Harry Potter and Salazar's Talisman

AN: Thank you all for your patience. Some of the scenes I have to work with are sketchy and must be expanded. I am posting as quickly as possible. I can't post what isn't written.

I'll tell you now though that all the little subplots are inter-related. While many of you have nailed certain aspects of what's going on, my stories (ie my plot) are (is) about Harry and therefore Voldemort by extension. It's all based on the prophesy (mine that is) and Harry's Slytherin connection.

As for the medallion (blah - it was one of Voldemort's gifts in, as P.R. pointed out, chapter 8 of the Trelawney Prophesy and as PR also noted, Harry doesn't like other people touching it - PR - also note in chapter 5 that Harry takes it away from Remus several times) it is a tool and of course Voldemort knows what it does. But there are things it's capable of that even Voldemort doesn't realize - that is until Harry stumbles across them. And as Jerry mentioned, Draco will play an important part of the classification of it. But I probably shouldn't have told you that.

Ur_howler: Very good. The fact that Voldemort can still touch Harry is of paramount importance to the prophecy.

Brenna - again, thank you, thank you for all your help.

Luver - now where would my story be if I actually had Harry resign? As for being helpless and initiating change, don't forget, Harry doesn't do things the normal way. Dumbledore may have conned him into teaching it, but he doesn't have to do it the conventional way.

Silvermoon - I did mention there was more. And thank you. I think a lot of people like my Voldemort because he has depth. In my opinion, one can not aspire to such power with such a following without having mental facilities greater than just the need to kill.

On to it...

Chapter 9

Defending the Malfoys

Bloody brilliant timing, Harry. Couldn't've planned it better myself.

And you didn't plan it?

I refuse to answer that.

They appraised each other warily across the room, outwardly displaying the open hostility from years ago, while Harry was trying not to laugh. 'Mr. Fashion Sense' was openly appraising Harry's attire.

Nice shirt.

Harry pretended to adjust the cuff. The dark green creation of fitted silk was especially tailored for fencing, with cuffs that buttoned from wrist to elbow.

Thanks. Ginger dresses me now and she has impeccable taste.

Not that I expect you to know what impeccable taste is, but remind me to compliment her.

"Come in, come in, Professor Potter," said a very excited Jacob Billings. "As you can see, we're ready."

Harry nodded as he stepped into the hall, un-strapping the sheath. He pulled Sennie out and stopped at the Gryffindor table.

"Hold this for me, will you, Mr. McIves," said Harry, holding out his sheath.

The gaping boy reached out a tentative hand. "Er, sure, Professor," said Sean His eyes fell to the sword and his eyes widened in recognition. "That's, I-I mean, the sword is-" stammered the boy.

"It's mine," Harry finished for him.

"I knew it. I knew it was you," whispered Cindy almost smugly. "I told you," she hissed at Sean, who was still staring at the sword grasped in Harry's left hand.

Harry grinned at them. "I'll explain later," he said softly and turned to move toward the high, long table set up in front of the staff table.

Sean muttered behind him, "Shut up, Cindy. Bloody know-it-all."

Repressing his laugh, Harry raised his free hand and a set of steps appeared before him. He ascended to the table's surface and continued to walk across it until he reached Draco in the middle.

You all right, Harry?

Harry heard the concern, but shrugged it off. He'd deal with his curriculum problem later. Right now, the sword felt damn good in his hand.

I thought this was supposed to be fun.

Draco nodded and Harry felt Draco's thoughts shut off. They knew better than to leave the telepathy open when they fenced.

They both turned toward the staff table and saluted Billings and Dumbledore then faced each other. Before Harry raised his sword, he swept his gaze around the hall until he spotted Voldemort, floating near the Slytherin Table. He saluted him and turned to Draco.

Draco raised a brow.

"Considering he can still put me in agony," said Harry. "I consider him the most important person in the room."

Draco inclined his head. "Good point." Draco turned and quickly saluted Voldemort then faced Harry again.

Harry automatically arced his sword in a swing, meeting Draco's, once up and once down. Then they formally saluted and took their stances. Draco eyed the sword in Harry's left hand and his stance. Harry shrugged.

"Ok," sneered Draco. "Be that way." And he struck.

The attack was a fierce one, and Harry blocked and retreated down the table. Before Draco could shove him off the edge, Harry lowered his foot down one step and thrust up, locking their swords over his head.

