In Nobis

Hours later Wormtail was delivered bound to the ministry with Veritaserum coursing through his body. He admitted to leading Voldemort to the Potters, for the attack on the muggles and their subsequent deaths, and for the memory tampering of the aurors. He didn’t have any idea why Voldemort turned him over, nor did he have any memories that could be used against the fight against the Dark Lord. Dumbledore was furious. He had lost his two largest points against Remus Lupin, and Sirius Black in the custody situation. He was hoping his good reputation and past accomplishments would sway the Wizengamot in his favor. The meeting would be tomorrow and he decided that it would be best to represent himself. Who else had a bigger presence than he? Surely no other ordinary barrister could control a room like he could.

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Voldemort had left Remus Lupin and Sirius Black at Riddle Manor keeping them separate from Hara until after tomorrow’s trial. He had an elf show them to their rooms and instructed them not to disturb him under any circumstances. They had access to each other’s rooms, but all other areas were warded against them. He didn’t need keepers of the light snooping around his home.

He entered his chambers and immediately took a calming breath. The last thirty-five hours has been taxing both mentally and physically. His body was practically begging for rest now as it had been actively healing and changing throughout the day. He dropped the hood of his robe, and made his way into the bathroom en-suite. He looked into the mirror and couldn’t help but run his fingers along his face. His cheeks were no longer gaunt but had filled out to be high and sharp like they were in his youth. His lips no longer thin but were a perfect plump Cupid’s bow. There was not a single wrinkle along his perfect alabaster complexion. His eyes didn’t have a hint of the hellish colors they were before but were a piercing ocean blue with stunning streaking of electric blue. His teeth no longer pointed, were perfectly straight and almost unnaturally white. Wavy obsidian hair topped his head with a few curls tickling near his sculpted brow. He looked like his sixteen year old self, but… better...he dropped his robes and being as arrogant as he is admired his physique. A sculpted chest a gently muscled arms, and powerful long legs. Little Hara remade me as a God. He smirked.

He stepped into the shower and washed off the day. He had so much to tend to in the near future. Just what am I to do with the girl? He thought to himself. He had the utmost confidence that they would succeed to gain custody of the Potter child. His horcrux would be saved from that grey old fool. But how could he include a fragile little girl into his plans?

The Dark Lord exited the shower and dried off his newly restored body. Leading Death Eaters in a sixteen year old body will be most entertaining. A slight smile shone on his face. Climbing into bed he enjoyed the soft  brush of fabric of his sheets. His previous form had begun to lose certain delicate sensitivities. He welcomed this back.

Sleep overtook Voldemort, and soon after so did his dreams. His dream envisioned him walking up the hill to Hogwarts castle proudly. It was now his. Finally! He strode through the gates confidently knowing that his long time enemy Albus Dumbledore was dead. Euphoria coursed through his veins as he walked through the entrance hall. Victory was quite delectable. With his complete control of both the ministry and now Hogwarts, he could focus on his endeavors abroad. The entirely of magical Europe will bow to him soon. He’d continue his conquest until every magical community was at his feet. Yes! This would come to pass. Although hard won, the U.K was always just a stepping stone.

He came to the massive double doors that lead into the main hall. It was as if he had just been here yesterday. The ceiling was still spelled into a breath catching night sky and the dripless candles still floated elegantly above. He took a deep breath and walked to the seat that Albus Dumbledore used to inhabit. His hands brushed against the gold throne-like chair. He sat down and faced the great hall where he used to eat as a student. So many of his best memories took place in this castle. It was like returning home for him. He closed his eyes to bask in his contentedness until he heard a faint pop. His eyes flew open. Who dared to disturb him now? Another “pop!” and he spotted a puff of pink smoke out of the corner of his eye. What is happening?! He drew his wand and leapt to his feet training his wand where he was certain the perpetrator of the pink smoke would surely be. But there was no one in sight. A high pitch child's giggle erupted from below making the Dark Lord (though he would deny it to his grave) flinch at its unexpectance. He cast his eyes downward. And there she was. The Potter girl, smiling up at him while another bubble popped, this time releasing green smoke. The Dark Lord cringed. He should have come to the conclusion this was a dream ages ago as he had no memory of how Dumbledore died, only that he was dead. No memory of how he took the ministry down only that he had. He grumbled to himself. No matter… the Wizarding world will be his soon enough. But why was he dreaming of his all too giggly horcrux? He bent down so he was now face level with her. Hara stood up shakily as she had just learned to walk mere weeks ago and toddled over resting her hands on his cloaked knee. She looked up at him expectantly, but all he did was blink back at her curiously with a slight twinge of annoyance. Hara then laid her head on his knee wearing a happy little smile, looking up at him trying to will him into some sort of action.

