Harry Potter and Salazar's Talisman

Chapter 16

Manipulation

Harry's 6^th years filed into the classroom looking annoyed.

"What is the problem?" Harry asked them as they took their seats.

"Voldemort," said Sean. "He's starting to get annoying.

"More annoying than usual," said Missy. "It's depressing."

"Depressing?" said Harry.

"Yes," said Cindy. "He's all upset. Says he's 'wounded' and that you're being stubborn."

"So I am," said Harry amiably. "So what?" Harry knew Voldemort was already there. He had lingered by Harry's desk until the class sat down, then drifted off in the direction of his chair. "He knows how stubborn I am."

"He says if you don't talk to him, he'll make you," said Sean.

Harry fought his urge to glance at the chair. "He can't."

"He can still touch you, Professor," said Cindy.

Harry hopped up on to his desk. "He can't punish me. I haven't provoked him," said Harry.

Cindy glanced over at Voldemort's chair and sighed. "Just provocation. Don't ignore me again," she quoted.

Harry smirked. "I'm not ignoring him," Harry argued interested in what Voldemort was trying to accomplish. "I'm punishing him."

Cindy sent the chair another glance. "What?" said Cindy.

"So, he's made you his spokesperson, has he?" said Harry with a grin.

"Sort of," grumbled Cindy, still looking at the chair with a puzzled expression. "He says, 'I think I like your punishment to Sirius.' At least the pain goes away.'"

Harry's grin faded. Was he punishing him unfairly? Sirius had grounded Harry in his 5^th year for doing something Harry felt he had to do, something that was his nature to do.

As it was Voldemort's nature to cheat, just as he did. Harry had known it, which was why he had Hermione ready.

Harry sighed. "I get it," he said.

"Do you know what he's talking about?" said Missy.

"Yes," he admitted with a grimace. Lifting his finger to his scar, he thought, father.

Voldemort instantly materialized in his chair.

"I have taught you well," said Voldemort with seriousness.

Harry looked across the room at him and inclined his head in acknowledgment. "You are still the master at manipulation."

Voldemort chuckled. "How well we know each other, Harry."

"Yes, well, be that as it may," said Harry, letting the thought trail off as Voldemort stood up and drifted over to the desk. Harry looked up into his face.

Voldemort reached out and put the back of his hand to Harry's face. Harry's eyes closed briefly. When he opened them, Voldemort was studying Harry's expression with a familiar scrutiny.

"Harry, my son," said Voldemort. "You have always pleased me and made me proud. This last discovery of yours is quite extraordinary. The concept is even beyond my imaginings. Can you understand it?"

Voldemort's eyes drifted to rest on Harry's scar and his hand moved down to his neck. Harry's throat felt suddenly constricted.

"Our connection transcends even death, " said Voldemort then he quoted Harry pointedly, "It will not go away." A second hand moved toward Harry's face. "I am as much a part of you as you are a part of me."

"I know," Harry rasped.

"Mm. I know you do," said Voldemort. He dropped his hands and moved away.

Harry was surprised he was still upright. A glance at the class showed them looking puzzled. Harry wondered...

"No, Harry," said Voldemort. "I was only talking to you."

"I hate it when you do that," said Harry.

Voldemort chuckled as he returned to his chair.

"So what's the analogy?" asked Cindy. "Why did he compare it to Sirius?"

Harry sighed. He couldn't tell them 'we'll cover that later' anymore.

"In the beginning, before we had made our first contract, I lost my temper," said Harry.

Voldemort chuckled. "Yes, it was a brilliant display of your power even early on," said Voldemort. "My Death Eaters should have recognized the signs, but they were not all privy to my ultimate plans at the time."

"What did you do?" said Sean.

Harry stared at them, struggling with himself. He wasn't sure if he could bring himself to tell them. He didn't have to. Not with such a thorough 'teaching aid.'

"Harry has a few sensitive areas," said Voldemort. "Especially in direct context with me. Young Mr. Malfoy, who you all know, knew them and used them purposely."

"Mr. Malfoy used to piss you off on purpose?" said Missy.

Harry couldn't help his grin. "Oh yes," said Harry. "At first it was simply to see me loose control, but after it was to get me 'punished.' We did hate each other, after all."

"Yes, but we digress, Harry," said Voldemort. "That first time it was, in fact, Lucius that set you off."