"Rusty, aren't we, Potter?" said Draco with his customary smug smirk.

Harry pushed him away with a thrust. "I just want you to feel you're doing well," said Harry. "I'd hate for you to feel embarrassed, Malfoy," he added with a smirk.

The sparring continued up and down the table in what Harry would have called a normal practice session but he could tell Draco was getting frustrated. With an irritated growl, Draco swiped his sword twice, once hard enough to knock Harry's blade aside and once up, sailing beside his ear and sending a tuft of black hair flying.

The tip of Revend pressed into Harry's throat.

"Damn it, Potter," snarled Draco. "You're getting very close to insulting me."

Harry leaned away from the blade and brought Sennie around to push the sword away.

"How close?" Harry taunted.

Draco swung in anger and Harry locked their swords over their heads.

"Where's the Potter instinct?" snapped Draco.

"Where's the Malfoy precision and perfect execution?" Harry calmly retorted.

Draco shoved him away, and they saluted again. This time Harry attacked first, and it took a few exchanges before Draco's posture righted itself. Gradually, he returned Harry blows with lighting power and Harry knew Draco could win.

"There it is," muttered Harry with a grin as he stepped back with his left foot.

With a sweeping circular arc, Harry moved Sennie to his right hand and sparring became dueling.

"Better," said Draco with a satisfied grin as he retreated now.

The blades clashed in earnest now, both fencers at top form. The respectful attentive quiet in the hall became mesmerized silence. It didn't take long before the entire hall saw why Harry was hailed a Natural.

With a swish and a flick of Harry's wrist, Draco was disarmed. Harry raised his left hand and summoned Revend, before it hit someone, holding his sword tip to Draco's throat.

Draco ignored the sharp edge against his neck, his attention on his shirt as he pulled the edge of the sliced material away from his skin.

"That's two shirts you owe me, Potter," said Draco but he was losing his sneer.

Harry stepped away and tossed Draco his sword.

"Bitch, bitch, bitch," said Harry.

They clashed blades, one up and one down then saluted each other and turned to the staff table. As they saluted the masters of the hall, the occupants of the room erupted with noise.

"I mean it, Harry," said Draco. "Are you all right?"

Harry looked back at Draco who was frowning now. He shrugged, summoning two towels from the staff table and handed one to Draco.

"At least I'm not bleeding like a stuck pig," said Harry.

Harry.

Draco must be worried if he was able to break into Harry's mind.

Yeah, I'm all right. Dumbledore's as bad as Voldemort sometimes. But-

You'll live. I know.

Besides. Voldemort said he'd help me. Harry met Draco's gaze. Won't that be fun?

Draco snorted. At least you don't have to start until next term.

Harry nodded. Gives me more time to dread the inevitable. Harry grabbed Draco's arm. Draco was on the Board of Governors now. You didn't have any part of that, did you?

Draco yanked his arm away and shook his head. "That was already decided," said Draco. "Do I look suicidal to you?" he added.

Harry smirked and Professor Billings called Draco away to help him with some students. Harry's modesty started creeping up on him again, so he headed for the Gryffindor table to get his sheath. His Gryffindors he could handle, he'd deal with the rest of his students later.

"Why didn't you say?" Sean demanded as soon as Harry reached them.

"Sean don't be so stupid," said Cindy, rolling her eyes in a fair impersonation of Hermione.

"What?" said Sean.

"And what was Professor Potter going to say?" said Cindy. "Oh that fantastic fencing phenomenon everyone is talking about happens to be me?"

Harry laughed - had too. "Thank you, Miss Larsen," said Harry. "Couldn't have said it better myself."

Missy laughed too. "You were really great, Professor."

"Thanks," said Harry.

"At first Sean couldn't believe that you could have beaten an Acknowledged Master," Missy continued. Harry sent the boy a glance.

"No. I couldn't have," agreed Harry.

"Right," said Missy. "That's when we heard Mr. Malfoy taunting you, and Cindy laughed at us."

Harry shook his head.

"Yeah," grumbled Sean. "She mentioned right away that you weren't left handed."

"I still can't believe Professor Billings never mentioned Professor Potter," said Cindy.

"I was surprised myself," admitted Harry. "Until I realized that Malfoy was playing one of his games, so I decided to play along."

"He was quite delighted to show us that sword though," said Sean. "He said it's supposed to be Entrapped."

