’t been dormant for ten years, Doo.” He waved the shirt in the air. “Summon it.”
Doo sighed and closed his eyes. “Tom, please just hand me the shirt.”
“What are you afraid of, Potter?” The Dark Lord shot back.
Green eyes flew open and the red shirt flew into his outstretched palm, cleaned and folded. “I’m not afraid of anything.” He grumbled, turning to put the shirt in his duffle bag.
Tom smiled. “What did I say?”
“You may now leave.” Doo growled darkly, tugging a pile of un-hung paintings out of the second wardrobe and shrinking them magically before stuffing them in his bag.
“I’m going to go use the bathroom. When you’re done, meet me in the living-room.” Tom said calmly before turning and leaving the room.
Doo let out a heavy sigh and finished packing his stuff. He threw the duffle over one shoulder, then picked up Inda, letting her drape over his shoulders. “We’re leaving early. Wonder why.”
:I think he wants to go to his base for something.: Inda hissed sleepily.
“Do you think he’s mad at me?” Doo asked the snake in a whisper.
:No. He was just giving you time to calm yourself. You might want to wear a robe, by the way.:
“Oh, yeah.” Doo glanced down at his bright blue shirt with a rainbow on it and his faded blue jeans. “I guess I’ll just transfigure this then…” He waved his hand in front of himself and smiled as the Muggle clothing melted into a flowing blue robe with rainbow trim. The blue was bright at the top, then faded down to the colour of his jeans, ending with a strip of white at the bottom, which covered his stocking feet. “That’s a really cool effect, actually…” He murmured, stepping out into his living-room.
“How’d you do that?” Tom inquired curiously. He’d changed into black robes which billowed out around him aggressively.
“I just transfigured my shirt and jeans. Didn’t really have a specific colour in mind, so this is what I got.” Doo replied easily.
“I like it.” The Dark Lord offered Doo a quick smile before turning serious. “Is it alright if we make a quick stop at my base before we go to Hogwarts?”
“Sure. Are we Flooing there?” The pale-haired man agreed, tugging out his hair-tie and fixing it, since it was coming loose.
“Yes, but we’ll have to Floo together.” Tom nodded.
Doo blinked a few times. “Any particular reason? I thought only Muggles or small children had to Floo with someone else.”
“That’s generally true, unless the place you’re Flooing into is protected.” Tom agreed. “My base is set up so that only certain people can Floo in alone, and only myself or Syna can Floo another person in with us. I’ll have to add you to the list of people who can Floo in, but you’ll have to go through the Floo once first, so it gets your signature.” He explained.
“Mm. Good safety measure.” Doo decided, nodding. “Should I shrink my bag, then?”
“Probably a good idea.” Tom smiled. Doo grinned and shrunk his bag, stuffing it into a pocket, before stepping up to the Dark Lord, who was standing next to the fireplace. “Right. Arm around my waist, Mr Tarrant. Make sure you hold on tight.”
“Sure thing, Mr Marvolo.” The pale-haired man agreed brightly, snaking his arm around Tom’s waist. Before the Dark Lord could toss in a pinch of power from the jar on the mantle, Doo leaned up and kissed his jaw.
Tom scowled down at the mischievous green eyes. “You will not do that at my base.”
“Of course not. Nor will I do it around the majority of Hogwarts. You do have an image to keep, after all.” Doo replied with a wide smile.
“Monster.” The Dark Lord grumbled before tossing the Floo power into the fireplace and stepping into it. “Slytherin Manor!”
There was a rush and swirl of fireplaces, then, after a sweep of magic, both wizards were spat out into a dark receiving room.
Doo let go of the Dark Lord to dust himself and Inda off. “Cheerful place, Milord.” He offered in an offhanded manner.
Tom tugged on Doo’s ponytail with a smirk. “Scared, are you?”
Doo shot the Dark Lord a cold look. “You wish.”
Tom spared a laugh for that before turning serious and drawing himself up to his full height. He was every inch the Lord Voldemort feared by the Wizarding world, now. “Let’s go, Tarrant.” He growled before sweeping from the room.
Doo followed the Dark Lord quietly, reaching up to stroke the snake on his shoulder. ‘This is the Dark Lord of children’s nightmares. This is that man parents tell their children will come and get them in the night if they don’t behave.’ He thought with a mental sigh. ‘This is the man I spent most of my life fighting, and have now fallen head-over-heels in love with. Dooley, what have you gotten yourself into this time?’
“My Lord. You’re back.” A voice called from in front of the Dark Lord. Doo almost recognized the voice, but poked his head around Voldemort to make sure.
“Only for a few moments, Lucius.” Voldemort purred dangerously. “I hope everything has been kept under control?”
The blonde nodded firmly. “Everything has been smooth during your absence, my Lord.”
:He’s lying.: Inda hissed in disgust.
Lucius’ gaze shot over to Doo and Inda as the Dark Lord narrowed his eyes at the Malfoy. “And who might you be, young man?” Lucius inquired of Doo coolly.
Doo mentally made a note of how he’d changed with his memories as Harry Potter returned even as he narrowed his eyes at the man instead of shrinking back uncertainty. “Dooley Tarrant. You’re Lucius Malfoy, as I recall.”
Lucius’ eyes flashed at Doo’s tone. “I don’t know any Tarrants. You must be a mudblood.” He sneered, filling the word ‘mudblood’ with venom.
“Actually, he’s a Forgotten.” Voldemort cut in sharply. “Lucius, you know I dislike liars.”
Doo smirked as the blonde broke into a sweat. “My Lord, I apologize, but it is under control.” Lucius murmured, bowing his head.
:...Close enough.: Inda agreed after a moment of tasting the air.
:Thank you, Luv.: Voldemort replied before turning back to Lucius. “It’s in your best interest, I think, if I never find out how you’ve messed up this time, don’t you agree, Lucius?” The Dark Lord purred.
:I don’t think he’s mad at me anymore.: Inda hissed over Lucius’ response. Doo smiled faintly and went back to stroking the cobra gently.
“Come on, Tarrant.” Voldemort ordered before starting off again. Doo hurried after him, smirking at Lucius as he swept past the blonde.
Once out of Lucius’ sight, Doo pulled even with the Dark Lord. “Where’s Draco?” He inquired curiously.
Voldemort glanced over at him. “Your friend, Ms Riddock, put him out of commission before I could deal with Potter.”
“Humph. Knew she could do it.” Doo responded coolly.
The Dark Lord allowed a faint smile to pass over his face before turning serious again. “Anyone else you’re curious about?”
“Sure. Pansy Parkinson.”
“Ms Turpin took her out, as I recall.”
“Good. She was annoying. What about Crabbe and Goyle?”
“Goyle the elder is Headmaster of Hogwarts. His son and the younger Crabbe were killed by Lucius when both went off on how great it was Draco was gone. The elder Crabbe is in charge of the Department of the Regulation of Dangerous Creatures, since Macnair was killed in your seventh year by Aurors.” Voldemort replied emotionlessly.
“Hm. How about Bellatrix Lestrange?” Doo inquired coolly, curling one hand into a fist at the thought of the woman.
The Dark Lord touched Doo’s shoulder briefly before answering. “That Metamorphmagus Auror, Nymphadora Tonks, she took Bella out. Saying something along the lines of ‘For my cousin, Harry, and Neville, you bitch’, as I recall.”
Doo smiled. “Tonks is a Forgotten?”
“No.”
Doo’s gaze shot around in shock. “She’s dead, then?” That didn’t seem right. Tonks was clumsy, yes, but she was damn clever, and too good an Auror by the Final Battle to have died in it.
“No, she’s still alive, but I couldn’t make her a Forgotten. Her Metamorphmagus abilities would have given her away immediately.” The Dark Lord replied.
“Then where is she?” Doo whispered, half afraid of the answer, but needing to know.
“Dungeons.” Voldemort said with a shrug. When Doo shot him a sharp look he scowled. “What did you expect me to do with her? There was no way she’d ever help me!”
Doo let out a sigh. “Let me talk to her before we leave.”
“Fine, but I doubt it’ll do any good.” The Dark Lord grunted.
“Tonks is my friend, Milord. It won’t hurt to try.” Doo pointed out tightly.
“Yes. Fine. Okay.” Voldemort muttered. “I’ll take you down after we visit the library.”
“What’s in the library?” Doo inquired.
“You’re lucky I happen to like you, Mr Tarrant.” Voldemort replied before stepping through a set of double doors.
Doo followed him in and froze in the doorway, eyes wide with shock at the large, circular room. Rows upon rows of books, covering a large assortment of subjects, stood three stories high, broken only by an alcove that held a circular staircase that led up to the upper two levels. Rolling ladders were attached to the shelves on each level, to minimize the need to Accio books. Comfortable chairs were spaced out around the main floor with a side table placed next to each. There were a few Death Eaters pulling down books or reading in the chairs, but they only looked up long enough to bow to the Dark Lord and give the man’s guest a quick look-over before returning to whatever they’d been doing.
“Hermione would be in heaven...” Doo murmured.
Voldemort cleared his throat impatiently. “Now, Tarrant.”
“Sorry, Milord.” Doo replied, quickly walking up to where the man had stopped next to the alcove for the staircase.
The Dark Lord pulled out a key ring and unlocked a door in the wall of the alcove that Doo hadn’t noticed originally. “In.” He ordered, holding the door open for the shorter wizard.
Doo slipped in and glanced around in the faint illumination that came from spelled lights in the various glass cases that had been placed around the room. The pale-haired wizard stepped up to the closest glass case and looked inside, eyes widening as he realized what it was. “Albus’ wand... By the Gods...”
“I kept all the ones I could find.” The Dark Lord agreed in a relaxed tone, tugging on Doo’s ponytail. “Yours should be around here somewhere.”
Doo glanced up at the Dark Lord in surprise. “Are you actually letting me have it back?”
Voldemort smiled faintly. “I’d rather not have people wonder who you are, love. If you continue to use wandless magic, they will wonder.”
Doo nodded and glanced around. “What about Tonks’ wand?”
The Dark Lord let out a helpless sound. “Fine. I’ll get it. But if she refuses you too, I’m snapping it. She gets no more chances.”
The green-eyed man nodded in resignation. “Understood.” He glanced around curiously. “How am I supposed to find my wand in this mess, Tom?”
“Hm?” The Dark Lord glanced up from where he was pulling out a willow wand. “It will call to you. Just concentrate.”
Doo glanced at Inda and cocked an eyebrow at her, getting a serpentine laugh from her. ‘Why the hell not.’ The wizard decided, closing his eyes and concentrating on his old holly wand. Immediately, he felt a mental tug from his left somewhere, so headed towards it carefully after opening his eyes to keep from running in to any cases. When he finally stopped, he found himself staring at his old wand and smiled. “Found it, Tom.”
The Dark Lord stepped over to him and unlocked the case with his key ring. He pulled out the wand, wincing slightly, and handed it to his companion. “There you are.” He murmured, locking the case back up.
“What’s wrong?” Doo asked, concern seeping through his voice, as he used a wandless spell to strap his wand to his right arm.
“That wand of yours doesn’t like me.” Voldemort replied, glancing at the hand he’d used to pick the wand up with. There was a small burn on his palm.
“Sorry...” Doo took the hurt hand gently and kissed the burn before leaning up to kiss the Dark Lord. Voldemort responded harshly, forcing his tongue into Doo’s mouth. Doo’s tongue met the other muscle head on and duelled with it for control. The small war was decided as a draw when both participants had to draw back for air.
Voldemort tugged Doo into a hug, resting his chin atop the shorter man’s head. “This is going to be a bit difficult, with both of us being dominants and all.”
Doo chuckled and closed his eyes. “Oh, we can trade off.”
The Dark Lord gave a particular vicious tug to Doo’s ponytail at that. “We’ll figure it out later. For now, I think you wanted to speak with Tonks?”
“Mm.” Doo pulled away from the Dark Lord’s grasp and offered him quick smile before making his face emotionless. “Lead the way, my Lord.”
“I could get used to this.” Voldemort teased before taking the lead out of the room of wands, through the library, and back into the hallway. There, he turned left and led the way down a ways to a darkened staircase where Marcus Flint stood guard.
Marcus bowed to the Dark Lord, watching Doo out of the corner of his eyes. “My Lord is going down to the dungeons?”
“Both Mr Tarrant and I are, yes.” Voldemort agreed coldly.
“Shall I stay here, my Lord?” Marcus inquired calmly.
“Yes. Let’s go, Tarrant.” The Dark Lord said before sweeping off down the stairs. Doo ignored Inda’s laughter and followed the scarlet-eyed wizard down into the chilled dungeons.
:He’s having fun ordering you around, Doo.: Inda sniggered.
“Hush, you.” Doo shot back in a whisper.