Harry muttered incoherently and Voldemort chuckled again.

"Wasn't it, Harry," said Voldemort with a grin. "My pet."

Harry gaze shot up to meet Voldemort's across the room, with a venomous glare.

"Take note," Voldemort added. "He still abhors that particular endearment."

The class murmured something but Harry had to snort over Voldemort's semantics. Endearment indeed.

"Anyway," continued Voldemort. "Lucius returned to my encampment and noted that Harry was still among us. He referred to Harry as 'the master's new pet.' Needless to say, Harry lost his as yet uncontrolled temper."

"What did he do?" said Cindy quietly, noticing Harry wasn't looking at the class.

"He used an Unforgivable Curse, for the first time," said Voldemort. "I hope I do not have to tell you which one."

The class reacted with no more than minor surprise. Harry guessed they were indeed starting to understand.

"And," prompted Rufus.

"And," echoed Voldemort. "At 15, without a wand, it merely threw Lucius about four feet but the demonstration of his unrestrained power as well as his subsequent," he paused to send Harry a glance, "disrespect, warranted his immediate punishment."

"Disrespect," Cindy picked up on the word. "What-"

"I told Voldemort that I was out of patience and I was leaving," said Harry.

"So what does this have to do with Mr. Black?" Dawn wanted to know.

"As it was the first time I punished Harry that severely," said Voldemort. "Meaning the first time I had touched his scar, no one knew what would happen. When Severus told me how severe the 'damage' was, I knew I had to let Harry return to Hogwarts for treatment."

"Which you did," supplied Sean.

"Yes, but I wasn't happy about it," said Voldemort. "I needed Harry to be with me as much as possible and I hadn't secured a way to bring him back to me yet. But," Voldemort added with a somewhat smug grin, "Fate smiles on the patient. While Harry was recovering, word had not reached his godfather that he was safe, and Sirius was able to trace Harry's scent to my compound."

"And you caught him," said Sean.

"Indeed," said Voldemort.

"And to make a long story short," said Harry. "I went back to Voldemort. We agreed on a contract so that I could go back to school. Sirius escaped and-"

"Oh, Harry, you are omitting so much."

"Voldemort."

"Tell us, Professor," said Sean. "We can take it."

Voldemort chuckled. Harry sighed.

"Severus convinced me to allow Harry back to school because he had demonstrated such raw untapped power that I knew he would need training to control it."

Harry squirmed uncomfortably as the class absorbed that information.

"You see, that was the first time I touched Harry's scar and therefore it was the first time we had a large dose of power transference," said Voldemort. "Harry's power increased quite a bit that first time which he showed by using Cruciatus again, again without a wand, during a duel. That next time, it had a substantial affect on his victim."

"Who was his victim?"

"Draco, of course," said Voldemort. "But he had taunted Harry to such an extent, he deserved it." The last was added with a chuckle.

Harry listened silently as Voldemort described his duel with Draco and the subsequent events until he ultimately came back to the point when Sirius escaped.

**********

It went on. Harry had been trying to vary the telling of his experiences throughout his classes so he was a bit perturbed when almost the exact same 'lesson' re-occurred during his 7^th year Slytherin class. The difference, surprisingly, being how impressed they were with Harry. Not only over his power at 15...

"You dueled without a wand at 15?" spoken incredulously.

"Throwing Unforgivables?"

But also his tolerance for pain. Even the Dark Four were rendered speechless, as they could now believe it after seeing first hand the effect Voldemort's touch had on Harry.

It was also during that class that Harry heard something that hadn't registered the first time he'd heard it.

"Whoa, back up," said Harry. "You let Sirius escape?"

The chuckle. "Of course, Harry," said Voldemort. "I had to see the extent of your honor." Harry blinked at him. "And I wanted your cooperation. I wanted your choice. You had to choose to come back to me. I wanted you to decide what stipulations you wanted for a contract."

Much to Voldemort's delight and Harry's dismay, the Slytherins marveled over this subtle and masterful manipulation. When Harry told them of the subsequent events of Sirius' 'escape,' their praise for his 'flair for dramatics' during the lesson irritated Harry as well.

"Voldemort apparated directly behind me, stuck his wand to my throat and announced to the hall that the contract was breached and that he could kill me right then and there," Harry told them.

"Obviously a power struggle between Lord Voldemort and Professor Dumbledore," said Dante.

