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batsutousaiTitle: Abandon
Author:![[livejournal.com profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/external/lj-userinfo.gif)
batsutousai
Beta:magickmaker17
Pairings: Harry/Tom(Voldemort), Seamus/Blaise, Ginevra/Theodore, post-Ron/Hermione, Salazar/Godric, Sirius/Remus
Warnings: This will have slash(Guys on guys, ppl.), Dumbledore bashing, Ron bashing, TORTURE SCENES, blood, screaming, liberal usage of the Cruciatus Curse.
Disclaim Her: Getting a lip ring would be cool, don’t you think?
Key:
Mind-speak
:Parseltongue:
’Written thoughts’
°°Phoenix speech°°
A/N: Yet another Time Warp!!
This is the last chapter of Abandon! Savour it!
-
Chapter 47, Part 1
-
Harry smiled at the graduating Juniors seated in their usual circle. Hermione and Neville sat in chairs apart from the circle, each holding a twin. "This will be our last meeting here on Hogwarts grounds," he started, walking around the outside of the circle. "From now on, meetings will be held at either Slytherin Manor or Malfoy Manor. The necklace will burn when you are called, as you well know by now."
"Harry, why aren't the sixth years here?" Terry asked darkly.
"Terry, why are you questioning me?" Harry shot back evenly, pausing to meet the other's gaze. Terry looked away first and Harry nodded before returning to his circling and talking. "To answer Terry's question, the sixth years aren't here because this doesn't concern them. Any meetings for them will be in Hogwarts next year. You all will be out in the real world and, as such, will have to attend meetings in the real world."
Harry stopped at the other end of the circle from Neville and Hermione and looked around. "From now on, you will be attending full Death Eater meetings and, chances are, I won't always be there. Voldemort is the one you will listen to if that occurs, of course, as we always plan together on such things. As things have always been for the Juniors, you will not be expected to go on any raids. Instead, you will be expected to gain information for the Dark Order, recruit other people, and help in any other ways required of you.
"If I ever need any of you for anything, I will contact you my own way. Strange messages may come for you at strange times and in strange ways. My mark will always be the crossed green and red wands. Voldemort's mark is the Dark Mark. Those symbols will tell you who the message is from. If one of you need to get in contact with another member but you aren't expected to meet with each other, send a message to myself or Voldemort through an acceptable route. If you cannot find an acceptable route, owl me and hope I get to it before the Order does.
"Missing meetings or coming to meetings unforgivably late are not in your best interest, especially if I am not there. If I'm not there, Voldemort's rules apply and I guarantee he'll Crucio you if you don't have an excuse he finds to his taste. I'd tell you to make some up, in case you are caught by him, but I know he'll be likely to catch it. Your best bet is actually going to the meetings. If I'm the one who catches you for missing or coming late, you'll probably get off without being hexed, but I will not save your hides if Voldemort gets pissed. Keep that in mind.
"Questions?"
"What about Blaise, Draco, and myself?" Theodore inquired.
"You are Juniors," Harry assured the three Slytherins. "You answer to me before Voldemort. You may have to go on raids, at times, to keep your cover, but I'll do my best to keep that from happening. You'll have enough on your hands with trying to stay ahead of Dumbles as it is."
"If it's urgent we get into contact with you, how do we do it?" Lisa inquired. "Life threatening information or something?"
"I'm sure you've all figured out where I'll be working come September," Harry offered them a brief playful smile. "If it's that urgent, come to me with it immediately. A quick excuse, like, say, a bit of information you've picked up for the Order, will get you past even Dumbles. I've already told him that I've got friends in this year's graduating class that have offered to help me get information in the Ministry, but don't wish to join the Order of the Phoenix. He'll just be pleased with himself for uncovering one of my contacts."
"But be careful after such an action," Hermione offered gently. "Dumbledore will be watching you closely."
Harry nodded grimly. "Try and find another way than running in and grabbing me, please. It would make life difficult for you later."
Gerda gave a loud gurgle, as if in agreement with her godfather, and everyone laughed.
Harry walked over and took the baby from Neville, who sighed in relief. "Aren't you just adorable?" he cooed, cradling her and wandering back up to his spot at the head of the circle. "Anything else?"
The group of seventh years traded looks. "No." Susan shrugged, glancing back up at Harry. "I think we're good."
Harry smiled. "Brilliant. Now, as a warning, I'm planning something wild for our graduation, because I can get away with it. Don't be surprised, though you may wish to act like it." He waggled his eyebrows suggestively. "Dismissed."
"You're horrible," Hermione declared, walking up to her friend, Galvin sleeping peacefully in her arms. Neville walked over with her and gladly handed the baby bag to Harry.
"Are you surprised?" Harry inquired teasingly, pulling a bottle out of the bag and giving it to the small girl in his arms before hanging the bag on his shoulder.
"I shouldn't be," Hermione agreed. "Are we headed back to the room, then?"
"I think so. Nev, you said you needed to go talk to Severus, right?"
"Yes..." Neville glanced around at the retreating backs of the Juniors nervously.
Harry grinned. "Pan!"
The Slytherin glanced back at Harry with a smile. "What's up, boss-man?"
"Can you take Nev up to Severus and make sure the old git doesn't bite his head off for me?"
"Of course!"
Harry nodded to Neville, who looked like Christmas had come early. "Go on, then. If Sevvie gives you shit, send him to me and I'll set him straight."
"If that man is straight, I'm a toad," Hermione grumbled as Neville waved and ran off to go with Pansy.
"I was wondering about that croak," Harry teased, eyes shining brightly. He ducked the swat Hermione sent his way with practised ease. "Stop. You'll startle poor Gerda."
"You spoil that child." Hermione sighed, motioning for them to head for the air platforms to Gryffindor.
"You knew I would," Harry shot back lightly, falling into step with her. "And I, technically, spoil both of them."
"They're going to be absolute nightmares when they're older, you know. Between you and Gin, that is."
"Ah. And they'll be Slytherins, if Marcus has any say in it."
"Speaking of, where was Marcus? He's usually at the meetings."
"Last minute meeting, or something. I think Dumbles wanted a word with him." Harry shrugged and nodded to the platform. "Up you go, Herm."
"No, you go first. I can never get that door open." Hermione sighed helplessly.
"Oh, yeah." The green-eyed wizard smiled slightly and stepped onto the cushion of air. Moments later, he and Gerda were zooming up to Gryffindor Tower, the baby gurgling gleefully on the way. Harry grinned at her. "See, you and I love riding this thing, don't we, love? Mummy's just silly."
Once the pocket of air had reached the landing place in the Tower, the teen stepped out onto solid ground and started down the stairs to the common room. There he found himself met with many smiles and one very annoyed sister. ‘Where have you been?!' Gin called furiously.
Harry sighed. "Walk with me to the room," he murmured, setting his free hand on her arm. Gin frowned at him for a moment before nodding and falling in to step with her brother. Once out of the common room and walking down a charmed hallway that let out near the fireplace, Harry spoke again, "I called a meeting."
‘You didn't want me there?' the young witch asked with a pained expression.
"No, Gin, no." Harry paused his steps and drew the redhead in for a one-armed hug while Gerda mumbled nonsense. "I needed to talk to the seventh years about meetings after this school year. They had to know a few things that you and Luna shouldn't have to worry about yet, that's all."
"Ah, sibling love." Hermione sighed from behind them. The two leaders of the Juniors shot the witch matching dark looks as she grinned at them.
"Yes, Herm?" Harry inquired politely when the staring contest got boring.
Hermione's smile faded. "Professor McGonagall is out there looking for both of us, Harry. She says Dumbles wishes to talk to us."
Harry frowned. "Very well. No point in dropping anything off, I suppose."
‘Stupid old coot ruins everything.' Gin complained as she and Harry fell into step behind Hermione.
"Noticed that, did you?" Harry replied dryly.
‘Indeed.'
"Ah, finally," Minerva said upon seeing them.
"It only took two minutes, Professor," Harry replied with a grin. "Surely ‘finally' is the wrong word."
"You, Mr Potter, are a menace to the sane people of this school," Minerva declared.
"I hope you're not counting yourself among them, Professor," Harry answered teasingly.
Minerva shook her head helplessly. "Come along, you two."
Harry shook his head minutely at Gin as she opened her mouth to ask to come with. The red head scowled, but kept silent. Harry offered her a sad smile before falling into step with Hermione, following their Head of House from the common room.
-
"Please, take seats," Albus said lightly as his Deputy led the two seventh years into his office.
Harry took a seat immediately, shooting the Headmaster a sharp look. Hermione, however, paused to get a look around. "Herm," Harry murmured when the Head Girl started towards the book shelf along one wall.
Hermione startled and hurried to the free chair next to Harry, blushing faintly. Galvin giggled as Harry hid a smile. "Shut up, Harry."
"I didn't say anything."
"You were thinking it."
"Heh."
Minerva cleared her throat, drawing the attention of the two students back to herself and a smiling Albus. "Argue on your own time."
"Sorry," Harry replied before meeting the twinkling blue orbs of the Headmaster calmly. "What's up?"
"I believe you should tell Ms Granger what you'll be doing next year," Albus replied.
Harry rolled his eyes before turning to his best friend. "Herm, I'm sure you've got a good guess. What do you think I'll be doing next year?"
Hermione blinked at the Boy-Who-Lived for a brief moment before answering, "Teaching Defence Against the Dark Arts here at Hogwarts."
Harry sat back in his seat and shot the Headmaster a satisfied smirk. "Told you she'd figure it out." Gerda gave a loud squeal, as if in agreement with her godfather.
Albus sighed. "So you did." He turned to Hermione, who was frowning thoughtfully. "Harry has requested that you be allowed to remain here also, next year. He's gone around to the staff and made sure you'd always have something to do, of course."
Harry nodded as Hermione's eyes filled with tears. "Remember, Herm, you're family," he said softly. "And I'm going to need help grading papers."
Hermione let out a sound somewhere between and sob and a laugh. "You are a monster."
"Thank you."
That time, Hermione did laugh.
-
"Where is he?" Morag hissed to Neville.
"Harry?" Neville shrugged. "No idea. He didn't tell me anything."
Mandy leaned back in her chair, still facing forward. "Up to no good, knowing Harry. Look, Marcus is the only one who doesn't look all that worried about him missing."
"Mandy, would you ple–!" Susan started, turning around. She froze, mouth hanging open as she saw something.
"Wha–?" Mandy turned around to look, eyes going wide when she saw. "Oh, hell, please tell me he hasn't..."
"He has." Susan whispered in horror.
Lavender, Gregory, Neville, and Morag also turned around to look. When Lavender started to breathe hard, Mandy shook herself from her stupor and hurried to assure the Gryffindor that it was just Harry, not Voldemort.
In the doorway of the Great Hall stood a sight that could have been very amusing, but was also rather horrifying, for there stood Voldemort, flat-nosed and scarlet-eyed, hunched over so he was shorter, with gigantic round glasses placed precariously on the end of his nose, Gryffindor House robes, and the lightning bolt scar shot through the centre of his forehead. The only thing missing was the famous mop of hair on top of the "Dark Lord's" very pale head.
As people started turning around to find out what the six graduates and a large number of teachers were staring at in a mix of shock and horror, Tom stood up and motioned to the wizard standing in the doorway, pointing at the top of his own head. The false Voldemort reached up to touch his head, then froze, eyes widening in horror at what he forgot. He tugged a piece of loose string from the sleeve of his robe and transfigured it into a sloppy wig before tossing it onto his head. Tom groaned and sat back down as the fake Dark Lord started down the aisle, smiling cheerfully and waving.
Albus watched until his student was about to sit before addressing him. "Harry, was there a point to this?" he inquired dryly.
"Hm?" Harry blinked up at the Headmaster, sitting awkwardly. "Yes, but I'll explain it in my speech, if you don't mind, Dumbles." The students around him let out an audible sigh of relief at the very Harry-like answer to the question.
"Very well, then." Albus sighed, taking the stage. "Another year, another graduating class of excellent students–"
"With one possible exception," Seamus called out, pointing to the boy who sat in front of him and to his right. Harry turned around and flicked his roommate in the middle of his forehead with an annoyed look. The Great Hall filled with laughter.
