Christmas in Kent
Harry sat on Severus' couch while his father and head of house examined the diary which had caused Harry so much angst over the past few months. The odd thing was that neither Lucius nor Severus seemed to be angry with Harry.
Harry had still been awake when Dobby had popped into his room twisting his ears and sobbing. It had taken a few minutes for him to calm Dobby down and he had been thankful for the privacy charms he cast before he called Dobby earlier.
The sobbing elf had apologised that he could not bring the diary to Harry because it had very bad, evil magic in it. Harry had momentarily panicked that Dobby had done something rash such as destroying the diary. He had breathed a sigh of relief when the elf explained he had taken it to Severus and he was there to bring Harry to the Professor quarters.
“Dobby is sorry for disobeying you Master, Dobby will punish himself Master Harry, unless Master wishes…” the elf looked stricken and Harry suddenly realised that Dobby thought Harry would hurt him and was horrified the elf would think it.
“Dobby,” Harry said firmly. “I would never hurt you and I do not want you to punish yourself for protecting me. You’re right the diary contains very dark magic and taking it to Professor Snape was the right thing to do. It saved me taking it to him,” Harry told the elf.
Dobby looked relieved “Master is not angry with Dobby?” he asked
“No of course not, now will you take me to Severus?” Harry asked.
The elf sagged in relief. “Master Harry is so kind, such a good Master. Dobby is taking you to Professor Snappy now,” the elf grabbed Harry’s hand and popped away.
Now Harry was waiting for the verdict from guardians.
Lucius was looking at the diary with an odd expression on his face like he could not decide if he was revolted or impressed with the object. “I had this in my possession for almost fifteen years and I never realised what it was. My Lord asked me to keep it safe and I did so without question,” Lucius said, sounding a little pained.
“It was not your place to question Our Lord, Lucius. It likely would not have gone well for you if you had questioned him. What we need to consider is what we do now?” Severus replied sharply.
Lucius stroked his chin “Is it safe here?” he asked.
“Reasonably, I could keep it in my study,” he said, waving his hand towards the empty wall behind Harry.
“Well then keep it safe here, and bring it to Kent for Christmas, it is only a few days,” he suggested. “We will need to consult the Dark Lord before doing anything else. However I will present to him the current situation and possibilities which Arthur Weasley's daughter having such an object would present to us,” Lucius
Severus looked grim for a moment, “Harry?” he asked.
“Yes sir?” Harry asked.
“Are you happy with the plan for me to keep this here?” Severus asked.
“I am sure it is safer with you than with me sir,” Harry said quietly.
“Where were you keeping it?” Severus asked.
“In the secret compartment in my trunk which I protected with a parseltongue ward; at least I did at the beginning. Once I wrote in it I…I couldn't leave it behind in my trunk any more - it wouldn't let me,” he confessed. “That’s how Ginny got hold of it, after she confronted me in the library I must have dropped it in my rush to get away from her.”
“The Horcrux had some kind of hold over you,” Lucius asked.
“I…I think so, I wanted to write in it, I thought it was my choice but I don't know,” Harry said.
“How long was it in your possession?” Lucius asked.
Harry looked sheepish. “Since the day Severus took me to Gringotts I didn't leave it in my vault, I couldn't. I didn't understand why, I know I should have told Severus I just…couldn't,” he tried to explain.
“You felt compelled?” Severus asked
Harry thought carefully about the question before he replied. “I guess, it was kind of the same as the invisibility cloak. When I found that on my bed I knew I should bring it to you but I just really wanted to try it out and didn't see why I shouldn’t try it. I didn’t feel like I was being compelled, I just wanted to try it and the diary was the same, I just wanted to have it. Then when I lost it I didn’t realise at first that it was gone and when I did realise, my memory of it was all foggy. I couldn't remember where I had it last, so I never thought of Ginny having it.” Harry told him.
“That makes sense there are compulsion charms as well as concealment charms on the diary; the person in possession of it is required to to keep it safe. It also had protection spells to help keep it secret. Once it was out of your possession you should have forgotten about it completely,” Severus said thoughtfully.
“What do you think the Dark Lord will do?” Harry asked nervously.