“What do you want you infernal child!” Voldemort growled, but then quickly reminded himself that this was his dream. So if he didn’t want to see her anymore he could simply manipulate it so she was no more. He closed his eyes and pulled a memory of himself walking through an untamed forest in Eastern Europe. the scent of the ancient forest hit his nostrils before he took in the sight before him,  breathing in deeply. Yes… this is abundantly more enjoyable than being in the presence of that pink pestilence. He took a much more relaxed step forward before feeling a resistance at his robes. He slowly turned around to see what exactly had caught his robes even though he already had a sneaking suspicion. There, with her thumb in her mouth and the other hand clutching to his robes she stood. This can’t be… Her consciousness is physically in my dream… in my mind! How! Voldemort picked up the little girl quickly and held her at a distance looking her in the eyes. Hara shrieked with laughter. “Again, again!” She squealed.

“No! You can’t just scamper into my mind. I will not have it. I have years upon years of occlumency experience. I have complete mastery. There is no wizard alive that could breach my shields!” He said angrily. “Certainly not a mere child!” He finished explaining but in vain. She could understand nothing he was ranting about. All she did was squirm in his grasp and reach for his hair that he was sure she wanted to tug on. “Our shared horcruxes must have more side effects than i had originally imagined…” he groaned and sighed… now how do I get you out of my head? More importantly, how do I keep you out of my head?”

Hara offered no suggestions to aid the distraught Dark Lord. She decided instead to blow raspberries in his direction, laughing every time she did so. She stopped and looked into his eyes suddenly and he froze under her gaze. Not used to having anyone brave enough to do so.

“Dadda?” She said, tilting her little head to the side in question.

And with that he forced himself to wake up.

Voldemort rubbed his hands over his face, and drew himself into a propped up position. He was still completely exhausted as he had only been asleep for two and a half hours. But he had better prepare for the upcoming trial since he had a feeling Hara would once again disturb his dreams if he went back to sleep.

——————————————————————

Remus, Sirius, and a Dark Lord under the influence of polyjuice, disguised as a tall man with dirty blonde hair, and hazel eyes his late thirties walked into the ministry early in the morning. The two godfathers looked nervously at each other when they saw Dumbledore in a hallway speaking in hushed tones to a few Wizengamot members. Voldemort made eye contact with Dumbledore for the briefest of moments, but the older man made no indication of recognition. Good… Voldemort thought.

Remus and Sirius made their way into the courtroom followed closely by Voldemort, as the Wizengamot members filed in. Dumbledore walked in smiling with the Minister of Magic, Cornelius Fudge.

After everyone took their places the case was explained to everyone in the room.

“House of Black, state your case if you will.” The minister of magic requested.

“I bloody well shouldn’t have to state a case James and Lily lef-...” Sirius was cut off by Voldemort.

“ What I believe my client is trying to say, is Hara Potter is rightfully theirs. One James Potter, and Lily Potter left their daughter to Lord Black if anything were to ever befall them. The fact that this case is even entertained by the Wizengamot shows the blatant favoritism and sway that Albus Dumbledore has on the entirety of the Ministry of Magic. Which, if I were any of you, would raise question and even investigation to after this trial.” Voldemort stated with a hint of a Russian accent.

Dumbledore stood up at this. “I am merely trying to do what’s best for the child, Mr…?”

“Lord, Zadok Gregorovich.” The Dark Lord offered with a smirk.

“Lord Gregorovich, my apologies. You’re related to the famed wandmaker of Eastern Europe?” Dumbledore prodded.

“I don’t see how my lineage is of any consequence to this trial Headmaster Dumbledore.” Voldemort stares coolly.