Harry nodded. "When I realized what Voldemort was doing, I went back to re-negotiate the contract," said Harry.

"Unfortunately I had already retired for the night," said Voldemort but Harry could hear his amusement. "And my Death Eaters were loath to disturb me."

"Yes, well, his Death Eaters saw it as an opportunity," said Harry. "They beat the crap out of me and tossed me into the cage until morning." Harry went on to describe how they found out at school what he had done and Sirius had grounded him. "I didn't know at the time that it was Dumbledore's counter-manipulation to see how far Voldemort would go for me."

"Which Lord Voldemort had to expect," said Dante. "Right?"

Voldemort chuckled. "Of course," he explained. "Albus' actions were of little consequence to me. My focus was Harry. And," he added. "Albus inadvertently played right into my plans in that particular instance.

"Sirius was purposely harsh at the time but Harry didn't know that. Harry had done what he thought was right and honorable (which was) and which is his nature to do."

"Just as it was your nature to cheat," said Daray.

Harry watched as the class understood the implications of Harry's recent punishment on Voldemort and Voldemort's manipulation to get Harry to lift the restrictions. And just as his Gryffindors were fascinated by the analogy, the Slytherins were awed by Voldemort's genius.

While it was somewhat disturbing to rehash the events of himself being emotionally played, he could tell it was working. The kids were learning.

The Slytherins now understood the magnitude of what Voldemort was capable of. What he had done in the past (before the scar) as well as since. All precursors of what he could have done in the world had Harry not stopped him yet again 8 years ago.

Harry was getting through to them and it made him inordinately pleased. Unfortunately, he knew there was more that he had to tell them, make them understand.

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

"We shouldn't be doing this," said Cindy.

"Shut up, Larsen," hissed Dante Manelin. "You agreed to help us."

"It's all right, Cindy," said Sean. "The classroom's empty anyway."

Cassi Abbott raced over to her desk. "It's not here," said Cassi, her voice bordering on panic as she started to check the desks around her own.

"Don't be stupid, Cas," said Dante. "1^st year Hufflepuffs have the class after us. Do you think Potter would leave a book like that laying around."

"I guess," said Cassi.

"So just what are we looking for?" said Sean.

"It's my brother's book," said Cindy, taking deep breaths as she moved stuff around on the professor's desk. "If I don't get it back, he'll kill me."

Dante laughed. "I don't know what possessed you to bring a book called "Memoirs of a Death Eater" to school anyway," said Dane with exasperation. "Let alone to class."

"Memoirs of a Death Eater?" echoed Sean. "You're kidding?"

"I wanted to ask him if it was credible," Cassi defended. "You know, if there was any truth to it."

"Well, whatever," said Dante. "OK, let's do it." He approached the closed door. To his surprise, it opened with no problem. Dante let out his breath. "No wards or anything," he muttered suspiciously. He turned to the three behind him, all hesitant. "All right, Larsen, go ahead."

He moved aside to give Cindy room to enter the office.

"I still don't understand what we need her for," Cassi complained.

Dante glared at her. "I told you, what if the snakes are in there," said Dante. "You want to explain to an asp and to Nagini what you're doing in Potter's office?"

"I don't see Nagini," said Cindy and the two Slytherins joined the Gryffindors within the office.

A loud hiss stopped them all.

Sennie reared his head from the center of the desk of the office.

"What's it saying?" whispered Cassi.

"It's a him," said Cindy with annoyance. "And he's telling us to state our business."

"So tell him," said Dante. "So we can get out of here." He exchanged a look with McIves as a series of hissing commenced. "Impressive," said Dante.

Sean shrugged. "You didn't believe it, did you?"

"He says it's over there on the bookshelf," said Cindy with a gesture at the window.

Cassi quickly raced over the shelf. She spotted it easily and picked it up. "Tell him thank-"

They turned to her at her abrupt quiet.

"What's this?" said Cassi, touching a shallow stone basin engraved with runes and symbols, which sat on the shelf.

The other three moved closer.

"Looks like a Pensieve," said Cindy.

"Yeah, it does," said Dante, looking into it. "Wonder if there's anything in it."

"Don't get any brilliant ideas, Manelin," said Sean. "Abbott's got her book. Let's get out of here."

