Negotiations
Harry stood in front of a mirror. He frowned as he ran his fingers up and down the slightly frayed hem of his robes but stopped quickly as he heard a gasp behind him.
“Harry you look amazing!” Hermione yelled as she hugged him tight. Harry scoffed and poked at his new dress robes-
“They are green! A Slytherin green!” He said, fidgeting as she nimbly did up his cuff buttons.
“Oh grow up, it's just a color. An amazing color that matches your eyes” She said, as she spun him around once more. Harry looked at her and smiled. Hermione was wearing a dress very similar to her yule ballgown, but a peach color with longer sleeves. Hermione frowned as she messily pulled her hair up into a messy bun and clipped the loose hair strands up with a muggle hairclip. Harry raised his eyebrows but Hermione just shrugged. Ron came tumbling through the door not a second later still in his pajamas.
“Honestly Ron!” Hermione lectured as he quickly tried to flatten his messy red hair.
Harry laughed softly at his two very best friends before looking back into the mirror. Today was the day. He was going to the ministry. To meet Voldemort. To discuss a peace treaty. Harry kneeled down on the floor and tied up his dress shoes. Ron frowned, confused, and pointed to his wand, but Harry ignored him. Sometimes Harry thought it was best to do something the muggle way. He looked around the semi-empty common room to see all the sad/defeated stares his housemates sent his way. Harry scoffed before walking proudly out of the fat lady’s picture frame. He held his nose high and pretended to be Malfoy as he strutted up a set of stairs to the headmaster's office as his friends trotted behind him like lost puppies. Harry paused as he got the Gryffin statue, holding his breath. Ron sent a look full of pity before Hermione grabbed his hand and hauled him up the passage. Harry took a deep shuddering breath before walking inside.
Voldemort was giddy with excitement. He was seeing his Horcux today. His fingers twitched tighter around his wand, urging him to just bring his Horcrux home. Voldemort was nervous though. He has to go to the ministry for the negotiations, and he cannot bring Delphi. She is too young and he doesn’t want anyone to know about her, lest they think of her as a weak spot or liability. Voldemort had organized for her to stay with the Malfoys just for a few hours. Narcissa would be completely enthralled with the young child but Lucius would be suspicious. That's why Voldemort thought it best to give Delphi a polyjuice potion. He made her look like a normal muggle girl, with no pureblood features. Delphi was so adorable as she spent a while just making faces in the mirror, not at all convinced that she actually looks like that. Voldemort sat on his throne as he watched his daughter play. He had even transfigured a small throne for Delphi. Creamy white with gold accents. A singular emerald green cushion as well as Nagini’s giant sleeping figure occupy it. Speaking of that, where would his Horcrux sit? He has his throne, Delphini hers, Harry must have a special reserved seat too. Maybe a dark green, matching his eyes? No, Harry is a bold Gryffindor, Voldemort wants his Horcrux to at least like his throne. So possibly a bright red. No, too much of an eyesore. Voldemort frowned before something in his mind clicked. He flicked his fingers and his throne enlargened. Now what could comfortably fit one, easily 2 could slide into. Voldemort doesn't share. Not when he was a child at the orphanage, a teenager at Hogwarts, or a dark lord now, but he can and will always make an exception for Potter. Besides it's different! Potter is his soul anyway. Voldemort stood up and walked over to Delphi who was still dressed in her pajamas. He held out his hand, which she grasped tightly before walking her out to go pick out today’s outfit. A classy navy blue set of children’s dress robes. Perfect. He tied and brushed her short dark hair non-verbally. He pointed his wand at himself and watch as his plain black robes transformed into formal, elegant dress robes. He held out his hand once more for Delphi before walking confidently into the floo.
He strutted carefully out of the floo in the Malfoy manor. Narcissa was waiting at the guest entrance to greet him. She bowed deeply.
“My greatest pleasure and honor to see you in good health, my lord, I am glad to be of assistance.” She said, basically talking to the floor. Voldemort flicked a hand in her direction, silently telling her to rise. She did so gracefully.
“This is Delphini. She is very important to me. If anything happens to her, I shall eviscerate everyone in your family.” Voldemort said as Narcissa stared, wide-eyed at Delphi.
“Oh, of course, my lord,” She said, scared out of her wits. Voldemort nodded before indicating that he is going. Delphini looked up at him before lunging at him and burying her head in his robes.