Voldemort stopped before a cell. “Good evening, Ms Tonks.” He offered in a cold voice. “You have a visitor.”
“I don’t want any more visitors, you fucker.” The witch spat, rattling her chains as she turned away from the door. Her dark hair hung around her face in tangles and her skin was covered in bruises, scars, and scabs. Her clothing had been ripped more than once and hung from her shoulders limply.
Doo shook his head in shock. “Open the door, Tom.” He ordered sharply.
Deadened grey eyes turned to stare at Doo, who froze. “Who are you?” Tonks asked.
Doo shook his head to clear it of memories as the Dark Lord opened the door quietly. “Dooley Tarrant, Tonks, though you once knew me by another name.” Doo offered, slipping into the cell.
“And that was?” Tonks shot back suspiciously.
Doo cocked his head to the side as he let Inda down. “You look like Siri. I assume you did it for a reason?”
Tonks startled, then narrowed her eyes. “Why do you call him that?”
“Hum?” Doo settled himself on the floor in arm’s reach of the witch, if she moved forward a bit more. “Oh, because you and Remus always used to call him that after his death.” He paused for a moment, taking a deep breath. “I suppose it finally wore off on me, you know?” He smiled.
Tonks inched forward uncertainly, squinting her eyes. “Light?”
Doo rose a hand between them. “Lumos.”
Tonks blinked down at the wandless light for a brief moment before looking up into the wizard’s eyes. She rose a hand to touch Doo’s cheek gently. Rather suddenly, she launched herself into Doo’s arms with a sob. “Harry!”
Doo wrapped his arms around the Metamorphmagus, silently ending his wandless spell. “I’m here. It’s alright now.” He murmured.
“Albus said you’d be fine. He said to believe in you, so I did. You’re really here. You’re really alive.” Tonks whispered, clinging to the pale-haired man.
“Yes.” Doo agreed before glancing over his shoulder at the scowling Dark Lord. “What’s that look for?”
“Nothing.” Voldemort replied darkly.
Doo cocked an eyebrow at the man, but didn’t enquire further. “Can you unchain her?”
“No.”
“And why not?”
“Harry, don’t...” Tonks begged, glancing up at the smoldering rubies watching them.
“It’s alright, Tonks.” Doo murmured, smoothing her hair with a free hand before turning back to the Dark Lord. “Why not?”
“I do not unchain prisoners.” Voldemort replied coldly in English before switching to Parseltongue. :We’ve already had this talk, Doo. If you can get her to agree not to fight against me and help me instead, I will free her. Until then, she stays chained.:
“Even if you lock the cell door?” Doo demanded.
“I am not locking you in there with an Order of the Phoenix member who still has their memories!” The Dark Lord shot back furiously, not even bothering with Parseltongue, since the other refused to go along with it.
“You seem to have forgotten that I was the co-leader of the Order of the Phoenix, Tom.” The green-eyed man responded coolly.
“You, Mr Tarrant, have sworn not to cause trouble. She has not.”
“Harry? You swore your wand to him?” Tonks whispered, horrified.
Doo let her crawl away from him and watched her pull back against the wall with sad eyes. “I swore a Wizard’s Oath to not try and destroy his government, yes.” The wizard agreed calmly. “I have no problem with the current government of the Wizarding world, Tonks. I see no reason to start another war to change something that’s working so well.”
“You’re not the Harry Potter I remember.” Tonks murmured, shaking her head.
“No. Of course, I’ve spent the last ten years not remembering any of my life as Harry Potter. I only got my memories back this afternoon.” Doo explained gently. “I see things very differently from how I used to.”
“I told you this was pointless.” Voldemort growled. “Get your arse out here.”
“Shut up.” Doo shot back over his shoulder coldly before looking back at Tonks, eyes filled with sadness. “Tonks, please, Tom agreed to let you free, but only if you can promise not to try and take down his government. He’ll give you back your wand and everything. Just, please, agree not to do anything foolish.” He whispered sadly.
“I will not, in any way, bind myself to that-that...that thing!” Tonks screamed.
“Doo, get out here.” Voldemort ordered coldly.
Doo stood and stared at the Dark Lord pleadingly. “Tom, please...”
“No. This was a foolish idea and I should have said no at the get-go. Get out here.”
“Tom...”
“Now, Dooley.” The Dark Lord hissed furiously, pulling out Tonks’ wand. “Let’s go. I have to snap this before we go back to the school, and we’re running late.”
Doo shook his head helplessly. “Tom, Tom, please!” Voldemort took one end of Tonks’ wand in either hand. ‘I can’t loose Tonks!’ Doo closed his eyes and used his last weapon against the furious Dark Lord. “If you love me, you won’t do that.” He whispered, opening his eyes.
Neither wizard noticed Tonks’ gasp as Voldemort froze and stared into tear-filled green eyes. “You will not use that against me.” The Dark Lord spat, but he put the wand back into a pocket.
Doo took a deep breath, keeping his eyes locked with Voldemort. “Tonks, would it be alright if you bound yourself to me instead of Tom?”
“I-yes... That would be okay, I guess...” Tonks murmured.
“Tom, is that alright with you?” Doo asked the man across from him.
“You will be taking the heat for her.” Voldemort pointed out.
“I am aware of that.”
Scarlet eyes searched green eyes sharply for a long moment before he nodded. “Then I agree. She will have to listen to you.”
Doo nodded and turned to Tonks, who was standing against the wall. “Tonks?”
The witch nodded her head. “What is your name in the Muggle world again?”
“Dooley Shannon Tarrant.” Doo replied softly. ‘Why does this remind me of the Order inductions?’ He thought helplessly. He hated having people literally bound to him, always had, but this was the only way to save his friend.
Tonks took a deep breath. “I, Nymphadora Black Tonks, hereby swear on the magic within me, that I will follow the instructions of Harry James Potter, also known as Dooley Shannon Tarrant, in regards to the government of the Dark Lord Voldemort.”
Voldemort nodded in agreement to the Oath and, with a wave of his hand, the shackles on the witch disappeared. “I assume you’re planning on dragging her with us to Hogwarts.” He grumbled to Doo.
Doo smiled at the Dark Lord as he drew Tonks into a hug. :Thank you, love.: He hissed softly before smiling brightly at Tonks, who replied with a much smaller smile. “Here, let’s see what we can do about these rags.”
Tonks let out a long-suffering sigh. “Nothing. They’re completely destroyed.”
“Do one of your fancy transfigurations.” Voldemort suggested, idly casting Cleaning Charms at both of the people in the cell.
Doo cocked an eyebrow at Tonks. “That okay?”
Tonks shrugged. “Whatever.” She stepped back so the younger man could get a good look at her.
Doo blinked a few times at the old battle robes she still wore. They were a dark grey with a single flaming red phoenix set over her heart. “Right...” He murmured before waving his hands in front of the woman. Both Tonks and Voldemort watched in amazement as the ragged robes bloomed. The dark grey became smoky and gathered a pattern of moving flames that reached upwards to Tonks’ waist. A phoenix slid in and out of the flames, occasionally moving above the fire to fly through the smoky sky. The sleeves, hem, and neck were tattered in a manner that one could have found on a younger Tonks, before the war.
“Doo, if you ever get sick of your candy shop, I insist you apply to be the Transfiguration professor at Hogwarts.” The Dark Lord breathed.
“No, no. Become a robe designer.” Tonks suggested. “Make a name for yourself in the Wizarding world that way.”
The Dark Lord stared at Tonks in amazement as Doo laughed. “No, no, she’s got a good one. It would allow you to keep your precious candy shop, but it would also give you the ability to move through the Wizarding population as you need. You could, literally, go anywhere. You’d have to, to offer your new fashions.”
Doo looked between the Dark Lord and ex-Auror. “Oooookay! Tell you what, we’ll discuss this at the school and get everyone else’s opinions, too. Tom has a good point, we’re running late. Syna’s going to wonder if we tried killing one another over something stupid.” The green-eyed wizard said, leading Tonks to the cell door.
Voldemort shrugged and held out Tonks’ wand for the witch to take. “Syna can panic all she wants. It’s fun to watch.”
“You’re horrible.” Doo snorted, picking Inda up and draping her around his shoulders.
“So you say.” Voldemort agreed. “Now both of you do me a favour and at least pretend you can act civilized until we get to the school?”
“Of course, my Lord.” Doo said seriously, before turning to Tonks. “Might I suggest changing you appearance so you’re not noticeable as yourself?”
“Oh! I’ve been Siri for so long that I nearly forgot!” Tonks said before concentrating really hard. Her hair shifted from black to blonde, her eyes from grey to gold. Her skin darkened considerably, giving her a tanned look. “Better?” She inquired in an contralto pitch.
“Much. I think we’re ready, my Lord.” Doo nodded.
“Stay behind me.” Voldemort ordered, sparing Doo a sharp look, before he turned and led the way from the dungeons.
“Shall I call you Doo now?” Tonks asked softly.
“Yeah.” Doo smiled. “It’s best if it doesn’t come to light that I’m not really dead, don’t you think?”
“Probably true.” Tonks grinned and tugged on a lock of Doo’s hair. “I like this colour.”
“Oh, yes. It’s very white.” Doo agreed with the air of one stating an obvious observation. Tonks rolled her eyes.
“My Lord.” Marcus’ voice floated past the leading Dark Lord. Doo grabbed Tonks’ nearest hand in his own and winked at her. Tonks slid a little bit closer to the pale-haired man with a small smile as they all moved past the dungeon guard. Marcus narrowed his eyes at Tonks and Doo.
Inda shot a dark look back at the Death Eater, rising up from her position on Doo’s shoulder. :I dare you to say something, you scum.: She spat at him.
Voldemort glanced over his shoulder at the serpent and found the two males glaring daggers at one another and Tonks standing extremely close to her saviour. “Tarrant! Black! Now.” He growled, shooting Marcus a warning look.
“Apologies, my Lord.” Doo replied evenly, leading Tonks away from the hostile Death Eater guard.
:He smells funny.: Inda muttered, settling back down on Doo’s shoulder.
“Funny, how?” The green-eyed man murmured as they got on their way again, reaching up to stroke the reptile on his shoulder.
:Untrustworthy.: Inda responded.
Doo nodded with a frown. “I see...”
“What’s wrong?” Tonks inquired softly.
“Inda, the cobra on my shoulder, she says Flint smells untrustworthy.” Doo said, glancing over at her.
“The rebellion...” Tonks nodded.
Doo narrowed his eyes. “When we get to Hogwarts, I’ll talk Syna into keeping Tom busy. You tell me what you know about this rebellion.”
Tonks paused to think about this, then nodded. “Right.”
-~/\~-
“My Lord, do you mind if I borrov you for a moment? Severus and I had something to shov you.” Syna said when the conversation they’d all been having had started to die down.
“Yes, yes.” The Dark Lord stood with a weary sigh and glanced over at Doo. :You’re staying here?:
:Yeah. I’d probably only get in your way, after all.: Doo agreed, smiling faintly. The Dark Lord nodded and followed Syna from the room. Once the door had closed behind the two leaders of the Wizarding world, Doo turned to Tonks. “Tonks, what do you know about this rebellion?”
“She knovs about the rebellion?!” Deva hissed.
“What rebellion?” Nick scowled.
Tonks snorted. “The rebellion some of the Death Eaters are planning.” She said. “They’re tired of being ordered around, so they’re working on finding a way to overthrow Voldemort.”
“How the hell do they plan on ruling without Voldemort around?!” Nick hissed. “I don’t like the man, but even I can see he’s the whole reason this government is working so well!”
“They don’t like that he has alloved the Muggleborns into Hogvarts, for one.” Deva sighed. “They do not like that he is not folloving through vith the reasons he started the Dark Order.”
“And they don’t like that he made the Forgotten out of the fighters of the Light.” Doo sighed, leaning back in his chair.
“No, they don’t.” Deva agreed. “And there are probably more reasons that ve are not thinking of, too.”
“Idiots.” Nick growled. “They want civil war?”
“Yes.” Tonks nodded. “They want to take down the government and rebuild it.”
“Do you know who the members of this resistance are, Tonks?” Doo murmured.
“No. They always wore masks.” Tonks replied with a sigh. “They had meetings in the dungeons because they didn’t think Voldemort would find them, and that we, the prisoners, might help them with stuff.”
“You didn’t, of course.” Deva growled.
“No.” Tonks shot the other woman a cold look. “Just because I don’t like Voldemort means I’d sink so low as to help Death Eaters take over.”
“Enough.” Doo murmured, not looking at the women. “Inda, you said Marcus Flint smelled untrustworthy. Have you noticed any others that smell like that?”
