Chapter 19
Harry looked around his new room with nervous energy. He hadn’t put together that he would be moving out of Flint Manor, it had been a discussion. Mostly it boiled down to, they were courting and should spend some time apart to get the full experience and to learn to grow up without constantly being at each other's side. Harry also needed to get to know his new family and live without the possible crutch. He understood it but it still hurt in a way. Marcus had become his safety blanket. His protection in all things and now it was gone. He took a deep breath and looked around the lovely room that he had been given. Rich green rugs and dark wood furniture. It wasn’t as large as the room at Flint Manor but that didn’t bother him. If anything it was a bit more homey. It still had a full bathroom, sitting room, and walk-in closet that wasn’t even half full. The newest addition was the attached office. Rows of bookcases, a large desk and chair with its own fireplace and sitting area. Most of the book cases were empty, a chance to fill them with books he wanted. The office and room also had perches along the walls and ceilings for snakes to lay about and crawl on. There was even a soaking pond out on the balcony for the water serpent to enjoy.
Right now he was unpacking his trunk into the specific areas. He had already unpacked the two new ones that had been filled with things from Marcus and his father. They had made sure Harry had everything that he needed.
A soft knock on the door and he straightened up holding his invisibility cloak, “Come in.”
Voldemort stepped into the room holding a small parcel, “Ah, unpacking I see. I know you're still upset about having to leave Flint Manor.”
“It’s okay. I knew things would change when I agreed to be your heir.”
The man nodded and sat down on one of the chairs, “I did not wish for you to move in as a punishment. You need a chance to grow. Heir Flint is a wonderful wizard and he will be good for you and to you but you need to be your own man as well. This will give you both the chance to discover who you are and to get to know each other as a normal courtship would allow.”
Harry set the cloak down and took a seat next to him, “I know. I just feel like my safety is gone.” He chose honesty.
“Another reason I think this is a good idea. You are a remarkable young man. Powerful and strong but you lack confidence. The more you cling to Heir Flint the more you will depend upon him. You need to stand on your own two feet. You need to know the power you wield and the position you now hold. Not just as my heir but as the Potter Heir as well.”
He nodded and looked at his now Father, “I know you're right. I guess in a way I have always had that sort of blanket. First it was my friends in Gryffindor, then Marcus and the other Slytherins.”
“There is nothing wrong with being able to feel safe with them. I hope one day you will feel just as safe with me, but you also need to know that you don’t need them. You are your own man and you can stand on your own as well. Now, open this.” He handed the small wrapped parcel to the young wizard.
Harry frowned and opened it carefully to show a small case, opening it to find a ring on a soft bed of crushed velvet. The golden ring was beautiful with an odd stone at its center. A glittering pale grey with a silver etching at its center, “It’s beautiful.”
“It’s the Gaunt Ring. As you know, my grandfather was a Gaunt. The ring should have passed to me, so I found it and took it when I was younger. Turned it into one of my Horcruxes. The soul piece is gone now, reabsorbed. Now it is just a family heirloom once more. One I wish for you to have.``He took the ring out of the case and slipped it onto Harry’s right hand patting it, “To show you as my heir. Wear it proudly.”
A sweep of cold energy came through him as it was placed on. He shivered as the energy seemed to settle inside him. It felt powerful, far more powerful than a normal ring should, “It feels…”
Voldemort smiled, “Heavy? Most heir rings do.”
Harry looked at him and nodded, “Yeah” Maybe that was the ring finding him worthy as an heir. He wasn’t sure, “Oh. I was wondering if I could go to Gringotts soon?”
“Of course, we can do it when we go for your school supplies and eye appointment.” the man grinned at the look on Harry’s face, “Heir Flint told me you were due for one and that he hadn’t gotten a chance to take you yet. Don’t worry. Now, You have the rest of today and tomorrow to settle in and then your lessons begin. Barty is excited to begin teaching you the Dark Arts. I will of course be helping with your lessons as well but not till after I get this latest project going.”
“The one that Marcus is doing?”
“Yes. Don’t worry. He sent me a note this morning, he is doing well and should be done by tonight with his task. It is a surprise.”
Harry grumbled about all these surprises, “Thank you. The room is amazing.”
“It is close to Barty’s and mine as well. Once I free the rest of my followers from Azkaban many of them will be staying here to recover. They will not be allowed in this wing until I know they can be trusted with your safety.”
“Azkaban must be awful with all the dementors.”
“It’s deplorable. They don’t get basic care or proper healthcare. It is one of the changes I wish to make. Even muggles treat their prisoners better. It is disgusting. Some I fear may be too far gone to help. But that is not a worry for you.”