"Don't be such a wus, McIves," said Dante with a snort. "Potter's been ordered to tell us all about his experiences. Whatever is in here-"

"Is obviously not in the curriculum," insisted Sean.

"You don't know that," argued Dante.

"What's a Pensieve?" said Cassi as Cindy came closer to her and the basin.

"It sort of hold your memories," Cindy explained, peering into the silver liquid.

"Looks disgusting," said Cassi, poking her finger into the mass.

It happened all too fast after that. Cindy grabbed her wrist with a warning. Sean grabbed Cindy's other arm with a curse and Dante took hold of Sean's shoulder in question.

Immediately, all four of them were sucked into the silver solution.

The four youths looked around, getting their bearings. They were in the Great Hall at Hogwarts, which looked, by the size of the crowd of students and the teachers present, to be a Saturday morning. They were closest to the Gryffindor table.

"Hey, doesn't that look like Professor Weasley," Cindy whispered.

"You don't have to whisper," said Dante. "No one can hear us - or see us. We're inside Potter's memory."

"How-"

To demonstrate, Dante waved his hand in front of the closest student's face. Said student waved his hands frantically at the two girls sitting across the table from him. It wasn't until the boy said, "I'm telling you, Harry is going to freak," that the group realized it was none other than Professor Potter's best friend Ron Weasley.

Sean nudged Cindy and she looked up. Harry Potter was striding down the isle toward them.

"He looks so young," said Cassi.

It was hard for the four not to notice how the students at the table stopped talking as he passed them, but their professor appeared not to notice. Meanwhile, the conversation in front of them continued.

"-have to tell him," said Ron insistently.

"Tell who what?" said Harry, sitting down at the table next to him across from Professor Weasley and the girl who was obviously Mrs. Potter. Ginny looked away and Hermione sat there with her mouth open.

Potter looked at Ron. Hermione gasped and when they all followed her gaze toward the doors, they found Mr. Black striding toward them.

Potter stood up as the man approached him and gave him a hug.

"What are you doing here?" he asked.

"Are you all right?" said Sirius Black.

"Why wouldn't I be?"

Black looked at Ron and Ron shook his head. Hermione bit her lip.

"Great," said Potter. "What's going on?"

"Harry, come with me," said Sirius.

"What's wrong now?" said Harry as they moved out of the Great Hall.

"Just come," said Sirius, grabbing the shoulder of Potter's robes.

The four followed them to Dumbledore's office. They noted Professor Lupin, Professor Snape, Professor McGonagall, a couple people they didn't know and Mr. Weasley, the Minister of Magic himself.

"This doesn't look good," said Sean, studying his teacher's expression.

"What's wrong?" said Harry. "What's happened?"

"Come in, Harry," said Dumbledore.

Harry inched in, looking at all the worried faces staring back at him.

One of the men stepped up to him. "Do you know about Azkaban?"

Potter glanced at Snape. "Yes," Harry told the man. "I found out last week."

"Did you aid in any way?"

"What do you mean aid?" said Harry, looking confused.

"Did you help the Death Eaters liberate Azkaban.

"My God, they're interrogating him," said Cassi.

"What?" said Harry, horrified. "No. Why would I? I can't even get near a Dementor without passing out." He looked up at Sirius. Sirius laid a hand on Harry's shoulder.

The four watched in fascination as the boy who was their teacher was questioned.

"Harry," said another man they didn't know. "Have you joined him?"

"What?" now Harry was incredulous. "NO!" He looked around at all the skeptical faces. "What's going on?"

"I told you," said Sirius. "He doesn't know."

Dumbledore nodded.

"Know what?" said Harry.

"Harry," said Dumbledore. "Voldemort has taken steps to make the wizarding world think that you've joined him."

"What?" said Harry. "How?"

"It has a lot of people very afraid."

"But everyone in this room knows that I'd die first," said Harry.

"But to the community-"

"What has he done?" Harry cut the Minister off. He looked at Sirius. "What's he done now?"

Sirius sighed. "The wizarding world thinks he bought you," said Sirius.

"Bought me?" echoed Harry confused again. "I don't understand."

He took the copy of the Daily Prophet he was handed and looked down at it. The four moved closer to look over his shoulder at the headline:

Entire Slytherin Estate Bequeathed To Harry Potter

"So it's true," said Dante.

"You doubted it?" said Sean.

