Hogwarts' Champion

Tom woke slowly, feeling more content then he had in a very long time. He had something warm pressed against him, he tightened his grip on it and contemplated returning to sleep when he heard Nagini’s hissed giggles. *Are you awake now Master?* he hummed a slight acknowledgement, *And did you sleep well?* he hummed again, curling slightly around the warmth in his arms, trying to figure out why she was waking him. *Your Queen seems to have sleep well too.*

*Queen?* he hissed groggily, he opened his eyes to take in a sleeping Harry Potter in his arms. He jolted backward making the boy frown in his sleep and curl into himself, removing an arm from over Tom that the older wizard hadn’t even realized was there. *How long have we been like that?* he asked.

*Since you fell asleep Master.* Nagini said from where she was curled along the headboard. She looked over at Harry, *Your Queen isn’t sleeping well now.*

Tom sighed, *Nagini, we aren’t a couple. He’s not my Queen.*

Nagini moved her head to look at him, *Don’t be stupid Master. I can see he is your mate. Even the dead speakers could see he is your mate. You are King and he shall be Queen.*

Tom frowned, *It doesn’t work like that Nagini.*

*It would if you were snakes.* she muttered, she began to slither from the headboard, grumbling about ‘silly humans’.

Tom rolled his eyes at the viper’s antics and rolled completely off the bed before looking back at Harry. Nagini was right, Harry didn’t look to be sleeping well now. During his initial shock, while he was still holding Harry, Tom had seen the peaceful expression on the boy’s face. The slight smile on his lips, the easy shallow breathing, and the loose relaxed form projecting how comfortable he was at the moment. Now, Harry was curled into what was almost the fetal positon and his whole body was as tense as a bow string. A frown appeared on Tom’s face as he noticed the boy’s magic begin to gather around him in a sort of rudimentary shield.

Curious, Tom reached out to feel the magic only to get stung and for the shield to solidify with a snap. He let out a short yelp and jumped back, staring at the shield. A knock on the door came seconds later and, backing away so he could keep an eye on Harry, he went over to it. “Who is it?” he called warily, no one was supposed to be able to get into this wing without express permission unless they were a House Elf and they never knocked.

“Luna.” Came the girl’s calm voice, “I need to take down Harry’s shield so you don’t get hurt.”

“How did you even get in here?” Tom asked. She didn’t answer him and seconds later a small hare patronus was wiggling its way under the door. It wriggled its nose at him before hopping toward Harry, Tom watched in fascination and a fair amount of worry as the hare jumped up onto the bed and slid past Harry’s shield. The hare dissolved into wisps of patronus smoke that wrapped around Harry, in the next instant he relaxed and the shield dissipated. Tom jerked the door open and looked down at the blonde who was smiling at him serenely, “How did you do that?”

“Harry knows the feel of our patronus’ and we know the feel of his.” Luna said simply, “He knows he’s safe with us.”

Tom frowned at her and then looked back at Harry, “Why does he create a shield in his sleep?”

Luna sighed unhappily, “Dumbles recruited Ron and Hermione to his cause. They helped ‘train’ him with sneak attacks while he was sleeping. After two weeks he began to make the shield in his sleep unless he was with someone he felt safe with.”

Tom felt the significance of that statement like a particularly hard stinging hex to the head, he cleared his throat, “How did you get in here? It’s supposed blocked from everyone not invited.”

Luna ignored the question, “Everyone has gathered in the dining room for breakfast and expects you two soon.” She turned and ambled back down the hall.

“Was that Luna?” came a groggy voice from the bed.

Tom turned to see Harry looking up at him, his eyes half-lidded and his hair wild. “How did you guess?”

Harry smirked, “You look like you just encountered the strangest thing you’ve ever seen.”

“She is the strangest thing I’ve ever seen.” Tom said, “Do you know how she got past the master suite wards?”

Harry shrugged, “No. There’s a good possibility she doesn’t either or she might be hiding a skill she has. We can never tell and she’s not saying.” He looked around and blushed scarlet, “I fell asleep in here? Sorry.”

Tom huffed, “No problem. I guess it was a good thing that Luna showed up though.”

Harry winced, “My shield didn’t hurt you too much did it?”

Tom shook his head, “No, just stung a bit.”

Harry nodded and ran his fingers through his hair, “Still, sorry. Its lucky Luna stopped by. I’m sure you can handle yourself, but the sting is a warning. What comes next is apparently very painful.”

“What happens?” Tom asked with a frown.