“You’re right, I digress. Lord Black and I have been friends for many years, and the same goes for Remus Lupin as well. But we are all aware of Mr. Lupins condition, what sort of safety could they offer her 12 days out of the year? Would it be healthy for a child to know her godfather is a beast and living in her home after the trauma she will already face from losing her parents? And Lord Black, you have admitted to being estranged from your family. Would you know how to treat little Hara Potter after suffering abuse at your parents hand? How would you act as a father when you haven’t had a proper father yourself?”

“HOW DARE Y-..!” Voldemort cut off Black again.

“Headmaster Dumbledore, you speak of the child’s safety, but was she not first under your care? In fact, is it not true that the Potter family was all under your care?” Voldemort questioned Dumbledore.

“Why yes but-“ Dumbledore began

“And as we all know, Lily and James Potter are now dead after being under your watchful eye. Sir, where is Hara now?” The Dark Lord pressed on.

“We are diligently searching for her as we speak… but as of right now, I do not know her current whereabouts… I fear she may have been taken by the Voldemort…” Dumbledore grimaced, and the entire board of the Wizengamot let out of collective gasp at the use of the Dark Lords name.

“So you call this trial while the little girl is still missing? Possibly in the clutches of one so dangerous? You choose to do this now and waste precious time and resources that could have been spent looking for baby Hara?” Lord Voldemort disguised as Lord Gregorovich asked looking scandalized.

“I felt it was important to…” Voldemort cut the headmaster off.

“Speaking of Dark Lords, the current Dark Lord isn’t your first encounter with a Dark Lord is it?”

At that question Dumbledore smiled. “No Lord Gregorovich it is not. As many are aware, I defeated Lord Grindelwald many years ago, ending the Great War.” Looks of admiration were tossed toward Dumbledore.

“I see…” Voldemort paced the room and scratched absentmindedly at his chin, before stopping at giving a knowing smirk towards Dumbledore. I have sources that say that you and Grindelwald were childhood friends, is that true? I’d like to remind you that you are under oath headmaster, any sort of deceit would be most unbecoming of a Hogwarts Headmaster, especially one held in such high esteem.”

Dumbledore let out a surprised gasp he tried to pass off as a cough. “I… yes, but that was before the war he and I quickly found out that we didn’t see eye to eye.”

“Is that before or after your duel with the former Dark Lord?” The current Dark Lord asks innocently.

Dumbledore looks confused for a moment. “Lord Gregorovich, I dueled him and won, I’m not sure what you mean. That battle happened well into my adult years.”

“I wasn’t speaking of the final duel between you two, I was speaking about the first one where your sister ended up losing her life mysteriously around the same time.”

“OBJECTION!” Dumbledore seethed. “Minister these wild stories and assumptions have nothing to do with the topic at hand!” And how does know any of this in the first place… He worries internally.

Minister Fudge looked like he was enraptured by Voldemort’s words, but was broken from his reverie with Dumbledore’s interruption. “Lord Gregorovich, I assume you have a reason for these statements?”

“I merely would like to point out the mysterious string of deaths that occur around Albus Dumbledore that seem to always be blamed on Dark Lords. Anyone who seems to be close to the man ends up facing an untimely death. Ariana, James, Lily…. I would hate to add young Hara to that list of names. Though Lord Black and Mr. Lupin have peculiar circumstances they have a history with the child.” Voldemort pulled out a Wizarding photograph from his pocket with a happily squealing Hara being chased by her two godfathers and handed it to the Minister. “Her parents thought they were fit to be her guardians… I plead with this committee to let their wishes be honored, and keep what’s left of the Potter child’s family heal together…” The Dark Lord made his voice crack to sound like he was choked up at the thought of having the family separated, and lodged a sympathetic and pleading gaze to all the members. He saw a few individuals wipe a tear from their faces. Empathetic fools… he thought to himself, grinning internally.

The vote was taken and they had won in a four fifths majority. Sirius and Remus huffed each other in relief. The knowledge that they would get to raise Hara was the only bright moment to happen in these last few days. They both walked warily to Voldemort and gave him a curt but thankful nod.

Voldemort didn’t pay much attention to the two gleeful godfathers, but watched with great satisfaction the irate Dumbledore speaking with a rather red faced minister. Victory was sweet…

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Voldemort arrived back at Riddle Manor with the werewolf and Lord Black. He gave them a look of warning and they both bowed their heads in submission before the Dark Lord. He transfigured his robes into his standard black billowing ones and pulled his hood over his face. Voldemort concentrated his magic to cancel the effects of the polyjuice and once again disappeared on the spot to go to the Malfoy manor.