Inda glanced up from her position on the rug in front of the fireplace. :I do not recall any, no, but I have rarely left Tom’s rooms.:
“That’s what I was afraid of.” Doo sighed. “If it’s not too much trouble, could you slither around the school and see what you can find out for me? Especially listen for conversations about this rebellion?”
:Yes. Stay out of sight, right?:
“Right. Any other snakes you might find that have masters either on our side or who have no masters at this school will also be helpful.”
:On it.: Inda replied before slithering from the room through a crack in the wall.
“She knovs nothing?” Deva sighed.
“She’s looking.” Doo responded. “She’s normally left in Tom’s rooms, you know, so she doesn’t get the chance to see, or smell, much.”
“Of course...” Deva ran a hand through her hair before shooting the green-eyed wizard a piercing look. “Come on, then. Spill. Vat did you and our Lord do after you kicked us all out?”
Doo smirked. “We talked, I gave a Wizard’s Oath to behave, then we took a nap. Nothing exciting.”
“Oh, come on, Doo.” Nick sighed. “You’ve always filled me in on what all you did with Zack when I didn’t want to know. What all have you done with the jackass?”
Green eyes twinkled mischievously. “I have no idea what you’re talking about.” He responded, making Tonks laugh.
“Vat are you four up to?” Syna inquired, stepping back into the room with the Dark Lord and another dark-haired man.
“Snape! You fucker!” Tonks shouted, standing furiously.
Doo grabbed Tonks’ waist and tugged her down into his lap. “Calm down. Now.” He ordered. The woman stopped struggling against his hold and settled for glaring at the potion maker.
Severus cocked his eyebrow at the witch in Doo’s lap. “A Muggle friend of yours, Mr Tarrant?”
Tom smirked, settling in the now-empty chair next to Doo. “Sit, Severus.” He suggested. He waited until the black-eyed man had sat on the other side of the room before speaking again. “Ms Tonks is here because Doo requested her freedom.”
“What?!” Severus shouted, staring at the dangerous gold eyes across from him.
Doo smiled around the witch in his lap. “See, Tom, you’re not the only one who knew me for almost a decade and wasn’t able to recognize me.”
“That’s just because you’re nothing like the Harry Potter we knew before.” Tonks offered, waving one hand idly.
Tom snorted as Severus gaped at the green-eyed man. “That look is most undignified, Mr Snape.”
Severus’ mouth slammed shut. “You’re dead.” He said after a moment of silence to Doo.
“Really? I thought I was still breathing.” Doo teased, eyes glittering.
“Why the hell aren’t you causing a ruckus?!” Severus shouted. “Why aren’t you running off to help the rebellion?! Why are you still here?!”
“Because he has sworn a Wizard’s Oath to not do so.” Tom said softly. “That’s enough shouting.”
“And Tonks has sworn a Wizard’s Oath to listen to me.” Doo added. “So, Severus, you can consider us allies and stop glaring.”
Syna gave a discreet cough when Severus didn’t stop glaring at Doo. “Doo, my Lord says you haff svorn help against the resistance?”
Doo nodded, turning to the witch. “Yes. Why?”
“Then ve can all trade our observations. Tonks?” Syna gave the Metamorphmagus a piercing look.
“I will help Harry.” Tonks replied coldly.
Doo smiled and resting his head on Tonks’ shoulder so he could see everyone in the room. “All right?”
“Fine.” Severus growled, leaning back in his chair. “Tonks, why don’t you get your own chair so that Potter-“
“His name, Severus, is Dooley Tarrant.” The Dark Lord cut in fiercely. “If you call him anything else, I’ll Crucio you.”
“Tom...” Doo groaned as Tonks seated herself on the arm of his chair.
“You said it yourself. Harry Potter is dead.” Tom replied, looking at Doo.
“And he is best off staying that vay.” Deva agreed, resting a hand on Severus’ arm. “You haff alvays gotten along vith Doo up till nov. Vy start fighting just because you did not like vo he vas?”
“I like that gal.” Tonks murmured to Doo. Doo grinned.
:I have information!: Inda called, sliding back into the room.
“What...?” The Dark Lord frowned at the serpent, then looked over at Doo.
Doo smiled at Tom. “We sent Inda out to see what she could find out while you were gone, Tom.” He glanced at Inda. “Well?”
:Lucius Malfoy is the leader. He was in the dungeons with that idiot Headmaster and a group of sixth and seventh years. They’re planning an attack tomorrow, I think.: Inda said, curling up in front of the fire.
Doo and Tom traded startled looks. “I told you I never liked the man.” Doo growled, sitting back with a dark look.
“Uhm, would one of you two please tell us what Inda said?” Tonks inquired, poking Doo’s arm.
“Lucius is their leader.” Tom said shortly. “Goyle and a group of older students were planning some sort of attack for tomorrow.”
:Sounded like they already had it planned and were just meeting to fine tune the details.: Inda added.
Tom narrowed his eyes at the fire. “But, if they already had it planned, they would have had to meet before this, which means we should have known already.”
“Why’s that?” Nick asked, leaning forward.
“Severus and I have been taking turns vatching Goyle.” Syna explained.
“But could Goyle haff found out you vere vatching him and found a vay around it?” Deva inquired.
“No. We’ve been watching them in our Animagus forms, neither of which are registered.” Severus shook his head.
“Unless he’s found out your Animagus forms.” Doo murmured, rubbing at his chin. “Severus, I know you’re a bat. Syna, what are you?”
“Black cat.” The Deputy Headmistress replied.
Doo nodded. “Nick, can you watch the store without me there tomorrow?”
“Eh? Yeah.” Nick blinked. “Why?”
Doo looked at Tom. “If you give me a portkey that will get me back into the building tomorrow, I’ll run surveillance.”
“And Voldemort can stay at the shop with Nick and me.” Tonks nodded. “Perfect. He’ll never guess your form, Harry.”
“What is it?” Severus asked, frowning.
Doo smirked. “You’ll see.”
-~/\~-
“So, what is your Animagus form?” Tom inquired that night. They were back at Doo’s flat. Nick had gone home and Tonks was staying with Deva. They’d all stayed at the school long enough to have dinner, then said their goodbyes and returned home. Inda had remained at the school with plans to keep an eye on Goyle for the night.
Doo smiled over his shoulder at the man on the bed. He was working on his laptop at his desk. “It’s black, and it has wings.”
“Doo, I’m not playing twenty questions with you.”
“Aww. Why not?”
“Tarrant.” The Dark Lord growled, narrowing his eyes at the younger man.
Doo let out a resigned sigh and, with a ‘pop’, disappeared. A small black ball of feathers took off from the chair Doo had been sitting in and settled lightly on the top of Doo’s wardrobe to preen.
Tom stood and stepped up to the wardrobe with an amused look. “Not very noticeable, gets around quickly, and flies. Why am I not surprised?” He chuckled, holding up an arm for the tiny owl, which flew down to him and stared into his eyes. Tom reached up with his free hand and started petting the bird, smiling when it let out a pleased hoo.
Suddenly, the owl hopped from Tom’s arm and changed back into Doo while in flight. The green-eyed man grinned. “Tonks, Hermione, Albus, and McGonagall helped me with it, so they’re the only ones that knew I even had an Animagus form, let alone what it was.”
Tom’s eyes widened as he realized something. “All those times I saw a small black owl flying around during a battle or a meeting, that was you, wasn’t it?”
“Yes.” Doo inclined his head.
The Dark Lord shook his head in amusement. “Perfect. If anyone notices you, they’ll think nothing of it. Just another owl delivering mail.”
Doo smirked. “Ah, but Tom, I can do something neither Syna nor Severus can do.”
“And that is?”
“I can perform spells in my Animagus form.”
Tom’s eyes widened. “Are you really needed to run Sherbet Lemon? Are you sure I can’t steal you for information gathering?”
“Only twice a week and on the weekends, Tom.” Doo replied, shaking his finger in the Dark Lord’s face. “I have to be here sometimes, you know.”
“Well, damn.” The Dark Lord sighed.
Doo laughed. “I’ll see what I can find out tomorrow, okay?”
“Yes, yes.”
Green eyes glittered with laughter. “Oh, come on. Let’s get some sleep.”
“Right.”
-~/\~-
-~\/~-
A/N: Meh. I don’t really like this chapter, personally. It is where most of the questions I’ve been asked are answered, though, so I suppose it’s important. *sighes*
Dude, part of this chapter wasn’t written on this computer. I finished reading over the chapter one last time, searching for mistakes, and found...nothing. A big blank space. So I had to boot up my school laptop and type up eight or nine lines so I could actually post this.(I can tell this is the first Harry Potter fic I’ve spell checked on this computer, you know. I just had to add every single name/word to the dictionary... -.-)
For all the reviewers: The fact that Peter was the one to recognize Doo first wasn’t as difficult to figure out as you might have thought. Kudos to Cloe for being the only person the catch the black bandana that Doo had been wearing over his white hair that day. *hands over a large plate of brownies to Cloe*
-
~Batsutousai ^.^x
A.K.A. Bats
Chapters:
Prologue
1 - Hogwarts ||| 2 - Nicholas Wants Answers ||| 3 - Depression
4 - The Greatest Idiot ||| 5 - Another Clue ||| 6 - Discovered
7 - Harry Potter Lives ||| 8 - The Power Over the Dark ||| 9 - Answers
10 - The True Threat Becomes Known ||| 11 - Gathering Allies ||| 12 - A New Bond
13 - Culross and Her Staff ||| 14 - Courting Your Fate
Discontinued
Author:
batsutousaiBeta:
magickmaker17Pairings: OC/OC, Tom/Doo(Harry)
Warnings: SLASH/YAOI, Character death, OOCness, AU(we all know Jo won’t let this happen…), OCs
Summary: What if Voldemort wins the “Final Battle,” but Harry Potter survives?
Living in the Muggle world with no memory of his past, can Harry find the key to saving them all?
Disclaim Her: The school bus driver knows who your kid’s got a crush on. Do you?
Key:
’Thoughts’
Writing
”Doo’s memory flashes”
¤Another language, like Bulgarian¤
:Parseltongue:
A/N: I started not liking where this chapter was going half-way through. *sighes*
Chapter Seven
Harry Potter Lives
-~\/~-
‘Oh, Merlin, how come I couldn’t see it? Who else has those green eyes?! Who else was as powerful as me?! Who else spoke Parseltongue, for crying out loud?! Only him! Only ever Harry! I ignored every goddamned sign! I believed he was just another random Light person! So what do I do? I go and fall in love with him! Tom, you complete and utter idiot! Only you could muck things up this badly! Only you!’
:Tom? Tom, what is it?: Inda begged, slithering up the Dark Lord’s leg.
:He’s alive, Inda. Harry Potter’s alive.: Tom replied dully, glancing around at the others in the room. Nick and Deva were seated on the couch. Wormtail was seated in one of the plush armchairs while he sat in the other. Doo - no, Harry - had been moved to the bedroom. Nick had already called the meeting with the townspeople off, saying Doo had fainted from stress.
:So? You’re the all powerful Dark Lord. Kill him again.: Inda shot back sharply.
:I can’t, Inda!: Tom hissed back, trying not to cry. This wasn’t how this was supposed to happen.
:Why not? It’s not like he has his wand or anything, idiot. He’s defenceless, and asleep, to boot! Just go Avada Kedavra him and move on with life.: The snake grumbled
:I-I can’t kill him because I love him, Inda.: The Dark Lord whispered. :Damn me for being human. Damn me for having feelings!:
:If you love him, why does it matter who he is?: Inda asked in a much softer tone.
:Because we’re enemies! We’re out for one another’s blood! AND EITHER MUST DIE AT THE HAND OF THE OTHER FOR NEITHER CAN LIVE WHILE THE OTHER SURVIVES. Remember that prophesy? Hm?: Tom replied bitterly.
“But you did kill me, right?” A soft voice asked from the doorway to Doo’s room. Four heads shot up to stare at the man in the doorway. His green eyes were dulled with sadness. “Or have you not been living these past ten years?”
:You tricked me!: Tom hissed at Inda furiously as the serpent slithered quickly to Doo’s side.
“I told her to.” Doo sighed. “Don’t blame Inda for listening to me.” He rubbed at the bridge of his nose wearily. “Not to be rude or anything, but I’m officially kicking everyone but Tom out of my flat. As for you, Tom, you may stay, or go, as you please.” He decided before disappearing back into his bedroom with Inda.
“My Lord?” Wormtail whispered.
“Go. I’m staying here.” The Dark Lord muttered calmly. “Potter and I have things to discuss.”
Nick stormed over to the Dark Lord’s chair and punched him hard in the face before anyone could stop him.
“Nick, no!” Deva cried, running forward and pulling her boyfriend back to keep him from punching the Dark Lord again.
