Chapter 23
Harry groaned as he woke up in his own bed relishing in the warmth and softness he had become accustomed to. The previous night had been full of him telling his father everything that had happened and being subjected to several healing spells, potions, and a forced feeding session. He wasn’t in any pain anymore and he could feel not one but two firm weights pressed against him. Araphel was pressed against his hip and Nagini was half pressed against his stomach and half draped over his chest. He moved them off of him and quickly went about his morning routine and made his way down the stairs and to the dining room.
There were several people and Harry smiled, “Marcus, Lord Flint.”
Marcus stood and met Harry halfway and the two hugged, Marcus giving him a gentle kiss to the cheek, “We were all so worried Harry.”
“I’m sorry. I got away then things happened. Alpha Greyback took me to safety though.”
Lord Flint nodded and smiled at him a rare look, “Even still, you gave us all a scare.”
Harry flushed and looked around the table, there was Fenrir, a blond he didn’t know. His father was not there yet and Malfoy… An interesting group of people but no Barty, “Where is Barty?”
Marcus frowned at him, “Harry, you shouldn’t worry about him.”
Green eyes narrowed, “Where is Barty?”
The unknown blonde stood, “Most likely still being punished for losing you. As he should be.”
Harry looked at the man, “I don’t know who you are but shut the fuck up, you weren’t there. You don’t know what happened.”
Marcus bit his bottom lip as the man looked startled at being talked to like that, “Harry. That is Rowle. One of the men assigned to be your bodyguards.”
Green eyes took in the man carefully, “I forgot I was getting those.” He grumbled softly.
“After the attack you are lucky I did not increase the number.” Voldemort came through the side door, his cloak billowing about him. Not bothering to react as everyone stood and bowed at his entrance as he made his way to Harry, “Hm, the healing spells worked well. Any lingering pain?”
Harry shook his head, “No, the potions did their job. Father, Were is Barty?”
The man scowled, “In the dungeon. He is on watch duty and is not to come out until I have told him he can.”
“It wasn’t his fault.”
“No, but he left you alone. He should have stuck by you. That was his job. He did not do it. He is lucky I did not give him a worse punishment.”
Harry swallowed and chose to not push his luck and took his seat at the table quietly. Serving himself as his Father did the same, the others at the table waiting patiently for their turn to get food. Even Fenrir sat calmly and waited. Once he was eating he noticed just how hungry he actually was. Healing took a lot out of the body these days.
Marcus smiled, “So where did you go after the attack?”
“Alpha Greyback brought me back to his pack. I got to know some of the pups and their parents.” He shifted a little in his seat. He hadn’t gotten to really say goodbye. He hadn’t opened the two gifts he had gotten either.
Fenrir grinned, “You are welcome to come back whenever you like pup. I know they would like that but not till we get the mongrel sorted. It is high time he learns his place.”
“What is going to happen?” Harry asked softly.
The alpha hummed, “You must understand he is a rogue wolf. Or seen as one. He is not intune with his wolf even though he was turned at a younger age. I have adult wolves with more control that have been turned less than a year. So first we must figure out why he is so disconnected from his wolf. Then he will become an omega of the pack and learn pack structure. He won’t be allowed to leave pack lands anymore. Or use any form of communication to reach the outside. His wand and gear have already been confiscated.”
Harry nodded, “I remember in third year, he said something about making a mistake when he was in school on a full moon.”
“That could be it pup. I will question him about it. Right now though, you should worry about what you will be doing. I was told it is your birthday soon.”
The young wizard flushed, “Uh yeah. I am turning 15.”
Marcus nodded, “An important year for wizards. It marks when we are old enough to start official courtships and accept marriage proposals officially.”
“I thought we were in a courtship?”
Lord Flint spoke up, “You are in an unofficial courtship. On your birthday it can become official.”
“What makes it official?” Harry asked softly.
Voldemort chuckled, “You will exchange courtship rings. They are normally custom made with the sigil of your house on them. This is done during an official Courtship Ball. Normally.”
The youngest groaned, “I hate balls.”
Marcus laughed, “We survived the Yule one fine. Admit it, you enjoyed it a little.”
Harry looked at him then smiled, “I suppose it wasn’t terrible. I didn’t trip and fall on my face or step on your feet.”
Voldemort sighed, “If that deems it to be a good ball then we have some work to do. You will have a courtship ball. It is custom and it gives me a chance to introduce you as my heir to higher society and my followers.”
Green eyes met red and the soft hisses carried, “If I am your heir doesn’t that make them our followers?”
The man stared at him a moment, trying to decide if this was the younger joking or if he was serious, “Is this your way of informing me that you wish to join the fight?”