Lucius looked up quickly. “He won't hurt you Harry. He wants you on his side but he is unsure how to gain your allegiance. The Dark Lord never gives people a reason to fear him, until after they are marked.”
Harry rolled his eyes, “I know he can't hurt me. I was worried about you and Severus and well Ginny,” he said.
Lucius looked stunned. “How do you know he can't hurt you?”
Harry screwed up his face in concentration as he tried to explain the odd connection he seemed to have with the Dark Lord. “I can’t explain it exactly but when the diary tried to possess me it couldn't, my magic would not allow it. Last year when the Dark Lord was possessing Quirrell he could not do more than talk to me. He said it was because of my amulets but I don't think that was the truth. I think it was my magic then too. The best he could do was try to compel me to do what he wanted. Which worked because…well I think it worked because I wanted to talk to him,” he admitted.
Severus and Lucius both gave Harry piercing looks. “You wanted to talk to him?” Severus asked with a raised eyebrow.
Harry shrunk back in his seat a little. “Well yeah, last year I was curious, I told Severus that I wanted to talk to him. He told me to wait until my magic was unbound and I had some protective amulets. Then with the diary, I felt like I wanted to write in it for a long time before I actually did. It might have been the compulsion, it might just have been my curiosity I am not sure. Then after the first time I wrote in it well…I liked talking to him. He helped with my school work…he reminded me of you, I told you that already,” he said looking at Severus.
Severus sighed. “You did,” he said. “You said you wanted to write to him, what did he say when he wrote to you?”
“He asked about me and my school work. He tried to get me to tell him about my family but never told him about any of you. I could feel that he really wanted to know but it didn't feel right to tell him,” Harry replied.
Severus regarded Harry carefully. “It didn’t feel right?” he repeated.
“Hummm,” Harry hummed. “Yeah that's the best way I can describe it. He wanted to know but I didn't want to tell him, so I didn't,” he said, shrugging his shoulders.
The older man nodded thoughtfully, “Very well, I will keep it in the box with the Philosopher's stone, but perhaps I should get you to put some parseltongue protections on the box,” he said.
“Yeah ok, but you won't be able to open it,” Harry warned.
“That would be the idea Harry,” Severus replied.
“Oh right, ok sure,” there was a moment of silence. “You didn't say if he would hurt you though?” Harry pressed.
Lucius and Severus exchanged a look. “I do not think he will Harry,” Lucius said slowly. “As I said he wants you on his side and he won’t do anything which might jeopardise that goal. However, I cannot guarantee he won't at some point…” Lucius replied but he trailed off rather than admit the Dark Lords penchant for torture.
Harry narrowed his eyes. “He had better not,” he hissed, completely unaware he had spoken in parseltongue.
No one was looking at the diary, so no one saw the slight twitch it gave at the tone of Harry’s reply.
🐍🐍🐍
Ginny felt different. She had no idea what was different, she just knew that she was feeling much better than she had in a long time.
The news about Hermione being petrified had hit her hard, something like lead had settled in her stomach when Ron spoke about it at breakfast. Part of her felt responsible for Hermione being petrified but she could not work out how it was her fault.
However, now that she was able to focus on her school work, she realised she was a long way behind her classmates. So she threw herself into studying to avoid thinking about Hermione. Percy was relieved to see Ginny focused on her work and he happily helped her catch up.
All four Weasley brothers hoped that whatever had been affecting Ginny was over now and things would be normal again.
🐍🐍🐍
The next three days passed in a blur and before Harry knew it he was on the Hogwarts Express and on his way to Kings Cross Station. He was excited to see his house in Kent.
Harry had chosen the Manor in Kent because it was quite small compared to Malfoy Manor; it only had twenty bedrooms as compared to forty-five. However it had a separate Dower House and an enclosed pool house and was set on seventy four acres so there were no neighbours anywhere nearby.
There had been some photos in the file the Goblins had given him and Harry had felt drawn to the homey, comfortable look of the house.
It was not the official Potter Manor which was located in Hampshire and rivalled Malfoy Manor for bedrooms and grandeur. Harry however was much more interested in the house in Kent.