“What did I tell you, you fucking bastard?! What did I say four days ago to you?! Have you no brains?! No heart?!” Nick screamed, fighting Deva and Wormtail’s grips on his arms to get at Tom again.
For Tom’s part, he was just staring at the blood that was dripping into his hand from his bloody nose. Suddenly, like a tidal wave, his fury rose in him and he stood, magic radiating out from him and healing his nose. “So kill me Nicholas Ripley. Kill me if you can.” He said in a deadly voice.
“Oh, for Christ’s sake. What are you all, five?” Doo groaned, walking up to them all as if the tension in the air didn’t affect him. “You, sit down and cool it.” He ordered Tom, shoving him back into his chair, before looking at the others, who all looked startled. “Peter, the fireplace is over there. Move it. Nicholas, the door is that way. You have until the count of five to get out of my flat before I fire you. Deva, please make sure he doesn’t come back to do something else foolish?”
“Of course.” Deva nodded, pushing Nick towards the door as Wormtail took the Floo out. “Oh, and Harry?” The witch said suddenly, glancing over her shoulder at Doo.
The green-eyed man blinked at her dully. “Do you have to call me that?”
Deva smiled. “Take care.” She offered before pushing Nick the rest of the way out of the flat and closing the door behind them both.
Doo settled himself on the loveseat and watched Tom quietly for a long moment before speaking. “All I know about Harry Potter is what I’ve been told by Inda. No one mentions him anymore, and I think he would have preferred it that way. A quiet existence in an out of the way town with only a few good friends. Perhaps my dislike of public attention is stemmed from my life before the war? Perhaps I hate the media because Harry Potter hated the media.”
“You talk of him as if he were a totally different person.” Tom grumbled, frowning at the man across from him.
“Well, isn’t he?” Doo replied. “I have none of his memories, at least, not really. No one looks up to me here, except, perhaps, the kids who buy candy at my shop. No one expects any amazing things out of me. Harry Potter and Dooley Tarrant are two totally different people.”
“In the eyes of the public, perhaps.” Tom replied. “But to the people who have actually known you before and after can see all of the similarities. They’re obvious.”
“Perhaps not so obvious as one would like to think. After all, you didn’t recognize me.”
“You’re supposed to be dead!” Tom shouted, slamming his fist into the arm of his chair. “You were dead, dammit! I checked! You weren’t breathing! Your spirit had left your body and was rising up! Your heart was dead! You were dead!”
“I don’t know how I survived, Tom. I may have known once, but I don’t anymore. If you want answers, you must find a way to get them yourself.” Doo sighed wearily, closing his eyes.
Tom let out a heavy sigh. “There is a way.”
“But?” Doo opened his eyes to look at the man.
“Well, there are two ways, actually. I could either break the spell on you, or I could just jump into your mind myself and find out that way.” The Dark Lord raked a hand through his hair. “I don’t like either idea, though. To give you back your memories would make you a danger. And your Occlumency rivalled only mine or Dumbledore’s. Not that that is surprising... He was the one who taught you...”
“Tom, hear me out for a moment, okay?” Doo whispered. He waited until he had the Dark Lord’s full attention before continuing. “I haven’t seen much, but I like the Wizarding world as it is. I don’t want to change this government, really. You’re doing a good job, though I do think you need more vacations.” Tom smiled briefly at that. “But didn’t you just hear what I said? I like not having any expectations. I like living out of the eye of the media. I like my little candy shop and my little town and my small group of friends. I don’t want to change any of this. Ever.... Well, maybe I’d like to change one thing...”
“What?” The Dark Lord asked sharply.
Doo shook his head. “I’m not going to tell you, because it has nothing to do with your government and, therefore, is no threat to you.”
Tom stared at Doo for a long moment, weighing the options, before he finally spoke again. “I want a Wizard’s Oath.”
“A what?” Doo blinked in confusion.
“I want a Wizard’s Oath, an oath sworn on your magic, that you’ll never try and take over. That you’ll never try and demolish what I’ve worked so hard to build.” Tom explained seriously. “If you give me that, I will give you back your memories.”
Doo closed his eyes in concentration. In a strong voice, he spoke the magically binding words, “I, Dooley Shannon Tarrant, also known as Harry James Potter, hereby swear on the magic within me, that I will never try and bring down the government of the Wizarding world as it now stands under the control of one Lord Voldemort, also known as Tom Marvolo Riddle. I also swear to help Tom Marvolo Riddle squash the pocket of resistance in Hogwarts and any others he needs help with, if he will accept my help.”
Tom stared at the man in front of him in shock as Doo came back to himself. “How did you know about the resistance in Hogwarts?”
“I’ve been visiting the school every weekend for over a month now, Tom. Anyone with eyes could see the division in the school.” Doo snorted, rolling his eyes.
“Do you know who the ring leaders are?” Tom demanded, standing and walking over to the loveseat.
Doo shook his head. “No. But I’ll help you find out.”
“...right...” Tom pulled out his wand as he seated himself on the couch. “Brace yourself, Mr Tarrant. I promise you this won’t be pleasant.”
“I should expect not.” Doo sighed, resting back against the cushions. “Whenever you’re ready, then.” He murmured, closing his eyes.
“Confringo!” Tom shouted, pointing his wand at Doo.
Doo bit back a scream as the figurative floodgates broke. Memories rushed back, and all the horrible ones seemed to be at the lead. The Dursleys’ house burning with the Dark Mark floating above it. Remus, leaping in front of an Avada Kedavra meant for Harry. Mad-Eye and Kingsley duelling a dozen Death Eaters on Grimmauld Place while Tonks dragged him away, both sobbing. McGonagall, Flitwick, Hagrid, Sprout, and Trelawney falling on the front steps of Hogwarts as Snape cursed them from behind. Lucius Malfoy standing triumphantly over Arthur and Molly Weasley’s bodies. Bill falling protecting Gringotts with the goblins. Charlie and his friends fighting with the dragons and falling, one by one. Neville and Luna standing together before the Final Battle, sharing one last kiss before they had to charge in. Students of all ages rushing out of the school to meet the attack head-on, determined to never let Hogwarts fall. Albus and Harry walking up to meet a woman neither knew and Voldemort together, then watching Albus fall to the woman.
Doo came back to reality, only to find himself sobbing into Tom’s shirt. The Dark Lord was rocking him gently, just as he had two nights before, after he’d woken the younger wizard from his nightmare. “Oh, Gods...” Doo finally whispered. “Oh, Gods, Tom...”
“Shush, shush...” Tom whispered, running his fingers through Doo’s hair. “You’re fine. You’re safe. It’s all over now.”
“It was a spell.” Doo said, focusing on the original reason for breaking the memory block. “Albus created it. It was meant to make the person using it appear dead, when mixed with the Killing Curse, for two hours. It could only be used once in a person’s life, and Albus and I agreed I would only fall back on it as a last resort. A way to build a rebellion, undetected. The only side effect was the white hair when you came back to yourself.”
Tom nodded, continuing to run his hand through Doo’s white locks. “How many people know of this spell?”
“Now? Only me. It takes an extreme amount of power. You, Albus, and myself were probably the only ones who would have been able to pull it off.” Doo smiled up at Tom rather suddenly. “You outsmarted us both, Tom. You cast your spell that made everyone forget, and it caught me too.”
Tom frowned. “Do you regret that?”
“No.” Doo cocked his head to one side. “If I’d started a rebellion, you wouldn’t be holding me right now, and I’m too comfortable to want it any other way.”
“You foolish child.” Tom whispered.
“You shouldn’t talk to yourself, Tom. It’s bad for you.” Doo offered before leaning up to kiss the Dark Lord on the lips. Then he rested his head against Tom’s chest again and let the Dark Lord’s heartbeat and the soothing action of Tom’s fingers combing through his hair lull him to sleep.
“My Lord?”
Tom cracked an eye open and blinked at the head in the fireplace. “What do you want, Syna?” He growled, glancing down to make sure Doo was still sleeping.
Syna blinked at the two on the couch. “Deva and Nick came to me an hour ago, told me the vole thing. You didn’t kill him?”
“No. I made him give a Wizard’s Oath to behave, then let him have his memories back.” The Dark Lord sighed. “Don’t you dare wake him up.”
“Of course not, Lord.” Syna bowed her head. “I’ll let Nick and Deva knov, then, so ve can untie Nick.”
Tom’s lips quirked up into a smile. “Serves him right for punching me.”
Syna bit her lip, smiling. “Vould you like one of us to drop by later, my Lord?”
Tom thought about the request for a moment before shaking his head. “No. If Doo feels up to it when he wakes, we might come to Hogwarts, but I would like you three to remain there, for now. Look into that rebellion some more. Include Ripley if you feel he might be useful. Muggles notice things we don’t.”
“Understood, my Lord.”
“And tell Nick that if he ever punches Tom again, I’ll do worse than just kick him out.” Doo added groggily.
“You’re awake.” Tom murmured, glancing down into green eyes.
“Mostly.” Doo agreed. “We’ll probably be at Hogwarts in an hour, Syna.”
“Very vell. Don’t overvork yourself, Doo. If Dulcie gets even the slightest bit suspicious, you’ll be back in the Hospital Ving faster than you can say Voldemort.”
“The woman’s worse than Madame Pomfrey. I swear.” Doo grumbled.
Tom laughed. “Yes, she is, isn’t she?”
“I shall see you both in an hour or so, then.” Syna said before popping out.
“How are you feeling?” Tom inquired gently.
“My head’s spinning and I’ve got to use the bathroom, but, hey, I’ve felt worse.” Doo replied cheerfully.
“Gryffindors.” Tom snorted, getting a laugh out of the wizard on top of him. “Go on, then. Use the bathroom. Or can you not stand?”
“I said my head is spinning, not the room.” Doo snorted, rolling his eyes and getting up off of the Dark Lord. “You make a good pillow, by the way.”
“Really?” Tom shot back sarcastically, getting up to stretch. “Ow, my back.”
“Old fart.” The pale-haired man teased before closing the door to the bathroom behind himself.
“Yes, he’s feeling better.” Tom decided with a faint smile. “Old fart indeed.”
“Well, you’re, what, eighty-five? Eighty-six?” Doo replied through the door. “You’re fifty-four years older than me. Of course you’re an old fart.”
“I’m going to regret giving you back your memories, aren’t I?” The Dark Lord groaned.
The bathroom door opened as the toilet flushed. “Yup.” Doo agreed, swallowing a pill. “I may love you, or something, but that’s not gonna keep me from tormenting you constantly.”
“Only you would have the balls to, not only do such a thing, but also admit to it.” Tom pointed out with an annoyed look.
“Duh. I’m the only one who’ll ever be a threat to you.” Doo pointed out, stalking up to the Dark Lord and placing both of his hands on Tom’s chest gently, looking up into scarlet eyes. “Did you mean it, earlier, when you said you loved me?”
Tom smiled and rested one hand against the side of Doo’s face. “Yes, Dooley Tarrant, I meant it. I do love you, and Merlin only knows why.” He leaned down and kissed the pale-haired man gently. “It’s Harry Potter I don’t like.” He added with a smirk.
Doo laughed. “Tom, you’re horrible! You just ruined the mood!”
Tom kissed Doo’s forehead. “Sorry, love.”
Doo blinked a few times in surprise before resting his head against Tom’s chest again, letting out a content sound when the Dark Lord wrapped him in an embrace. “I could get used to this, you know?”
The Dark Lord chuckled. “Don’t get too used to it, Mr Tarrant. We have to be at Hogwarts in fifty-five minutes.”
Doo reached up and tapped at Tom’s forehead. “Have you got a clock in there or something?”
“Yes.” Tom replied in an even tone.
Doo grinned. “Sure you do, Mr Riddle.”
Tom shook his head. “Marvolo.”
The shorter man cocked his head to one side thoughtfully. “Alright. Mr Marvolo it is.” He smiled faintly. “It makes sense, I suppose. You really didn’t like your father. The less memories the better.”
“You have this amazing ability to understate everything.” The Dark Lord complained.
Doo laughed. “You’ve changed.”
“Hm?”
“From the Voldemort, and even the Tom Riddle, I knew before the war. You’ve changed, a lot.” Explained Doo.
“I’ll have to take your word for that.” Tom decided. “After all, you knew me best.”
“Which was odd, since I was your enemy.”
“Perhaps not so odd, actually.” Tom shook his head. “What’s that Muggle saying? Keep your friends close, but keep your enemies closer?”
“True.” Doo grimaced. “I don’t think there could have been anyone closer than us during that war. We kinda lived in one another’s heads.”
“Noticed that, did you?”
Doo poked the Dark Lord’s stomach. “Oooh, you are horrible, Tom!”
Tom smiled dreamily. “You know, now that you know who I am, I can have everyone go back to calling me Lord again.”
