Chapter 20
Sirius paced in the room as the others looked on, the energy in the house was nervous and intense.
Molly looked to the man, “You need to stop your pacing Sirius. You will only make yourself sick.”
“This is my house I can pace if I want to. When is Dumbledore getting here? I want to see Harry. Je told me I couldn’t see or write to him all last year because of the tournament.”
Hermione tapped her finger against the book in her lap, “He has been acting so strangely this past year. The Headmaster asked that we keep an eye on him and keep our distance. Said that he thinks Harry is being influenced by He who shall not be named.”
“Really Hermione, It is Harry we are talking about. The boy isn’t turning bad. You know who put his name in that tournament.” Molly tutted, “The poor dear is just confused and stressed. You should write to him.”
“The headmaster said not to!”
Molly turned from her cooking, “Why ever not? Sirius I can understand in case people find out he is in contact with a convict but you're his school friend, what on earth could be the harm.”
“Ah dearest Molly, I am afraid that with us not knowing where the boy is it is far too dangerous. What if the owl was tracked back to us.” Dumbledore stepped through the door and patted Hermione on the shoulder, “It seems that Privot drive is empty. They were not home, nor was their car in the driveway. I tried to ask the neighbors but they were not sure either.”
Sirius snarled and stopped his pacing, “Harry is really missing? Then why are you here! We should be looking for him.”
Dumbledore raised a hand to calm the man, “You are a wanted fugitive, you will not be leaving this house. We will find Harry and bring him back. The boy has been courting young Flint, though I believe he may be under a spell.”
“Harry wouldn’t date a slimy snake! They have to be controlling him or cursing him somehow.”
Molly sighed softly, “Poor dear.”
“Indeed, It is my belief that young Flint is most likely a death eater or will be and Harry is his target. He may already have Harry and taking him to Voldemort but we must not stress. He will return to Hogwarts and when he does we will ensure that nothing is wrong.”
Sirius snarled, “Why would he just be allowed to go back to Hogwarts.”
Dumbledore looked at the man. “I no longer think that he wishes Harry dead. I think he is trying to bring Harry to his side. Eliminate the threat.”
Molly gasped, “Oh no.”
“Indeed. I already have Severus working on a few potions to help us break Harry free of his control.”
Sirius snarled, “That fucker can’t have my God Son! What about Remus?”
Dumbledore nodded, “Remus is with the werewolves, I sent him in hopes of recruiting them to our side.”
Hermione looked to him, “Headmaster, what if we can't save Harry?”
“We must, dear girl. Harry is our only hope.”
-------------
Marcus grinned down at his quarry, “Oh yes, do struggle more. The bindings will only tighten the more you do.” He stepped closer to the cage he had them in, “How Harry is related to scum like you I will never understand.”
The woman hid behind the large whale of a man that glared at him. They were gagged and trapped with nowhere to go.
“Don’t worry, you won't be in this cage long. You see, it's my love’s birthday soon and you're going to be a wonderful present. I swore to him he would never have to go back to living with you. He won’t have to if you're dead.” He tossed the portkey in with them and watched them vanish from sight and turned to look at their car that he had taken with him. He didn’t need them to go and get reported now did he. He set it on fire and then gave it a cruel shove into a tree with a pulse of magic. That would do. Now to go report in and perhaps even see Harry.
--------
Harry panted as he dragged himself back to his feet. His side was aching and his ass most likely bruised. Barty stood on the other side of the room smiling at him. Surprisingly looking just as banged up as him. He had a cut across his cheek and his robes were torn. He had gotten a few licks in before being thrown across the room.
Barty walks over and pats his shoulder, “Well done. Your dueling skills are far above most your age. Neat trick using a light spell to dislocate my shoulder. Imagine what you're going to be able to do once you start learning the more interesting spells.”
“Thanks. You're a monster though. What was that last spell?”
“That was a curse that steals all the oxygen from the air.”
“Interesting. I want to learn that one.”
“I will add it to the list. For now you need to get cleaned up. We have an appointment for your eyes and of course shopping in the alley.”
“If you want to torture me just do it the old fashioned way.” He grumbled as he turned and left the dueling room. Heading quickly to his room and walked in to see Nagini curled up in front of his fire again and his familiar hanging out on the balcony with Hedwig. He smiled at them happily and quickly showered and dressed in order to head downstairs.
Once back in the foyer he stopped, “Marcus!” He quickened his pace and hugged the now man and sighed as the others arms wrapped about him firmly.
“Harry. You look well. I was hoping to see you before I reported to The Dark Lord.”
“Oh, you finished your mission?”
“I did indeed. Flawlessly I might add. Ah yes and I got you a present as well. I thought you would like it.” He pulled a small cage from his pocket and presented it to him.
Harry took the cage carefully and looked at the lizard inside. It was a plump red salamander with jeweled black eyes. Cracks of bright orange and yellow were spread about its body. “He is lovely.”
“He is a little overweight so you will have to keep him off any big meals for a bit but I think with the proper care he will work well in your growing menagerie. Fire Dwelling Salamanders are actually our family animal. They dwell in fires and coals. Normally they could not live without their birth fires but this one is special. He has no birth fire.”
“Oh? So how do I keep him healthy?”