Harry held it out to Sean, and Sean gripped it. The hilt instantly tightened around his hand until he let go.

"Wow," said Rufus who had edged over.

"It isn't technically Entrapped anymore either," said Harry. "I was forced to free the snake after-"

"The Vengeance Curse," Sean nearly shouted with realization, interrupting his professor.

Cindy looked more surprised than Harry.

"You started your assignment already?" said Cindy.

Sean nodded not looking the slightest bit embarrassed. "Yes, Miss Nag. After what Voldemort said, how could I not be curious."

Harry smiled.

"Wait a minute," said Missy. "If you had to free the snake, how come it still won't let anyone use it but you?"

Now Sean looked impressed. "Good question, Missy."

They all looked up at Harry. With a grin, Harry looked down at his sword and spoke to it in parseltongue.

"Sennie, come out. I'm finished."

Once again, the hilt exploded with light and the snake erupted to coil around Harry's arm.

"Master, it was thrilling to fence again."

"It calls you Master?" said Cindy.

"Yes, he does," said Harry. "Sennie has chosen to serve me, inside the sword and out. And after Sean does his research on the curse, I'll tell you why."

Harry grinned as the three of them started grumbling complaints.

"Some crowd," said Sean, indicating the group still massed at the entrance doors. "A lot of people came to see, I guess."

Harry shrugged off the comment as he strapped on his sword belt.

"Whoa, who's the babe?" said Rufus.

"Must be with Mr. Malfoy," said Missy not concealing her jealousy.

"Yeah, maybe" said Sean vaguely. "But she looks sort of familiar."

Harry glanced up to see Draco lean down and kiss the 'babe' on the cheek after a hug. Suddenly Missy was not the only one jealous. Draco said something to her and the woman tossed back her fiery red head with a golden laugh.

"I'll kill him," growled Harry as he drew his sword again.

Three Gryffindor voices rose to protest, but Harry started stalking toward the group, his students following.

"Take your slimy hands off my wife, Malfoy," said Harry with menace.

Draco grinned and draped an arm around her shoulders. "Or what?"

Harry lifted the sword tip to his throat. "You look pretty suicidal to me right now."

Draco laughed. "Sod off. You can't kill one of the babies' godfathers and you know it."

Harry lowered the sword and blinked.

"I thought you asked him already, Harry," said Ginger. "Really."

Flustered, Harry slid the sword back into it's sheath. He heard the snort, then felt a hand on his head as he was dragged in for a hug.

"Oh don't be so pathetic, Harry," said Draco. "You know I'm honored."

Harry looked up as he held Draco away. "Watch the hair, you bastard. Do you know how long it takes me to achieve this look?"

Ginger laughed as she put an arm around each of them. "Stop it, both of you," she scolded. "You're scaring the children."

Harry's students didn't look frightened. They looked flabbergasted.

"What happened to the Potter/Malfoy enmity?" said Sean.

"They out grew it," said Ginger still smiling.

"I out grew it," said Draco. "Harry came along kicking and screaming, stubborn moron that he is."

"Shut up, Malfoy," said Harry.

"See," said Draco.

Harry ignored him and finally got around to introducing his wife to the students who had congregated around him. Most of them were Gryffindors, although Draco's presence had attracted some Slytherins. They discussed the duel and fencing in general. The flair Draco and Harry had for verbal sparring rivaled their fencing skills and was obvious to anyone who cared to notice.

The students did notice it, but it wasn't until after Harry had seen Ginger off and Dumbledore started shooing the students to bed that anyone commented on it.

"That's certainly one bizarre friendship you have," said Sean.

Draco snorted. "Friends? We're not friends," said Draco. "Are we, Harry?"

"Certainly not," Harry shot back.

Cindy started to laugh.

"Comment, Miss Larsen?" said Harry.

"So, you're not friends," said Cindy logically. "But your not enemies. You've been rivals since you were in school, you fight and you fence together like you've been doing it for years."

"Don't forget Quidditch," Sean piped up. "You were the Slytherin Seeker, weren't you, Mr. Malfoy?"

Harry started to laugh.

Don't go there, Harry!

"Right," fortunately for Draco, Cindy went on. "And you're the son of a Death Eater."

Draco sat up. "I beg your pardon," said Draco indignantly.

Cindy started stammering, but Draco wasn't finished.

He pulled up the sleeve on his left arm revealing the Dark Mark to several very surprised gasps.

Draco, what are doing?