“Not me.” Doo declared. “I’ll be calling you Tom for the rest of your life.”
“That does not surprise me, Dumbledore.”
“Hey! Do I have blue eyes that twinkle?!”
“No. They’re green, instead.” Tom replied with a laugh. “But we both know he was the only one who called me Tom every time he saw me.”
“Don’t I get any rights?” Doo demanded.
“For what? Being a thorn in my side for twenty-two years?” Tom teased, grinning.
“No, you dick, for winning your undying affection, of course!”
Tom laughed. “Yes, yes, you may call me Tom.” He ran a hand through Doo’s hair. “But only you, unless we’re in the Muggle world, of course, then I’ll have to use Tom… Dammit.” He scowled darkly.
Doo tugged the Dark Lord’s head down for a kiss. “Your fault.”
“Hush, you.”
Doo laughed. “Let me go so I can pack a few things, right?”
“Oh, alright…” Tom sighed and let the younger wizard go. Then he followed him to the bedroom, leaning in the doorway as Doo pulled out a duffle bag and started packing it with his stuff. “Where did you get the paintings? Some of them look vaguely familiar.”
Doo blinked up at the painting directly over his head and pointed to a signature on the bottom. “I made them. They’re from my memory flashes. See, this one’s the Gryffindor common room.”
Tom’s eyes widened as recognition dawned. He glanced around at the other paintings. One was of the battle ground on the Hogwarts’ grounds from above. Another was a picture of a court room with faces leering down at the chair in the centre, where the artist had, no doubt, been sitting. There was a picture of the Headmaster’s office as it was during Albus’ time there. There was a picture broken into seven different parts that depicted the Defence Against the Dark Arts classroom, each block belonging to a different teacher. Another picture was of the Weasleys’ home, the Burrow, with different Weasleys hanging out in the garden and looking out of the windows. There was another painting of the Slytherin common room from the view point of a Gryffindor: dark and gloomy. Then, last, but not least, there was a painting of himself as Voldemort, red eyes blazing with hatred, standing over a nameless Muggle in the middle of casting the Killing Curse.
“By Merlin…” Tom whispered, running a finger over the ball of green blazing at the tip of his wand.
“You were a true horror back in the old days.” Doo said in a distracted voice. “I saw that image once in a memory flash and had to paint it. That was the first one, actually.”
“It’s amazing.” Tom murmured. “I didn’t know you could paint.”
“Nor did I. Must have been ability that just got crushed under everything else I did perfectly.” Doo muttered darkly. “Dammit, where’d I put that shirt?!”
Tom glanced over at the younger man and smiled. Doo was tearing through his wardrobe, throwing articles of clothing on the floor in a haphazard manner. “Well, now I know how that pair of pants got on the ceiling fan.” The Dark Lord teased.
Doo flipped him the birdie quickly. “I’m trying to find my lion shirt. Either help me, or shut up.”
Tom rolled his eyes and held out a hand. “Accio Doo’s lion shirt.”
Doo glanced up quickly enough to watch his red shirt fly from the dirty laundry box into the Dark Lord’s hand. “Oh, yeah, magic…”
Tom wrinkled his nose in distaste. “A gold lion on a red shirt? Please don’t wear this around me.”
Doo snorted and held out a hand. “Toss it here.”
The Dark Lord cocked an eyebrow at the green-eyed man. “No. Call it to yourself.”
“Tom, I haven’t used any magic in ten years! You can’t expect me to suddenly call something to myself! That’s a fourth year spell!”
Tom folded his arms across his chest. “You have too been using magic.”
“What? I have not!”
The Dark Lord rolled his eyes. “Flying a broomstick takes a certain amount of magic, you know.”
“Once!”
Tom smirked. “And, you do understand, of course, that those memory flashes were caused by your magic fighting my spell, right? It hasn’t been dormant for ten years, Doo.” He waved the shirt in the air. “Summon it.”
Doo sighed and closed his eyes. “Tom, please just hand me the shirt.”
“What are you afraid of, Potter?” The Dark Lord shot back.
Green eyes flew open and the red shirt flew into his outstretched palm, cleaned and folded. “I’m not afraid of anything.” He grumbled, turning to put the shirt in his duffle bag.
Tom smiled. “What did I say?”
“You may now leave.” Doo growled darkly, tugging a pile of un-hung paintings out of the second wardrobe and shrinking them magically before stuffing them in his bag.
“I’m going to go use the bathroom. When you’re done, meet me in the living-room.” Tom said calmly before turning and leaving the room.
Doo let out a heavy sigh and finished packing his stuff. He threw the duffle over one shoulder, then picked up Inda, letting her drape over his shoulders. “We’re leaving early. Wonder why.”
:I think he wants to go to his base for something.: Inda hissed sleepily.
“Do you think he’s mad at me?” Doo asked the snake in a whisper.
:No. He was just giving you time to calm yourself. You might want to wear a robe, by the way.:
“Oh, yeah.” Doo glanced down at his bright blue shirt with a rainbow on it and his faded blue jeans. “I guess I’ll just transfigure this then…” He waved his hand in front of himself and smiled as the Muggle clothing melted into a flowing blue robe with rainbow trim. The blue was bright at the top, then faded down to the colour of his jeans, ending with a strip of white at the bottom, which covered his stocking feet. “That’s a really cool effect, actually…” He murmured, stepping out into his living-room.
“How’d you do that?” Tom inquired curiously. He’d changed into black robes which billowed out around him aggressively.
“I just transfigured my shirt and jeans. Didn’t really have a specific colour in mind, so this is what I got.” Doo replied easily.
“I like it.” The Dark Lord offered Doo a quick smile before turning serious. “Is it alright if we make a quick stop at my base before we go to Hogwarts?”
“Sure. Are we Flooing there?” The pale-haired man agreed, tugging out his hair-tie and fixing it, since it was coming loose.
“Yes, but we’ll have to Floo together.” Tom nodded.
Doo blinked a few times. “Any particular reason? I thought only Muggles or small children had to Floo with someone else.”
“That’s generally true, unless the place you’re Flooing into is protected.” Tom agreed. “My base is set up so that only certain people can Floo in alone, and only myself or Syna can Floo another person in with us. I’ll have to add you to the list of people who can Floo in, but you’ll have to go through the Floo once first, so it gets your signature.” He explained.
“Mm. Good safety measure.” Doo decided, nodding. “Should I shrink my bag, then?”
“Probably a good idea.” Tom smiled. Doo grinned and shrunk his bag, stuffing it into a pocket, before stepping up to the Dark Lord, who was standing next to the fireplace. “Right. Arm around my waist, Mr Tarrant. Make sure you hold on tight.”
“Sure thing, Mr Marvolo.” The pale-haired man agreed brightly, snaking his arm around Tom’s waist. Before the Dark Lord could toss in a pinch of power from the jar on the mantle, Doo leaned up and kissed his jaw.
Tom scowled down at the mischievous green eyes. “You will not do that at my base.”
“Of course not. Nor will I do it around the majority of Hogwarts. You do have an image to keep, after all.” Doo replied with a wide smile.
“Monster.” The Dark Lord grumbled before tossing the Floo power into the fireplace and stepping into it. “Slytherin Manor!”
There was a rush and swirl of fireplaces, then, after a sweep of magic, both wizards were spat out into a dark receiving room.
Doo let go of the Dark Lord to dust himself and Inda off. “Cheerful place, Milord.” He offered in an offhanded manner.
Tom tugged on Doo’s ponytail with a smirk. “Scared, are you?”
Doo shot the Dark Lord a cold look. “You wish.”
Tom spared a laugh for that before turning serious and drawing himself up to his full height. He was every inch the Lord Voldemort feared by the Wizarding world, now. “Let’s go, Tarrant.” He growled before sweeping from the room.
Doo followed the Dark Lord quietly, reaching up to stroke the snake on his shoulder. ‘This is the Dark Lord of children’s nightmares. This is that man parents tell their children will come and get them in the night if they don’t behave.’ He thought with a mental sigh. ‘This is the man I spent most of my life fighting, and have now fallen head-over-heels in love with. Dooley, what have you gotten yourself into this time?’
“My Lord. You’re back.” A voice called from in front of the Dark Lord. Doo almost recognized the voice, but poked his head around Voldemort to make sure.
“Only for a few moments, Lucius.” Voldemort purred dangerously. “I hope everything has been kept under control?”
The blonde nodded firmly. “Everything has been smooth during your absence, my Lord.”
:He’s lying.: Inda hissed in disgust.
Lucius’ gaze shot over to Doo and Inda as the Dark Lord narrowed his eyes at the Malfoy. “And who might you be, young man?” Lucius inquired of Doo coolly.
Doo mentally made a note of how he’d changed with his memories as Harry Potter returned even as he narrowed his eyes at the man instead of shrinking back uncertainty. “Dooley Tarrant. You’re Lucius Malfoy, as I recall.”
Lucius’ eyes flashed at Doo’s tone. “I don’t know any Tarrants. You must be a mudblood.” He sneered, filling the word ‘mudblood’ with venom.
“Actually, he’s a Forgotten.” Voldemort cut in sharply. “Lucius, you know I dislike liars.”
Doo smirked as the blonde broke into a sweat. “My Lord, I apologize, but it is under control.” Lucius murmured, bowing his head.
:...Close enough.: Inda agreed after a moment of tasting the air.
:Thank you, Luv.: Voldemort replied before turning back to Lucius. “It’s in your best interest, I think, if I never find out how you’ve messed up this time, don’t you agree, Lucius?” The Dark Lord purred.
:I don’t think he’s mad at me anymore.: Inda hissed over Lucius’ response. Doo smiled faintly and went back to stroking the cobra gently.
“Come on, Tarrant.” Voldemort ordered before starting off again. Doo hurried after him, smirking at Lucius as he swept past the blonde.
Once out of Lucius’ sight, Doo pulled even with the Dark Lord. “Where’s Draco?” He inquired curiously.
Voldemort glanced over at him. “Your friend, Ms Riddock, put him out of commission before I could deal with Potter.”
“Humph. Knew she could do it.” Doo responded coolly.
The Dark Lord allowed a faint smile to pass over his face before turning serious again. “Anyone else you’re curious about?”
“Sure. Pansy Parkinson.”
“Ms Turpin took her out, as I recall.”
“Good. She was annoying. What about Crabbe and Goyle?”
“Goyle the elder is Headmaster of Hogwarts. His son and the younger Crabbe were killed by Lucius when both went off on how great it was Draco was gone. The elder Crabbe is in charge of the Department of the Regulation of Dangerous Creatures, since Macnair was killed in your seventh year by Aurors.” Voldemort replied emotionlessly.
“Hm. How about Bellatrix Lestrange?” Doo inquired coolly, curling one hand into a fist at the thought of the woman.
The Dark Lord touched Doo’s shoulder briefly before answering. “That Metamorphmagus Auror, Nymphadora Tonks, she took Bella out. Saying something along the lines of ‘For my cousin, Harry, and Neville, you bitch’, as I recall.”
Doo smiled. “Tonks is a Forgotten?”
“No.”
Doo’s gaze shot around in shock. “She’s dead, then?” That didn’t seem right. Tonks was clumsy, yes, but she was damn clever, and too good an Auror by the Final Battle to have died in it.
“No, she’s still alive, but I couldn’t make her a Forgotten. Her Metamorphmagus abilities would have given her away immediately.” The Dark Lord replied.
“Then where is she?” Doo whispered, half afraid of the answer, but needing to know.
“Dungeons.” Voldemort said with a shrug. When Doo shot him a sharp look he scowled. “What did you expect me to do with her? There was no way she’d ever help me!”
Doo let out a sigh. “Let me talk to her before we leave.”
“Fine, but I doubt it’ll do any good.” The Dark Lord grunted.
“Tonks is my friend, Milord. It won’t hurt to try.” Doo pointed out tightly.
“Yes. Fine. Okay.” Voldemort muttered. “I’ll take you down after we visit the library.”
“What’s in the library?” Doo inquired.
“You’re lucky I happen to like you, Mr Tarrant.” Voldemort replied before stepping through a set of double doors.
Doo followed him in and froze in the doorway, eyes wide with shock at the large, circular room. Rows upon rows of books, covering a large assortment of subjects, stood three stories high, broken only by an alcove that held a circular staircase that led up to the upper two levels. Rolling ladders were attached to the shelves on each level, to minimize the need to Accio books. Comfortable chairs were spaced out around the main floor with a side table placed next to each. There were a few Death Eaters pulling down books or reading in the chairs, but they only looked up long enough to bow to the Dark Lord and give the man’s guest a quick look-over before returning to whatever they’d been doing.
“Hermione would be in heaven...” Doo murmured.
Voldemort cleared his throat impatiently. “Now, Tarrant.”