A child’s laughter was the first thing that greeted the Dark Lords ears, followed by a disgruntled sounding Lucius Malfoy. “Let go of my hair child! No! Ouch!” He followed the voices and found himself shortly after and seeing the elder Malfoy holding a little girl in a yellow sundress refusing a matching yellow headband with an adorned sunflower. She managed to yank it out of Lucius hand and in a stunning show of speed managed to snap it quickly on his head. The child clapped with enthusiasm, and baby Draco pointed from the play pen at his father saying “pretty! Fwower Dadda!” much to Lucius’s annoyance.

Voldemort cleared his throat to gain Lucius’s attention, and the elder Malfoy immediately moved to rip the blasted headband off his head.

“No, Lucius I think it is a rather fitting look for you. Maybe consider adding it as an accessory to your death eater robes…” the Dark Lord said dryly.

Lucius looked alike he’s had a rough few days. He had bags under his eyes and his usual flowing silken hair was unkempt.

“ I apologize for my disheveled appearance my Lord… Cissa is upstairs resting for a while. One child is taxing enough, but two… is another story entirely. Especially when the second child is as…. spirited as she is..”

“Are two children too difficult for you Malfoy?” The Dark Lord taunted.

“No! My Lord… I’m, it’s just… it takes getting used to. We will work it out. On my honor you will not have to worry about her while she is in our care master…” Lucius sputters.

“I believe your right Lucius. I will not have to worry any longer. She is coming with me now. Hand her over if you will.” He said extending his arms.

Lucius handed over an excited little Hara to the Dark Lord. She was immediately tugging on his robes and nestling her face in his chest.

“Dadda! Pway?!” Tilted her head under his hood to look up at him.

The Dark Lord gave a disgruntled growl at being called “Dadda”, but did not comment on it. “No little one… we are going home now…” he said patting her on the head.

Lucius held his breath and waited for some show of aggression from the Dark Lord when he heard the girl with the brilliant green eyes address him as “Dadda”, but did not witness anything of the sort.

“My Lord… You’ll raise the child?” The elder Malfoys paternal instincts flared bright for a moment than his of a loyal unquestioning follower. He could imagine what the poor child would be put through being raised by the Dark Lord. Crucio’s for bad grades? Crucio’s for being afraid of the Dark? Hell, his Lords familiar could become hungry one day and see her as easy prey.

“Yes Lucius… there is more to it than what you’re privileged to know at this time. But yes, I will keep the child under my care. Though, no one is to know of her presence here yet. Understood?”

“Yes master…” Lucius bowed, and the Dark Lord made his leave back to Riddle manor.

——————————————————————

He found Remus and Sirius sitting in the common area between their chambers talking about the situation but their conversation quickly ended as soon as they saw him appear with the child. They leapt from their seated position and rushed to the child.

“Cub!” “Pup!” Remus and Sirius yelled while reaching for Hara. The look of relief was worn on both of their faces.

Voldemort sent two wandless stinging hexes at them. “You will never try to take anything out of the hands of your Lord. If I am holding Hara, I am holding her. If I want you two to hold her then I will hand her over.”

They both grumbled a “yes my Lord.”

“It is also customary to bow to your Lord when I enter…”

They both. Looked at each other and let out a defeated breath and bowed before Voldemort.

“You’ll learn your place soon beasts…” he wore a satisfied smirk under his hood that neither one could see.

Very well. Sit! There are still a few matters to discuss. First, we need to have Hara found so it’ll end the search party and we will be able to move around more-...”

“Moomy, Pafoop!” Hara squealed when she caught sight of them.

They were both glued to their seat by a glare from the Dark Lord.  So they settled for a “Hello cub.” “Hiya pup!” And a little wave to her.

Hara wiggled in the Dark Lords lap trying to get down and Remus and Sirius visibly flinched.

“Shh, shhh, shhh, Stay still sweetheart…” Remus tried, not wanting the Dark Lord to punish Hara.