"Yes, well, Mr Potter and I will have a nice long chat about coming late for the Graduation Ceremony later." Albus chuckled. He rose his arms out on either side of him as the laughter died. "Welcome, family, friends, and students, to the Graduation Ceremony for the Hogwarts' Graduating Class of 1998!" There was a loud cheer following this and Albus waited for it to quiet before continuing. "It's been a long, hard road for all of us, but I can say that it was worth it. Every moment was a new adventure and, if it wasn't new, at least it wasn't boring!
"Now, I shall hand the stage over to Miss Hermione Granger, our Head Girl, who has agreed to give the Heads' speech." Albus took a bow, then re-took his seat to the applause of the audience as Hermione took the stage with a smile.
"Fellow students, families, and friends. Welcome." She smiled as a few people cheered, waiting for silence before speaking again. "I recall my first day at Hogwarts as an exciting new experience. There was so much to learn! I recall my first friends, Harry Potter and Ronald Weasley, and our first adventure, saving the Philosopher's Stone. We all thought Professor Snape was the one helping Voldemort, since he was such an evil git." Hermione smiled as the room filled with laughter and Severus shook his head helplessly. "We were wrong, I know now. We were young and foolish then.
"As the years passed, we all learned many things. I learned about friendship, bravery, trust, understanding, and myself. Other students have, no doubt, learned other things. I've seen death and fought evil, and I've lived to tell about it. I've faced my fears and made friends with some of the best people there are in this world, as well as some of the worst. I can truthfully say that I grew up while I was at Hogwarts in a way I never would have anywhere else.
"I have gone from a child, to a woman. From an ‘insufferable know-it-all', to a person who can admit that she doesn't always have the answers. From a loner, to a best friend. From a follower, to a leader. From one who can't protect herself, to the one who protects others. I am ready to face the world, and so are those who stand with me today. I can only hope the world is ready for us." Hermione nodded to the audience, who cheered, as she stepped down from the stage and walked back to her seat next to Anthony.
Minerva took the stage with a nod. "Thank you, Miss Granger. That was beautiful," she said, applauding again with the rest of the audience. Once there was silence, she began again. "It has been my pleasure to teach this class of graduates. They've all brought something unique to my classroom and they've all done it in their own ways. Some more unique than others, of course." She shot Harry a look at this, getting a grin in response. "Speaking of, I believe it is Mr Potter's turn to speak." She sighed before returning to her seat.
Harry walked up to the stage with confidence, scarlet eyes glinting dangerously as he took his place. "Welcome. May I first apologize for scaring those people who looked absolutely terrified. Marcus and I attempted to set this up to have a touch of humour so as not to cause too much of a ruckus. Since nobody fainted, I shall assume we did it well, hm?" Harry smiled faintly as there was laughter at this. "But, as I said, there is a reason for this ridiculous get-up. That reason is, actually, quite simple. I think you need to be aware of who you are facing.
" ‘I am Lord Voldemort', a sixteen-year-old boy once told me. This boy was the memory of a boy who went to Hogwarts over fifty years ago. His name was Tom Riddle and he was one of Hogwarts' most brilliant students. We like to joke that Hermione is a know-it-all, but even she must admit that she has nothing on the young Lord Voldemort. There are at least three teachers behind me who went to this school at the same time as Tom, and Professor Dumbledore taught him Transfiguration. I've been told more times than I can count that Tom started out good, but something happened and he went bad. He became the Dark Lord Voldemort.
"I have faced both Voldemort and Tom Riddle on a few separate occasions. Neither are pleasant and neither would be someone I could call a friend. In fact, I call both, my enemy." Harry paused to look around at the sea of stony faces. "I can hear you asking me what this speech has to do with anything already, so I'll just cut to the chase, hm?
"Next year, I am starting a group at Hogwarts that will take place every Saturday after lunch. This group is open to any and all witches and wizards in the United Kingdom, no matter your age or your education, though we do ask that you know how to wave a wand." He smiled. "In this group, I, along with a few teachers, and a few members of this graduating class, will teach you everything we think you'll need to know to fight Voldemort. We'll teach you as patiently as we can manage, because we do believe this is important. An Auror won't always be there to protect you when Voldemort comes knocking on your door, you know. The Order of the Phoenix won't always be able to come to your rescue when you're out shopping. And, let me tell you, those Death Eaters won't stop their attack long enough for you to attempt a Shield Charm six or seven times because it just won't stay up. You'll need to know how to do that Shield Charm right the first time and also use it to protect a few other people who can't perform a Shield Charm.
"I'm asking you to please help us in this fight against Voldemort. I'll be right up there in the very front, I promise you, but I'll need to know that there's someone behind me, blasting down that Death Eater who's sneaking up on me while I'm fighting off five others." He sighed and suddenly morphed back into himself, gathering a general gasp from the room. "Now that the stuff I really needed you to listen to is over, I think I'll be myself again to tell you everything else," he offered, ending the transfiguration on the "wig" as he spoke. "Anthony kindly gave up his speech to let me cause trouble worthy of the Weasley Twins themselves, who I know are around here somewhere. Remember to watch what you eat and drink!
"At any rate, after all that amazing stuff Herm said, I can't really think of anything to top it. I mean, who could top Hermione? Well, Ron, but we'll ignore that for now." He grinned at the laughter, and at Hermione, who shot him the two-fingered salute. "Not that I'm complaining, Herm. After all, I got two beautiful godchildren out of the deal!"
"Harry James Potter, you are so dead when I get my hands on you!" Hermione shouted over the laughter, grinning herself.
Harry bowed. "It's been great learning from all the teachers I've had. From the mystic, and slightly crazy Trelawney, to the stern, never smiles, couldn't-laugh-if-you-told-her-the-funniest-joke-on-the-planet McGonagall! From the wild and insane Dumbledore, who we all know has no sense of colour coordination, to the snarky, evil, ultra git Snape, who must be colour-blind, since his wardrobe is nothing but black! From the teeny-tiny Flitwick, to the ultra huge Hagrid! From the evil toad Umbridge who taught us not a thing, to the kind old werewolf Lupin who taught us all he knew! From the overly paranoid and only slightly crazy Moody who claims he fears nothing, to the stuttering Quirrell who was afraid of his own shadow! From the wild and eccentric Lockhart who had no clue what he was doing and couldn't hex a dead fly, to the gorgeous and controlled Brutús who knows a few Dark Wizards personally and could even best them!" The teen shouted, soaking up the laughter that followed each wild description of the staff like a sponge. "I have loved every moment of my time here at Hogwarts. In fact, I loved it so much, I let Headmaster Dumbledore talk me into teaching here next year, so everyone can feel secure with the knowledge that we'll have at least one more competent teacher in the Defence Against the Dark Arts position!
"Now, I've talked enough and got you cheerful again after starting out so gloomy, so why don't you all sit back and let the staff do their thing!" Harry left the stage to cheers and took his seat with a grin.
"Thank you, Mr Potter, for giving us a speech in that original style of yours," Albus said as he and the four House Heads got up on the stage. He waited for the general laughter to die down before starting his speech again. "For those of you who have never been to a Hogwarts' graduation before, let me give you a general walk-through. I and our four Heads of House here will hand out the graduating certificates. Next, I get to hand out a few very special awards. To end everything, we have a reception banquet along the far wall and you are welcome to mingle.
"Now, first on our list of graduating students: Mr Anthony Goldstein!" Anthony got up from his seat and took his certificate from Albus and shaking hands with the old headmaster before going down the line and shaking the hands of each of the House Heads. "Miss Hermione Granger!" Albus called as Anthony headed back to his seat. Hermione followed down the line of Heads of Houses, but, instead of a handshake, Hermione got a hug from her own House's Head.
Hannah, Terry, Ernie, Draco, Pansy, Padma, and Parvati followed the same general pattern, the two Patil girls and Hannah all getting hugs from their House Heads instead of handshakes. When it was Harry's turn, he took his certificate, then gave Albus a large hug, much to the Headmaster's joy, and proceeded to bestow both a hug and a kiss on the cheek upon both Minerva and Professor Sprout, a bear hug upon Professor Flitwick, and a hug and a pat on the head to Severus, laughing when the Potions professor muttered something under his breath. The rest of the room had to laugh as well when Harry sauntered back to his chair while Severus looked upwards, as if asking for patience.
It was then Minerva's turn to take the lead. She called the last of her students in alphabetical order, then let Sprout, Flitwick, and Severus do the same in turn. All of the students followed the general example from before them, the females hugging their favourite teachers, as long as it wasn't the glaring Potions professor, and everyone shaking the hands of everyone else. The only other males to hug their House Heads were Neville and Seamus.
Once the certificates were done, Albus took centre stage again with a much smaller handful of certificates. "First, I'd like to award both our Head Girl and Head Boy for doing a fabulous job this year. I don't have any certificates for you, so I hope you'll just keep your badges and be proud of them. I'd also like to award all eight of our Prefects, especially the ones who took over for our Head Boy and Girl this year and our one Prefect who took over from Mr Weasley in the middle of the year. Be proud of all the good things you've done here.
"Now, for the certificates. Miss Granger, please come up here?" Hermione came up and stood before the Headmaster with a nervous smile. "There are two students in this year's graduating class that have made a major impact on this school. One of them is Miss Granger. Our top student, bested only in Defence Against the Dark Arts, and the young woman who came up with the idea for the original DA, from what I've heard. Miss Granger has also managed her duties as Head Girl and kept her studies up despite her unfortunate pregnancy at the beginning of the year and the birth of the twins in the middle of May. Miss Granger has been a role model for all and I know we're all extremely proud to have called her our student. Here you are, Miss Granger." Albus held out a certificate.
Hermione took it and gave him a giant hug, smiling through tears. "Thank you, sir," she whispered before heading back to her seat. Draco discreetly passed her a handkerchief.
"The other student who has made a major impact on this school is none other than Mr Potter." He beckoned Harry up, who walked up to the stage as Albus started talking again. "Mr Potter was the one student who managed to surpass Miss Granger in a subject, and that subject was Defence Against the Dark Arts, which he'll be teaching next year. He took over the position of Gryffindor House Prefect from Mr Weasley in the middle of the year and has managed to calm even the hottest of tempers when faced with a fight. He's been a great help to the staff this year, even though he's spent more time pranking us than working with us." Harry grinned at that. "But no matter how much trouble he's caused, he always finds a way to make it up in his own way and helps to protect the school when he can. He is the leader of the DA and the most popular student in Hogwarts, or so I've been told, so I dare say he's deserving of this award. Here you are, Harry."
Harry took the award and hugged Albus again. "Thanks, Albus." He grinned, then hopped down to his seat while the onlookers laughed, since the teen had turned the Headmaster's beard into a rainbow of colours.
"You should have given him the award for being the prank master!" Fred shouted from the very middle of the crowd of friends and family. Everyone laughed as Harry stood up and took a bow.
"Perhaps I should have. How many times have you got me this year?" Albus glanced at the teen.
Harry shrugged. "I have it all written down, but I'm afraid the paper's packed away in my trunk. I'll be sure to owl you about it later."
"And I'll be sure to frame it when you do," the Headmaster promised, smiling as people laughed again. "Now, for the not so serious awards." He winked, picking one out from the pile in his hands. "This one is awarded to Mr Seamus Finnigan for being the most likely to come to class drunk. Come on up here, Mr Finnigan!"
Seamus took the certificate with a wide smile and waved it in the air after receiving it. "And I'm not drunk this time!" he shouted.
"I give it ten minutes!" Dean shouted back as everyone laughed. Seamus stuck his tongue out at his best friend and returned to his seat.
Albus chuckled. "This next one is for Mr Dean Thomas for being the best artist in the school! Come on up, Mr Thomas!" Dean walked up and took his award with a large grin, then returned to his seat. "This one is to Mr Draco Malfoy for being the guy most likely to scream if there's a silk worm in his hair." Albus gave Harry a dirty look and the teen cracked up. "You might as well come get it, Mr Malfoy."
