Chapter 27
Almost the entire week after his birthday was spent organizing his presents and writing thank you notes on elegant parchment. His penmanship was horrid so he had to go slow and sometimes start over completely so they were legible. He loved all the gifts he had received. Most of it had been new robes, gloves, boots, quidditch things. Some had been gift certificates or sweets. Most of the Slytherins had gone in on getting him a new pair of glasses that were charmed to remain dry and clear for Quidditch. They would even tint or darken if he needed it. The only ones he had yet to open were from his old friends. Honestly, he had been shocked to find they had sent some. He had other unopened letters from them, but honestly he was worried about what he would see. He had been told they were safe though.
He took a deep breath and stretched his fingers before reaching for the small stack of letters, sorting through them. A couple from Hermione and Ron. Two from Sirius. There was even one from Hagrid. He opened the first from Hagrid and just shook his head. A letter full of innocent love and a box of rock cakes that he would not be eating but it was the thought that mattered. The rest of the letters were exactly what he thought they would be. Them saying how much they missed him and how they were only obeying Dumbledore and that he was a good man. It was sickening but at least their gifts were very much what he enjoyed. A new broomkit and a subscription to a Quidditch magazine. He set them to the side and grabbed the first letter from Sirius. Taking a deep breath before tearing it open.
Harry,
I miss you prongslet, I swear you get into more trouble than James ever did. The tournament, really? I wish you had told me you were in it and what you had gone through during your fourth year. I would have tried to help you. Dumbledore says I can’t leave where we are but he never said I couldn’t send you a letter. Remus is worried about you too but he is off doing things for Dumbledore right now. I can’t tell you what is happening but it is something that is really important. I really wish you were here kiddo. Maybe this place wouldn’t be so miserable. Please write back to me. Dumbledore says you have been getting involved with Slytherins. You know better. They are just going to use you and hurt you. Come home Harry.
Snuffles.
Harry sighed and dropped the letter. Just once he wanted the man to go one conversation without mentioning his father or Dumbledore. He wasn’t James and he never would be. He reached for the second and opened it next.
Harry,
I don’t know what you have gotten yourself into but know that I am going to get you out Harry. Just hold in a little longer, that slimy snake can’t have you! Dumbledore says that he has a plan to save you and I am just going to have to trust him. Hang in there Prongslet we are going to save you.
Snuffles.
What in the name of Merlin was he talking about? He opened the small package attached to it and saw a strange mirror with a tiny note, ‘password is my other name’. He frowned and looked it over. What was it? He tucked both the item and letter into his pocket before leaving the room and heading down the few halls till he reached the main study. Knocking gently against the dark wood.
“Come in.”
Harry stepped inside, “Sorry to bother you. I was opening my presents from my old friends and this letter just seemed strange.” He handed the letter and mirror over along with the small note that had come with it.
Voldemort took them and looked it over. Reading carefully, “Hm, it would seem that Dumbledore has a plan to draw you back to him. As for the mirror. I do not know what it could be. I would not use it unless we could guarantee your safety.”
“I don’t think he would hurt me.”
“I do not think he would either. His letter seems genuinely concerned for your well being, however. Many people do things in the name of love and protection.” He tucked the mirror and letter away, “Severus will be here shortly. I was wondering if you would like to go do your shopping while I deal with him.”
“Sure, who are you sending with me?”
“The Malfoys as well as your bodyguard. I would not be surprised if your fiance joins you as well.”
Harry smiled and shook his head, “I will go get ready. Am I going in disguise?”
“No, your name has officially been changed. You have even been seen by the Minister. They do not have a leg to stand on. You are now known to the world as my son, Harry Potter-Slytherin.” He set his quill down and turned to look at him, “But that does not mean you can be careless. Use your emergency portkey if you need to but have fun. Everything will be paid for by Lord Malfoy, he has funds from me, don’t give me that look.”
He rolled his green eyes, “I am not going to argue over it but I do have my own money.”
“Which you may use for things you want but not for your school supplies or living things. That is my job as your parent.” He touched the other cheek, “they will be here to pick you up shortly.”
Harry leaned into the touch, closing his eyes, soaking in the warmth and safety. Then nodded and left to go get ready. Still a bit worried about the trip itself. His last trip to the market had been less than ideal but he was going to Diagon this time so it would hopefully not include a raid.
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Not long after he found himself walking down the crowded alley surrounded by witches and wizards of every age. Sticking close to Draco and his parents. Lady Malfoy had been quick to wrap him close and keep him tucked against her side, doting on him. The first stop had been potion supplies where he received a small lecture from Draco about quality of ingredients to the point Harry just glared and told him to go ahead and pick for him then. After that quick stops for parchment and inks and then to each store slowly ticking them off the list of what they needed.
“So, why do you go to Diagon alley? I would think you would order everything.”
Draco scoffed, “I enjoy looking around and shopping.”
Narcissa smiled and ran a hand through Harry’s unruly hair, “It also gives us an excuse to come out and see people. It is good for us to be seen and for you to be seen. Bookstore next my dears.”
They continued along until they reached the store and Harry looked at his list and frowned, “What kind of book is this?”