Narcissa was waiting at the platform when the train arrived. She hugged both boys and called for their elves to take their trunks to Potter Place in Kent. Then she whisked the two off the platform into Diagon Alley. Harry needed to confirm his access to his house and check the Goblins had reinforced the wards on the property. Harry and Draco also had Christmas shopping to complete and Harry wanted to go down to his vault to search for more potions related items to gift Severus.
When they finished they were exhausted and were very pleased to arrive home at Malfoy Manor for the night.
The family had dinner together and Lucius and Narcissa caught up on the boys school related news. Both parents were horrified to hear about the Defence against the Dark Arts classes, but were pleased that on the whole the boys were keeping up with their studies. Conversation was light and cheery and avoided the darker topics which would have to be addressed at a later date.
The boys went to bed early and Lucius and Narcissa followed their example the coming two weeks promised to be trying. However it was Christmas and they were determined to celebrate as family even in spite of the Dark Lord's presence in their lives.
🐍🐍🐍
Augustus Rookwood was a canny man. He had been one the top students at Hogwarts in his day and he was now a highly respected and valued team leader in the Department of Mysteries. He was also a loyal Death Eater who believed the Dark Lord would rise again stronger and more powerful than his previous incarnation.
Rookwood had been in his sixth year when he himself came to the notice of the Dark Lord and he had been keen to accept the summons. He had served his master to the best of his ability, using his positions first as a Slytherin Prefect and later as an Unspeakable; to scout for potential talent to add to the Dark Lord’s followers.
Severus Snape had started school the same year Rookwood had been summoned. He was not an attractive boy and his attitude left a lot to be desired but he smart and he had a talent for potions Rookwood had determined to keep an eye on the boy. He had been furious when Lucius Malfoy facilitated Snape's introduction to His Lord before he had a chance to talk with him.
When the Dark Lord had fallen Rookwood had retained his job as an Unspeakable and was cleared of any wrongdoing by claiming all his actions had been part of a secret plan to bring the Dark Lord down. No one could prove otherwise so he was cleared. Rookwood used the cover given to him by his job to search for signs of his Masters return.
Harry Potter sorting into Slytherin had been once such a thing to catch his attention. When Lucius Malfoy had somehow become the guardian of Harry Potter, the Unspeakable had made it his business to know everything about this new arrangement. He would be damned if Lucius would get the upper hand in assisting His Lord in his return to power. To ensure he stayed one step ahead he bugged Lucius’ office.
The bug had paid dividends when he overheard a fascinating conversation between Harry, Lucius and the lawyer Lucius had hired for the boy. It had led to him switching on the listening devices he had in Fudge's office. He left them off because listening to the Minister ramble on was usually about as interesting as washing his socks. This day however was different, Fudge was as insipid as always but Harry Potter - that boy was something else altogether.
Rookwood kept a close eye on the Potter boy after that and he had created quite the list of questions from his observations. He had always thought there was something wrong with Sirius Black’s imprisonment and since Lucius’ inquiry to Madam Bones he had found out exactly what was wrong with it. He did not have the authority to get Black released of his own accord but he could facilitate Lucius' efforts to have him exonerated - or he could help the man escape he was currently undecided.
Albus Dumbledore's request for help in covering up the incident in which a rogue bludger had hit Harry Potter had been intriguing enough on its own; finding the Dark Lord's signature on the bludger had been the sign he had been waiting for and he was beside himself with joy.
Many former Death Eaters believed Harry Potter to be the key to returning the Dark Lord to power and now Rookwood had evidence connecting Potter to the Dark Lord. That summer he searched everywhere he could think of for any sign of the Dark Lord but he found no trace.
This second letter from Headmaster Dumbldore had him breaking out the very nice champagne brandy he had purchased with his payment for the bludger incident.
The Chamber of Secrets was open and Dumbledore needed suspicion directed away from his Golden Boy and his Gamekeeper. Augustus was beginning to think Harry Potter was not quite as golden Albus claimed. He put this new letter in his personal safe in his home office for safe keeping along with the previous letter and the deactivated bludger.
Perhaps he should pay a visit to the boy's guardians, it had been awhile since he called on Lucius Malfoy and Severus Snape. He would do that just as soon he parted, the fool of Headmaster, from some more of his money.