Draco walked up in a dignified manner, took the certificate then walked over to Harry and used it to smack the top of the Gryffindor's head before taking his seat. Harry fell out of chair, he was laughing so hard. Hermione turned around and shot a Calming Charm at the Boy-Who-Lived so he could sit back in his chair.
"Thank you, Miss Granger. Please tell me you didn't add any others, Mr Potter."
Harry shook his head. "No. That was just so I could see the look on Draco's face." Draco scowled.
"I see." Albus shook his head in amusement. "This award is for Miss Sally-Anne Perks, from Madam Pomfrey, for being the best mediwitch assistant she's had to date! Come up here, Miss Perks." He motioned Poppy up as well and let the mediwitch give the student the certificate and a big hug. As both sat down, Albus pulled out then next one. "To Mr Neville Longbottom for being the student to have improved the most over the past seven years! Mr Longbottom?"
Neville came up with a grimace and took the certificate. "Thank you, sir." He sighed before returning to his seat, smacking Harry on the way, since the teen was sniggering silently.
"And last, but not the least, to Mr Terry Boot, who appears to be the most likely to disagree with Mr Potter." Albus cocked an eyebrow at Harry.
"I didn't write that one sir." Harry shrugged.
"No, I did," Hermione offered. "It's always amusing to watch you two argue over something totally stupid."
"Gee, thanks, Herm," Harry said dryly.
"Yeah, thanks, Hermione," Terry agreed, walking up to the stage to get the certificate. He followed Draco's example on the way back to his seat and swatted Hermione over the head with the parchment. Most people laughed.
"Since that's all done, why doesn't everyone get some food!" Albus called out.
Harry grinned as he stood and accepted a hug from Hermione when she ran up to him. "Hey there, Herm."
"You, Harry Potter, are horrible," Hermione declared as a few of their other friends walked up.
"I second that," Draco decided. "Really, Harry. A silk worm?"
"I was trying to be pleasant. I could have put cockroach…"
Draco scowled. "Silk worm is fine."
"That's what I thought."
"So, Harry," Theodore wrapped an arm around the Boy-Who-Lived's shoulders, "who all knew about that speech of yours?"
Harry smiled. "Well, Marcus helped me write it, and Albus okayed it, but they were the only ones who'd heard it before." He nudged Theodore in the ribs. "So, yes, he knew."
"Who knew what?" Tom inquired, stopping behind Harry and Theodore.
"Oh, nothing." Harry smiled back at the Dark Lord.
"Move it, Mr Nott," Tom ordered.
"Sorry, Marcus." Theodore grinned, letting go of Harry.
Harry spun around and immediately grabbed the Dark Lord in a hug, burying his face in the older wizard's chest. Tom smiled and wrapped his arms around his younger lover, resting his chin atop Harry's head. "Summer," Tom murmured, "is finally here. No more Albus. And no more teaching bratty little children."
"Just me!" Ula said rather suddenly as she, the Weasleys, and the Grangers came over.
The Dark Lord buried his face in Harry's mop of hair with a groan. "Dammit."
Harry laughed. "Oh, Marcus, stop that." He tugged back enough to reach up and tug Tom's mouth down to his. "I love you, you bastard," he added once they'd parted.
Tom smiled and kissed Harry's scar. "Imp," he declared before pulling away and nodding to the Grangers. "You must be Hermione's parents."
Hermione's father nodded. "I'm Clive, this is Julia. You must be Marcus Brutús," he said, holding out a hand to shake.
"I am indeed," the Dark Lord agreed before glancing at the Weasleys. "Arthur, Molly, Gred, and Forge."
The twins laughed at the old names. "Marcus got it right!" George declared.
"Really." Molly gave both twins dry looks. "As far as I know, your birth certificates still say Fred and George."
"They just got mixed up while they were writing our names down," Fred explained.
"I wrote your names down," Molly replied.
‘Run now, guys.' Gin suggested, hugging Harry. ‘Congratulations for getting past the student stage, big brother.'
"Mm. Sometimes I wonder what I was on when I agreed to teaching here next year," Harry agreed.
"Father. Mother." Draco nodded to his parents as Lucius and Narcissa stepped over to them.
"Congratulations, Draco, everyone," Lucius replied, watching the Grangers out of the corner of his eyes, since the Muggles were giving his hostile looks.
Harry and Hermione traded looks and Harry stepped in. "Drs Granger, this is Lucius and Narcissa Malfoy. Lucius, Narcissa, these are Herm's parents, Clive and Julia Granger." The look he sent at the Malfoys quite clearly said ‘Play nice or else'.
Lucius nodded and extended his hand to Julia, who was closer. "I apologize for our last meeting. I have been enlightened of a few things since then, including how special a young lady your daughter is."
"Aw, thanks, Lucius," Hermione teased. Lucius shot her an annoyed look.
"Yeah. When was the last time you showed poor Dray with such praise?" Harry threw in, grinning.
"Oh, please don't drag me into this, Potter," Draco grumbled.
"It could be worse," Pansy pointed out. "He could be hitting on you again."
"Pansy!" Harry hissed, glancing nervously at Tom, who was looking rather confused. "You promised to keep your mouth shut!"
"Oops. My bad. Sorry." Pansy sighed, shrugging and not sounding the least bit sorry.
The Dark Lord rested an arm on top of Harry's head and gave the teen and annoyed look. "Have you been cheating on me again?"
Harry gave his lover a tearful look. "I'm sorry. I know I promised not to do it again, but, his skin's so soft!"
Those who knew who the Dark Lord was watched him warily as he blinked at Harry for a few moments. Tom bowed his head, shoulders shaking and Harry grinned widely, winking at Draco, who made a big show of being relieved. "You imp!" Tom said suddenly, looking up and crushing his lips to Harry's. You're lucky I can read your mind, you know.
Oh, come on, Tom. You know I'd never cheat on you, Harry replied, ruffling the Dark Lord's light brown hair.
Tom pulled back and worked on flattening his hair with a scowl. "Do you mind?!"
"Of course he doesn't!" Sirius said cheerfully, throwing an arm around the Dark Lord's shoulders cheerfully and holding out a bottle of opened butterbeer to his godson. "Congratulations, everyone." He offered, winking at Hermione, Draco, Ted, Gin, and Pansy.
"Black, if you do not remove yourself from my person within ten seconds, I will hex your arms behind your back and hang you from the ceiling," Tom growled darkly.
Harry smiled and unhexed the bottle of butterbeer before taking it from his godfather. "I'd let him go, Siri."
"Oh, fine," Sirius let the Dark Lord go and smirked as Tom cast a Cleaning Charm on himself. "By the way, Harry, you'll never believe who I was sitting next to!"
"Remus Lupin, by any chance?" Tom said dryly.
Sirius shot him a dirty look before smiling at Harry again. "Your aunt, actually."
"Aunt Petunia came?!" Harry grinned. "I didn't think she'd be able to make it! Where is she?"
"Remus was helping her pick food out." Sirius shrugged. "I let him handle it. He'll bring her over here when they're done."
"Probably for the best that we keep the mutt away from the food," a dark voice said from behind Lucius. The blond glanced over his shoulder, then moved to one side to let Severus into the small sort-of-circle they'd created.
"Hi, Sevvie!" Harry chirped, running over and giving the Potions professor a hug.
"Harry, if you hug me one more time, I'll have to start testing potions on you." Severus groaned. "And don't call me ‘Sevvie', for the last time!"
"Aw. You're no fun, Sevvie." Harry pouted. The people around the circle laughed.
"You're almost better off getting used to him, Severus," Remus offered as he led a thin woman into the circle next to Sirius.
Harry smiled and walked over to give his aunt a much calmer hug than he'd given Severus. "You made it."
"Yes." Petunia smiled. "Thank Saber for me, next time you see him. He brought me on the Knight Bus."
"Will do." Harry nodded, then glanced around with a worried look. "Do I have to introduce you to everyone?"
Petunia laughed at that. "No, that's fine, dear." She ruffled his hair fondly. "Congratulations on getting a job for next year, by the way."
"Thank you."
"Of course, Harry's the only one who Albus knows he can trust to teach his precious brats." Severus snorted.
Harry grinned. "He just knows that I can, Severus. Trust is another issue entirely."
"Yes. Knowing Harry, they probably had another long talk about pranks." Tom snorted.
"Oh, it wasn't that long!" Harry grinned. "He just said that I have to okay any pranks with him first."
"And me," Severus cut in.
"Nope. Sorry, Sevvie. Albus never said anything about my okaying pranks with you." Harry laughed
"Albus didn't, but I am, you little horror," the Potions professor shot back.
Lucius sighed, glancing at a watch. "I'm afraid we must leave. Pansy, we're to take you to the manor until your parents get back from Mexico."
"Sleepover! Cool!" Pansy chirped, grabbing on to Draco's arm and looking at Harry. "I'll have to wait to stay over with you, Har. Sorry."
"Oh well." Harry shook his head sadly. "I'll see you all next week sometime."
"Of course. The tea date." Narcissa nodded. "I should put it on the calendar at home."
"Yes. We'll see you Friday, then?" Tom agreed.
"That should be perfect," Lucius agreed.
Harry glanced discreetly at Hermione and got a quick smile in response. Herm'll be at the meeting, then. I'll check with Nev before we leave.
Best catch him now, then. Looks like his Gran is dragging him out, Tom warned as the Weasleys also offered their good-byes. The meeting had been planned so early into the holidays so that they could all come before they left the country.
Damn. Harry smiled at everyone after giving his sister and Molly a hug. "I need to go catch Nev, if that's okay?"
"Oh, go on, then. We'll surely find some way to amuse ourselves without you," Hermione teased.
Harry rolled his eyes and jogged over to his fellow Heir. "Hullo, Madam Longbottom. Nev, could I have a quick word with you?"
Neville blinked. "It's about those lessons you promised me, right? I hope you don't mind, but I already told Gran about them."
Harry gave his friend a relieved smile. "Yes, yes. That's fine." He scratched the back of his head. "Is it alright if I come get you before noon on next Friday? I'll need to take you into the house the first time so you can find it and we can set the wards for you."
Neville glanced back at his grandmother. "Is that okay, Gran? I'll probably be gone all day."
Madam Longbottom nodded. "That should be fine. I'll just invite my knitting friends over so I don't get bored," she decided.
"Great!" Harry grinned. "I'll see you on Friday, then!"
"Right." Neville nodded and the two shared a brotherly hug, which appeared to shock Neville's grandmother, before Harry hurried back to where the Grangers were getting ready to leave.
Harry gave Hermione a big hug. "I'll send Hedwig to you tomorrow so you can send me a letter to let me know when you're visiting."
"Oh, alright." Hermione rolled her eyes as she took Gerda from Severus, who had been holding the baby for his ex-student. "Say good-bye to your godfather, Gerda."
Gerda let out a gurgle and waved a pudgy hand at Harry. The green-eyed wizard leaned over and blooped her nose. "You be good for your mum and grandparents, little missy," he said warningly, smiling when the baby giggled. Then he turned to Galvin, who was watching his godfather from his grandmother's arms. "You too, Gal. You don't want to annoy Gin by annoying your mum again, now do you?" Galvin mumbled a string of baby nonsense in response, looking quite downcast.
Hermione smiled. "I'll see you later, then."
Harry smiled and kissed her cheek. "Stay safe. Don't let old Voldie get ya." Hermione laughed and followed her parents from the Great Hall.
"Well, my little imp, we should probably head out as well," Tom sighed, dragging a laughing Ula away from Sirius.
Harry nodded and glanced at his aunt. "Aunt Petunia, have you got a way to get home?"
"Well, I was going to take a portkey home, like Professor Dumbledore said I could..."
"Nonsense," Tom cut in. "We'll drop you off. Harry can do an Apparation Circle."
"You can apparate Muggles?" Sirius gaped.
"It's possible, but I wouldn't recommend it," the Dark Lord responded evilly before glancing at Harry. "Think you have the strength?"
Harry frowned thoughtfully. "I should be fine," he agreed out loud. Quietly, he added, But you'll need to do the second apparation to the manor.
I was planning to anyway, Tom assured the teen. "Good. Now say good-bye to your godfathers and let's head out."