Harry tucked his legs against his body and wrapped his arms around them, “I hope Sirius and Remus are alright. I haven’t heard from them.”
“Remus is the werewolf correct? He is Fenrir’s lost pup. Sirius is your Godfather. The one that Wormtail got arrested? Hm. Write to them. You can not tell them where you are or about what is happening but If it puts your mind at ease, write.”
“Fenrir?”
“Indeed. You see, Fenrir was bitten very young and turned. Cast out from his family. He is a very powerful werewolf. He bit Remus when he was a child as well.”
“Why children?”
“He doesn’t just bite random children. Most of the time he bites children who are abused, forgotten, sickly. The ones that deserve a better life. Children because it is easier on them with the change. If they are taught young to accept the wolf the change is easier and better. They adapt. Adults are too set in their ways and it makes adapting harder on them. Only 1 out of every 5 bitten actually survive the change. Children are 4 in 5.”
“I didn’t know that.”
“Not many do. Adults still get turned of course. However they must choose to be turned. Ask for it. Agree to it. Children not so much.”
Harry wasn’t sure how he felt like that but then, thinking back on his life if a man had asked him if he wanted a better life. He would have taken it. “Will I get to meet Fenrir?”
“I would think so. I have sent word to him that I have returned and wish to speak with him, but he has been in hiding with his pack for so long he may choose to remain as such. I won’t blame him if he does.”
He briefly wondered if the other would even like him. “Who else will be staying?”
“If I can get them out and they are able to survive the Lestrange brothers, Bellatrix of course, Rookwood, Dolohov, and a few others. Bellatrix will not be meeting you until I know for a fact she can control herself. She was insane before she went to prison. I worry what state her mind is in now.”
“But not the others?”
“No, The Lestrange brothers are tricky and smart and I know they were only convicted due to Bella losing her mind in her trial. Rookwood is the same. He was caught and not even given a trial. Dolohov is an unknown. He and Rowle were always a bit more torture happy but they aren’t stupid. I had hoped to make them your bodyguards if they still have their minds. Rowle I know does. I found him in Knockturn last week. He is eager to say the least.”
Harry leaned back and smiled as Nagini slid into the room and coiled in front of the fireplace with Araphel. “Why are they going to be my bodyguards?”
“They are two of my most loyal and powerful. I also trust them not to attempt to seduce you. They have been together since they were in school. You will like them I think.”
He snorted and grumbled, “and Marcus isn’t in the running?”
“No. You must understand what he will become once you are announced as my heir. He will become your consort. He will be both a Death Eater and yet not. He will outrank all the others except for you, myself, and Barty. Therefore you will require a different set for bodyguards. He will have his own, though I am not as worried about his safety.”
Harry laughed softly, “I can feel your jealousy.”
The man glared at him, red eyes glinting, “You must understand Harry I am a very selfish man. I think of you as mine. If I went with my dark impulses your Marcus would be dead and I would have you bound to my side permanently. I would allow none to even look upon you. I would have you locked up safe and sound where only I could come see you.” He stroked along Harry’s cheek watching the younger shiver, “However, I also know that you are your own being and I can not have that which I most deeply want. So, you may have your consort. You may have your life but do not push my control.”
“I wasn’t trying to.”
“I know.” The man pulled Harry against him, tucking them flush against each other, “I will always be jealous that he is a part of your life and in your heart.”
Harry smiled and curled into his arms happily, relishing in the calm and belonging he felt, “I know. Everything is new for both of us. If having bodyguards will put you at ease then I will have bodyguards. Though how that is going to work at Hogwarts…”
Voldemort snarled, “I had forgotten that little scenario. I will have to mark your little friends before you return. They will guard you when you are at the school. You of course can go to the Slytherin dorms or the chamber if you need to. There is a hidden room in the Chambers. If you open the large mouth and go inside there is a door to the right. It leads to a study and a small sleeping room. Most likely Slytherins.”
“I always wondered if they all had private rooms.”
“I am sure they did. I only know the location of two. Helga Hufflepuffs is actually in the Hufflepuff dorms. Gryffindors and Ravenclaws though I am not sure.”
“Why aren’t there portraits of the founders?”
Voldemort paused, “I don’t know. It is odd I admit. Look for them this next year if you can. You may find them.”
Harry snorted, “You just don’t want me getting in trouble this year.”
“I would like to not hear about you getting attacked, injured, or in trouble, yes. You forget that I was your Professor and then Barty another. We know what trouble you get up to.”
“Hey, I don’t go looking for it.”
“Words of a true trouble maker.”
Harry grumped and mumbled, “Yes sir.”