“Sorry, Milord.” Doo replied, quickly walking up to where the man had stopped next to the alcove for the staircase.
The Dark Lord pulled out a key ring and unlocked a door in the wall of the alcove that Doo hadn’t noticed originally. “In.” He ordered, holding the door open for the shorter wizard.
Doo slipped in and glanced around in the faint illumination that came from spelled lights in the various glass cases that had been placed around the room. The pale-haired wizard stepped up to the closest glass case and looked inside, eyes widening as he realized what it was. “Albus’ wand... By the Gods...”
“I kept all the ones I could find.” The Dark Lord agreed in a relaxed tone, tugging on Doo’s ponytail. “Yours should be around here somewhere.”
Doo glanced up at the Dark Lord in surprise. “Are you actually letting me have it back?”
Voldemort smiled faintly. “I’d rather not have people wonder who you are, love. If you continue to use wandless magic, they will wonder.”
Doo nodded and glanced around. “What about Tonks’ wand?”
The Dark Lord let out a helpless sound. “Fine. I’ll get it. But if she refuses you too, I’m snapping it. She gets no more chances.”
The green-eyed man nodded in resignation. “Understood.” He glanced around curiously. “How am I supposed to find my wand in this mess, Tom?”
“Hm?” The Dark Lord glanced up from where he was pulling out a willow wand. “It will call to you. Just concentrate.”
Doo glanced at Inda and cocked an eyebrow at her, getting a serpentine laugh from her. ‘Why the hell not.’ The wizard decided, closing his eyes and concentrating on his old holly wand. Immediately, he felt a mental tug from his left somewhere, so headed towards it carefully after opening his eyes to keep from running in to any cases. When he finally stopped, he found himself staring at his old wand and smiled. “Found it, Tom.”
The Dark Lord stepped over to him and unlocked the case with his key ring. He pulled out the wand, wincing slightly, and handed it to his companion. “There you are.” He murmured, locking the case back up.
“What’s wrong?” Doo asked, concern seeping through his voice, as he used a wandless spell to strap his wand to his right arm.
“That wand of yours doesn’t like me.” Voldemort replied, glancing at the hand he’d used to pick the wand up with. There was a small burn on his palm.
“Sorry...” Doo took the hurt hand gently and kissed the burn before leaning up to kiss the Dark Lord. Voldemort responded harshly, forcing his tongue into Doo’s mouth. Doo’s tongue met the other muscle head on and duelled with it for control. The small war was decided as a draw when both participants had to draw back for air.
Voldemort tugged Doo into a hug, resting his chin atop the shorter man’s head. “This is going to be a bit difficult, with both of us being dominants and all.”
Doo chuckled and closed his eyes. “Oh, we can trade off.”
The Dark Lord gave a particular vicious tug to Doo’s ponytail at that. “We’ll figure it out later. For now, I think you wanted to speak with Tonks?”
“Mm.” Doo pulled away from the Dark Lord’s grasp and offered him quick smile before making his face emotionless. “Lead the way, my Lord.”
“I could get used to this.” Voldemort teased before taking the lead out of the room of wands, through the library, and back into the hallway. There, he turned left and led the way down a ways to a darkened staircase where Marcus Flint stood guard.
Marcus bowed to the Dark Lord, watching Doo out of the corner of his eyes. “My Lord is going down to the dungeons?”
“Both Mr Tarrant and I are, yes.” Voldemort agreed coldly.
“Shall I stay here, my Lord?” Marcus inquired calmly.
“Yes. Let’s go, Tarrant.” The Dark Lord said before sweeping off down the stairs. Doo ignored Inda’s laughter and followed the scarlet-eyed wizard down into the chilled dungeons.
:He’s having fun ordering you around, Doo.: Inda sniggered.
“Hush, you.” Doo shot back in a whisper.
Voldemort stopped before a cell. “Good evening, Ms Tonks.” He offered in a cold voice. “You have a visitor.”
“I don’t want any more visitors, you fucker.” The witch spat, rattling her chains as she turned away from the door. Her dark hair hung around her face in tangles and her skin was covered in bruises, scars, and scabs. Her clothing had been ripped more than once and hung from her shoulders limply.
Doo shook his head in shock. “Open the door, Tom.” He ordered sharply.
Deadened grey eyes turned to stare at Doo, who froze. “Who are you?” Tonks asked.
Doo shook his head to clear it of memories as the Dark Lord opened the door quietly. “Dooley Tarrant, Tonks, though you once knew me by another name.” Doo offered, slipping into the cell.
“And that was?” Tonks shot back suspiciously.
Doo cocked his head to the side as he let Inda down. “You look like Siri. I assume you did it for a reason?”
Tonks startled, then narrowed her eyes. “Why do you call him that?”
“Hum?” Doo settled himself on the floor in arm’s reach of the witch, if she moved forward a bit more. “Oh, because you and Remus always used to call him that after his death.” He paused for a moment, taking a deep breath. “I suppose it finally wore off on me, you know?” He smiled.
Tonks inched forward uncertainly, squinting her eyes. “Light?”
Doo rose a hand between them. “Lumos.”
Tonks blinked down at the wandless light for a brief moment before looking up into the wizard’s eyes. She rose a hand to touch Doo’s cheek gently. Rather suddenly, she launched herself into Doo’s arms with a sob. “Harry!”
Doo wrapped his arms around the Metamorphmagus, silently ending his wandless spell. “I’m here. It’s alright now.” He murmured.
“Albus said you’d be fine. He said to believe in you, so I did. You’re really here. You’re really alive.” Tonks whispered, clinging to the pale-haired man.
“Yes.” Doo agreed before glancing over his shoulder at the scowling Dark Lord. “What’s that look for?”
“Nothing.” Voldemort replied darkly.
Doo cocked an eyebrow at the man, but didn’t enquire further. “Can you unchain her?”
“No.”
“And why not?”
“Harry, don’t...” Tonks begged, glancing up at the smoldering rubies watching them.
“It’s alright, Tonks.” Doo murmured, smoothing her hair with a free hand before turning back to the Dark Lord. “Why not?”
“I do not unchain prisoners.” Voldemort replied coldly in English before switching to Parseltongue. :We’ve already had this talk, Doo. If you can get her to agree not to fight against me and help me instead, I will free her. Until then, she stays chained.:
“Even if you lock the cell door?” Doo demanded.
“I am not locking you in there with an Order of the Phoenix member who still has their memories!” The Dark Lord shot back furiously, not even bothering with Parseltongue, since the other refused to go along with it.
“You seem to have forgotten that I was the co-leader of the Order of the Phoenix, Tom.” The green-eyed man responded coolly.
“You, Mr Tarrant, have sworn not to cause trouble. She has not.”
“Harry? You swore your wand to him?” Tonks whispered, horrified.
Doo let her crawl away from him and watched her pull back against the wall with sad eyes. “I swore a Wizard’s Oath to not try and destroy his government, yes.” The wizard agreed calmly. “I have no problem with the current government of the Wizarding world, Tonks. I see no reason to start another war to change something that’s working so well.”
“You’re not the Harry Potter I remember.” Tonks murmured, shaking her head.
“No. Of course, I’ve spent the last ten years not remembering any of my life as Harry Potter. I only got my memories back this afternoon.” Doo explained gently. “I see things very differently from how I used to.”
“I told you this was pointless.” Voldemort growled. “Get your arse out here.”
“Shut up.” Doo shot back over his shoulder coldly before looking back at Tonks, eyes filled with sadness. “Tonks, please, Tom agreed to let you free, but only if you can promise not to try and take down his government. He’ll give you back your wand and everything. Just, please, agree not to do anything foolish.” He whispered sadly.
“I will not, in any way, bind myself to that-that...that thing!” Tonks screamed.
“Doo, get out here.” Voldemort ordered coldly.
Doo stood and stared at the Dark Lord pleadingly. “Tom, please...”
“No. This was a foolish idea and I should have said no at the get-go. Get out here.”
“Tom...”
“Now, Dooley.” The Dark Lord hissed furiously, pulling out Tonks’ wand. “Let’s go. I have to snap this before we go back to the school, and we’re running late.”
Doo shook his head helplessly. “Tom, Tom, please!” Voldemort took one end of Tonks’ wand in either hand. ‘I can’t loose Tonks!’ Doo closed his eyes and used his last weapon against the furious Dark Lord. “If you love me, you won’t do that.” He whispered, opening his eyes.
Neither wizard noticed Tonks’ gasp as Voldemort froze and stared into tear-filled green eyes. “You will not use that against me.” The Dark Lord spat, but he put the wand back into a pocket.
Doo took a deep breath, keeping his eyes locked with Voldemort. “Tonks, would it be alright if you bound yourself to me instead of Tom?”
“I-yes... That would be okay, I guess...” Tonks murmured.
“Tom, is that alright with you?” Doo asked the man across from him.
“You will be taking the heat for her.” Voldemort pointed out.
“I am aware of that.”
Scarlet eyes searched green eyes sharply for a long moment before he nodded. “Then I agree. She will have to listen to you.”
Doo nodded and turned to Tonks, who was standing against the wall. “Tonks?”
The witch nodded her head. “What is your name in the Muggle world again?”
“Dooley Shannon Tarrant.” Doo replied softly. ‘Why does this remind me of the Order inductions?’ He thought helplessly. He hated having people literally bound to him, always had, but this was the only way to save his friend.
Tonks took a deep breath. “I, Nymphadora Black Tonks, hereby swear on the magic within me, that I will follow the instructions of Harry James Potter, also known as Dooley Shannon Tarrant, in regards to the government of the Dark Lord Voldemort.”
Voldemort nodded in agreement to the Oath and, with a wave of his hand, the shackles on the witch disappeared. “I assume you’re planning on dragging her with us to Hogwarts.” He grumbled to Doo.
Doo smiled at the Dark Lord as he drew Tonks into a hug. :Thank you, love.: He hissed softly before smiling brightly at Tonks, who replied with a much smaller smile. “Here, let’s see what we can do about these rags.”
Tonks let out a long-suffering sigh. “Nothing. They’re completely destroyed.”
“Do one of your fancy transfigurations.” Voldemort suggested, idly casting Cleaning Charms at both of the people in the cell.
Doo cocked an eyebrow at Tonks. “That okay?”
Tonks shrugged. “Whatever.” She stepped back so the younger man could get a good look at her.
Doo blinked a few times at the old battle robes she still wore. They were a dark grey with a single flaming red phoenix set over her heart. “Right...” He murmured before waving his hands in front of the woman. Both Tonks and Voldemort watched in amazement as the ragged robes bloomed. The dark grey became smoky and gathered a pattern of moving flames that reached upwards to Tonks’ waist. A phoenix slid in and out of the flames, occasionally moving above the fire to fly through the smoky sky. The sleeves, hem, and neck were tattered in a manner that one could have found on a younger Tonks, before the war.
“Doo, if you ever get sick of your candy shop, I insist you apply to be the Transfiguration professor at Hogwarts.” The Dark Lord breathed.
“No, no. Become a robe designer.” Tonks suggested. “Make a name for yourself in the Wizarding world that way.”
The Dark Lord stared at Tonks in amazement as Doo laughed. “No, no, she’s got a good one. It would allow you to keep your precious candy shop, but it would also give you the ability to move through the Wizarding population as you need. You could, literally, go anywhere. You’d have to, to offer your new fashions.”
Doo looked between the Dark Lord and ex-Auror. “Oooookay! Tell you what, we’ll discuss this at the school and get everyone else’s opinions, too. Tom has a good point, we’re running late. Syna’s going to wonder if we tried killing one another over something stupid.” The green-eyed wizard said, leading Tonks to the cell door.
Voldemort shrugged and held out Tonks’ wand for the witch to take. “Syna can panic all she wants. It’s fun to watch.”
“You’re horrible.” Doo snorted, picking Inda up and draping her around his shoulders.
“So you say.” Voldemort agreed. “Now both of you do me a favour and at least pretend you can act civilized until we get to the school?”
“Of course, my Lord.” Doo said seriously, before turning to Tonks. “Might I suggest changing you appearance so you’re not noticeable as yourself?”
“Oh! I’ve been Siri for so long that I nearly forgot!” Tonks said before concentrating really hard. Her hair shifted from black to blonde, her eyes from grey to gold. Her skin darkened considerably, giving her a tanned look. “Better?” She inquired in an contralto pitch.
“Much. I think we’re ready, my Lord.” Doo nodded.
“Stay behind me.” Voldemort ordered, sparing Doo a sharp look, before he turned and led the way from the dungeons.
“Shall I call you Doo now?” Tonks asked softly.
“Yeah.” Doo smiled. “It’s best if it doesn’t come to light that I’m not really dead, don’t you think?”
“Probably true.” Tonks grinned and tugged on a lock of Doo’s hair. “I like this colour.”