Voldemort paid them no mind and gently set her on the floor. She toddled her way over to them and climbed into their laps where she was met with huge hugs and kisses and praise all around. “I was so worried pup!” Sirius said tapping her on the nose playfully.

The Dark Lord cleared his throat in order to get their attention and the cheerful mood was quickly extinguished. Sirius sat the little girl on his lap but turned his attention back to Voldemort.

“I want it clear to Dumbledore that neither of you have any affiliation with me… it will make my future endeavors and plans a lot easier if that is the case. So I plan to have you two “rescue” the girl from a few of my death eaters. From there on out you will publically claim her as your new ward. Now I want Dumbledore to witness the duel, so nothing is left to rumor, but against my death eaters you’re only to use non-lethal curses, make it look convincing, but I do not want any deaths or captures to occur. They will be ordered to flee once you get a hold of the child and gain the upper hand. From there order a retreat from your side as well, am I clear?” Voldemort states with no room for question.

“Crystal.” Sirius said.

Voldemort sent another wandless blistering hex towards Remus who let out a surprised yelp of pain.

“Excuse me, my Lord. I meant, yes master.” Sirius looked wilted at seeing Remus be punished for his mistake.

With a wave of his hand the hex lifted from Remus leaving him panting for a moment.

Once the werewolf caught his breath he pressed for further details such as where it would take place and when.

“I believe that it would be best to wait a week or two so nothing seems amiss. I think it would look rather peculiar if as soon as you were awarded the magical guardianship she was mysteriously found soon after.”

Hara was pay no mind to the adults conversations. She didn’t like when people talked in such unhappy tones, so she started to once again wiggle out of her current holders grasp. Sirius tried to wrangle her back up but she only fussed more fervently. “Pup… stay still please… it’s not safe to-“

Voldemort cut him off. “Let her go Mutt…” he intoned dangerously. Sirius gave him a weary glance and then slowly released the struggling toddler.

Hara let out an indignant huff giving Sirius a grumpy look that looked far too similar to a petulant teenager. Merlin help us when she’s grown… Her godfathers thought. The little girl walked towards the Dark Lord without a fearful bone in her body. She stopped only half a foot away from his standing form and tried to peer under his hood. The Godfather’s were itching and vibrating in their seats to snatch her away from what they thought was incredible danger but were frozen in their seats. A smile broke over Hara’s face and she tugged Voldemort’s cloak happily. “Up! Up! Pwease! Hod me?” A dark and low chuckle sprouted from the Dark Lords chest and Sirius lunged for her trying to keep her from facing his wrath. But Voldemort was too quick. He had levitated Hara up quickly from where she was not even a second ago. Sirius was sprawled on the floor. His nose touching the hem of his Lords cloak. Hara thought this was great fun to be floating in the air and was in a giggling fit. Voldemort places his dragonhide boot on Sirius’s cheek putting enough pressure for Sirius to know not to move. He raised Hara higher even still so she was now a solid eight feet off the ground. Still giggling like mad, squealing with happiness. There he bounced her a few times much to her delight. And then he let her fall.

Sirius scrambled to get out from under Voldemort's boot and Remus leapt to reach her but was thwarted by a full body bind curse before he could. At the last second the Dark Lord outstretched both of his arms and the girl fell softly in them with a huge smile plastered on her face. “Again, gain!” She squeaked. Completely unaware of the utter chaos and fear she had caused just seconds ago.

The girl in the little yellow sundress smiled at Lord Voldemort and then cuddled into his chest, clutching at his robes in contentment. He reached into his robes and pulled out a pen and transfigured it into a small green snake then handed it to the toddler. He then turned his attention back to the two godfathers and cast a silencing spell around the two of them. “Crucio…” he cast calmly… Two red lights shot towards both of them quickly causing them to writhe and contort in pain. The little girl had no idea what was going on just below her and was cheerfully playing with her new pet nestled into the Dark Lord's arms.

The Dark Lord heard a peculiar whisper and cut off the crucio’s  he was holding on the two godfathers and waved off the silencing spell in order to listen more closely with his fully focused attention.

“Little hatchling speaker, do not pull on my tail please…” said the little green snake.

But it was the silabent “Sowwy…” followed that caused every adult in the room, including the Dark Lord to let out a collective surprised gasp.

She’s a Parselmouth? Voldemort thought, completely awestruck at this new revelation.