"Yeah, I did," admitted Dante. "But look at him," he gestured at Potter.

"He's legally and publicly made you his heir, Harry," said Sirius.

"He looks devastated," said Cassi.

"He looks like someone just stuck a knife in his back," said Dante.

"NO!" cried Harry, dropping the paper as if it had burned him. He looked around at all the people looking at him and shook his head. "NO," said Harry, taking a step back. "It can't be possible."

"It is possible," said Sirius. "And he did it."

As he started to shake, looking angry and helpless, they could only watch until he turned and ran from the room.

They followed him down to the lake.

"Looks like he wants to throw himself in," muttered Dante.

"I would," said Cindy close to tears.

Suddenly they all felt a strange tingling sensation then a pull as if their bodies were being drawn into themselves.

When it stopped, Sean asked, "What was that?"

Dante smirked. "That's what it feels like when you apparate."

"How do you know, Manelin?" said Sean.

"I'm 17, idiot," said Dante. "I know how to apparate."

"So Professor Potter could apparate before-"

Cindy cut Cassi off in hopes to keep the boys from starting a useless argument. "According to the time line I've made, he was 15 when Voldemort taught him to apparate and 16 when Voldemort left him the Slytherin fortune."

"Time line?" said Dante with interest. "You have a time line?"

"Oh, yes," said Cindy. "Professor Potter jumps around so much, I found it easier to keep track of events."

Sean didn't look surprised but Dante was impressed. "Damn, Larsen," said Dante. "You realize you could sell copies to the 6^th and 7^th years and make a fortune."

Cindy blushed and began to reply but Cassi stopped her.

"Shh. Look. There's Lord Voldemort," said Cassi. "This must be the famed compound."

The four looked around at the makeshift tents littering the large open area. Several tarps were set up to the south, a line of wizarding tents behind them. Voldemort moved passed them and they realized he was heading toward a large campfire surrounded by several large comfy chairs.

They then notice the younger version of their teacher standing by the fire, staring into the flames, his fists clenched at his sides.

"I wonder why he came here?" said Cassi.

"Probably to find out why," said Cindy.

"Right," Dante agreed. "According to Lord Voldemort, he always got his answers from him and it was always the truth."

Voldemort approached the fire, studying him as he settled into his chair. "I can see by that expression that you heard about my gift," said Voldemort.

Harry looked at him. "Your gift," said Harry incredulously. "I can't be bought."

"Ah, is that what everyone is thinking?"

"As if you didn't plan it," said Harry. Voldemort chuckled. "That was a pretty underhanded tactic, Voldemort. Even for you."

"Harry, I was honoring you," said Voldemort.

"Honoring me," scoffed Harry. "Do I look honored?"

"How do you feel about it then?"

"Angry," said Harry.

"Well, I can see that," said Voldemort. "What else?"

Harry stared back into the fire. "Trapped."

"By what?"

Harry looked up. "By you."

"By me," said Voldemort with surprise. "Harry, I have not trapped you. You have trapped yourself."

"How do you figure that?"

"Choices, Harry. Remember."

"But I won't join you, Voldemort," said Harry. "Trying to convince everyone else that I already have isn't going to change my mind. I know the truth and you know the truth."

"Stubborn," said Voldemort. "But the truth is only how you perceive it."

Professor Potter looked puzzled and frustrated. "I don't understand," said Harry.

"I know, Harry," said Voldemort. "It's very complicated."

"Tell me."

"You are destined to kill me, Harry, but you are also destined to join me."

"How can I do both?" said Harry.

"You will find a way."

"Well that doesn't help much," said Harry.

"Always the cynic, my Harry," said Voldemort.

Harry glared at him.

"It's very simple, Harry," said Voldemort. "Accept me and we will rule the world and share great power." Harry opened his mouth but Voldemort raised a hand. "With the perfect balance of power."

"The prophesy?" said Harry.

"The heirs reunite, the balance of power restored," said Cindy.

"Shut up," hissed Dante.

"Yes, Harry," said Voldemort. "Godric Gryffindor and Salazar Slytherin did great things. They created Hogwarts, for one. The only place you and I found happiness as children."

"What are you saying?" said Harry. "That you intend to renounce the dark arts?"

Voldemort laughed. "Oh, no, Harry," said Voldemort. "But what an extraordinary concept that would be." He chuckled again. "It is too late for me. You know I am inherently evil."