Harry copied his frown, “I’m not entirely sure. Fred thinks I throw a Cruciatus but I know that takes intent and focus, neither am I fully capable of when I’m asleep. All I know is that it sends people into quite a bit of pain.” Harry smiled, “I know it’s wrong, but the first time it happened to Ron I laughed my ass off.”

Tom laughed, “Yes. It may be wrong in the eyes of society but I understand wanting to make those who have hurt you suffer.”

Harry chuckled, “Yeah, it was great. That git couldn’t leave the infirmary for three whole days. Totally worth the punishment to have him gone from the room for that time.” He looked to Tom again, “Anyway, I’m sorry I slept in here last night. I’ll sleep with Luna or the twins tonight. They know how to take down the shield if need be.”

Tom viciously shoved down the jealousy that rose at the mention of Harry sleeping with his friends. “How did she do that anyway? She said something about being able to recognize the feel of someone’s patronus. I wasn’t aware that they felt of anything except for light and purity.”

Harry tilted his head and slid from the bed, “I’m not sure whose patronus you’ve felt but they don’t usually feel like purity. As I’m sure you know, patronus’ need a strong happy memory to take form. Patronus’ feel of the different memories you use and you should be able to get a strong impression of the person who cast it if you focus on the smoke hard enough.” He cast his patronus and Prongs circled to stand at his side, “You can’t feel them when they’re like this.” He added patting Prongs’ flank, he gestured to Tom who pet the light deer when it came to him. “If you retain control of the patronus even as you begin to release the spell you can send the smoke toward someone.”

Prongs dissolved and the smoke washed over Tom who was suddenly filled with the feeling of warmth, acceptance, joy, and love. “Incredible.” Tom murmured, moving his hands through the dissipating smoke.

“Yeah, it’s something most people don’t know about. But I guess most don’t use them as much as we do unless they are constantly around dementors.” Harry said with a smile, he bent and shrunk his trunk before slipping it into his pocket. He whistled and Hedwig flew from somewhere up in the rafters to land on his shoulder. “I’ll talk to Hogwarts so she won’t bring me to your rooms without your permission.”

Tom blinked at him in surprise, “No, its fine. You can come in here.” Harry raised an eyebrow at him and Tom blushed a bit, “Well at least the Gryffindor study. I’m not going to use it. Well, I might want to use the dueling and mediation room. But you can use the rest and…..”

“Babbling.” Harry said with a short laugh, Tom ducked his head, “Thank you for allowing me in here Tom.”

The Dark Lord nodded, “Your welcome. I did enjoy our talk.”

Harry nodded with a smile, “I did too.”

Tom drew himself up and cast a quick spell to right the clothes he had slept in, “We should go before your friends send out a search party.” Harry nodded and followed him out of the quarters. Nagini slithered next to them, easily keeping pace. Hedwig flew out the first open window they passed on the way to the dining hall to hunt. When they finally did reach the dining room it was to find it almost exactly as they had left it last night. The only difference was the breakfast spread laid out over the table; they joined the group at the table, sliding into conversations easily.

As breakfast was nearing an end Harry’s Hogwarts pendent flashed and all eyes went to him as he frowned, “What’s wrong cub?” Remus asked.

“Hogwarts says that the Founders are coming through. Apparently something happened this morning.” Harry said.

“Other than your absence being noted?” Tom asked.

Harry looked to him, “Apparently this is so big that my absence hasn’t been noted at all.” His pendent glowed blue and the Founders appeared behind him, he turned and smiled, “Good morning.”

Helga smiled down at him, “Good morning Harry.”

“Father! Dad!” Lea shouted happily, floating quickly from where she had been sitting with Sirius and Remus to throw her arms around Godric and Salazar.

They enveloped her in their arms, “Hello darling. I didn’t know you were here.” Salazar said pleasantly.

“Someone had to look after the house since you’re so picky.” Lea laughed, Salazar rolled his eyes at his daughter.

“It’s wonderful to see you Lea.” Godric said squeezing her tight.

“Great to see you too Dad.” Lea whispered.

Rowena smiled at the ghost family, “You all have the rest of your after lives to talk. I think we need address some important matters first.”

“Thanks Aunt Ro! I almost forgot!” Lea laughed, she released her parents and looked directly to Salazar, “Wedding plans! Much more important than catching up!”

“Lea!” Tom shouted, turning pink.

The ghost girl laughed, “Don’t even try to deny it. You spent the night together.”

“Really?” Salazar said with a grin.

*Curled up together too.* Nagini offered, both Lea and Salazar smirked at the two.

Harry blushed and Tom covered his face with his hands, “Are we missing something here?” Sirius asked.