“Oh, yes. It’s very white.” Doo agreed with the air of one stating an obvious observation. Tonks rolled her eyes.
“My Lord.” Marcus’ voice floated past the leading Dark Lord. Doo grabbed Tonks’ nearest hand in his own and winked at her. Tonks slid a little bit closer to the pale-haired man with a small smile as they all moved past the dungeon guard. Marcus narrowed his eyes at Tonks and Doo.
Inda shot a dark look back at the Death Eater, rising up from her position on Doo’s shoulder. :I dare you to say something, you scum.: She spat at him.
Voldemort glanced over his shoulder at the serpent and found the two males glaring daggers at one another and Tonks standing extremely close to her saviour. “Tarrant! Black! Now.” He growled, shooting Marcus a warning look.
“Apologies, my Lord.” Doo replied evenly, leading Tonks away from the hostile Death Eater guard.
:He smells funny.: Inda muttered, settling back down on Doo’s shoulder.
“Funny, how?” The green-eyed man murmured as they got on their way again, reaching up to stroke the reptile on his shoulder.
:Untrustworthy.: Inda responded.
Doo nodded with a frown. “I see...”
“What’s wrong?” Tonks inquired softly.
“Inda, the cobra on my shoulder, she says Flint smells untrustworthy.” Doo said, glancing over at her.
“The rebellion...” Tonks nodded.
Doo narrowed his eyes. “When we get to Hogwarts, I’ll talk Syna into keeping Tom busy. You tell me what you know about this rebellion.”
Tonks paused to think about this, then nodded. “Right.”
“My Lord, do you mind if I borrov you for a moment? Severus and I had something to shov you.” Syna said when the conversation they’d all been having had started to die down.
“Yes, yes.” The Dark Lord stood with a weary sigh and glanced over at Doo. :You’re staying here?:
:Yeah. I’d probably only get in your way, after all.: Doo agreed, smiling faintly. The Dark Lord nodded and followed Syna from the room. Once the door had closed behind the two leaders of the Wizarding world, Doo turned to Tonks. “Tonks, what do you know about this rebellion?”
“She knovs about the rebellion?!” Deva hissed.
“What rebellion?” Nick scowled.
Tonks snorted. “The rebellion some of the Death Eaters are planning.” She said. “They’re tired of being ordered around, so they’re working on finding a way to overthrow Voldemort.”
“How the hell do they plan on ruling without Voldemort around?!” Nick hissed. “I don’t like the man, but even I can see he’s the whole reason this government is working so well!”
“They don’t like that he has alloved the Muggleborns into Hogvarts, for one.” Deva sighed. “They do not like that he is not folloving through vith the reasons he started the Dark Order.”
“And they don’t like that he made the Forgotten out of the fighters of the Light.” Doo sighed, leaning back in his chair.
“No, they don’t.” Deva agreed. “And there are probably more reasons that ve are not thinking of, too.”
“Idiots.” Nick growled. “They want civil war?”
“Yes.” Tonks nodded. “They want to take down the government and rebuild it.”
“Do you know who the members of this resistance are, Tonks?” Doo murmured.
“No. They always wore masks.” Tonks replied with a sigh. “They had meetings in the dungeons because they didn’t think Voldemort would find them, and that we, the prisoners, might help them with stuff.”
“You didn’t, of course.” Deva growled.
“No.” Tonks shot the other woman a cold look. “Just because I don’t like Voldemort means I’d sink so low as to help Death Eaters take over.”
“Enough.” Doo murmured, not looking at the women. “Inda, you said Marcus Flint smelled untrustworthy. Have you noticed any others that smell like that?”
Inda glanced up from her position on the rug in front of the fireplace. :I do not recall any, no, but I have rarely left Tom’s rooms.:
“That’s what I was afraid of.” Doo sighed. “If it’s not too much trouble, could you slither around the school and see what you can find out for me? Especially listen for conversations about this rebellion?”
:Yes. Stay out of sight, right?:
“Right. Any other snakes you might find that have masters either on our side or who have no masters at this school will also be helpful.”
:On it.: Inda replied before slithering from the room through a crack in the wall.
“She knovs nothing?” Deva sighed.
“She’s looking.” Doo responded. “She’s normally left in Tom’s rooms, you know, so she doesn’t get the chance to see, or smell, much.”
“Of course...” Deva ran a hand through her hair before shooting the green-eyed wizard a piercing look. “Come on, then. Spill. Vat did you and our Lord do after you kicked us all out?”
Doo smirked. “We talked, I gave a Wizard’s Oath to behave, then we took a nap. Nothing exciting.”
“Oh, come on, Doo.” Nick sighed. “You’ve always filled me in on what all you did with Zack when I didn’t want to know. What all have you done with the jackass?”
Green eyes twinkled mischievously. “I have no idea what you’re talking about.” He responded, making Tonks laugh.
“Vat are you four up to?” Syna inquired, stepping back into the room with the Dark Lord and another dark-haired man.
“Snape! You fucker!” Tonks shouted, standing furiously.
Doo grabbed Tonks’ waist and tugged her down into his lap. “Calm down. Now.” He ordered. The woman stopped struggling against his hold and settled for glaring at the potion maker.
Severus cocked his eyebrow at the witch in Doo’s lap. “A Muggle friend of yours, Mr Tarrant?”
Tom smirked, settling in the now-empty chair next to Doo. “Sit, Severus.” He suggested. He waited until the black-eyed man had sat on the other side of the room before speaking again. “Ms Tonks is here because Doo requested her freedom.”
“What?!” Severus shouted, staring at the dangerous gold eyes across from him.
Doo smiled around the witch in his lap. “See, Tom, you’re not the only one who knew me for almost a decade and wasn’t able to recognize me.”
“That’s just because you’re nothing like the Harry Potter we knew before.” Tonks offered, waving one hand idly.
Tom snorted as Severus gaped at the green-eyed man. “That look is most undignified, Mr Snape.”
Severus’ mouth slammed shut. “You’re dead.” He said after a moment of silence to Doo.
“Really? I thought I was still breathing.” Doo teased, eyes glittering.
“Why the hell aren’t you causing a ruckus?!” Severus shouted. “Why aren’t you running off to help the rebellion?! Why are you still here?!”
“Because he has sworn a Wizard’s Oath to not do so.” Tom said softly. “That’s enough shouting.”
“And Tonks has sworn a Wizard’s Oath to listen to me.” Doo added. “So, Severus, you can consider us allies and stop glaring.”
Syna gave a discreet cough when Severus didn’t stop glaring at Doo. “Doo, my Lord says you haff svorn help against the resistance?”
Doo nodded, turning to the witch. “Yes. Why?”
“Then ve can all trade our observations. Tonks?” Syna gave the Metamorphmagus a piercing look.
“I will help Harry.” Tonks replied coldly.
Doo smiled and resting his head on Tonks’ shoulder so he could see everyone in the room. “All right?”
“Fine.” Severus growled, leaning back in his chair. “Tonks, why don’t you get your own chair so that Potter-“
“His name, Severus, is Dooley Tarrant.” The Dark Lord cut in fiercely. “If you call him anything else, I’ll Crucio you.”
“Tom...” Doo groaned as Tonks seated herself on the arm of his chair.
“You said it yourself. Harry Potter is dead.” Tom replied, looking at Doo.
“And he is best off staying that vay.” Deva agreed, resting a hand on Severus’ arm. “You haff alvays gotten along vith Doo up till nov. Vy start fighting just because you did not like vo he vas?”
“I like that gal.” Tonks murmured to Doo. Doo grinned.
:I have information!: Inda called, sliding back into the room.
“What...?” The Dark Lord frowned at the serpent, then looked over at Doo.
Doo smiled at Tom. “We sent Inda out to see what she could find out while you were gone, Tom.” He glanced at Inda. “Well?”
:Lucius Malfoy is the leader. He was in the dungeons with that idiot Headmaster and a group of sixth and seventh years. They’re planning an attack tomorrow, I think.: Inda said, curling up in front of the fire.
Doo and Tom traded startled looks. “I told you I never liked the man.” Doo growled, sitting back with a dark look.
“Uhm, would one of you two please tell us what Inda said?” Tonks inquired, poking Doo’s arm.
“Lucius is their leader.” Tom said shortly. “Goyle and a group of older students were planning some sort of attack for tomorrow.”
:Sounded like they already had it planned and were just meeting to fine tune the details.: Inda added.
Tom narrowed his eyes at the fire. “But, if they already had it planned, they would have had to meet before this, which means we should have known already.”
“Why’s that?” Nick asked, leaning forward.
“Severus and I have been taking turns vatching Goyle.” Syna explained.
“But could Goyle haff found out you vere vatching him and found a vay around it?” Deva inquired.
“No. We’ve been watching them in our Animagus forms, neither of which are registered.” Severus shook his head.
“Unless he’s found out your Animagus forms.” Doo murmured, rubbing at his chin. “Severus, I know you’re a bat. Syna, what are you?”
“Black cat.” The Deputy Headmistress replied.
Doo nodded. “Nick, can you watch the store without me there tomorrow?”
“Eh? Yeah.” Nick blinked. “Why?”
Doo looked at Tom. “If you give me a portkey that will get me back into the building tomorrow, I’ll run surveillance.”
“And Voldemort can stay at the shop with Nick and me.” Tonks nodded. “Perfect. He’ll never guess your form, Harry.”
“What is it?” Severus asked, frowning.
Doo smirked. “You’ll see.”
“So, what is your Animagus form?” Tom inquired that night. They were back at Doo’s flat. Nick had gone home and Tonks was staying with Deva. They’d all stayed at the school long enough to have dinner, then said their goodbyes and returned home. Inda had remained at the school with plans to keep an eye on Goyle for the night.
Doo smiled over his shoulder at the man on the bed. He was working on his laptop at his desk. “It’s black, and it has wings.”
“Doo, I’m not playing twenty questions with you.”
“Aww. Why not?”
“Tarrant.” The Dark Lord growled, narrowing his eyes at the younger man.
Doo let out a resigned sigh and, with a ‘pop’, disappeared. A small black ball of feathers took off from the chair Doo had been sitting in and settled lightly on the top of Doo’s wardrobe to preen.
Tom stood and stepped up to the wardrobe with an amused look. “Not very noticeable, gets around quickly, and flies. Why am I not surprised?” He chuckled, holding up an arm for the tiny owl, which flew down to him and stared into his eyes. Tom reached up with his free hand and started petting the bird, smiling when it let out a pleased hoo.
Suddenly, the owl hopped from Tom’s arm and changed back into Doo while in flight. The green-eyed man grinned. “Tonks, Hermione, Albus, and McGonagall helped me with it, so they’re the only ones that knew I even had an Animagus form, let alone what it was.”
Tom’s eyes widened as he realized something. “All those times I saw a small black owl flying around during a battle or a meeting, that was you, wasn’t it?”
“Yes.” Doo inclined his head.
The Dark Lord shook his head in amusement. “Perfect. If anyone notices you, they’ll think nothing of it. Just another owl delivering mail.”
Doo smirked. “Ah, but Tom, I can do something neither Syna nor Severus can do.”
“And that is?”
“I can perform spells in my Animagus form.”
Tom’s eyes widened. “Are you really needed to run Sherbet Lemon? Are you sure I can’t steal you for information gathering?”
“Only twice a week and on the weekends, Tom.” Doo replied, shaking his finger in the Dark Lord’s face. “I have to be here sometimes, you know.”
“Well, damn.” The Dark Lord sighed.
Doo laughed. “I’ll see what I can find out tomorrow, okay?”
“Yes, yes.”
Green eyes glittered with laughter. “Oh, come on. Let’s get some sleep.”
“Right.”
A/N: Meh. I don’t really like this chapter, personally. It is where most of the questions I’ve been asked are answered, though, so I suppose it’s important. *sighes*
Dude, part of this chapter wasn’t written on this computer. I finished reading over the chapter one last time, searching for mistakes, and found...nothing. A big blank space. So I had to boot up my school laptop and type up eight or nine lines so I could actually post this.(I can tell this is the first Harry Potter fic I’ve spell checked on this computer, you know. I just had to add every single name/word to the dictionary... -.-)
For all the reviewers: The fact that Peter was the one to recognize Doo first wasn’t as difficult to figure out as you might have thought. Kudos to Cloe for being the only person the catch the black bandana that Doo had been wearing over his white hair that day. *hands over a large plate of brownies to Cloe*
~Batsutousai ^.^x
A.K.A. Bats
Prologue
1 - Hogwarts ||| 2 - Nicholas Wants Answers ||| 3 - Depression
4 - The Greatest Idiot ||| 5 - Another Clue ||| 6 - Discovered
10 - The True Threat Becomes Known ||| 11 - Gathering Allies ||| 12 - A New Bond
13 - Culross and Her Staff ||| 14 - Courting Your Fate
Discontinued
.