🐍🐍🐍
Christmas with the Malfoy’s was every bit as extravagant in Kent as it had been in Wiltshire. Narcissa had led the decoration of Harry’s sitting room as she had in her own home. The tree was slightly smaller as Harry’s ceiling was a little lower but it was just as spectacular as last year's tree had been.
The pile of presents was equally impressive and Harry marvelled at Nacissa’s ability to buy him even more things. He had been certain she bought him everything he could have wanted the year before.
They had travelled by floo to Harry’s house on Christmas Eve and Severus joined them later in the evening. He had been held up by Albus trying to get information about where Harry was spending Christmas having gotten wind of the change of house from one of his spies.
The family, Severus included, spent Christmas Eve decorating the tree then drinking eggnog and eating gingerbread while Harry and Draco played exploding snap.
Christmas Day began as it had the year before with Draco charging into Harry’s room to wake him up. The family were in the family wing and the boys rooms were similar to their rooms at Malfoy Manor, only slightly smaller. Harry was not awake as he had been the year before so he was rudely awoken by his brother jumping onto his bed yelling Merry Christmas.
Harry was then dragged down stairs to his own sitting room to unwrap the many presents under the tree. At some point during the unwrapping the three adults appeared and joined the fun. When presents were done with Harry and Severus spent a quiet hour sitting in the Orangery before lunch
Harry had never heard of an Orangery until he discovered he had one here at his home and he had fallen instantly in love with the room. It was made of glass with a white frame and the whole room was as tall as the house. There was a wrought iron spiral staircase leading up two platformed areas where flowers were growing in pots spilling and over the edges. The stairs did not quite reach the domed shaped roof stopping at a platform just below the dome. There were fruit trees including several orange trees growing among the other plants and flowers.
The garden was in fact quite overgrown and Narcissa had promised to send the elves who tended her gardens to see about tidying it up. Harry had agreed even though he secretly loved it as it was.
Oranges had been a secret special treat for Harry growing up. He had been allowed one apple a day but never an orange. Eating oranges was messy at least it was if your name was Dudley Dursley. Petunia did not allow Harry to make a mess.
The only time he had oranges was when he stayed with Mrs. Figg for one week in summer while the Dursleys went to visit Aunt Marge, who lived at the seaside but Harry was not allowed to go. Mrs. Figg always had oranges and she let Harry eat as many as he liked.
It had taken some time for Harry to realise that he was allowed to have an orange when they appeared on the table at Hogwarts; even though he knew he could have one anytime now there was still something special about the fruit in Harry’s mind.
Harry dragged Severus up to the second level where there was a soft outdoor style sofa, which Harry and Severus sat on to talk. It was so easy to talk to Severus like this. He was so different when he wasn’t Professor Snape and Harry completely relaxed in his company.
They did not talk about any of the serious topics which they both knew would need to be addressed soon. Instead they told each other their hopes and dreams for the future. Severus' dream was to open his own apothecary and spend his days brewing and Harry confessed his long held, deeply hidden desire to be a teacher like Miss Daniels or librarian. He wanted to help people learn to read and have access to books.
Severus began to realise the full impact Essie Daniels had on young Harry. Harry himself had not realised just how much she had influenced him until he found himself beginning most sentences with “Miss Daniels always said…Like Miss Daniels…when I was with Miss Daniels,” or other similar phrases.
“You really never read a book until you went to school?” Severus asked, he had heard this from Essie, but he was appalled at the thought of Harry never having a book so he had to ask the boy himself.
“Well…kind of, I had a few when I was quite young. I do have vague memories of Aunt Petunia reading to both Dudley and me. It stopped when I got older. Then one day when I was helping Aunt Petunia clean Dudley’s room I found this torn book that she was going to throw out. Instead of putting it in the outside bin like she asked me too, I put it in my cupboard. I don't know what it was called, I couldn't read it but there was a boy and he pulled a sword out of a stone. I think that was the story just from looking at the pictures. When Aunt Petunia found me looking at the book she kind of lost her mind. I couldn't sit for a week after that beating and I was never allowed to have any more books,” Harry told him.
Severus pressed his lips together. “How old were you when this happened?”