"I won't be labeled the son of a Death Eater," said Draco. "Not when I was one."

"You were never a Death Eater," said Harry softly. "You were marked because of me."

"Exactly," said Draco fiercely. "I won't be stigmatized when my loyalty was with you and not the Dark Lord."

"I know that," said Harry. "You know I do."

"And now they know it too," said Draco.

They did indeed know it now. The remaining three looked completely shocked by Draco's outburst. Harry sighed.

"Ok, quick summation time," said Harry. "When Mr. Malfoy was marked, Voldemort magically linked us. Since Draco's loyalty was with me, we became telepathically connected."

"So you're more like brothers," said Cindy with understanding.

"Well the telepathy sort of capped off a long process of recognition and understanding," said Harry, "But yes, that's it in a nutshell."

The three Gryffindors stood up as Dumbledore approached their table.

"Well, I still think it's bizarre," said Sean.

Harry shrugged. "Call it what ever you want," said Harry. "But nothing in my life has ever been normal anyway, so..."

Sean grinned. "I guess."

They said their goodnights and Harry turned back to Draco who had been strangely quiet. His expression was one of surprise.

What?

You mean that. It sounded like an accusation to Harry.

Harry blinked. Did he mean...? What? That you're like my brother? "Good, God, Draco. Don't tell me this is news to you?"

"Well, no," said Draco. "I mean, I understood it - accepted it. I just didn't think you would."

Harry blinked at him. "Draco, stubborn, pathetic, Gryffindor moron I might be," said Harry. "But I am not stupid - or ungrateful."

Draco stared at him for a few moments in silence.

"Thanks, Harry," said Draco. "I mean it."

"No, Draco," said Harry. "Thank you."

Draco rubbed his left forearm absently. "Sorry about that," muttered Draco. "I hope your little Gryffindors weren't too shocked."

"They'll live," said Harry, glancing around. Noticing they were alone, with the exception of a few house elves cleaning up, he magicked them a couple of drinks. "They've seen-"

"Bloody everlasting hell," Draco swore suddenly.

Startled by the interruption, Harry blinked.

"Harry, does he know?" said Draco.

Now completely confused, Harry stared.

"Does Voldemort know, I mean," Draco paused to look around the hall. Does he know about my father?

Harry thought for a moment. "No, I don't think so," said Harry. I know I never mentioned it. I think your father would have mentioned in one of his assessment notes if he'd gotten a visit from Voldemort.

Draco looked paler than usual.

"What's the matter?"

Harry, you protected my father from the Ministry.

"Yeah, so," said Harry.

Draco shook his head. "And what was the last thing that happened when you showed my father your favor?" said Draco, rubbing his arm again.

Harry frowned; trying to process what Draco was getting at. When Harry had thanked Lucius for teaching him the art of fencing, Voldemort had thought he over did it and...

"He marked you," said Harry.

Draco nodded. "You know how possessive he is with you," said Draco. "Don't you think this is going to royally piss him off?"

"Well it isn't like I expected Voldemort to come back and haunt me," said Harry.

"But he has."

Harry shook his head. "It doesn't matter. He can't hurt anyone."

"Except you," said Draco pointedly.

"You don't think he would actually punish me, do you?" said Harry doubtfully. "Not over that."

"I don't know what he'll do, Harry," said Draco. "No one could ever be sure with him. All I'm saying is that you'd better tell him, and it better be you who tells him, and it better be soon."

Harry nodded. Draco had a point.

"And you better have some very flattering appeasement to offer him," Draco added.

Harry considered all this on his way up to his rooms. Voldemort met him just inside his classroom, and Harry suddenly realized he hadn't seen or felt Voldemort since the duel.

"Hi," said Harry, trying to sound casual. "Where did you disappear to?"

Voldemort chuckled. "I found the after-shock less satisfying than I expected, so I found other entertainment."

"Oh?" said Harry, lowering his hand to the desk so Sennie could slither off.

"Yes," said Voldemort. "I find lording over the other ghosts vastly amusing."

Harry shook his head with a smile. "Bet the Bloody Baron just loves that."

Voldemort chuckled. Harry felt the pain in his head build and he looked up as Voldemort moved closer. He looked into those red eyes as a hand rose to his face.

"You made me very proud tonight, Harry," said Voldemort, his knuckled running down Harry's face.

"Thank you," Harry managed. "It was fun."