“Bye-bye, papa!” She hissed, Voldemort watching as Narcissa’s face went pale as she heard the unmistakable hisses of Parsetounge.
“Do not, tell anyone of this” Voldemort muttered quietly, yet his voice was heard clearly. He spun around and walked to the floo.
Delphini was nervous. She was going to be staying with Mrs. Malfoy for a few hours. She remembered what Harry said about Narcissa helping him by lying to her father. That was one of her favorite stories Harry would tell her. She was torn. He loves Harry and was very glad he survived, hence she must like Narcissa. Yet she loves her father and Narcissa lied to him. About his greatest enemy! Delphi was very torn so decided to pick her own opinion. Glancing around the spacious yet scarcely decorated room she grimaced. Narcissa obviously saw the grimace for she let out a muffled laugh.
“Yes, yes, not the nicest of rooms, looks very empty right? It's just because it's the entrance hall to the guest rooms. I will show you the family rooms now.” Narcissa said, smiling gently. Delphini felt the corners of her lips slide upwards without meaning to. Narcissa led her into a slightly smaller room that looked cozy with large leather couches and magical toys scattered around. Delphi looked up at Narcissa and grinned wildly as Narcissa nodded her approval that she could play. Delphini decided she likes Narcissa.
Voldemort felt uncomfortable knowing that Delphi is with someone else. He ignored that clod feeling and brushed straight into the ministry. He is meet by dead silence. Some feet scurrying later a small balding man by the name of Cornelius Fudge appears in front of Voldemort. He scowls down at the man, watching with internal delight how the man turned red and his breathing stopped.
“Mr, umm, Mr, sorry- Dark Lord sir, I uhh…” The man droned on.
Voldemort held up a singular hand and smirked as he quickly fell silent.
“Show me to the negotiation room, promptly. The excuse yourself from my sight” Voldemort snapped icily, scowling once more as the man started muttering again. Frustrated, Voldemort searched his head through Legimancy, disabling his non-existent occulmency walls, and finding to see where he was meeting his Horcrux. Upon finding the room in his memories, he pulled out and strut off knowing exactly where to go. Every ministry employee moved quickly out of his way and a few of his death eaters bowed. Voldemort smirked as his eyes fell upon a singular wooden door. Behind that lay his Horcrux and future partner. Behind that door lay a whirlwind of mysteries and possible futures. Voldemort's hand wrapped around the door handle and he pulled.
Harry froze. He was sitting on a hard wooden cold chair when he felt his magic flare suddenly. Hermione grips his hand hard and everyone at the table turns to the door. Ron squeaked and fell right off his chair. Voldemort. He was in this exact room.
“Hello, my boy! How are you?” Dumbledore asked happily, extending his arm to give Voldemort a sherbet lemon. Voldemort just sneered at him. A pudgy little man walked in with a goblin and sat down.
“We are here to discuss and negotiate a peace treaty.” The goblin said, scowling as Dumbledore popped another piece of candy in his mouth. Lucius Malfoy unrolled a thick scroll before placing it in front of Harry. Voldemort turned and stared at Harry as his eyes quickly scanned the parchment.
“Clause one,” Hermione started, as she read the treaty over Harry’s shoulder. Voldemort raised a non-existent eyebrow before justifying every clause. Turns out everything he demanded was negotiable. Except for one singular clause.
“And clause seven-” Hermione muttered, getting redder and redder as she read the requirements. Lucius Malfoy cut her off.
“No negotiations on that clause.” Mr. Malfoy said as Hermione scowled.
“We will have negotiations on that clause or we are leaving,” Hermione exclaimed, calling the bluff. Dumbledore shook his head. He had been silent during all the terms of surrender, but now they are discussing leaving the room he speaks up.
“We will leave if we do not discuss clause 7 to at very least a certain level,” He says, staring straight at Voldemort. Voldemort chuckled,
“We can discuss them certainly,” He said. Hermione pulled out a roll of parchment of her own before reading it aloud.
“It says here on clause seven that you request, your words, a ‘reward/bounty’ and that being Harry James Potter, himself,” Hermione said, cringing at almost every word she just said. Harry flinched and Voldemort seemed to smile wickedly, showing all his teeth.
“Indeed. Was there a problem?” Voldemort asked slyly. Ron spluttered in outrage.
“Of course there is!” Ron yelled, almost lunging across the table.