The teen grinned and hopped over to Remus and Sirius while Tom turned to talk Ula into calming down. "I don't know if Marcus'll let you into the manor, Siri, but I'll try talking him into it, right?"
"Nah, don't bother. I'll see you sometimes, I'm sure." The Animagus shrugged. "Remy'll let you know if I want you to visit, I'm sure."
Harry rolled his eyes. "Probably."
Sirius tugged Harry into a hug. "Just take care of yourself, Harry," he murmured.
Harry returned the hug desperately. "Don't do anything foolish, Padfoot," he whispered fiercely. "I cannot lose you again."
"You won't lose me again, pup. I swear," the Animagus agreed soothingly.
Harry nodded as he pulled away and wiped at a tear that had made a shimmering trail down his left cheek. "Good."
Remus grinned and leaned on his long-time friend. "Don't worry, Harry. I found his old leash. He won't be going anywhere."
Harry laughed and gave his other godfather a quick hug. "Make sure you tie him up outside before you leave to go anywhere, right? Don't want him pissing on the furniture."
"You little monster!" Sirius laughed as Harry waved and walked over to join Tom, Petunia, and Ula.
Tom silently handed Harry a handkerchief and picked Ula up, since she'd been demanding it. "There should be a few carriages left that we can take down to the gate. Come on."
On their way out, Albus approached them. "Marcus, Harry, could I have your mailing address, in case I need to owl you?"
Tom grimaced. "The manor's unplottable and has wards against most owls, Albus. Your best bet is sending any mail to the owl post office in Dundee."
"Wait." Harry frowned. "Marcus, could a phoenix get through the wards?"
The Dark Lord blinked a few times. "I have no idea. If you'd like though, I suppose we could program Fawkes into the wards."
Albus nodded. "You're taking Petunia home first?"
"Yes. Marcus says it's possible to apparate a Muggle, and it's always a good idea to find out just what I can manage," Harry agreed.
"I'll send Fawkes to catch up with you at Privet Drive, then, and you can take him with you the manor," Albus decided, then smiled. "Have a good break, my dear boy. And you, Miss Thorald. And, of course, you, Marcus." He winked before walking off.
"That man is so odd," Marcus decided, shifting his hold on Ula, who giggled. "Off we go, then."
Harry and Petunia fell in behind the Dark Lord. "Having fun, Ula?" Harry called up to the girl as they walked out of the Great Hall and out of the school.
"I can see everything!" Ula agreed.
Harry grinned and paused in front of one of the carriages to stroke the thestral standing there. "I know. Marcus is tall!"
"What are you petting, Harry?" Ula inquired as Tom set her down and opened the door for the women.
"Hm? Oh, thestrals." Harry shrugged and kissed the noses of the team that would be pulling their carriage before following everyone in.
"Thestrals?" Ula shuddered. "They're unlucky, you know," she mentioned as the carriage started moving.
"Yes." Harry nodded. "At least, that's what I've been told, but they've never caused bad luck for me, and I like them."
Ula blinked at Tom. "Can you see them?"
"Yes." The Dark Lord inclined his head. "But, then, being a killer means such things happen."
"How can you be so calm about that?!" Ula cried.
"It's who he is, Ula," Petunia offered. "I'm assuming she actually knows who you are?" She glanced at Tom.
The Dark Lord nodded. "Yes."
Petunia glanced at the young witch. "Then you should expect such things from him."
Harry chuckled as the carriage stopped. "Oh, come on." He hopped from the carriage and started out for the gates.
Ula quickly caught up with the Boy-Who-Lived and grabbed his hand. "He's really creepy," she whispered.
Harry squeezed her hand gently. "He's had a hard life, Ula, and he's rather jaded. Yes, he can be creepy, but he has his good moments, too, and they're becoming much more frequent than they once were."
Ula sighed. "I know, but that doesn't keep him from being creepy."
"No, it doesn't," Harry agreed, stopping a little past the end of the wards. "Have you ever been apparated before? I know parents will sometimes apparate their children when they have to get somewhere."
"No. Mum can't apparate," Ula replied.
Harry nodded. "Then this should be a bit of an adventure for you."
Tom and Petunia walked up to them. and the Dark Lord looked at Ula warily. "Are you against holding my hand right now?"
"No," the girl decided, holding out her free hand for him to take. Tom motioned for Petunia to stand between himself and Harry.
"Okay." Harry grinned. "I'm not sure how well this is going to work, so I insist on silence. Ula, I need you to concentrate your magical energy towards me, alright?" Ula nodded and closed her eyes, so Harry turned to his aunt. "Aunt Petunia, I just want you to concentrate on me. Marcus is an adept at this, so he'll play back-up for me, right, love?"
"Yes." Tom nodded and cast a silent and wandless spell on his teal eyes to allow him to see magick threads to watch for any mistakes.
"You will teach me that," Harry murmured, closing his eyes. When he got the mental ‘Go' from the Dark Lord, he cast the spell, tweaking it to allow for his aunt, "Apparate Omnes!"
-
Once they'd reappeared just off Wisteria Walk, Tom applauded his younger lover. "Good job, Harry. You didn't need to boost the spell quite so much, but that's okay."
Harry grinned. "Good to know."
"Tired?" Tom asked in concern. Petunia and Ula both turned to look at the Boy-Who-Lived.
"A little, yeah," Harry agreed before covering a yawn.
Tom nodded and picked the smaller wizard up, hugging him to his chest. "You don't eat enough," he muttered, nodding to Petunia to lead the way. The Muggle smiled slightly and took the lead, grabbing one of Ula's hands in her own so the girl didn't run off.
"Leave me alone," Harry replied, resting his head on the Dark Lord's shoulder.
Tom chuckled faintly. I don't trust Albus' bird, you know, he added mentally.
But I do.
With your life?
Yes. Harry blinked up at the worried teal eyes. And yours, Tom. Fawkes won't ‘spill the beans', as it were.
I have never gotten along with that bird. Anyway, what makes you think the mascot of the Order of the Phoenix is going to be pleased that you're staying with the leader of the opposition? the Dark Lord demanded.
It'll be okay, Harry murmured, kissing his lover's chin. You'll see.
You trust too easily, Tom complained as Petunia unlocked the door of her house. The wizards and one witch followed the Muggle in and all were greeted by a flaming bird.
"Phoenix!" Ula exclaimed in excitement.
Fawkes flew over to Harry and landed on his shoulder to preen the teen's hair, totally ignoring the dark looks Tom was shooting him. °°Are you okay, Harry?°°
Harry smiled. "Just a little tired. Nothing to worry about. Marcus, you can put me down, you know."
The Dark Lord snorted and set Harry on the ground carefully. "If you start to wobble, I'm picking you up again."
"Yeah, I know." Harry smiled at Tom before turning back to Petunia and Ula. "Aunt Petunia, Ula, this is Albus' phoenix, Fawkes. Fawkes, this is my aunt, Petunia Dursley, and Ula Thorald."
Fawkes bowed his head to the ladies. °°A pleasure to meet you both.°° Then he turned to Harry. °°Ula is the daughter of Galatea and Xylon, correct?°°
"Yes," Harry agreed before turning to Tom. "Marcus, we should probably head out to the manor so Fawkes can get back."
The Dark Lord nodded and motioned for Ula to come over to them. "Say good-bye to your aunt, Harry."
Harry nodded and gave his aunt a hug. "If you get into any trouble, use that mirror I gave you to let us know. I'll send Saber to come get you and you can stay in the manor."
Tom nodded when Petunia looked at him. "There's plenty of room for you to hide if you don't want to see our ugly faces."
Petunia laughed. "I'll keep that in mind, then." She kissed Harry's cheek. "Stay safe, Harry. And you, Marcus, Ula."
"Of course." Tom nodded while Ula grinned. "Come on, Harry."
Fawkes chimed in as Harry walked back to Tom. °°Where are we going? I could take us. Probably easier if Marcus has to reset the wards to allow both Ula and myself entry.°°
Harry looked up at Tom. "Hey, Marcus, would you like it if Fawkes transports us?"
The Dark Lord blinked a few times before shrugging. "Sure." He nodded to the phoenix. "We're going to the owl post office in Dundee. I told Hedwig to wait for us there, so we'll have to pick her up."
°°Of course.°° Fawkes nodded. He waited until Harry was touching both Tom and Ula before letting out a sharp note. Fire surrounded the four magical beings and they disappeared.
-
Tom waited until after the phoenix had left the manor to drop his glamour. "Home sweet home," he muttered, pulling things from his robe pockets and resizing them before dropping them on the floor at his feet.
Ula and Harry traded looks before laughing. "Tom, love, are you okay?" Harry inquired, leaning down slightly so he could look into the Dark Lord's eyes.
Tom tossed the last bag on the floor, then snapped his fingers twice. Two house-elves appeared, both wearing clean tea cosies with the Slytherin crest dashed across the front in sharp detail. "What can Slinky and Giggles do for Master?" one of them, the elder-looking one, asked, bowing
Tom crouched down so he was level with the small creatures. "These two will be my guests for the summer. This is Harry, and that's Ula. Could you take Ula's things and show her to the Copper Room, please, Giggles?"
"Giggles would be happy to, Master!" the one who hadn't spoken before replied. She bounced over to Ula while Tom smiled. "If Mistress Ula will point out her things, Giggles will get them and show Mistress Ula to her room!"
The young witch looked started. "Ju-just Ula, will do," she murmured, tugging out her trunk and a small shoulder bag, which she slung over one shoulder.
"Right this way, Ula!" Giggles said with a large smile before bouncing down the hall, trunk in tow. Ula hurried after her, eyes wide.
Harry chuckled. "Perhaps Giggles should have been named Bouncy, eh, Tom?"
The Dark Lord rolled his eyes. "Perhaps." Then he looked back at Slinky. "Slinky, could you take the rest of this stuff to my suite, then make sure everyone knows that Harry and Ula will be here? Also, make sure someone keeps Ula busy for today."
"Of course, Master." Slinky bowed. "And what time shall Slinky have dinner ready for Master and Master's guests?"
Tom glanced up at Harry, who shrugged. "I think it's best if we just call for it whenever we're hungry, don't you think? Then Ula can have her dinner whenever she'd like," the teen suggested.
"Let's go with Harry's idea, then," Tom decided, nodding.
"Very well, Master. And what time will Master and Master's guests be having breakfast tomorrow?" Slinky asked, collecting the leftover trunks and bags.
"Have it ready at nine, and make sure Ula knows," Tom ordered, standing.
"As Master wishes," Slinky agreed before disappearing with a 'pop', taking all of the things with him.
"Slinky is the Head Elf," Tom told Harry, offering his arm. "If you want something done, you'll have to ask him."
Harry grinned and slid his arm around the Dark Lord's waist, resting his head against the taller man's shoulder. "I'll keep that in mind. They all look very happy."
"They are, I think," Tom agreed, settling his arm around Harry's shoulders. "Of course, they really don't like it when my Death Eaters come around, but there's little I can do about that. Shall we head towards the bedroom?"
"Sure." Harry smiled. "So, do I get a tour of this place tomorrow?"
"Of course." Tom chuckled. "I'll give both you and Ula the grand tour after breakfast."
"Mm. And what ever shall we do until then?"
"I've got a few ideas."
Harry laughed.
-
Chapter 47, Part 2
Abandon & Reclaim Series:
Abandon the Prequel: Sixth Year
Abandon Chapters:
01 || 02 || 03 || 04 || 05 || 06 || 07 || 08 || 09 || 10
11 || 12 || 13 || 14 || 15 || 16 || 17 || 18 || 19 || 20
21 || 22 || 23 || 24 || 25 || 26 || 27 || 28 || 29 || 30
31 || 32 || 33 || 34 || 35 || 36 || 37 || 38 || 39 || 40
41 || 42 || 43 || 44 || 45 || 46 ||47
Reclaim Chapters:
One || Two || Three || Four || Five || Six || Seven || Eight || Nine || Ten
Eleven || Twelve || Thirteen || Fourteen || Fifteen
Epilogue
Side Stories:
Ginevra Weasley & Theodore Nott
Minerva McGonagall || Minerva McGonagall (again)
Author:
batsutousaiBeta:
magickmaker17Pairings: Harry/Tom(Voldemort), Seamus/Blaise, Ginevra/Theodore, post-Ron/Hermione, Salazar/Godric, Sirius/Remus
Warnings: This will have slash(Guys on guys, ppl.), Dumbledore bashing, Ron bashing, TORTURE SCENES, blood, screaming, liberal usage of the Cruciatus Curse.