“Magical fire will work well. So your fireplace with a fire spell and a few heat rocks, just keep the fire a little cooler so he doesn't consume as much. They also enjoy peppers as treats. Or other spicy things.” He smiled softly and leaned close, “This is a very special salamander. I know you will treat him far better than his previous owners.” He smirked his half smile.
“What is my Heir holding?” The voice cut through their soft conversation.
Harry smiled and held it up, “It is a Fire Salamander! Isn’t he lovely. Marcus says his last owners weren’t very good with him. He thinks I can give him a better home.”
An elegant eyebrow raised, “Oh? And what will you name your new companion?”
Green eyes widened and he frowned, “Well, I have been using the names of deities. Mayne Hephaestus? Hephy for short.” He looked at the lizard and smiled, “Is it okay that I keep him?”
“Of course. I will have a grate installed in your fireplace so the creature can't leave it and will have the fire permanently burning. Perhaps a heat stone or two as well.” He ran a hand over his Heirs cheek and gave a fond smile, “Perhaps I should get you a new animal as well if it makes you this happy.”
Harry rolled his eyes but leaned into the gentle caress, “I do love animals.”
Marcus watched the two curiously, his dark eyes catching each movement, “He does indeed My Lord. I finished my task, and the package has been delivered to its destination.”
The dark Lord looked to him, “Excellent, Harry, Barty is waiting for you in the floo room. Take this and buy what you wish. Do not worry about the price. Perhaps you can get some things for your new pet.” He handed Harry a pouch and pulled him close, kissing him gently on his head caressing the black strands before taking the little cage. “I will put your new pet in your room, Heir Flint, do follow me. We have much to discuss about your initiation.”
Harry gave Marcus one last hug and kiss goodbye before watching the two walk off toward the study. He sighed and went to the floo room seeing Barty already dressed and standing there waiting.
“Ah Harry, are you ready? We will be using polyjuice to disguise ourselves when we have to go to the main alley. You have used it before if I remember correctly?”
“Yes, not very pleasant.”
Barty nodded and handed him a flask, “This one is yours. We are going to an Alley that we won't be looked for. It’s an alley that is mostly frequented by creatures so be prepared to see a lot of creatures you most likely will not know. Ready?”
Harry nodded and took the offered arm and with that twisting sensation they were pulled from the room to a small offshoot of a large shopping alley. It was much like Diagon but with the clear difference of almost no one was dressed in robes. There were small children running in the streets, some had adorable ears or little wings and feathers, others looked human but didn’t move like it. Adults watched and shopped in a relaxed ease.
“Woah. Where is this.”
“This is Alcotte Alley, we are just south of Diagon Alley. You have to go through Nocturne to get here but most people don’t because of the dark creatures that live here. Aurors and such rarely come this way so we are free to shop without them breathing down our necks. Better stores too. Not all that over priced stuff they sell to students. Come on, your appointment is this way.”
Harry let himself be tugged through the alley and into a small little shop run by a very energetic woman who seemed all too happy to check his eyes and write him a new script for glasses. Even helping him pick out a couple frames. Soon he was on his way again with new glasses and a far better look on life. Everything was bright and crisp. It made his head a little light just being able to see so well for the first time in years. His new glasses were near frameless and helped accent his bright green eyes more than the heavy black frames of his last glasses.
After that is was mostly just exploring and walking along the alley looking at all the different things. Barty was overjoyed to simply spend time with him and the two spent an hour just looking through books at one shop. Harry ended up leaving with several of them along with a couple knick knacks that he thought would look good in his room. A few toys for Hedwig and some spicy treats for his new salamander.
“Barty, do you think they will like me?”
The man paused with his ice cream halfway to his mouth, “who Harry?”
“The others. Father wants me to have bodyguards and to meet them all.”
The man pulled him close, “Harry, if they don’t like you then that is their loss and if they say anything. They can deal with your big brother Barty, got it?”
Harry smiled and nodded watching as a pair of twins ran from another older boy playing what looked to be tag. “So if your my brother does that mean we can terrorize the others together?”
Barty laughed brightly and shook his head, “You are going to be a menace I know it. My poor brothers in arms won’t know what to do with themselves. Our little Dark Prince is going to make them beg for mercy.”
Harry screwed up his face, “Don’t call me that. What if it sticks and they start doing it?”
“They should. You are our Lord's Heir Harry. They should kneel at your feet and worship you.”
“I am not looking to be worshipped, Barty. I want a family.”
The man pulled him close using his free arm and held him, “Then let us be your family but even in this family, you need to know that you outrank all of them. Let us be your family the only way we know how.”
A scream cut through the air, “AURORS!”
Barty stood and threw the last of his ice cream in a nearby bin. “Harry, take the emergency port key. Go!”
Harry grabbed at the bracelet around his wrist, “Solace.” He waited for the pull, his eyes going wide, “It’s not working.”
“Shit they put up antiapparation and portkey barriers. Harry, run! Just run. Take the polyjuice and hide. Quick. They can’t find you.”
Harry turned and ran down a small alley just as the sound of spells started going off. He downed a sip of the potion and hissed in discomfort as it began to take effect. Twisting his face and skin into that of someone else. He turned another corner and heard shouting and just kept running.