“We request that you chose a bounty or reward being not a human being, least of all Harry Potter,” Hemione said bluntly, watching with an almost cruel amusement as Voldemort’s face clenched in anger. Lucius Malfoy stepped forward,
“The Dark Lord has been more than fair in-” Mr Malfoy got cut off by Voldemort himself.
“Have you suggested a different bounty?” Voldemort asked coldly, scowling as Dumbledore nodded thoughtfully.
“What would you like as a bounty then?” Ron questioned, his face red and his eyes narrowed.
“Potter,” Voldemort said without missing a beat. Hermione sighed frustrated,
“Instead of Harry he meant,” Hermione snapped, impatient.
“Well, he should have specified that,” Voldemort scowled, enjoying the frustrated sighs and growls from the know-it-all mud blood. Dumbledore stood up.
“I see that you are arguing like a child, Tom. We shall discuss this once more at a later date.” Dumbledore sighed as he gestured for Harry, Hermione, and Ron to leave. Dumbledore wasn’t sure what he had expected from Tom, but he could with this…
Voldemort was fuming. How dare that old coot just dismiss him! And insult him by comparing him to a child! Voldemort kicked the air before realizing that it was muggle-like and righting himself quickly. Tugging and smoothing out the creases in his robes, he frowned. His Horcrux didn’t say much. Maybe he was nervous. Isn’t that just precious? Voldemort had forgotten how small his Horcrux was. Fidgety and adorable. Voldemort had sworn that his eyes looked even more vibrant today. Maybe it was the lighting. The Mud-blood was quite intelligent, Voldemort pondered, he wondered if he might be able to convert her to the correct side of the war. He knew that the Weasleys were a pureblood family, no matter how gyffindorish they were. The mud blood and ginger seemed quite compatible with each other. Voldemort saw how they looked at one another. Then back at his Horcrux. Hmm, it seemed Potter has been third-wheeling on their relationship. Maybe Harry is jealous. If so, well, Voldemort would be more than agreeable to step up and start a relationship. If Harry is lonely of course. Anyway, Voldemort apparited to Malfoy Manor. Walking up the great marble steps to the castle-like house he wondered if his life with his Horcrux would be like the Malfoys. He, a politician and/or minister of magic. Harry, a charming housewife, his job only to look after his child/ren and cook. And he would want to clean all day, wearing a dark emerald green apron and-well, maybe he would leave the cleaning up to the house elves he would undoubtedly have. He could picture it. His Horcrux running over to him in their manor after a long day at work, it's a tough and tiring job to rule the magical world, Harry presenting him with a homemade dinner, that Potter would make, refusing help from the house elves, forcing him to watch his daughter read something or show something she learned, for Harry was proud of what useless thing he had taught her that day. And Voldemort would smile and praise them both, for they smile widely when he does, he would go to sleep at night knowing that his husband and Horcrux was wrapped tight in his arms, safe from the world, and his daughter was just a few rooms down, being raised up as the proper heiress she will be. Delphi, he knew, would be begging all night for him to tell her what happened today. She was getting impatient and restless, he could tell, as the time grew longer that she had been away from Harry. He could understand it. He only really saw Potter for the first time, properly today, but already craving to see him again. Maybe he shouldn’t surrounder. He had written his peace treaty in such a way that he would be given government control, basically, yet no one picked up on that, only the piece where he was requesting Potter. Obviously, he was willing to change Potter for another bounty. More control maybe. For, asking for Potter was just a distraction to get his other clauses through. If he wants Potter and they didn’t accept the peace treaty, he would just take him. Sure, his Horcrux could be annoyed and/or upset, but nothing a few years alone with only Voldemort as company couldn’t fix. Stockholm syndrome could work. But by the time he was liked by his Horcrux, Delphini would have grown up. So not his favorite plan yet. Maybe he could show Potter he was a good person. That could do it! And with his Gryffindor morals, nothing could go wrong! Great. Now he just needs to go pick up Delphi from Narcissa. HE hoped she was alright and tried not to worry but he knew she has had little to no human interaction and might react badly to her. He opened the door to the family room only to be shocked into silence as he saw…