Disclaim Her: Getting a lip ring would be cool, don’t you think?
Key:
Mind-speak
:Parseltongue:
’Written thoughts’
°°Phoenix speech°°
A/N: Yet another Time Warp!!
This is the last chapter of Abandon! Savour it!
Chapter 47, Part 1
-
Harry smiled at the graduating Juniors seated in their usual circle. Hermione and Neville sat in chairs apart from the circle, each holding a twin. "This will be our last meeting here on Hogwarts grounds," he started, walking around the outside of the circle. "From now on, meetings will be held at either Slytherin Manor or Malfoy Manor. The necklace will burn when you are called, as you well know by now."
"Harry, why aren't the sixth years here?" Terry asked darkly.
"Terry, why are you questioning me?" Harry shot back evenly, pausing to meet the other's gaze. Terry looked away first and Harry nodded before returning to his circling and talking. "To answer Terry's question, the sixth years aren't here because this doesn't concern them. Any meetings for them will be in Hogwarts next year. You all will be out in the real world and, as such, will have to attend meetings in the real world."
Harry stopped at the other end of the circle from Neville and Hermione and looked around. "From now on, you will be attending full Death Eater meetings and, chances are, I won't always be there. Voldemort is the one you will listen to if that occurs, of course, as we always plan together on such things. As things have always been for the Juniors, you will not be expected to go on any raids. Instead, you will be expected to gain information for the Dark Order, recruit other people, and help in any other ways required of you.
"If I ever need any of you for anything, I will contact you my own way. Strange messages may come for you at strange times and in strange ways. My mark will always be the crossed green and red wands. Voldemort's mark is the Dark Mark. Those symbols will tell you who the message is from. If one of you need to get in contact with another member but you aren't expected to meet with each other, send a message to myself or Voldemort through an acceptable route. If you cannot find an acceptable route, owl me and hope I get to it before the Order does.
"Missing meetings or coming to meetings unforgivably late are not in your best interest, especially if I am not there. If I'm not there, Voldemort's rules apply and I guarantee he'll Crucio you if you don't have an excuse he finds to his taste. I'd tell you to make some up, in case you are caught by him, but I know he'll be likely to catch it. Your best bet is actually going to the meetings. If I'm the one who catches you for missing or coming late, you'll probably get off without being hexed, but I will not save your hides if Voldemort gets pissed. Keep that in mind.
"Questions?"
"What about Blaise, Draco, and myself?" Theodore inquired.
"You are Juniors," Harry assured the three Slytherins. "You answer to me before Voldemort. You may have to go on raids, at times, to keep your cover, but I'll do my best to keep that from happening. You'll have enough on your hands with trying to stay ahead of Dumbles as it is."
"If it's urgent we get into contact with you, how do we do it?" Lisa inquired. "Life threatening information or something?"
"I'm sure you've all figured out where I'll be working come September," Harry offered them a brief playful smile. "If it's that urgent, come to me with it immediately. A quick excuse, like, say, a bit of information you've picked up for the Order, will get you past even Dumbles. I've already told him that I've got friends in this year's graduating class that have offered to help me get information in the Ministry, but don't wish to join the Order of the Phoenix. He'll just be pleased with himself for uncovering one of my contacts."
"But be careful after such an action," Hermione offered gently. "Dumbledore will be watching you closely."
Harry nodded grimly. "Try and find another way than running in and grabbing me, please. It would make life difficult for you later."
Gerda gave a loud gurgle, as if in agreement with her godfather, and everyone laughed.
Harry walked over and took the baby from Neville, who sighed in relief. "Aren't you just adorable?" he cooed, cradling her and wandering back up to his spot at the head of the circle. "Anything else?"
The group of seventh years traded looks. "No." Susan shrugged, glancing back up at Harry. "I think we're good."
Harry smiled. "Brilliant. Now, as a warning, I'm planning something wild for our graduation, because I can get away with it. Don't be surprised, though you may wish to act like it." He waggled his eyebrows suggestively. "Dismissed."
"You're horrible," Hermione declared, walking up to her friend, Galvin sleeping peacefully in her arms. Neville walked over with her and gladly handed the baby bag to Harry.
"Are you surprised?" Harry inquired teasingly, pulling a bottle out of the bag and giving it to the small girl in his arms before hanging the bag on his shoulder.
"I shouldn't be," Hermione agreed. "Are we headed back to the room, then?"
"I think so. Nev, you said you needed to go talk to Severus, right?"
"Yes..." Neville glanced around at the retreating backs of the Juniors nervously.
Harry grinned. "Pan!"
The Slytherin glanced back at Harry with a smile. "What's up, boss-man?"
"Can you take Nev up to Severus and make sure the old git doesn't bite his head off for me?"
"Of course!"
Harry nodded to Neville, who looked like Christmas had come early. "Go on, then. If Sevvie gives you shit, send him to me and I'll set him straight."
"If that man is straight, I'm a toad," Hermione grumbled as Neville waved and ran off to go with Pansy.
"I was wondering about that croak," Harry teased, eyes shining brightly. He ducked the swat Hermione sent his way with practised ease. "Stop. You'll startle poor Gerda."
"You spoil that child." Hermione sighed, motioning for them to head for the air platforms to Gryffindor.
"You knew I would," Harry shot back lightly, falling into step with her. "And I, technically, spoil both of them."
"They're going to be absolute nightmares when they're older, you know. Between you and Gin, that is."
"Ah. And they'll be Slytherins, if Marcus has any say in it."
"Speaking of, where was Marcus? He's usually at the meetings."
"Last minute meeting, or something. I think Dumbles wanted a word with him." Harry shrugged and nodded to the platform. "Up you go, Herm."
"No, you go first. I can never get that door open." Hermione sighed helplessly.
"Oh, yeah." The green-eyed wizard smiled slightly and stepped onto the cushion of air. Moments later, he and Gerda were zooming up to Gryffindor Tower, the baby gurgling gleefully on the way. Harry grinned at her. "See, you and I love riding this thing, don't we, love? Mummy's just silly."
Once the pocket of air had reached the landing place in the Tower, the teen stepped out onto solid ground and started down the stairs to the common room. There he found himself met with many smiles and one very annoyed sister. ‘Where have you been?!' Gin called furiously.
Harry sighed. "Walk with me to the room," he murmured, setting his free hand on her arm. Gin frowned at him for a moment before nodding and falling in to step with her brother. Once out of the common room and walking down a charmed hallway that let out near the fireplace, Harry spoke again, "I called a meeting."
‘You didn't want me there?' the young witch asked with a pained expression.
"No, Gin, no." Harry paused his steps and drew the redhead in for a one-armed hug while Gerda mumbled nonsense. "I needed to talk to the seventh years about meetings after this school year. They had to know a few things that you and Luna shouldn't have to worry about yet, that's all."
"Ah, sibling love." Hermione sighed from behind them. The two leaders of the Juniors shot the witch matching dark looks as she grinned at them.
"Yes, Herm?" Harry inquired politely when the staring contest got boring.
Hermione's smile faded. "Professor McGonagall is out there looking for both of us, Harry. She says Dumbles wishes to talk to us."
Harry frowned. "Very well. No point in dropping anything off, I suppose."
‘Stupid old coot ruins everything.' Gin complained as she and Harry fell into step behind Hermione.
"Noticed that, did you?" Harry replied dryly.
‘Indeed.'
"Ah, finally," Minerva said upon seeing them.
"It only took two minutes, Professor," Harry replied with a grin. "Surely ‘finally' is the wrong word."
"You, Mr Potter, are a menace to the sane people of this school," Minerva declared.
"I hope you're not counting yourself among them, Professor," Harry answered teasingly.
Minerva shook her head helplessly. "Come along, you two."
Harry shook his head minutely at Gin as she opened her mouth to ask to come with. The red head scowled, but kept silent. Harry offered her a sad smile before falling into step with Hermione, following their Head of House from the common room.
"Please, take seats," Albus said lightly as his Deputy led the two seventh years into his office.
Harry took a seat immediately, shooting the Headmaster a sharp look. Hermione, however, paused to get a look around. "Herm," Harry murmured when the Head Girl started towards the book shelf along one wall.
Hermione startled and hurried to the free chair next to Harry, blushing faintly. Galvin giggled as Harry hid a smile. "Shut up, Harry."
"I didn't say anything."
"You were thinking it."
"Heh."
Minerva cleared her throat, drawing the attention of the two students back to herself and a smiling Albus. "Argue on your own time."
"Sorry," Harry replied before meeting the twinkling blue orbs of the Headmaster calmly. "What's up?"
"I believe you should tell Ms Granger what you'll be doing next year," Albus replied.
Harry rolled his eyes before turning to his best friend. "Herm, I'm sure you've got a good guess. What do you think I'll be doing next year?"
Hermione blinked at the Boy-Who-Lived for a brief moment before answering, "Teaching Defence Against the Dark Arts here at Hogwarts."
Harry sat back in his seat and shot the Headmaster a satisfied smirk. "Told you she'd figure it out." Gerda gave a loud squeal, as if in agreement with her godfather.
Albus sighed. "So you did." He turned to Hermione, who was frowning thoughtfully. "Harry has requested that you be allowed to remain here also, next year. He's gone around to the staff and made sure you'd always have something to do, of course."
Harry nodded as Hermione's eyes filled with tears. "Remember, Herm, you're family," he said softly. "And I'm going to need help grading papers."
Hermione let out a sound somewhere between and sob and a laugh. "You are a monster."
"Thank you."
That time, Hermione did laugh.
"Where is he?" Morag hissed to Neville.
"Harry?" Neville shrugged. "No idea. He didn't tell me anything."
Mandy leaned back in her chair, still facing forward. "Up to no good, knowing Harry. Look, Marcus is the only one who doesn't look all that worried about him missing."
"Mandy, would you ple–!" Susan started, turning around. She froze, mouth hanging open as she saw something.
"Wha–?" Mandy turned around to look, eyes going wide when she saw. "Oh, hell, please tell me he hasn't..."
"He has." Susan whispered in horror.
Lavender, Gregory, Neville, and Morag also turned around to look. When Lavender started to breathe hard, Mandy shook herself from her stupor and hurried to assure the Gryffindor that it was just Harry, not Voldemort.
In the doorway of the Great Hall stood a sight that could have been very amusing, but was also rather horrifying, for there stood Voldemort, flat-nosed and scarlet-eyed, hunched over so he was shorter, with gigantic round glasses placed precariously on the end of his nose, Gryffindor House robes, and the lightning bolt scar shot through the centre of his forehead. The only thing missing was the famous mop of hair on top of the "Dark Lord's" very pale head.
As people started turning around to find out what the six graduates and a large number of teachers were staring at in a mix of shock and horror, Tom stood up and motioned to the wizard standing in the doorway, pointing at the top of his own head. The false Voldemort reached up to touch his head, then froze, eyes widening in horror at what he forgot. He tugged a piece of loose string from the sleeve of his robe and transfigured it into a sloppy wig before tossing it onto his head. Tom groaned and sat back down as the fake Dark Lord started down the aisle, smiling cheerfully and waving.
Albus watched until his student was about to sit before addressing him. "Harry, was there a point to this?" he inquired dryly.
"Hm?" Harry blinked up at the Headmaster, sitting awkwardly. "Yes, but I'll explain it in my speech, if you don't mind, Dumbles." The students around him let out an audible sigh of relief at the very Harry-like answer to the question.
"Very well, then." Albus sighed, taking the stage. "Another year, another graduating class of excellent students–"
"With one possible exception," Seamus called out, pointing to the boy who sat in front of him and to his right. Harry turned around and flicked his roommate in the middle of his forehead with an annoyed look. The Great Hall filled with laughter.