“Salazar and Lea are attempting to get Harry and Tom together. It seems they have also gotten the assistance of the lady snake.” Helga laughed. The twins burst out laughing and Luna had a secretive grin on her face, both Remus and Sirius seemed to be somewhere between amusement and disapproval.

“Can we move on to what happened at school please?” Harry interjected, a blush still gracing his cheeks.

“Yes, lets.” Tom seconded.

“Aw look.” Lea said, “They’re already teaming up.”

Godric rolled his eyes, “You two are terrible. Let’s get back to the school. You can torment them about their relationship later.”

“We aren’t in a relationship!” Harry and Tom denied at the same time.

“You totally are!” the twins laughed.

“Later!” Godric snapped; looking thoroughly apologetic, the twins calmed down and the ghosts all moved to float in sitting positions over the table. “Now, a lot happened this morning. Dumbledore was relieved of his position this morning by that Delores woman.”

“What?!” Tom and Harry exclaimed.

“He escaped with the help of a phoenix.” Rowena added.

“Fawkes.” Harry supplied.

“We don’t believe he noticed your disappearance before he left.” Salazar said looking at the students, “Which helps a little. He won’t try looking for you at the moment.”

“That depends…..” Fred started.

“On if our brother…..”

“And his girlfriend…..”

“Can get word to him or not.” George finished.

Harry nodded, “They would have noted that I wasn’t there and told the Headmaster I didn’t come back to the dorm like they did yesterday. Even if he’s not there they will try to tell him. They can’t get paid if they don’t do their job.”

“This might be the time to get in and take control.” Rowena said.

Harry shook his head, “It might be time to get Hogwarts her full awareness back but Dumbledore won’t stay gone too long. I give it two weeks.” He looked to Luna for confirmation.

“The centaurs are stampeding.” She said dreamily.

Harry raised his eyebrows, “Then maybe only a week then.”

Everyone but Luna looked to Harry with a frown, “What are you getting from her that we aren’t?” Helga asked.

Harry grinned, “During my detentions, Umbridge often talked about things she planned to change if she got her way. One was to burn down the Forbidden Forest,” several around the table looked horrified, “to protect the students of course. But I knew if that happened then a whole bunch of magical creatures would be killed or forced from their homes. I went out and talked to the centaurs who saved me in my first year. They agreed to up the protections on the forest. If she really has taken over then they just might do something drastic.”

“You got centaurs to listen to you?” Godric said in surprise, “I thought they hated two-legs.”

Harry shrugged, “They aren’t really fond of me. But we enjoy a mutual respect that allowed me to warn them.” He looked to Salazar, “How far are we from Hogwarts?”

Salazar frowned, “A couple hundred miles why?”

“We can send our patronus’ and see if the centaurs really are planning to take out Umbridge.” Luna said, “That way we could have a more-clear time frame.”

Harry nodded, “I don’t doubt that as soon as they lose Umbridge that the Ministry will reinstate Dumbledore and claim to have seen the error of their ways.” He looked to Tom, “The only other option would be trying to take the school over now. But I don’t think you’re quite ready for that.”

Tom shook his head, “We have to inform the Death Eaters and build up some strength so we can take full control without the Ministry having any hope of reclaiming Hogwarts.”

“And you still have the corruption around you to deal with Harry.” Helga reminded gently, “You won’t be able to channel Hogwarts magic until that’s taken care of and you can control your own magic.”

Harry nodded, “That too.” He looked back to Salazar, “So how far exactly? Because Luna and the twins top out at 460 some miles before their patronus’ start to lose strength.”

Salazar snorted, “Like that’s not still as impressive as hell.”

The twins smirked and Luna smiled, “Thank you Lord Slytherin.”

“How far have you gotten Prongs to go Harry?” Remus asked.

“About 720 miles.” Harry said, “Another 100 if I don’t need a full strength patronus for whatever I’m doing.” The adults were all looking at him in shock and Harry just rolled his eyes, “Oh please. Snape can send his 600 some miles.”

“How do you know how far that greasy git can send his patronus?” Sirius asked.

“I asked him.” Harry said shortly, “He could be lying but I doubt it. He likes to rub things in my face.” He looked back to Salazar, “I assume we could really do with information from the centaurs.” He frowned and looked to Rowena, “Sorry, the exact number is probably your area of expertise.”

“Another stereotype?” Rowena huffed.

“This one is good my lady.” Luna said, “We Ravenclaw’s are said to be detail-oriented.”

Rowena sighed, “I guess that’s not bad. Better than the ego-centric thing.” She looked to Harry, “Salazar’s manor is 354 miles from Hogwarts.”