“Not sure, maybe four,” Harry said and he scrunched up his nose in a way which Severus had learned meant he had something on his mind. “I have been thinking about the things that happened at my Aunt and Uncle's house quite a lot since I went for that meeting with Madam Bones. I can only remember ever sleeping in the cupboard under the stairs. I don't think I had a bedroom not until after my first Hogwarts letter came and my Uncle panicked about being watched. I remember a few things, like following Petunia around the house while she cleaned and helping her, I thought it was a game. The cupboard was just my room, I thought it was normal. I remember sometimes sitting and playing with Dudley. I remember one day I made some things fly around the room. Aunt Petunia was angry that day too, but I think things were pretty normal until one day when we were going to visit Aunt Marge. Were driving and there were some sheep in the field. I wanted a closer look at them and asked him to stop. Uncle Vernon got flustered and yelled it wasn’t safe but I really wanted to see those sheep and suddenly the car just stopped in the middle of the road and it wouldn't go again. Uncle Vernon was really angry and I never got to go to Aunt Marge’s or anywhere ever again after that.”
“I see,” Severus said, and he did see. The problem was exactly as Petunia had told him. The Dursleys had never been equipped to deal with a magical child. Which was most likely the reason Dumbledore had bound Harry’s magic, only Harry had been too powerful for the binding spell. It always came back to the Headmaster and Severus could only hope he would one day be held to account for his actions.
Severus decided to change the subject. “So how is your scrying coming along?” he asked.
Harry glanced up at the man whose face gave away nothing but Harry could tell Severus was upset by what he had said previously and needed to talk about something else for a while.
This happened sometimes when they talked and Harry never knew how to feel about it. On the one hand Harry was happy to have someone who cared so much about how he had been treated. On the other hand he hated to upset Severus. “It's going well I think, I can make out some shapes in the mirror. Nothing is clear yet but the book says that it will take time for my sight to develop,” Harry answered easily.
Severus relaxed back on the sofa again after having tensed up during the previous conversation. “I believe it does take time and practice. I assume the books give you some kind of exercises to assist the development of your skills,” he replied.
Harry slid closer to Severus and curled up against him resting his head on the man’s shoulder. “Yeah, I am working on learning to meditate. It is not easy though,” he replied.
Severus moved his body so Harry could snuggle closer but made no move to touch him otherwise. “It is not an easy skill, but it is a valuable one, keep trying and let me know if you require assistance with it,” he told him.
Harry hummed “I will let you know,” he whispered.
🐍🐍🐍
The Dark Lord arrived two days after Christmas, the three adults were very tense leading up to his arrival Harry and Draco were sent to their rooms. Harry had given his father and betrothed a hard look when they sent him away and tried to argue against being excluded.
Severus placed his hand on the young man’s shoulder and guided him towards the door whispering. “Please Harry, you will get your chance to talk to him, but for now go with Draco. Let us explain things first.”
“I can't protect you if I am not here,” he hissed in return.
The older man turned Harry around to face him. “We will be fine Harry, go with Draco. I will come and get you if The Dark Lord requests your presence,” Severus told him.
Harry rolled his eyes and left the room under protest.
The Dark Lord arrived right on schedule with Nagini wrapped around his neck, Lucius had brought several elves with them to Kent as Harry did not have any at his properties. The Dark Lord was announced by Hobdy and shown into the study Lucius had set up as a private study and sitting room.
Severus and Lucius both rose to greet the Dark Lord, Lucius dismissed his elf and invited their visitor to take a seat while he poured the drinks.
“Severus,” Voldemort said with a pronounced hiss. “So good to see you again. I have not had the chance to thank you for your work on the elixir of life,” he said in a neutral tone.
If the potions master was surprised by this statement it did not show on his face. “It has been my pleasure My Lord, it was a fascinating process,” he replied evenly.
The Dark Lord looked satisfied with the response. “You have completed it then?” he inquired.
“Yes, My Lord I believe I have.” he replied.
“You believe?” he hissed dangerously.
“I have not tested it, My Lord, other than to be certain it is safe. According to all my research it should be effective,” Severus replied calmly.
“You don't wish to live forever Severus?” the Dark Lord asked curiously.
“I am uncertain if such a thing would suit me, My Lord,” Severus told him.