"Yes, well, Mr Potter and I will have a nice long chat about coming late for the Graduation Ceremony later." Albus chuckled. He rose his arms out on either side of him as the laughter died. "Welcome, family, friends, and students, to the Graduation Ceremony for the Hogwarts' Graduating Class of 1998!" There was a loud cheer following this and Albus waited for it to quiet before continuing. "It's been a long, hard road for all of us, but I can say that it was worth it. Every moment was a new adventure and, if it wasn't new, at least it wasn't boring!
"Now, I shall hand the stage over to Miss Hermione Granger, our Head Girl, who has agreed to give the Heads' speech." Albus took a bow, then re-took his seat to the applause of the audience as Hermione took the stage with a smile.
"Fellow students, families, and friends. Welcome." She smiled as a few people cheered, waiting for silence before speaking again. "I recall my first day at Hogwarts as an exciting new experience. There was so much to learn! I recall my first friends, Harry Potter and Ronald Weasley, and our first adventure, saving the Philosopher's Stone. We all thought Professor Snape was the one helping Voldemort, since he was such an evil git." Hermione smiled as the room filled with laughter and Severus shook his head helplessly. "We were wrong, I know now. We were young and foolish then.
"As the years passed, we all learned many things. I learned about friendship, bravery, trust, understanding, and myself. Other students have, no doubt, learned other things. I've seen death and fought evil, and I've lived to tell about it. I've faced my fears and made friends with some of the best people there are in this world, as well as some of the worst. I can truthfully say that I grew up while I was at Hogwarts in a way I never would have anywhere else.
"I have gone from a child, to a woman. From an ‘insufferable know-it-all', to a person who can admit that she doesn't always have the answers. From a loner, to a best friend. From a follower, to a leader. From one who can't protect herself, to the one who protects others. I am ready to face the world, and so are those who stand with me today. I can only hope the world is ready for us." Hermione nodded to the audience, who cheered, as she stepped down from the stage and walked back to her seat next to Anthony.
Minerva took the stage with a nod. "Thank you, Miss Granger. That was beautiful," she said, applauding again with the rest of the audience. Once there was silence, she began again. "It has been my pleasure to teach this class of graduates. They've all brought something unique to my classroom and they've all done it in their own ways. Some more unique than others, of course." She shot Harry a look at this, getting a grin in response. "Speaking of, I believe it is Mr Potter's turn to speak." She sighed before returning to her seat.
Harry walked up to the stage with confidence, scarlet eyes glinting dangerously as he took his place. "Welcome. May I first apologize for scaring those people who looked absolutely terrified. Marcus and I attempted to set this up to have a touch of humour so as not to cause too much of a ruckus. Since nobody fainted, I shall assume we did it well, hm?" Harry smiled faintly as there was laughter at this. "But, as I said, there is a reason for this ridiculous get-up. That reason is, actually, quite simple. I think you need to be aware of who you are facing.
" ‘I am Lord Voldemort', a sixteen-year-old boy once told me. This boy was the memory of a boy who went to Hogwarts over fifty years ago. His name was Tom Riddle and he was one of Hogwarts' most brilliant students. We like to joke that Hermione is a know-it-all, but even she must admit that she has nothing on the young Lord Voldemort. There are at least three teachers behind me who went to this school at the same time as Tom, and Professor Dumbledore taught him Transfiguration. I've been told more times than I can count that Tom started out good, but something happened and he went bad. He became the Dark Lord Voldemort.
"I have faced both Voldemort and Tom Riddle on a few separate occasions. Neither are pleasant and neither would be someone I could call a friend. In fact, I call both, my enemy." Harry paused to look around at the sea of stony faces. "I can hear you asking me what this speech has to do with anything already, so I'll just cut to the chase, hm?
"Next year, I am starting a group at Hogwarts that will take place every Saturday after lunch. This group is open to any and all witches and wizards in the United Kingdom, no matter your age or your education, though we do ask that you know how to wave a wand." He smiled. "In this group, I, along with a few teachers, and a few members of this graduating class, will teach you everything we think you'll need to know to fight Voldemort. We'll teach you as patiently as we can manage, because we do believe this is important. An Auror won't always be there to protect you when Voldemort comes knocking on your door, you know. The Order of the Phoenix won't always be able to come to your rescue when you're out shopping. And, let me tell you, those Death Eaters won't stop their attack long enough for you to attempt a Shield Charm six or seven times because it just won't stay up. You'll need to know how to do that Shield Charm right the first time and also use it to protect a few other people who can't perform a Shield Charm.
"I'm asking you to please help us in this fight against Voldemort. I'll be right up there in the very front, I promise you, but I'll need to know that there's someone behind me, blasting down that Death Eater who's sneaking up on me while I'm fighting off five others." He sighed and suddenly morphed back into himself, gathering a general gasp from the room. "Now that the stuff I really needed you to listen to is over, I think I'll be myself again to tell you everything else," he offered, ending the transfiguration on the "wig" as he spoke. "Anthony kindly gave up his speech to let me cause trouble worthy of the Weasley Twins themselves, who I know are around here somewhere. Remember to watch what you eat and drink!
"At any rate, after all that amazing stuff Herm said, I can't really think of anything to top it. I mean, who could top Hermione? Well, Ron, but we'll ignore that for now." He grinned at the laughter, and at Hermione, who shot him the two-fingered salute. "Not that I'm complaining, Herm. After all, I got two beautiful godchildren out of the deal!"
"Harry James Potter, you are so dead when I get my hands on you!" Hermione shouted over the laughter, grinning herself.
Harry bowed. "It's been great learning from all the teachers I've had. From the mystic, and slightly crazy Trelawney, to the stern, never smiles, couldn't-laugh-if-you-told-her-the-funniest-joke-on-the-planet McGonagall! From the wild and insane Dumbledore, who we all know has no sense of colour coordination, to the snarky, evil, ultra git Snape, who must be colour-blind, since his wardrobe is nothing but black! From the teeny-tiny Flitwick, to the ultra huge Hagrid! From the evil toad Umbridge who taught us not a thing, to the kind old werewolf Lupin who taught us all he knew! From the overly paranoid and only slightly crazy Moody who claims he fears nothing, to the stuttering Quirrell who was afraid of his own shadow! From the wild and eccentric Lockhart who had no clue what he was doing and couldn't hex a dead fly, to the gorgeous and controlled Brutús who knows a few Dark Wizards personally and could even best them!" The teen shouted, soaking up the laughter that followed each wild description of the staff like a sponge. "I have loved every moment of my time here at Hogwarts. In fact, I loved it so much, I let Headmaster Dumbledore talk me into teaching here next year, so everyone can feel secure with the knowledge that we'll have at least one more competent teacher in the Defence Against the Dark Arts position!
"Now, I've talked enough and got you cheerful again after starting out so gloomy, so why don't you all sit back and let the staff do their thing!" Harry left the stage to cheers and took his seat with a grin.
"Thank you, Mr Potter, for giving us a speech in that original style of yours," Albus said as he and the four House Heads got up on the stage. He waited for the general laughter to die down before starting his speech again. "For those of you who have never been to a Hogwarts' graduation before, let me give you a general walk-through. I and our four Heads of House here will hand out the graduating certificates. Next, I get to hand out a few very special awards. To end everything, we have a reception banquet along the far wall and you are welcome to mingle.
"Now, first on our list of graduating students: Mr Anthony Goldstein!" Anthony got up from his seat and took his certificate from Albus and shaking hands with the old headmaster before going down the line and shaking the hands of each of the House Heads. "Miss Hermione Granger!" Albus called as Anthony headed back to his seat. Hermione followed down the line of Heads of Houses, but, instead of a handshake, Hermione got a hug from her own House's Head.
Hannah, Terry, Ernie, Draco, Pansy, Padma, and Parvati followed the same general pattern, the two Patil girls and Hannah all getting hugs from their House Heads instead of handshakes. When it was Harry's turn, he took his certificate, then gave Albus a large hug, much to the Headmaster's joy, and proceeded to bestow both a hug and a kiss on the cheek upon both Minerva and Professor Sprout, a bear hug upon Professor Flitwick, and a hug and a pat on the head to Severus, laughing when the Potions professor muttered something under his breath. The rest of the room had to laugh as well when Harry sauntered back to his chair while Severus looked upwards, as if asking for patience.
It was then Minerva's turn to take the lead. She called the last of her students in alphabetical order, then let Sprout, Flitwick, and Severus do the same in turn. All of the students followed the general example from before them, the females hugging their favourite teachers, as long as it wasn't the glaring Potions professor, and everyone shaking the hands of everyone else. The only other males to hug their House Heads were Neville and Seamus.
Once the certificates were done, Albus took centre stage again with a much smaller handful of certificates. "First, I'd like to award both our Head Girl and Head Boy for doing a fabulous job this year. I don't have any certificates for you, so I hope you'll just keep your badges and be proud of them. I'd also like to award all eight of our Prefects, especially the ones who took over for our Head Boy and Girl this year and our one Prefect who took over from Mr Weasley in the middle of the year. Be proud of all the good things you've done here.
"Now, for the certificates. Miss Granger, please come up here?" Hermione came up and stood before the Headmaster with a nervous smile. "There are two students in this year's graduating class that have made a major impact on this school. One of them is Miss Granger. Our top student, bested only in Defence Against the Dark Arts, and the young woman who came up with the idea for the original DA, from what I've heard. Miss Granger has also managed her duties as Head Girl and kept her studies up despite her unfortunate pregnancy at the beginning of the year and the birth of the twins in the middle of May. Miss Granger has been a role model for all and I know we're all extremely proud to have called her our student. Here you are, Miss Granger." Albus held out a certificate.
Hermione took it and gave him a giant hug, smiling through tears. "Thank you, sir," she whispered before heading back to her seat. Draco discreetly passed her a handkerchief.
"The other student who has made a major impact on this school is none other than Mr Potter." He beckoned Harry up, who walked up to the stage as Albus started talking again. "Mr Potter was the one student who managed to surpass Miss Granger in a subject, and that subject was Defence Against the Dark Arts, which he'll be teaching next year. He took over the position of Gryffindor House Prefect from Mr Weasley in the middle of the year and has managed to calm even the hottest of tempers when faced with a fight. He's been a great help to the staff this year, even though he's spent more time pranking us than working with us." Harry grinned at that. "But no matter how much trouble he's caused, he always finds a way to make it up in his own way and helps to protect the school when he can. He is the leader of the DA and the most popular student in Hogwarts, or so I've been told, so I dare say he's deserving of this award. Here you are, Harry."
Harry took the award and hugged Albus again. "Thanks, Albus." He grinned, then hopped down to his seat while the onlookers laughed, since the teen had turned the Headmaster's beard into a rainbow of colours.
"You should have given him the award for being the prank master!" Fred shouted from the very middle of the crowd of friends and family. Everyone laughed as Harry stood up and took a bow.
"Perhaps I should have. How many times have you got me this year?" Albus glanced at the teen.
Harry shrugged. "I have it all written down, but I'm afraid the paper's packed away in my trunk. I'll be sure to owl you about it later."
"And I'll be sure to frame it when you do," the Headmaster promised, smiling as people laughed again. "Now, for the not so serious awards." He winked, picking one out from the pile in his hands. "This one is awarded to Mr Seamus Finnigan for being the most likely to come to class drunk. Come on up here, Mr Finnigan!"
Seamus took the certificate with a wide smile and waved it in the air after receiving it. "And I'm not drunk this time!" he shouted.
"I give it ten minutes!" Dean shouted back as everyone laughed. Seamus stuck his tongue out at his best friend and returned to his seat.
Albus chuckled. "This next one is for Mr Dean Thomas for being the best artist in the school! Come on up, Mr Thomas!" Dean walked up and took his award with a large grin, then returned to his seat. "This one is to Mr Draco Malfoy for being the guy most likely to scream if there's a silk worm in his hair." Albus gave Harry a dirty look and the teen cracked up. "You might as well come get it, Mr Malfoy."