Harry sat down, transfixed. The other four moved closer.

"You are inherently good," said Voldemort. "The balance of power."

"You expect the entire Ministry of Magic to step down and let-"

"Oh, they won't. They will need some persuading. But I will deal with that."

"Murder and Mayhem, chaos and anarchy," said Harry.

Voldemort chuckled again. "Well there is always discord before peace and justice is restored," said Voldemort. "That is where you come in."

"Me?" said Harry.

Voldemort stood up and moved around the fire to stand over Harry. Harry flinched and looked up at him. He reached out and touched Harry's face. "You will be as powerful as I am one day, Harry," said Voldemort. "But until that day, you are not ready. Stop fighting your destiny and accept me."

Harry closed his eyes against the obvious pain, but the students could bet it went a lot further than the physical.

When he opened his eyes again, Voldemort was studying him closely. He moved his hand to Harry's chin, holding his face up. Voldemort's stare was frightening in its intensity. And for the first time, what could have been fear entered Professor Potter's expression.

"I have killed your parents. I have tried to kill you. I have tortured you and I have manipulated you," said Voldemort. "But I have also protected you, taught you, given you my magical strength, my favor and my attention. And I have gone to Azkaban for you.

"I have become very fond of you, Harry," said Voldemort. "You have pleased me very much and you have made me very proud. You can make me laugh. Not many people can do that." He raised another hand toward Harry's face but didn't touch him. "I have legally made you my son. Our connection continues to grow. I am as a part of you as you are a part of me.

"You know I'm right, Harry," said Voldemort. "You came to me again today and I have explained everything to you. You always come back to me." Voldemort moved his hands away from Harry's face, still searching Harry's expression. "What does that tell you?"

It was impossible to tell the emotions Harry must have been feeling.

"Go back to school, Harry," said Voldemort. "I have given you much to think about."

Harry turned away from Voldemort to stare into the fire. "Voldemort?"

"Yes, Harry?"

"Are you stronger than Dumbledore?"

"I am now," said Voldemort. "The only wizard in the entire world who I can't kill and who can destroy me is Harry Potter and he is now my son."

A very real fear and a very great pain became apparent in his expression then and Cindy gasped on a knot that had lodged in her throat.

That tingling enveloped them all again and they found themselves in a modest teacher's office, obviously back at Hogwarts.

Harry was sitting in a chair in front of a desk, staring at the side of it. Sirius Black stood up from the seat behind it and moved around the desk.

"Harry," said Sirius carefully. He lowered before Harry to look into his face. Harry focused on his dark eyes. "He's winning," said Harry.

"Don't say that, Harry."

"He is," said Harry. "I can't win."

"Harry-"

"It's like he knows everything about me. What I'm thinking, what I'm feeling." Harry's voice went hoarse and he cleared it. "He knows what I'll do before I do it."

"Harry-"

"Sirius," said Harry seriously. "He is controlling me. He's beaten me."

Cindy choked on a sob. This time Cassi did too.

"No, Harry," said Sirius. "He's trying to make you think that. He using your emotions to manipulate you."

"I know, but I can't stop him."

"You can," said Sirius. "Fight him."

Harry grabbed Sirius' hand, staring into his eyes. "How, Sirius? Tell me how," pleaded Harry. "He's tearing me apart. Tell me how."

Sirius shook his head. "I don't know."

"My God, he was only 16 for crying out loud," said Cindy, sniffing back tears. "Our age. This is just so horrible."

Sean wrapped a protective arm around her. "Don't Cindy, we-"

The memory started blurring around them, then they re-focused. They found themselves back in the compound again, in front of a tent. The whole area was filled with activity and very crowded.

Cassi gasped and they all looked up to see a young Draco Malfoy striding right toward them. He didn't even notice them as he ducked into the tent. The four followed with interest.

Cindy Larsen paused, slack-jawed as she peered around the office.

"Look at the books," she breathed, obviously recovered from her shock only moments ago.

Sean tugged her through to the other room. "Close your mouth, Cindy, you're drooling," he muttered with amusement.

Harry was standing, looking slightly older from his growth, in front of a large intricately carved wooden cabinet. Malfoy was leaning against the doorframe and had obviously not been noticed yet.