"Mm, I noticed," said Voldemort, holding Harry's face up with the back of his hand. "You weren't as - what was Draco's term? - rusty, as I would have expected."

Damn. Harry managed a shrug. "I guess it's like riding a bicycle," said Harry. "Or a broom."

Voldemort smiled. "You know I knew what you meant."

Harry nodded.

"But yes, you are right," said Voldemort. "Flying and fencing, Harry. You are a Natural."

Harry forced a smile and Voldemort let go. "Good night, Harry."

"Night," said Harry as he watched Voldemort vanish.

"No one touches the boy but me."

"That possessive, is he?"

"I have to be careful with what is mine."

Oh no. What if he knows?

Draco was right. Voldemort was going to go berserk over this. But somehow Harry had always been able to find the right words to appease him in the past. Harry racked his brain, but nothing came to mind.

Draco called it again.

Blood everlasting hell!

**************

Thankfully, Harry had a light class load the next day. He managed to get through most of them between talk of the fencing exhibition and Sennie. Voldemort was quiet most of the day, which only made Harry even more suspicious and paranoid. He gave his most annoying class, his 7^th year Slytherins a test just so he wouldn't have to deal with them and he was finished for the day.

He moved into his private rooms and stroked Rowan absently, simply enjoying the total peace. Rowan laid her head on his chest and Harry let the phoenix calm him for several minutes, then he stepped back and took a deep breath.

This is going to be another nightmare.

Harry apparated directly to the foyer of Raven Respite. He was the only person alive who could get through the wards he had set, and even Ginger had to be holding onto Harry to get into the house that way.

House elves converged on him.

"Welcome home, Master Jack," said Dash, his head elf.

"I need to see Master Luke, immediately," said Harry. "In the library."

"Of course, Master Jack," said Dash. "Right away."

Harry strode into the library, leaving the door open while he paced. Several moments later, Lucius Malfoy stepped in wearing a smile that faded as soon as he saw Harry's expression.

"Close the door," said Harry.

Lucius frowned, pushing the door shut behind him. "I don't like the look of this," said Lucius.

Harry waved a hand, muttering a privacy spell.

Lucius' frown got worse. "Now, I really don't like the look of this."

"Listen to me, Lucius," said Harry, his tone bordering on desperate. "I'm not sure how long it'll take before-"

Pain exploded in Harry's head, effectively silencing him, and Harry hit his knees as Voldemort's fingers closed around his jaw. Harry had hoped he'd have more time before Voldemort showed up.

"Hello, Lucius," said Voldemort, staring into Harry's eyes.

Out of the corner of his eye, Harry saw Lucius lower to his knee.

"Master," Lucius choked out. "How? What? I don't understand."

Voldemort lifted his free hand to silence Lucius, which it did. Then he brought the hand toward Harry's face.

"When were you going to tell me, Harry?" said Voldemort.

"How?" Harry rasped.

"Harry, you know that no one knows you as well as I do," said Voldemort. "I knew the moment you saluted me with the sword in your left hand. You were not skilled enough to face Draco left-handed the last time I saw you, so you must have been practicing.

"I wasn't positive until after we spoke last night." Voldemort smiled knowingly. "Draco said something, didn't he? You wouldn't have even realized..."

Voldemort chuckled then. "How wonderfully naive you can be," said Voldemort wistfully. "I'd almost forgotten. But then, you always needed reminding. The connection," Voldemort paused, his hand alarmingly close to Harry's scar. Harry squeezed his eyes closed, gritting his teeth. A tear seeped out of the corner of his eye. "Is with me, Harry. No one else."

Voldemort let go, and Harry hit the floor.

Vaguely, Harry noticed Voldemort drifting over towards Lucius. Lucius was bid to rise and Voldemort allowed him to ask his question.

Harry remained on the floor as he pulled himself together. Voldemort explained the hows and the whys of their 'current situation,' and Harry could hear Lucius soft comments.

Harry couldn't look at them. He knew Lucius would be scowling at him like he was an idiot. Apparently, Harry was the only one who hadn't known that one could concede a life debt. This fact haunted him as emphatically as Voldemort did.

"So," said Voldemort. "Now the question remains - oh, Harry, do get up."

Harry pushed himself off the floor and leaned on the desk, still not looking at the others in the room.

"What was your question?" said Harry.

"How is it that Lucius escaped?"

"Portkey," said Harry simply.