“Not join the fight but support yours. I have found my own purpose to fight for.”
“What purpose?”
“I want to fight for creature rights. What I saw them try to do to the two children… the raid. What I saw in Fenrir’s pack. They deserve better. They aren’t animals.”
Red eyes looked thoughtful for a moment, “It is a worthy cause but you will meet a lot of resistance. There are far too many people who despise creatures and will seek to destroy them. Dumbledore included. He voted and took the lead on many of the legislations that prevented them getting jobs or being full citizens.”
“I know. He was head of the Wizengamot but didn’t get my godfather a fair trial. He has a chance to. There are so many things that have me questioning him and his motives. I want to fight for those who can’t fight for themselves.” Harry pleaded softly.
The two were not aware of the eyes watching them warrily. “Then fight for them the only way you can. With force. If they won’t listen, then make them listen. Do not let them see your pacifistic ways as a weakness.”
“I am not a pacifist, I just don’t like violence unless it is to defend myself or those I love.”
“Then it is time to fight Harry. Fight for them because no one else will.”
Harry swallowed and looked down the table at Fenrir before taking a deep breath. He knew the other was correct. Noone would listen to him if he tried the political route. He was too young and often hated or thought a liar. He knew fighting would be the only way. “Alright. Then let’s fight.”
Voldemort grinned darkly, “That is what I like to hear Harry. We will discuss our plans further. Now finish your breakfast. You have training this morning.”
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Training was brutal, it was the only thought that went through his head as he once again was slammed on his ass by his new father. The man did not take it easy on him. He already had a dislocated shoulder and a severely bruised back side. He had yet to land a single spell on the man despite his best efforts.
He groaned and sat up slowly, rotating his wrist, “I am beginning to think you enjoy throwing me on my arse.”
The man shook his head, “I am hard on you because I know you have great potential. You are still standing and you have a good stance and repertoire of light spells. However, you need to learn more dark and gray spells. You also need to actually use them if you have them. You're predictable.”
“Predictable?”
“Indeed. Your go to spell is Expelliarmus and Protego. Not exactly hard to counter or overpower either. Stand up. This next duel I want you to not use either spell.”
Harry stood and they faced each other once again. Slowly circling waiting for the other to attack first. Both were balancing their wands in their non-dominant hands. Another stipulation in the training.
Voldemort struck first, “Incendio”
“Aguamenti!” The water put out the fire quickly and Harry struck back, “Oppugno!” The dummy on the wall went hurtling towards the man.
“Bombarda” the dummy exploded and Voldemort used the splinters to send them as a volley to the younger.
Harry rolled out of the way and came back up onto his feet, thanking his reflexes, “Ascendio!”
Voldemort went flying back but quickly caught himself grinning and cast a spell Harry didn’t know.
Pain lanced across his calf and he looked down to find a laceration there. He quickly used the medical spell he knew to wrap it before casting a bombarda back at the other only to have the spell repelled and sent right back. Harry’s eyes widened and he threw both his hands up, “protect!” A vibrant green shield came to life and absorbed the spell completely.
The Dark Lord stopped and tilted his head, “That was parselmagic. How did you know how to cast it?”
Harry dropped his hands and the shield dissolved, “I don’t know. I just did it.”
The man came over and began to carefully heal the young wizard, “Well done. We will stop here for today. Barty will be waiting for you in the library. He will be going over etiquette and traditions today with you.”
“So I am guessing his punishment is over?”
The man scowled, “No, but I have matters to tend to and he knows about the topic. You must be ready for your courtship ball, which will be held on your birthday. It will be a joint affair. I also must decide when Heir Flint will take the mark.”
Harry shifted nervously, “Will I be marked?”
Red eyes peered at him, “You already are. You wear the mark of our connection through your scar. I will allow no other mark upon you. Scars are inevitable but no one else will mark you.”
The younger nodded and shifted a little and was startled when Voldemort pulled him against his chest, “I will do many things that you will call cruel. I will do whatever it takes to achieve my goals and yours. I will kill and harm whoever I must to keep you safe, or take care of those that harm you. This includes Heir Flint if he ever hurts you physically or otherwise.”
Harry leaned into the hug and gripped at the dark robes, soaking in the warmth and feeling of protection. He had never really felt so safe before. Even with Marcus there was that lingering feeling of unease but now he felt, well he wasn’t sure how he felt. Complete? At peace? It was a different sensation. One that he had never experienced.
The man finally released him and took a step back, “Now go and tonight I have a gift for you. I think you will enjoy it.”
The younger grinned, “Alright. Don’t work too hard.” Then took off down the long halls towards the library.