Harry brightened, “Excellent.” He, Luna, and the twins cast their patronus’ as one. Prongs and Ears took off through the windows immediately; the twin’s two lynx patronus’, tumbled together before bouncing off after the other two. The twins put their heads down on the table and Luna leaned into Harry, who simply looked to the others, “So, Umbridge probably won’t pay enough attention to the wards in the first week; that will probably be the best time to try and figure out what’s blocking Hogwarts from seeing. If you need physical help, I would suggest finding Neville when he’s alone. He’s a bit shy but he’ll help.”

“What house?” Helga asked, “And which dorm?”

“He’s a Gryffindor.” Harry said, “And he’s in the fourth room on the fifth year’s floor in the tower. To catch him alone though you may want to talk to him while he’s in the greenhouses. He helps Professor Sprout a lot and is an absolute wiz at Herbology.”

Salazar nodded, “Will he need proof that it’s okay to assist us?”

“No.” Harry said, “Neville is pretty trusting. He also can’t keep a secret though and he’s bollocks at hiding emotions, so be careful about what you tell him.”

Godric nodded, “We will seek him is we need physical hands.”

Salazar looked to Tom, “Have you decide how to handle this with your followers?”

Tom looked to Harry who gave him a small nod, “I and Harry decided that telling the truth will be the easiest to bring the Death Eaters around to the fact that Harry has fully come over to our side. Before we announce to everyone though we need to find out the prophecy so we can deal with anything that might cause them to challenge his change.”

“Wise.” Salazar commented, “I am curious to hear this prophecy as well.”

Tom nodded, “We will go get it the next chance we have. We will also get a glimpse of how people might react later. I am bringing in Lucius, one of my inner circle, to reprimand him and have him lock down the Gaunt Manor.”

Godric nodded, “Yes that will help with planning. I am not familiar with how you run your meetings but if you have any of Salazar’s flare you could use the throne room for your meetings. It was sufficiently dramatic enough for him.”

Salazar elbowed him in the side, “Oh hush. I seem to remember a certain someone who loved the throne room.”

Godric shrugged unapologetically, “The throne sex was hot.”

Harry turned scarlet and Remus and Sirius both choked a little at the thought, Tom however was contemplating the idea. He quickly pushed it away when he realized his hypothetical throne sex fantasy featured a certain green-eyed Gryffindor. He cleared his throat, “If you are alright with me using the throne room for meetings I would love to.”

Salazar waved his doubt off, “If I wasn’t okay with you using the Manor to the fullest extent with your followers and such I would not have allowed you here. Use it as you wish.”

Tom bowed his head, “Thank you.” Salazar nodded.

“Found the centaurs.”  Harry said suddenly, his eyes glazed over. “They tell us they were alerted of the change in Headmaster by the Nearly Headless Nick.” Harry tilted his head toward the Founders, “Have you four talked to the others ghosts in the school yet?”

“No.” Rowena said, “We were finding the changes and finding out who the staff were first.”

Harry nodded, “Rowena I know your daughter is in the Ravenclaw tower. She will be happy to see you.” He blinked his milky eyes, “Bane says that they are moving the fillies and colts to the safety of the caves before they make a move. They are also trying to find a safe place for the unicorn herd.”

Salazar looked to Tom who shrugged, “Harry, can you ask if the herd can travel long distances?” Salazar asked, “There is a small warded wood in the back that they can stay in for now.”

Harry gave a subtle nod and pursed his lips, he was silent for several minutes, his blank eyes staring through the table. “Ronan says they are well enough to travel. I’ll have the twins lead them back. With the average speed of a unicorn they should be here in about an hour, in case you need to rearrange any wards.”

Lea nodded and looked to Tom, “With your permission I’ll go do that.” Tom nodded and Lea vanished.

Harry’s hand suddenly went to the pendent and it glowed, Remus looked to the Founders in question. “He’s conversing with Hogwarts. I assume there is something he wants her to see or wants to talk to her directly.” Godric said, Remus nodded in understanding.

Suddenly Harry’s eyes cleared and he blinked, releasing the pendent. Luna opened her eyes with a sigh and sat up straight again. “The centaurs are going to strike in four days at breakfast. Hogwarts agreed to open doors to allow them through to the main hall to get her.” Harry said.

Luna smiled, “Ronan and Bane are arguing about what to do with her but at the moment it seems likely that she will be fed to the arcnomantula.”

Tom snorted, “Probably the easiest way to get rid of her.” Luna gave him a wide grin and Harry smirked.

Salazar chuckled at their antics, “Well, we should get back to Hogwarts and begin looking for what’s blocking her.”

“Good luck.” Harry said, the Founders all waved and disappeared. Harry looked to Tom, “So do you want to call Lucius first or do you want to wait until we know the unicorns are safe?”