The Dark Lord inclined his head. “I see, perhaps you should talk to young Harry about it. You two are betrothed are you not?”
“Yes, we are. However, Harry is only twelve, any such discussion would not take place until after the engagement is made official when he is sixteen,” Severus replied evenly.
“Of Course,” Voldemort agreed easily. “Where is young Harry? I thought he might be here to meet me.”
“We were uncertain if you would want him immediately, he is in his room if you wish I could send for him,” Lucius said smoothly offering a glass of his best brandy to his guest.
“I am sure he was annoyed to be left out,” Voldemort said with clear amusement. “However, you are correct. I will see the boy later, possibly tomorrow. I believe this is his house?” Voldemort asked.
“It is,” Lucius answered. “We thought it safer than the Manor, the Ministry is still proving to be unpredictable. They are worried about raiding a house which Harry lives in even if it is my house. I am therefore confident they will not bother us here in a house he owns,” the blond man explained.
“Ever the cautious man Lucius. Excellent. Now to business, where is my diary?” Voldemort demanded.
“Here My Lord,” Severus said, placing the small book on the table in front of the Dark Lord.
The spectre of the man who had once been Tom Riddle smiled “Very Good, Lucius, I am very pleased with you.”
He picked up the diary and held it close, almost embracing it. Suddenly his face distorted. “Where has my diary been Lucius? There is magic on here which should not be on it.” he hissed dangerously.
The diary flew out of Tom’s hand drawing everyone’s attention to the door. “I took it, Tom,” Harry said, plucking the diary out of the air as he stepped into the room. “It was with me, at Hogwarts,” he said, in his best imitation of an unruffled Severus.
Once he could see that had the Dark Lord's full attention Harry switched to Parseltongue. “Your Horcrux - the one you left in me wanted it close. It would not let me leave it in my vault as Lucius requested. I took it with me when I left the bank; Severus did not know. It took me some time to figure out why it called to me. If you have a problem Tom, then it is with me, not with my father or my betrothed,” Harry hissed.
Voldemort sat back in his chair and considered the boy who stood across from him, his arms crossed over chest, outwardly he was calm and composed but there was cold fury burning in his eyes.
Harry was fully dressed in well tailored Slytherin green robes. His own snake draped across his shoulders, its head raised tasting the air and watching the Dark Lord. He was smaller than Voldemort in every way and he was much younger, not even close to being an adult. Yet his power was immense; it swirled around him, wild and barely contained, daring the Dark Lord to make a move.
“Mr. Potter,” Voldemort almost purred. “Of course it would make sense that two parts of my soul would call to each other. Thank you for taking such good care of it,” he said in his smooth deep voice.
Harry tilted his head in a way that reminded Severus of Lily, just before she took James Potter down a peg or two. The older man held his breath.
“Oh I didn’t take good care of it at all, didn’t father tell you? I lost it and it fell into the hands of the youngest Weasley,” Harry said calmly. “The soul piece in it was able to possess her, unlike me. It made her open the Chamber of Secrets, she released your Basilisk. The whole school was in uproar; everyone thought it was me, that I am the heir of Slytherin,” Harry provoked.
Voldemort however did not take the bait. “Did it indeed,” he said slowly. “How enterprising of sixteen year old me,” he mused in English. Then he fixed Harry with a stare. “How did you feel about that Harry? Being called the heir of Slytherin?” he hissed, attempting to provoke Harry in return.
Harry considered that for a moment. “It was quite gratifying having so many people fear me, knowing every Slytherin would follow me instantly, do whatever I asked. I can understand how you got so carried away with your whole Dark Lord performance. It was a bit much for me though, I prefer to be just Harry,” he hissed.
Voldemort smiled. “I do like you Mr. Potter,” he hissed in reply.
Harry returned the smile. “I am going back to bed now Tom, I trust that in the morning my family will be just as I have left them,” Harry said in English, raising an eyebrow.
“Your family has nothing to fear from me Harry. If you give me what I came for, then once I have the potion Severus and Narcissa brewed for me, I will leave you all in peace, ” Voldemort managed to purr while speaking Parseltongue.
Harry forced himself not to roll his eyes and he placed the diary back on the coffee table. “See that you do,” he said in English and he turned and walked out of the room.