Nothing. There was nothing. Not a single noise. But the room was a mess. Voldemort stared at the floor, the waxed wooden planks scratched. Voldemort bent down slightly. Scratched. Looking almost like fingernails had clawed at it. Voldemort stood up swiftly before flicking his wand, observing the traces of magic that had been in the room. Narcissa’s, Lucius, Malfoys boy, Delphini, and someone else. But who? They obviously covered their tracks well. Voldemort concentrate his magic, using it in an attempt to sense who had been there. Their magic wasn’t that familiar, yet he had definitely come across that person before, Voldemort tried to put a name on it. Mad-Eye Moody. Voldemort swore, before swiftly closing his mouth, almost self-ashamed at lowering himself down to muggle standards. Damned Mad-Eye Moody. That bastard stole his child! His! He and his Horcrux had made that and given it so much love, as well as all the time he had invested in it, raising her to be the perfect heiress, well, until his Horcrux gave him an heir. And this feeling in his chest, achy and sad. Sad? Since when was that in his emotional capacity to feel that? Sadness and grief is useless, there is no way to use them to your benefit unless it is the other person feeling that way. Losing Delphini is dangerous. He obviously is not in the right state of mind. And to think that the sly old coot would tell his little band of flaming chickens to steal his daughter! This was an attack and personal. How did he know he had a daughter? Unless they were raiding the Malfoy Manner and found her? No, impossible, Narcissa was told to guard her with her life. If Voldemort found Narcissa to be alive… what if Delphini is dead? Well, then his Horcrux would easily give him an heir. But it would be harder to sway him to his side if Delphi isn’t here to manipulate- no, convince him. Voldemort scowled once more before aiming his wand to the ceiling. He had a plan. But, it would cause for some dramatics.
BANG!
Delphini was scared. She was with Narcissa when this ugly troll of a man came running in. He obviously didn’t recognize her to be the dark lord's daughter, otherwise, he would treat her with respect. She calmly let him know this. She watched as his ugly face and weird eyes started spinning. He stared at her, shocked but a greedy hunger filled his face.
“Hmm? A daughter? Weak and defenseless, that would be a good boon for us, maybe a swap for her instead of Potter…”
He mumbled before grinning and aiming his wand at her. She tried to dodge but before she could even say something more, her vision went black.
Delphini awoke to cold water. Screaming, she kicked and wheezed as it fell through her tufted hair. She blinked blaringly up at a smiling cheerful face of an old man with a long beard.
“Hello, my dear! How are you feeling?” He asked, his face void of all true emotion except a weird sense of delight.
“Let me go! Who are you?” Delphi screamed and kicked.
“Oh, my dearest apologies, I seem to have forgotten that I need to introduce myself. “ He said, smiling still. Delphi felt uncomfortable. “My name is Albus Percival Wulfric Brian Dumbledore, Headmaster of Hogwarts,”
He said, popping a small yellow thing in his mouth. Delphini recognized it from the herds of muggle candies Harry brought her long ago. Dumbledore watched her face light up with recognition of a candy. He offered her one silently. Delphi grabbed one and put it in her mouth, grinning at the sweet yet slightly sour taste.
“These are my favorites!” She said, sucking around the lolly. Dumbledore smiled, his blue eyes twinkling.
“Sorry to interrupt, but may I ask for you to introduce yourself?” He asked her. Delphi nodded quickly.
“My name is Delphi! I am 5 and ¾! Daddy gives me these lollies all the time!” She said, forgetting that they might be secrets and actually acting like her age for once.
Dumbledore was internally shocked as he thought hard about this situation. He was in Hogwarts, listening to a 5-year-old girl rattle on about sweets that her ‘daddy’ gave her. Who happens to be Tom Riddle. She looks identical to a young Tom and declared she was the dark lord's daughter to Alastor’s face. Yet the dark lord brought her muggle candies? And she is happy and healthy? And looks loved?
“Who is your mother?” He asked the buzzing out girl as he offered more sweets.
“I don’t have a mummy, only papa and daddy!” She said proudly. Dumbledore was shocked once more. Papa and Daddy? Is Voldemort is gay? And has a daughter with his partner. Who is literally the most adorable and talkative little girl Albus has ever met.
“What's daddy’s and papa’s names?” Albus asked, almost bracing himself to dread the answer of who Tom has claimed. And might be in need of rescuing from an abusive relationship.
“Papa’s name is actually Tom! And Daddy is Harry Gaunt-Riddle Ne Potter!” The 5-year-old said, helping herself to more candy.