Tom smiled, “We will get Lucius in a bit and I’m sure your twins will tell us if something happens with the unicorns. First I think Sirius and Remus should tell you what they’ve been meaning too.”

The canines looked startled as Harry, Tom, and Luna all looked to them. Harry smiled at them, “What’s up guys?”

Remus’ eyes were wide and he pressed into Sirius’ side, Sirius put an arm around him before looking directly at Harry. “Pup, you remember us telling you we got together in our fifth year right?” Harry raised an eyebrow but nodded, “And you also remember us telling you that male werewolves could get pregnant right?”

Harry’s eyes widened, “Are you two going to have a baby?”

Remus winced and buried his face in Sirius’ chest, Sirius shook his head, “No Harry. We already had one.” Harry’s eyes went even wider, “Remy got pregnant a year after we graduated. We were ecstatic of course. Named James the Godfather. Came up with a wonderful name. Had our little house all ready. But the day our pup was born Dumbledore came over.” Remus’ grip on Sirius tightened, “We trusted him at that time and left him alone with our pup for no longer than five minutes to go get something from the den. When we came back Dumbledore and our pup was gone.”

Remus’ looked at Harry from his spot curled into Sirius, “We chased after him. Found his apparation signature and followed it. But by the time we found him, he had already set things in motion. He had altered the memories of a couple so that they believed our pup was theirs and had given our pup a blood adoption potion so it would look legitimate if anyone ever did tests. When we tried to get out pup back Dumbledore oblivated us and covered it up with other memories.”

“That’s awful.” Harry breathed, “Why would he do that?”

Sirius and Remus looked to each other, “We don’t know.” Sirius finally answered, “We only got our memories back a couple years ago. We could never find a reason, only had speculations.”

Harry nodded, “Dumbledore is a manipulative bastard. I’m not sure anyone but him understands his reasoning.” He sat forward, “So what happened? Were you able to find your cub when your memories came back?”

Remus gave a watery laugh as he began to tear up and Sirius smiled, “Yes, we found him. Remy’s oblivates broke when his wolf scented our pup after Wormtail escaped.”

Harry froze, only his eyes moving to look between Remus and Sirius’ faces as they looked at him with smiles, “Me?” he squeaked.

Sirius nodded, “You were born Harrison James Lupin-Black.” He gripped Remus tightly, “You’re our son.”

Harry gaped at them, doing a very convincing imitation of a fish. “I….I’m….” Harry stuttered but Luna put a hand on his shoulder soothingly.

At the gesture Remus looked a tad panicked and began to backpedal, “We don’t expect anything Harry. We know you grew up believing Lilly and James were your parents. We just wanted you to know the truth. We promise we won’t…..”

Harry shook himself and interrupted, “Stop.” He gave them a lopsided smile, “I never knew Lilly and James. Everyone said they were my parents but they always felt too abstract to me. I have seen you as my parents since we met. While I’m not happy about what Dumbledore has done, I am ecstatic to hear that you really are my parents.”

Remus burst into tears and Sirius sniffed, his own eyes glistening, “Really?” his voice holding only a little tremble.

Harry grinned, “Of course.”

Luna nodded sagely, “You two are his patronus memory after all.” Now Sirius did start crying and Harry softened at the sight, he stood and walked around the table to stand by his two fathers. He shifted a bit, uncertain but the two canines pulled him into an embrace, wrapping him up tightly in their arms.

Tom watched the whole thing awkwardly, he felt he was intruding on a private moment. However he was happy to see the little family reunited despite the manipulative old man’s best efforts. Tom looked away, in an attempt to give them a little privacy, and was met with the silvery gaze of Luna. Tom lifted an eyebrow, “Yes?”

Luna smirked, “How did you sleep?”

Tom quickly hid his blush, “Very well thank you.”

“So I shouldn’t expect my brother in my room tonight?” Luna faux whispered.

Now his blush was out full force, “I’m sure there is another room he can stay in.”

Luna shook her head and turned serious, “The Nargles say it will be a bad night. He shouldn’t be alone.”

Tom blinked and shot a glance over at Harry to see if he heard, the green eyed boy was still in his father’s arms though. “I’m sure you’ll be able to help him through it.” Tom muttered, savagely shoving down the jealousy that was rearing up again.

Luna tilted her head, “Maybe. The Nargles say you know why it would be a bad night.”

Tom looked over to Harry, remembering last night when he told him about the altered wolfsbane and his guilt over it. Yes, he could understand why it might be a bad night for Harry. “I know. But he will probably want family.”

Luna only replied with a small hum.