Draco walked up in a dignified manner, took the certificate then walked over to Harry and used it to smack the top of the Gryffindor's head before taking his seat. Harry fell out of chair, he was laughing so hard. Hermione turned around and shot a Calming Charm at the Boy-Who-Lived so he could sit back in his chair.
"Thank you, Miss Granger. Please tell me you didn't add any others, Mr Potter."
Harry shook his head. "No. That was just so I could see the look on Draco's face." Draco scowled.
"I see." Albus shook his head in amusement. "This award is for Miss Sally-Anne Perks, from Madam Pomfrey, for being the best mediwitch assistant she's had to date! Come up here, Miss Perks." He motioned Poppy up as well and let the mediwitch give the student the certificate and a big hug. As both sat down, Albus pulled out then next one. "To Mr Neville Longbottom for being the student to have improved the most over the past seven years! Mr Longbottom?"
Neville came up with a grimace and took the certificate. "Thank you, sir." He sighed before returning to his seat, smacking Harry on the way, since the teen was sniggering silently.
"And last, but not the least, to Mr Terry Boot, who appears to be the most likely to disagree with Mr Potter." Albus cocked an eyebrow at Harry.
"I didn't write that one sir." Harry shrugged.
"No, I did," Hermione offered. "It's always amusing to watch you two argue over something totally stupid."
"Gee, thanks, Herm," Harry said dryly.
"Yeah, thanks, Hermione," Terry agreed, walking up to the stage to get the certificate. He followed Draco's example on the way back to his seat and swatted Hermione over the head with the parchment. Most people laughed.
"Since that's all done, why doesn't everyone get some food!" Albus called out.
Harry grinned as he stood and accepted a hug from Hermione when she ran up to him. "Hey there, Herm."
"You, Harry Potter, are horrible," Hermione declared as a few of their other friends walked up.
"I second that," Draco decided. "Really, Harry. A silk worm?"
"I was trying to be pleasant. I could have put cockroach…"
Draco scowled. "Silk worm is fine."
"That's what I thought."
"So, Harry," Theodore wrapped an arm around the Boy-Who-Lived's shoulders, "who all knew about that speech of yours?"
Harry smiled. "Well, Marcus helped me write it, and Albus okayed it, but they were the only ones who'd heard it before." He nudged Theodore in the ribs. "So, yes, he knew."
"Who knew what?" Tom inquired, stopping behind Harry and Theodore.
"Oh, nothing." Harry smiled back at the Dark Lord.
"Move it, Mr Nott," Tom ordered.
"Sorry, Marcus." Theodore grinned, letting go of Harry.
Harry spun around and immediately grabbed the Dark Lord in a hug, burying his face in the older wizard's chest. Tom smiled and wrapped his arms around his younger lover, resting his chin atop Harry's head. "Summer," Tom murmured, "is finally here. No more Albus. And no more teaching bratty little children."
"Just me!" Ula said rather suddenly as she, the Weasleys, and the Grangers came over.
The Dark Lord buried his face in Harry's mop of hair with a groan. "Dammit."
Harry laughed. "Oh, Marcus, stop that." He tugged back enough to reach up and tug Tom's mouth down to his. "I love you, you bastard," he added once they'd parted.
Tom smiled and kissed Harry's scar. "Imp," he declared before pulling away and nodding to the Grangers. "You must be Hermione's parents."
Hermione's father nodded. "I'm Clive, this is Julia. You must be Marcus Brutús," he said, holding out a hand to shake.
"I am indeed," the Dark Lord agreed before glancing at the Weasleys. "Arthur, Molly, Gred, and Forge."
The twins laughed at the old names. "Marcus got it right!" George declared.
"Really." Molly gave both twins dry looks. "As far as I know, your birth certificates still say Fred and George."
"They just got mixed up while they were writing our names down," Fred explained.
"I wrote your names down," Molly replied.
‘Run now, guys.' Gin suggested, hugging Harry. ‘Congratulations for getting past the student stage, big brother.'
"Mm. Sometimes I wonder what I was on when I agreed to teaching here next year," Harry agreed.
"Father. Mother." Draco nodded to his parents as Lucius and Narcissa stepped over to them.
"Congratulations, Draco, everyone," Lucius replied, watching the Grangers out of the corner of his eyes, since the Muggles were giving his hostile looks.
Harry and Hermione traded looks and Harry stepped in. "Drs Granger, this is Lucius and Narcissa Malfoy. Lucius, Narcissa, these are Herm's parents, Clive and Julia Granger." The look he sent at the Malfoys quite clearly said ‘Play nice or else'.
Lucius nodded and extended his hand to Julia, who was closer. "I apologize for our last meeting. I have been enlightened of a few things since then, including how special a young lady your daughter is."
"Aw, thanks, Lucius," Hermione teased. Lucius shot her an annoyed look.
"Yeah. When was the last time you showed poor Dray with such praise?" Harry threw in, grinning.
"Oh, please don't drag me into this, Potter," Draco grumbled.
"It could be worse," Pansy pointed out. "He could be hitting on you again."
"Pansy!" Harry hissed, glancing nervously at Tom, who was looking rather confused. "You promised to keep your mouth shut!"
"Oops. My bad. Sorry." Pansy sighed, shrugging and not sounding the least bit sorry.
The Dark Lord rested an arm on top of Harry's head and gave the teen and annoyed look. "Have you been cheating on me again?"
Harry gave his lover a tearful look. "I'm sorry. I know I promised not to do it again, but, his skin's so soft!"
Those who knew who the Dark Lord was watched him warily as he blinked at Harry for a few moments. Tom bowed his head, shoulders shaking and Harry grinned widely, winking at Draco, who made a big show of being relieved. "You imp!" Tom said suddenly, looking up and crushing his lips to Harry's. You're lucky I can read your mind, you know.
Oh, come on, Tom. You know I'd never cheat on you, Harry replied, ruffling the Dark Lord's light brown hair.
Tom pulled back and worked on flattening his hair with a scowl. "Do you mind?!"
"Of course he doesn't!" Sirius said cheerfully, throwing an arm around the Dark Lord's shoulders cheerfully and holding out a bottle of opened butterbeer to his godson. "Congratulations, everyone." He offered, winking at Hermione, Draco, Ted, Gin, and Pansy.
"Black, if you do not remove yourself from my person within ten seconds, I will hex your arms behind your back and hang you from the ceiling," Tom growled darkly.
Harry smiled and unhexed the bottle of butterbeer before taking it from his godfather. "I'd let him go, Siri."
"Oh, fine," Sirius let the Dark Lord go and smirked as Tom cast a Cleaning Charm on himself. "By the way, Harry, you'll never believe who I was sitting next to!"
"Remus Lupin, by any chance?" Tom said dryly.
Sirius shot him a dirty look before smiling at Harry again. "Your aunt, actually."
"Aunt Petunia came?!" Harry grinned. "I didn't think she'd be able to make it! Where is she?"
"Remus was helping her pick food out." Sirius shrugged. "I let him handle it. He'll bring her over here when they're done."
"Probably for the best that we keep the mutt away from the food," a dark voice said from behind Lucius. The blond glanced over his shoulder, then moved to one side to let Severus into the small sort-of-circle they'd created.
"Hi, Sevvie!" Harry chirped, running over and giving the Potions professor a hug.
"Harry, if you hug me one more time, I'll have to start testing potions on you." Severus groaned. "And don't call me ‘Sevvie', for the last time!"
"Aw. You're no fun, Sevvie." Harry pouted. The people around the circle laughed.
"You're almost better off getting used to him, Severus," Remus offered as he led a thin woman into the circle next to Sirius.
Harry smiled and walked over to give his aunt a much calmer hug than he'd given Severus. "You made it."
"Yes." Petunia smiled. "Thank Saber for me, next time you see him. He brought me on the Knight Bus."
"Will do." Harry nodded, then glanced around with a worried look. "Do I have to introduce you to everyone?"
Petunia laughed at that. "No, that's fine, dear." She ruffled his hair fondly. "Congratulations on getting a job for next year, by the way."
"Thank you."
"Of course, Harry's the only one who Albus knows he can trust to teach his precious brats." Severus snorted.
Harry grinned. "He just knows that I can, Severus. Trust is another issue entirely."
"Yes. Knowing Harry, they probably had another long talk about pranks." Tom snorted.
"Oh, it wasn't that long!" Harry grinned. "He just said that I have to okay any pranks with him first."
"And me," Severus cut in.
"Nope. Sorry, Sevvie. Albus never said anything about my okaying pranks with you." Harry laughed
"Albus didn't, but I am, you little horror," the Potions professor shot back.
Lucius sighed, glancing at a watch. "I'm afraid we must leave. Pansy, we're to take you to the manor until your parents get back from Mexico."
"Sleepover! Cool!" Pansy chirped, grabbing on to Draco's arm and looking at Harry. "I'll have to wait to stay over with you, Har. Sorry."
"Oh well." Harry shook his head sadly. "I'll see you all next week sometime."
"Of course. The tea date." Narcissa nodded. "I should put it on the calendar at home."
"Yes. We'll see you Friday, then?" Tom agreed.
"That should be perfect," Lucius agreed.
Harry glanced discreetly at Hermione and got a quick smile in response. Herm'll be at the meeting, then. I'll check with Nev before we leave.
Best catch him now, then. Looks like his Gran is dragging him out, Tom warned as the Weasleys also offered their good-byes. The meeting had been planned so early into the holidays so that they could all come before they left the country.
Damn. Harry smiled at everyone after giving his sister and Molly a hug. "I need to go catch Nev, if that's okay?"
"Oh, go on, then. We'll surely find some way to amuse ourselves without you," Hermione teased.
Harry rolled his eyes and jogged over to his fellow Heir. "Hullo, Madam Longbottom. Nev, could I have a quick word with you?"
Neville blinked. "It's about those lessons you promised me, right? I hope you don't mind, but I already told Gran about them."
Harry gave his friend a relieved smile. "Yes, yes. That's fine." He scratched the back of his head. "Is it alright if I come get you before noon on next Friday? I'll need to take you into the house the first time so you can find it and we can set the wards for you."
Neville glanced back at his grandmother. "Is that okay, Gran? I'll probably be gone all day."
Madam Longbottom nodded. "That should be fine. I'll just invite my knitting friends over so I don't get bored," she decided.
"Great!" Harry grinned. "I'll see you on Friday, then!"
"Right." Neville nodded and the two shared a brotherly hug, which appeared to shock Neville's grandmother, before Harry hurried back to where the Grangers were getting ready to leave.
Harry gave Hermione a big hug. "I'll send Hedwig to you tomorrow so you can send me a letter to let me know when you're visiting."
"Oh, alright." Hermione rolled her eyes as she took Gerda from Severus, who had been holding the baby for his ex-student. "Say good-bye to your godfather, Gerda."
Gerda let out a gurgle and waved a pudgy hand at Harry. The green-eyed wizard leaned over and blooped her nose. "You be good for your mum and grandparents, little missy," he said warningly, smiling when the baby giggled. Then he turned to Galvin, who was watching his godfather from his grandmother's arms. "You too, Gal. You don't want to annoy Gin by annoying your mum again, now do you?" Galvin mumbled a string of baby nonsense in response, looking quite downcast.
Hermione smiled. "I'll see you later, then."
Harry smiled and kissed her cheek. "Stay safe. Don't let old Voldie get ya." Hermione laughed and followed her parents from the Great Hall.
"Well, my little imp, we should probably head out as well," Tom sighed, dragging a laughing Ula away from Sirius.
Harry nodded and glanced at his aunt. "Aunt Petunia, have you got a way to get home?"
"Well, I was going to take a portkey home, like Professor Dumbledore said I could..."
"Nonsense," Tom cut in. "We'll drop you off. Harry can do an Apparation Circle."
"You can apparate Muggles?" Sirius gaped.
"It's possible, but I wouldn't recommend it," the Dark Lord responded evilly before glancing at Harry. "Think you have the strength?"
Harry frowned thoughtfully. "I should be fine," he agreed out loud. Quietly, he added, But you'll need to do the second apparation to the manor.
I was planning to anyway, Tom assured the teen. "Good. Now say good-bye to your godfathers and let's head out."
