Chapter 3: Secrets from the Past

 

 

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Do I follow my instincts blindly?

Do I hide my pride from these bad dreams and give in to sad thoughts and maddening?

Do I sit here and try to stand it?

Or do I try to catch them red handed?

Do I trust some and get fooled by phoniness,

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From “By Myself” by Linkin Park

 

 

 

Arthur Weasley greeted Albus Dumbledore as he entered the Weasley household through the fireplace. Mr Weasley had received Harry’s letter and had immediately owled the Headmaster telling him that Harry had asked to speak with him urgently. Privately Mr Weasley was very worried about this, because Harry had never asked anything like this before and Arthur thought it had to be something to with Voldemort. Harry was due to arrive at the Weasley’s in a few minutes via floo powder that Arthur had him sent in his letter of reply.

“Good Evening Arthur.” Said Albus pleasantly as he sank rather heavily into an armchair.

“Hello Albus,” Mr Weasley replied, “can I get you anything to drink?”

“No thank you. Is Molly here?”

“No, when you sent word that you wanted to talk with Harry here I thought it was best that she and the children went. Ron was none too pleased about it, he’s been very worried about Harry.”

Dumbledore nodded gravely at this and Arthur’s burning question suddenly came tumbling out of his mouth before he could stop himself.

“Does this have something to do with Voldemort?”

“I’m not sure Arthur,” Albus replied, a look of worry creasing his already wrinkled face. “I have been very worried about Harry since Voldemorts rebirth at the end of last term. As you know, Harry’s scar links him to Voldemort so it is a likely conclusion that this is about him.”

As Albus finished speaking the fire roared again and Harry stepped out, holding a piece of paper. Arthur was shocked at Harry’s appearance and he looked at Dumbledore and saw that he was feeling the same. Harry had grown quite a bit since Arthur had last seen him and his hair didn’t look half as messy as it had done. But his face seemed to have aged many years and his eyes looked a blank green, cold and haunted.

“Hello Harry.” Albus said, smiling down at him. Harry merely nodded in reply and sat down in a chair. Arthur sensed this was his queue to leave.

“I will be upstairs if you need anything. Its nice to see you Harry.” He said as he made his way to the door, again Harry just nodded.

A silence followed after Mr Weasley left and Harry was feeling very uncomfortable. All he wanted to do was to ask Dumbledore if Voldemort was his grandfather and then hear him deny it and come up with an explanation for the birth certificate. But for some reason he just couldn’t bring himself to speak, he looked up at Dumbledore and saw that the Headmaster was looking very concerned.

“Harry what’s wrong?” He asked kindly.

Harry wondered whether he should say anything, did he really want to risk hearing the truth? The headmaster leant forward in his chair and placed a comforting hand on Harry’s arm.

“Harry?” He pressed, peering at him with his penetrating blue eyes.

Still Harry remained silent; thoughts were careering round in his head again. Finally he couldn’t stand it anymore.

“Is Voldemort my grandfather?”

* * * * *

 

“I will return tomorrow Lucius.” Voldemort said, his red eyes watching Lucius’s reaction to their discussion with amusement.

“Yes my Lord.” Lucius replied, a look of disbelief on his face.

Voldemort smiled and turned toward the fireplace. He couldn’t blame Lucius; it was pretty unbelievable news to take in. He threw some powder into the fire and stepped into it.

 

Lucius sank down into an armchair, for the past few hours he had spent hearing about Harry Potter and this…this incredible news was whirling around in his head. He was in shock, how could it be true? Mind you it did explain some things Draco had told him, like the fact that he was a Parselmouth…but then why was Potter in Gryffindor?

Lucius stood up and got himself a drink, the thoughts were too much for him, it was all too complicated. The Dark Lord had said he would return tomorrow evening to explain more and to talk to Draco about his plan for Potter.

Not for the first time that evening, Lucius wondered whether Harry knew the real truth about where he came from.