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Date: 21/5/05 21:38 (UTC)You may not like it but this is a good chapter. I really, really like Inda.
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Date: 21/5/05 21:55 (UTC)No, you didn't miss it... *thinks* I seem to recall it being mentioned a few chapters from now, but I could be wrong... *sighes* I'd check, but it's on the other computer, which has a dead battery right now(and I'm too lazy to pull the damn cord out and charge it... -.-).
Well, yay! ^.~
Eveyone likes Inda... *amused look*
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Date: 22/5/05 21:01 (UTC)What type of cobra is she anyway?
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Date: 24/5/05 19:39 (UTC)O.O There are different sorts? *headdesk* No, I think I knew that. *sighes* No clue. Suppose I could look 'em up and decide on one... *hums* Or I could make her a spitting cobra. Always wanted one of those... XD
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Date: 24/5/05 19:54 (UTC)I have mentioned recently that I like snakes?
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Date: 26/5/05 12:22 (UTC)Really? *dry look*
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Date: 21/5/05 22:37 (UTC)I am so glad that Doo and Tom are still together! I am just so thrilled... Lol sorry for my weirdness. ^.^
I would never have guessed that Doo was an owl, I always figured Doo would be a panther or I dunno a snake lol.
Anyway it's not the best chap out of the whole story but it is still worth the read!
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Date: 21/5/05 23:25 (UTC)*laughes* Not weirdness, hun. One should be glad they're still together.
I've always liked having him as a panther myself, but I needed something small and unnoticable, so I went with owl.
Ah, see, that's what I thought. Definately not the best I've ever written, but it works.
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Date: 22/5/05 00:30 (UTC)I understand Harry/Doo is something unoticable, if it wasn't it couldn't connect with Harry spying on meetings. I really like owls anyway so it's all good lol. Would he be just as big as pig? That would be cute eh!
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Date: 22/5/05 01:32 (UTC)Aye, I was thinking about Pig when I decided on his form.
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Date: 21/5/05 22:46 (UTC)no subject
Date: 21/5/05 23:27 (UTC)no subject
Date: 22/5/05 03:49 (UTC)I'm glad Tonks is back, and I'm also glad that Harry has decided to help Voldemort out. I was so scared that they'd spend chapters avoiding each other for one reason or another, but I like how you wrote it--Harry is a different person, now, and Voldemort is smart enough to realize that.
I'm very interested to see the intricacies of the rebellion.
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Date: 22/5/05 04:26 (UTC)I'm very interested to see the intricacies of the rebellion.
Don't expect much. This is Goyle and Lucius we're talking about here... *sniggers*
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Date: 22/5/05 03:57 (UTC)This has to be my favorite bit, though there are many others:
Doo shook his head helplessly. “Tom, Tom, please!” Voldemort took one end of Tonks’ wand in either hand. ‘I can’t loose Tonks!’ Doo closed his eyes and used his last weapon against the furious Dark Lord. “If you love me, you won’t do that.” He whispered, opening his eyes.
Neither wizard noticed Tonks’ gasp as Voldemort froze and stared into tear-filled green eyes. “You will not use that against me.” The Dark Lord spat, but he put the wand back into a pocket.
And surprising Sev. *smirkles* funfunfun.
Good choice of Animagus form, I thought. Not cliche, but terribly terribly annoying to anyone not on your side. (Have mental image of a black version of Pig bouncing off the walls, and Darklord-Dearest looking frazzled.)
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Date: 22/5/05 04:32 (UTC)Yes, see, the idea was to keep away from the clichés as much as possible. ^.~
(Have mental image of a black version of Pig bouncing off the walls, and Darklord-Dearest looking frazzled.)
I choked on my chips when I read that. Thought I was gonna die for a minute there. *laughes*
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Date: 22/5/05 04:00 (UTC)no subject
Date: 22/5/05 04:27 (UTC)Yay! So glad you liked!!
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Date: 22/5/05 07:19 (UTC)I actually really really liked this chapter. I suppose it's because there were cute Doo/Tom moments in abundance! Oh and a lot of Inda... i'm petrified of snekes and yet... i like Inda... suppose that you're just good at writing things in a more pleasant light... or something.
Hey, i just noticed i wasn't speechless... in fact i'm rambling... this chapter must have really excited me then *sweatdrop*.
ANYWAY, i'm glad Tonks is alive and back and stuff, and i was amused by Doo threatening Nick, dunno why but i was *grin*. All in all i LOVE this fic. You are the best!!!
~Duana.
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Date: 24/5/05 19:42 (UTC)Why, thank you! I'm glad you liked it!! ^.~
Yay
Date: 22/5/05 08:42 (UTC)*hugs* thanks
good chapter, whether or not you liked it yourself ;) Inda really did help, as did Syna. I think it's good that doo pledged himself/his magic/something to voldemort, I think that even if harry disliked being famous he did like magic.
Never liked Lucius myself, he's an arrogant bastard despite his parents being married, blood isn't everything. If you aren't vampire. I'm going to use a quote from a good friend of mine: "Kill him dead!" *gins insanely*
Doo's animagus form is one of the most original I've seen. He's usually a snake or a lion (or some magical creature, often including one or both of those) and owl is so much less conspicious. *looks around for out of place birds*
Tonks being alive, and now, able to move around is good I think, not because I like her (I can't stand her most of the time, truth to be told, espcially not when she's paired up with harry *stares in horror*) but because there are links from a past long gone... and forgotten.
Re: Yay
Date: 24/5/05 19:48 (UTC)*snorts* Lucius is a bit of a bastard, isn't he? *amused look* I like your friend. Good line, there. ^.~
It's original? *blinks* Cool! I've always seen him as more of an owl than one of those larger or more popular animals, really. Never thought it would be original! *laughes*
No, Tonks paired with Harry generally scares me. However, I've found that I'm a bit of a fan of Tonks paired with Hermione or Ginny. ^.^
but because there are links from a past long gone... and forgotten.
That was bad. That was really, really bad. *headdesk*
Re: Yay
Date: 24/5/05 21:20 (UTC)Re: Yay
Date: 26/5/05 12:24 (UTC)no subject
Date: 22/5/05 10:26 (UTC)Oh, wait. Never mind. *hugs Inda and gives her treats* My bad.
Tom totally deserved that punch. He called Doo Potter, which is so not allowed unless it's in a fun-loving and/or joking manner. *smirk, cough* What?
Oh, yay! The battle/war/past isn't bothering Doo. Though I'm worried it might at some point.
And... BILL DIED! That is, just- so sad! *weeps*
I wonder, will Harry always be Doo, small-town, Lemon Drop Doo? Or will he at some point be married to Tom and be the Dark Lord's consort Doo. Or the Dark Lord's Consort Harry Potter? Can't say I have a preference, just curious. XD
Yay! Tonks is alive! And has joined Doo! I always liked her. XD I know I'm getting all curious and plot-secrets searchy on you, but will Doo be getting more people bound to him? Like those who wouldn't bind themselves to Voldemort but they would to Doo?
Can't Doo once again speak Parseltongue as well as understand it? Or is he not using it because he doesn't want people noticing he has that skill? And if that's the case, shouldn't he lay low about understanding Inda too?
Oh! Owl!Harry sounds so CUTE! I want one! He sounds small, and black, and fluffy. ♥
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Date: 24/5/05 20:01 (UTC)Yes, I dare say Tom did deserve that punch. XD
Yes, Bill died. But he went out a hero. *pats*
Up in the air Doo future is. < /Yoda impression>
Yes, Tonks is alive.
And, yes, you are getting all plot searchy, aren't you? *chuckles* Too bad I'm not spilling, eh? XD
He can speak it now, yes. He's not really used to using it again, yet. That, and, if he speaks in English, at least those he calls allies can understand half of the conversation. ^.~
*laughes* I'll have to start selling Owl!Harry plushies, won't I? *amused look* Or, perhaps, handing them out.
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Date: 25/5/05 09:46 (UTC)I'd rather have a Dark, cynical alive Bill. *grin* He's just got the best hair, and lookat his earing! OMG. *goes fangirl* It'd be a crime if he didn't wear leather, or some nice, fitting jeans, and shag Harry. Or Lucius. Or Harry/Bill/Lucius/Tom. ...what?
*squishes Yoda* Wouldn't he make the best replacement for Dumbledore? XD
*sigh* It's always worth a shot. Who knows, you might let something slip someday. And I'll be waiting. hehe
Ah, that makes sense.
Ooooh, Owl!Harry Plushie! *pets*
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Date: 26/5/05 12:31 (UTC)*laughes* Oh yes, the long hair is lovely, isn't it? ^.^ And, yes, definately leather.
He'd be better than Dumbles! I mean, it's Yoda. XD
*amused look* Oh, really? I suppose I'll have to keep a tight lid on things.
Hum.... Think people would review if I promised plushies? XD
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Date: 27/5/05 23:39 (UTC)WAY better than Dumbles! Yoda is like Dumbles times a thousand squared! Mwuahahahaha!
*bats eyelashes innocently* Oh no, there's no need to keep that lid tightly shut. Really. *encouraging smile*
I'd review for a plushie! Of course, I review anyway, but lets not concentrate on that right now...
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Date: 30/5/05 19:00 (UTC)*snorts* And what was your grade in math? XD
*uses a welding thingum on lid to make certain no one gets in there*
XD
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Date: 31/5/05 23:41 (UTC)Um... >.> Truly my grade in math was a shining example unto all others. Then somewhere between public school and now I forgot it all. :P Mwuhahaha.
Eek! Yes, EEK! *pries at lid* Damnation! XP
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Date: 2/6/05 15:00 (UTC)*snigger, snort*
*does her Ebil Laugh of Doooooooom*
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Date: 22/5/05 18:38 (UTC)I really really liked the first part of the story, but the part with Tonks got kinda weird. How they can just go from High Noon-kinda standoff to laughing together in just an eye-blink, I don't get. *sigh* And it was very nice to see how Harry-Doo's personality became a blend of leaderOfMen!Harry and practical, don't-really-care-about-the-War-anymore!Doo. (hope you understood that piece of rambling)
And nicely long-ish chapter too! More happiness!
-I'm starting to think those brownies gave me a bit of a sugar-rush...
*happy sigh* Doo and Tom are soooo good together!
cloe
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Date: 24/5/05 20:04 (UTC)See, it was bringing in Tonks that got me kinda weary. I fixed that a bit next chapter. She and Tom are being friendly, mostly, to keep Doo happy, though also because a division would be a fairly bad thing. Don't get me wrong, those two will be at each other's throats before you know it. ^.~
Only a bit of a sugar rush? *laughes*
They are, aren't they?! ^.^
What the...?
Date: 25/5/05 10:50 (UTC)Anyway, I have an exam in 12 minutes, so I just tell you the title of that fic: Choosing Loyalties, by ntamara. Have fun, I'll be having a hell of time, just now... :(
Enelen
Re: What the...?
Date: 26/5/05 12:34 (UTC)Ewwww.... Exam.. *hugs* Nasty things, them.
Yay! Thanks! I now have something to read! ^.^
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Date: 29/5/05 19:33 (UTC)Wonderful chapter and so long! It made me a very happy girl. XD
Right, am a bit scatterbrained at the moment (or always), but I'm going to ramble on a bit, though it probably won't make much sense.
Yay Inda! I love her character, and she amuses me. And she yells at Tom! Even though she did scare me at first when she mentioned killing Harry. Because Harry can't be killed since he is far too wonderful. And I have the slight problem where I think Harry should always win at life. But, it is fun to torture him a bit first.
Owl!Harry made me giggle and squee and all sorts of things. I want one. HP stores should put out mini Harry owls even though it isn't canon because you're ideas are clearly more fun to play with than JKR's. And little Tom/Harry figurines. *nods*
Oh, and Severus hating Harry for being Harry, even though he liked Doo! That is such a Snapey thing to do. *smacks him* Will Harry always want to be called Doo, or will he eventually reconcile the two people together and accept that he is still Harry Potter? I think I would like it either way because on the one hand, he gets a new life, which I really want him to have. But on the other hand, he can mesh both worlds together and be happy that way.
Ok, I'm going to be quiet now because otherwise I might ramble on until I started quoting this chapter back at you for like 12 comment pages. *giggles*
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Date: 30/5/05 19:05 (UTC)Good! ^.^
Rambling is fine... Making sense is overrated. XD
Torturing Harry. Yes, good. *nods*
*laughes* Well,
Well, it's probably better off if "Harry Potter" stays dead, though you'll see Doo using that aspect of himself to his advantage in the future.(Like...next chapter... XD)
No, no! Long reivews! I like long reviews!! ^.^