The teen grinned and hopped over to Remus and Sirius while Tom turned to talk Ula into calming down. "I don't know if Marcus'll let you into the manor, Siri, but I'll try talking him into it, right?"
"Nah, don't bother. I'll see you sometimes, I'm sure." The Animagus shrugged. "Remy'll let you know if I want you to visit, I'm sure."
Harry rolled his eyes. "Probably."
Sirius tugged Harry into a hug. "Just take care of yourself, Harry," he murmured.
Harry returned the hug desperately. "Don't do anything foolish, Padfoot," he whispered fiercely. "I cannot lose you again."
"You won't lose me again, pup. I swear," the Animagus agreed soothingly.
Harry nodded as he pulled away and wiped at a tear that had made a shimmering trail down his left cheek. "Good."
Remus grinned and leaned on his long-time friend. "Don't worry, Harry. I found his old leash. He won't be going anywhere."
Harry laughed and gave his other godfather a quick hug. "Make sure you tie him up outside before you leave to go anywhere, right? Don't want him pissing on the furniture."
"You little monster!" Sirius laughed as Harry waved and walked over to join Tom, Petunia, and Ula.
Tom silently handed Harry a handkerchief and picked Ula up, since she'd been demanding it. "There should be a few carriages left that we can take down to the gate. Come on."
On their way out, Albus approached them. "Marcus, Harry, could I have your mailing address, in case I need to owl you?"
Tom grimaced. "The manor's unplottable and has wards against most owls, Albus. Your best bet is sending any mail to the owl post office in Dundee."
"Wait." Harry frowned. "Marcus, could a phoenix get through the wards?"
The Dark Lord blinked a few times. "I have no idea. If you'd like though, I suppose we could program Fawkes into the wards."
Albus nodded. "You're taking Petunia home first?"
"Yes. Marcus says it's possible to apparate a Muggle, and it's always a good idea to find out just what I can manage," Harry agreed.
"I'll send Fawkes to catch up with you at Privet Drive, then, and you can take him with you the manor," Albus decided, then smiled. "Have a good break, my dear boy. And you, Miss Thorald. And, of course, you, Marcus." He winked before walking off.
"That man is so odd," Marcus decided, shifting his hold on Ula, who giggled. "Off we go, then."
Harry and Petunia fell in behind the Dark Lord. "Having fun, Ula?" Harry called up to the girl as they walked out of the Great Hall and out of the school.
"I can see everything!" Ula agreed.
Harry grinned and paused in front of one of the carriages to stroke the thestral standing there. "I know. Marcus is tall!"
"What are you petting, Harry?" Ula inquired as Tom set her down and opened the door for the women.
"Hm? Oh, thestrals." Harry shrugged and kissed the noses of the team that would be pulling their carriage before following everyone in.
"Thestrals?" Ula shuddered. "They're unlucky, you know," she mentioned as the carriage started moving.
"Yes." Harry nodded. "At least, that's what I've been told, but they've never caused bad luck for me, and I like them."
Ula blinked at Tom. "Can you see them?"
"Yes." The Dark Lord inclined his head. "But, then, being a killer means such things happen."
"How can you be so calm about that?!" Ula cried.
"It's who he is, Ula," Petunia offered. "I'm assuming she actually knows who you are?" She glanced at Tom.
The Dark Lord nodded. "Yes."
Petunia glanced at the young witch. "Then you should expect such things from him."
Harry chuckled as the carriage stopped. "Oh, come on." He hopped from the carriage and started out for the gates.
Ula quickly caught up with the Boy-Who-Lived and grabbed his hand. "He's really creepy," she whispered.
Harry squeezed her hand gently. "He's had a hard life, Ula, and he's rather jaded. Yes, he can be creepy, but he has his good moments, too, and they're becoming much more frequent than they once were."
Ula sighed. "I know, but that doesn't keep him from being creepy."
"No, it doesn't," Harry agreed, stopping a little past the end of the wards. "Have you ever been apparated before? I know parents will sometimes apparate their children when they have to get somewhere."
"No. Mum can't apparate," Ula replied.
Harry nodded. "Then this should be a bit of an adventure for you."
Tom and Petunia walked up to them. and the Dark Lord looked at Ula warily. "Are you against holding my hand right now?"
"No," the girl decided, holding out her free hand for him to take. Tom motioned for Petunia to stand between himself and Harry.
"Okay." Harry grinned. "I'm not sure how well this is going to work, so I insist on silence. Ula, I need you to concentrate your magical energy towards me, alright?" Ula nodded and closed her eyes, so Harry turned to his aunt. "Aunt Petunia, I just want you to concentrate on me. Marcus is an adept at this, so he'll play back-up for me, right, love?"
"Yes." Tom nodded and cast a silent and wandless spell on his teal eyes to allow him to see magick threads to watch for any mistakes.
"You will teach me that," Harry murmured, closing his eyes. When he got the mental ‘Go' from the Dark Lord, he cast the spell, tweaking it to allow for his aunt, "Apparate Omnes!"
Once they'd reappeared just off Wisteria Walk, Tom applauded his younger lover. "Good job, Harry. You didn't need to boost the spell quite so much, but that's okay."
Harry grinned. "Good to know."
"Tired?" Tom asked in concern. Petunia and Ula both turned to look at the Boy-Who-Lived.
"A little, yeah," Harry agreed before covering a yawn.
Tom nodded and picked the smaller wizard up, hugging him to his chest. "You don't eat enough," he muttered, nodding to Petunia to lead the way. The Muggle smiled slightly and took the lead, grabbing one of Ula's hands in her own so the girl didn't run off.
"Leave me alone," Harry replied, resting his head on the Dark Lord's shoulder.
Tom chuckled faintly. I don't trust Albus' bird, you know, he added mentally.
But I do.
With your life?
Yes. Harry blinked up at the worried teal eyes. And yours, Tom. Fawkes won't ‘spill the beans', as it were.
I have never gotten along with that bird. Anyway, what makes you think the mascot of the Order of the Phoenix is going to be pleased that you're staying with the leader of the opposition? the Dark Lord demanded.
It'll be okay, Harry murmured, kissing his lover's chin. You'll see.
You trust too easily, Tom complained as Petunia unlocked the door of her house. The wizards and one witch followed the Muggle in and all were greeted by a flaming bird.
"Phoenix!" Ula exclaimed in excitement.
Fawkes flew over to Harry and landed on his shoulder to preen the teen's hair, totally ignoring the dark looks Tom was shooting him. °°Are you okay, Harry?°°
Harry smiled. "Just a little tired. Nothing to worry about. Marcus, you can put me down, you know."
The Dark Lord snorted and set Harry on the ground carefully. "If you start to wobble, I'm picking you up again."
"Yeah, I know." Harry smiled at Tom before turning back to Petunia and Ula. "Aunt Petunia, Ula, this is Albus' phoenix, Fawkes. Fawkes, this is my aunt, Petunia Dursley, and Ula Thorald."
Fawkes bowed his head to the ladies. °°A pleasure to meet you both.°° Then he turned to Harry. °°Ula is the daughter of Galatea and Xylon, correct?°°
"Yes," Harry agreed before turning to Tom. "Marcus, we should probably head out to the manor so Fawkes can get back."
The Dark Lord nodded and motioned for Ula to come over to them. "Say good-bye to your aunt, Harry."
Harry nodded and gave his aunt a hug. "If you get into any trouble, use that mirror I gave you to let us know. I'll send Saber to come get you and you can stay in the manor."
Tom nodded when Petunia looked at him. "There's plenty of room for you to hide if you don't want to see our ugly faces."
Petunia laughed. "I'll keep that in mind, then." She kissed Harry's cheek. "Stay safe, Harry. And you, Marcus, Ula."
"Of course." Tom nodded while Ula grinned. "Come on, Harry."
Fawkes chimed in as Harry walked back to Tom. °°Where are we going? I could take us. Probably easier if Marcus has to reset the wards to allow both Ula and myself entry.°°
Harry looked up at Tom. "Hey, Marcus, would you like it if Fawkes transports us?"
The Dark Lord blinked a few times before shrugging. "Sure." He nodded to the phoenix. "We're going to the owl post office in Dundee. I told Hedwig to wait for us there, so we'll have to pick her up."
°°Of course.°° Fawkes nodded. He waited until Harry was touching both Tom and Ula before letting out a sharp note. Fire surrounded the four magical beings and they disappeared.
Tom waited until after the phoenix had left the manor to drop his glamour. "Home sweet home," he muttered, pulling things from his robe pockets and resizing them before dropping them on the floor at his feet.
Ula and Harry traded looks before laughing. "Tom, love, are you okay?" Harry inquired, leaning down slightly so he could look into the Dark Lord's eyes.
Tom tossed the last bag on the floor, then snapped his fingers twice. Two house-elves appeared, both wearing clean tea cosies with the Slytherin crest dashed across the front in sharp detail. "What can Slinky and Giggles do for Master?" one of them, the elder-looking one, asked, bowing
Tom crouched down so he was level with the small creatures. "These two will be my guests for the summer. This is Harry, and that's Ula. Could you take Ula's things and show her to the Copper Room, please, Giggles?"
"Giggles would be happy to, Master!" the one who hadn't spoken before replied. She bounced over to Ula while Tom smiled. "If Mistress Ula will point out her things, Giggles will get them and show Mistress Ula to her room!"
The young witch looked started. "Ju-just Ula, will do," she murmured, tugging out her trunk and a small shoulder bag, which she slung over one shoulder.
"Right this way, Ula!" Giggles said with a large smile before bouncing down the hall, trunk in tow. Ula hurried after her, eyes wide.
Harry chuckled. "Perhaps Giggles should have been named Bouncy, eh, Tom?"
The Dark Lord rolled his eyes. "Perhaps." Then he looked back at Slinky. "Slinky, could you take the rest of this stuff to my suite, then make sure everyone knows that Harry and Ula will be here? Also, make sure someone keeps Ula busy for today."
"Of course, Master." Slinky bowed. "And what time shall Slinky have dinner ready for Master and Master's guests?"
Tom glanced up at Harry, who shrugged. "I think it's best if we just call for it whenever we're hungry, don't you think? Then Ula can have her dinner whenever she'd like," the teen suggested.
"Let's go with Harry's idea, then," Tom decided, nodding.
"Very well, Master. And what time will Master and Master's guests be having breakfast tomorrow?" Slinky asked, collecting the leftover trunks and bags.
"Have it ready at nine, and make sure Ula knows," Tom ordered, standing.
"As Master wishes," Slinky agreed before disappearing with a 'pop', taking all of the things with him.
"Slinky is the Head Elf," Tom told Harry, offering his arm. "If you want something done, you'll have to ask him."
Harry grinned and slid his arm around the Dark Lord's waist, resting his head against the taller man's shoulder. "I'll keep that in mind. They all look very happy."
"They are, I think," Tom agreed, settling his arm around Harry's shoulders. "Of course, they really don't like it when my Death Eaters come around, but there's little I can do about that. Shall we head towards the bedroom?"
"Sure." Harry smiled. "So, do I get a tour of this place tomorrow?"
"Of course." Tom chuckled. "I'll give both you and Ula the grand tour after breakfast."
"Mm. And what ever shall we do until then?"
"I've got a few ideas."
Harry laughed.
Chapter 47, Part 2
Abandon the Prequel: Sixth Year
Abandon Chapters:
01 || 02 || 03 || 04 || 05 || 06 || 07 || 08 || 09 || 10
11 || 12 || 13 || 14 || 15 || 16 || 17 || 18 || 19 || 20
21 || 22 || 23 || 24 || 25 || 26 || 27 || 28 || 29 || 30
31 || 32 || 33 || 34 || 35 || 36 || 37 || 38 || 39 || 40
41 || 42 || 43 || 44 || 45 || 46 ||
Reclaim Chapters:
One || Two || Three || Four || Five || Six || Seven || Eight || Nine || Ten
Eleven || Twelve || Thirteen || Fourteen || Fifteen
Epilogue
Side Stories:
Ginevra Weasley & Theodore Nott
Minerva McGonagall || Minerva McGonagall (again)
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Date: 9/7/05 03:00 (UTC)