Dumbledore froze. Harry Gaunt-Riddle Ne Potter? Harry Potter married the dark lord and had a child! What? His enemy? Was that why Voldemort was requesting Harry as a boon for the peace treaty? And she is 5! That means Voldemort had gotten Harry pregnant when he was 12! Voldemort wasn’t even resurrected then! This is impossible! Except… Dumbledore's eyes widened as he caught a glimpse of the child's wrist. Her sleeve barely covered the carven runes. Time travel runes. This girl is from the future. Harry and Tom Riddles's future kid. And Tom must know as well. Hence he wants the boy. But Delphi looks happy. And she said she has muggle candy that Harry must give her. Why is Voldemort fine with that? Unless he doesn't know? He would never lower himself to muggle sweets, Dumbledore fussed. No, Potter can’t keep a secret if his life was on the line. So why is the muggle-hating dark lord letting his heiress eat muggle candy? Harry might be a good influence on him. Harry might turn Tom towards the light! Dumbledore stared at the small girl sitting happily on a chair in his office. She obviously is loved. By whom is the question. Harry would no doubt love his future child, but Voldemort? Why would he love a child, let alone his partner, whom he married? Why would he marry Harry? He knows. Dumbledore grew cold. He knows. Voldemort knows Harry is a Horcrux. That is why he married him in the future. That's why he wants him now. Harry would not go quietly though. Dumbledore knows that for sure. Did Voldemort have Delphini just to tie Harry down with him? Is Delphini a Horcrux? And why does Delphi look loved still? She hasn’t been around Harry since she left the future, which was a while ago, Dumbledore could tell by seeing the old, almost fully healed runes. Voldemort has no time for a child, or for a family. He can’t love! So why does this girl look happy? If she has been living with Voldemort for months by the look! And what should he do now? Obviously, he doesn’t want to pull a family apart, but Voldemort can’t love, Dumbledore is certain of that fact. If he practically gives Harry to Tom, as he requested for his boon, maybe Harry can change Tom to be a better person, for Dumbledore knew that Harry would never condone killing. But Voldemort could corrupt Harry… And Dumbledore has no clue what Delphi’s home life is like. Would he just send her back? Demand a ransom? Swap her for Harry? Give them both, trusting the fact that Harry will lead Tom to the light. Or is the whole peace treaty nonsense? What will he do?
Harry Pov
Harry was spooked. He had long left the ministry and was just lying on top of his bed in the Gryffindor Boy’s dorm. Ron was asleep while Seamus and Dean talked quietly. Harry closed his eyes, forcing the feeling of unease out of him. He steadied his breathing and before long was asleep. He thought. He opened his eyes and blinked, staring up at a bright light. He frowned, confused before looking around. Where is Ron? Or Dean and Seamus? And the room is different. Harry looked down at himself and gasped as he saw he was sitting on a large green bed. Harry slid off it and let his eyes search the room. He saw a bookshelf and waddled over, his bare feet stomping softly on the cold flooring. Running his finger down the spine of a few books, Harry spun around as he heard a voice. His blood ran cold as he recognized a figure sitting on a desk. The person’s red eyes pierced Harry’s emerald-green ones before the figure took a step toward Harry.
“Potter, what a delightful surprise,” Voldemort said, inching closer.
“Vo-Voldemort? What- How did you get here?” Harry asked, mumbling as he took a step backward, his back hitting the bookshelf. Voldemort tilted his head slightly.
“How did I? You are inside my private chambers, you know,” Voldemort responded, frowning slightly as Harry’s incredulous expression.
“That's impossible, I was just in Hogwarts!” Harry mumbled quietly, trying to convince himself.
Voldemort was surprised. He was in his chambers, sitting at his desk while he quickly wrote out a plan. Well, until he noticed his wards shift. Noticing the familiar magic, he watched, shocked as his Horcrux appeared on top of his bed. He observed from afar as his curiosity overtook him. Voldemort silently spun his chair around as his Horcrux started touching his bookshelf. He stood up before quietly making his way over.
“Potter, what a delightful surprise,” Voldemort said, taking pride in the fact that Potter had a fright from his voice. He was frozen still when his Horcruxes brilliant green eyes grew alarmed. Voldemort internally swore at himself when his Horcrux got scared and moved backward against his bookshelf. He gasped when he saw his Horcrux fade away. Grabbing at the air, Voldemort huffed. So close yet so far.
Harry gasped as he shook himself awake. Looking around wildly he saw he was back in his bed in the dorms. Was it all a dream? A nightmare? Hallucination? He would have to look into it…