Lucius took the list and looked it over, “Odd, that is a theory based book. I know the minister said something about trying a new tactic this year at Hogwarts. He has been worried that there have been so many professors and of course the danger you have been through. Perhaps this is his plan.”
Harry shrugged and stepped to the defense section and grabbed it, “I just hope the professor this year doesn't try to kill me. That alone would be an improvement.”
Draco chuckled, “You have had bad luck.” Then plucked another book off the shelf, “Oh, a new defense book.”
Green eyes looked at it curiously, “Unsealing the inner mind?”
He nodded, “It is a book on Occlumency.”
“What is that?”
The three Slytherins looked at him oddly before Lord Malfoy spoke, “It is a way to protect one's mind against invasion. I am amazed that he has not already been teaching you.”
Harry blinked and shrugged, “I will ask him when I get back home. So after this where are we going?”
Draco smiled, “We were going to meet the others for lunch.”
“Oh, okay. Father did mention us meeting up with them.” He had also mentioned he would be accompanied by his guard, one he had not seen the entire time. They finished up at the bookstore before heading towards a side alley were a cloaked man stepped from the shadows.
“It is all clear.”
Harry jumped, “Son of a… Where the hell were you hiding?”
The man grinned and lowered his hood to reveal Thorfin, “I have been your shadow the entire day little lord.”
“Don’t call me that.” Harry flushed and glared at the laughing Draco, “I liked you better when you were being an asshole.”
“Language dear.” Narcissa said softly and patted his shoulder, “Your safety is important to us. Now, let us meet up with your nights and continue our day.”
Harry grumbled, “Calling them my Knights does make me sound like some Lord.”
“You were a lord before he adopted you. Lord Potter, or heir to be Lord. Being adopted by him makes you a prince more than anything.” Draco stated firmly.
Harry stopped walking and looked at Draco before grinning impishly, “Then for now you can address me as such.”
Draco paled, “Wait… but you didn’t want to be called little lord!”
Thorfinn laughed, “you stepped in it this time, mini Malfoy.”
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Voldemort looked down at the kneeling man curiously. The occlumency barriers were strong and a simple glazing over them would tell him what he wanted to hear but not what he needed to hear. “It has come to my attention Severus that you may not be loyal to me. What am I meant to do with such rumors?”
The man flinched, “My Lord, I am as loyal as the day I pledged my life to you.” He was confused on why his presence had even been demanded, “Please My Lord, how can I show you my devotion.” He had been doing a new potion for Dumbledore when Lucius had told him his presence had been demanded, and without the use of the mark.
The Dark Lord smirked, “Then open your mind to me, fully. Without any barriers.”
The man looked up with fear and shock on his face, “My Lord please… My thoughts are my own. I am loyal.”
“If you are loyal then I should see no reason why you would not show me.”
Severus shook as he slowly weighed his options. This man was not the same as when he swore his allegiance. He was sharper, deadlier, saner. This was a man that struck more fear into him than before his fall. “I can not.”
The spell struck hard and Severus screamed writhing in place as every nerve alighted with pain. His vision was spotted and he could smell the bile in the back of his throat. When it ended he gasped for breath, his lungs burning.
Voldemort stood and stepped closed and tucked the wand under his chin and forced him to look up, “You see, I have found myself questioning not only your allegiance but your motive as well. I have something precious I must protect and I will demand absolute loyalty and obedience. Show your mind to me Severus. I will have your mind either way.”
A tear slid down the man’s cheek, black hair stringy as stared up at the man. He had never felt so close to death, “Yes.. My Lord.” The barriers fell and Voldemort slipped into the man’s mind like oil staining every memory and thought with its presence. Painless in its acceptance the tears fell freely now as Severus watched every moment play out in perfect clarity. It felt like watching a black and white movie, but all the words were silent or screaming. When the presence left his mind he collapsed and clutched at the bottom of the robe, “Forgive me My Lord.”
The Dark Lord looked down at the man and sighed softly, he had been betrayed, but he had seen why. Felt the betrayal and heartbreak the other had felt. “Severus, it seems I also need forgiveness. You did not betray me until I killed her. You asked for her to be spared and I gave you my word that I would but in the end I could not.” He knelt slowly, “I never did tell you, or got to tell you. I did try to spare her. I offered her a chance to leave. Not once, but three times. I asked her to step aside but she would not. Her love for the boy you hate was that great. Understand this Severus. I will give you this one chance.”
The potion master looked up in surprise, “M..My Lord?”
Voldemort met his eyes, “I give you this chance to leave. You may leave my service and I will not hunt you or kill you for it. Or you may remain and once again swear your allegiance to me. This is your choice.”
Severus’s eyes widened, this was not a side of the Dark Lord he had ever seen. This was a man beyond approach. He had tried to spare Lily? Why hadn’t he been told that? Had Dumbledore lied to him? This was not a maniac or insane man. This was a cold calculating leader. A man that had never lied to him, or forced his hand. Not really. He bowed his head, “My loyalty is to you My Lord but Dumbledore has leverage over me.”
“Yes I saw but that man won’t be a problem much longer. Your loyalty is seen and felt Severus. I find myself grateful that you have chosen to remain at my side. Come, we have much to discuss.”
The man stood on shaky legs, “Yes My Lord.”