Voldemort moved to stand before Harry. Harry didn't look up.

"Do go on," said Voldemort

"Before I left to meet you," said Harry, "I sent out a few letters. I sent Lucius the deed to this house with instructions and made the deed into a Portkey to itself."

Voldemort's hand moved under Harry's face so that Harry would look up.

"Why?"

"I decided he'd be more valuable to me alive," said Harry, trapped under that red gaze.

"Did you?" said Voldemort.

Voldemort was apparently not appeased yet.

"As your son, he was compelled to do as I asked."

Voldemort smirked.

"You want me to believe that you saved Lucius Malfoy from - in all likelihood - a dementor's kiss because you wanted someone to look after the estate?"

Voldemort's tone was mildly amused but his expression was intense.

"He is still Draco's father and Draco and I-"

Voldemort's fingers on Harry's face cut him off. His eyes moved over Harry's expression, flicked down briefly to Harry's chest then met his gaze again.

"Harry," said Voldemort, his fingers brushing Harry's jaw, just keeping contact. "Now tell me the real reason, my son."

Harry swallowed and closed his eyes against the pain. Voldemort's hand didn't move but he maintained the touch. His chest suddenly felt tight. Damn him, he always knew...

"It's your fault," Harry managed.

"Mine?" said Voldemort with interest.

Harry nodded slightly, the words falling from his lips. "You gave me everything. Everything I wanted - a family - people I could count on - who didn't judge me."

Voldemort raised a brow expectantly.

"Draco, Lucius, Severus."

"Mm, yes, Harry," said Voldemort seriously. "My Death Eaters would have done anything to please you. You know that."

"I couldn't let the killing start," said Harry.

"I know, Harry."

Harry's knees were shaking. "But-But, I couldn't let everything go. I couldn't - wouldn't lose everything I had with you."

Voldemort's fingers trailed up Harry's face then. Harry was surprised he was still standing.

"Ah, yes," said Voldemort. "My illustrious plan." Voldemort laughed. "Quite devious, very precarious, utterly brilliant."

"And successful to the bitter end," said Lucius softly.

"Indeed," said Voldemort although he didn't move his eyes from Harry. "You have accepted it, my son. I am pleased."

He pulled his hand away and Harry hit the floor again. God, he hated these power plays.

"I have, father," rasped Harry and he looked up. "Do you?"

Voldemort chuckled. "But I have, Harry," said Voldemort. He sent Lucius a nod and Lucius moved forward and helped Harry up.

Harry regarded him steadily. Yeah, he could tell Voldemort was telling the truth. Harry knew that self-satisfied smirk. Voldemort had given Harry that family; Voldemort had no choice but accept them in Harry's life now.

Voldemort settled into a chair still watching Harry as he dropped into the chair behind the desk and rubbed his hands over his face.

Lucius stood in the middle of room and looked back and forth between them.

"So was this the purpose of this visit, Harry?" said Lucius. "To tell me about the Master?"

Harry looked up. "No offense, Lucius," said Harry. "But he can still punish me. You'll excuse me if you weren't my first priority. I'm sorry I didn't tell you, but..." He trailed off with a glance at Voldemort.

Voldemort chuckled.

"I dare say," said Lucius. "Even you know better than to slight the Master, but why come all the way here to inform him?"

"Lucius, I'm disappointed," said Voldemort. Lucius turned to him with a brow raised curiously. "I clearly recall mentioning Draco."

Lucius inclined his head. "I do recall you mentioning him, my lord," said Lucius, "But I was - distracted," Lucius said the word suggestively, "by the fact that you were here."

Voldemort laughed. "Ah, yes. My exalted presence is known to distract even the best of wizards."

Harry snorted, and Lucius turned to him.

"So what about Draco?" said Lucius. "Have you heard from him?"

Harry nodded. "He's back at Hogwarts," said Harry. "He came as soon as he realized the 'gift' was working again."

Lucius' expression was almost worth the pain Harry had just endured.

"When can I see him?" said Lucius.

Harry sighed, raking a hand through his hair. "I'm still working on that," said Harry. "If I lose my anonymity here, then so do you."

Lucius nodded thoughtfully. "Good point."

"Harry," said Voldemort. Harry looked to him. "All you need to do is ask."

Harry blinked. "Is there something you could do?" said Harry.

Voldemort chuckled. "As I have demonstrated in the past, my boy. I have my ways."