"What the hell?" said Harry, as he looked it over. Eight feet high and seven feet wide and at least four feet deep of what looked like solid mahogany. There were no knobs on the doors. He tried to pull the doors open but couldn't.

He raised a hand. "Alohamora," he said. Nothing happened.

"Try 'open'."

Harry startled and turned to see the other boy standing in the doorway.

"What do you want, Malfoy?" said Harry turning back to the cabinet.

"Lord Voldemort sent me to see if you'd arrived yet," said Malfoy.

"So you just walked on in," said Harry.

"Of course," said Malfoy. "Rude of me, wasn't it?"

Harry turned back to him. Malfoy had his arms crossed over his chest, leaning on the wall and he had a strange grin on his face.

"I'd say it was," said Harry. He gestured at the cabinet. "Do you know what this is?"

"Of course," said Malfoy. "Don't you?"

"No," said Harry, looking back at it. "What did you say to do?"

Malfoy snorted. "Honestly, Potter. You are so pathetic."

"I grew up with Muggles," said Harry with irritation. "Excuse me for living."

Malfoy actually laughed. "No excuse for the Boy Who Lived," said Malfoy.

Harry let his chin fall and shook his head as he realized the joke. "None whatsoever," said Harry, but he couldn't help his own smile. "Poor, pathetic, Harry Potter," muttered Harry under his breath.

"This must be when they started becoming friends," said Cindy with excitement.

"Shut up," came from the other three students who watched the scene with intrigue.

Malfoy snorted. "Pathetic, yes, but poor," said Malfoy. "That I know is a lie." Harry sent him an irritated glance. "Even if you do dress the part."

"I hate to bust your misinformed bubble, Malfoy," said Harry. "But there's a perfectly good reason why I'm pathetic and appear poor."

"Oh, really?" challenged Malfoy. "I dare you to tell me."

Harry sighed. "I was clueless until my 11th Birthday."

"You're still clueless, as far as I'm concerned," said Malfoy. Harry turned back to the cabinet. "Wait a minute," said Malfoy as if realizing Harry had been serious. "What do you mean?"

"Forget it," said Harry.

"No," said Malfoy. "Why was famous Harry Potter clueless."

"That's just it, Malfoy," said Harry. "I didn't know."

"Didn't know what?" said Malfoy, looking confused.

"Now who's being pathetic?" said Harry. "I didn't know anything." Malfoy just stared at him still looking confused. "Why did you think I didn't say much in the robe shop that day?" said Harry.

"I thought you were shy," said Malfoy honestly.

"I had know idea what you were talking about," said Harry. "School houses, Quidditch-"

"You'd never heard of Quidditch?"

"I never heard of Hogwarts until I got my letter," said Harry. "I didn't even know I was a wizard."

Malfoy looked skeptical. In fact all four students could only gape at the revelation.

"Yeah, famous Harry Potter didn't know he was a wizard," said Malfoy

"Yeah well, famous Harry Potter didn't know he was famous until Hagrid tracked us down and broke into the cabin where my aunt and uncle were hiding me."

"They were hiding you?" said Malfoy confused again.

"They didn't want me to find out I was a wizard," said Harry. "They think I'm a freak. They told me I got this scar in the car crash that killed my parents."

"They what?" said the Gryffindor students.

Malfoy's jaw actually dropped open. "They what?"

Harry only nodded. "Over night I went from being just Harry, treated no better than a house elf to famous Harry Potter, the Boy Who Lived."

Malfoy stared hard at him and they could see the minute he believed him. "You didn't know about Voldemort?"

"Nope," said Harry. "Hermione knew more about me than I did when I first started at Hogwarts. Hell, you probably knew more about me than I did." Malfoy continued to stare at him for a minute then he laughed. "Thanks, a lot, Malfoy," said Harry. "So glad I've amused you."

"I'm sorry," said Malfoy. "It's just so ironic." Harry only nodded. "Well that explains the pathetic part," said Malfoy. "What about the poor. You found out about the money."

"Yes. Hagrid showed me my vault," said Harry. "But there was no way I was going to let the Dursleys know I had inherited a fortune."

"That I can understand now," said Malfoy. "But you live with Black now."

"What's your point?" said Harry with frustration.

Malfoy gestured at the cabinet and Harry looked back at it. He reached out and touched the smooth surface of the door. "Just tell it to open, Potter," said Malfoy.

Harry sent him a glance. "Open," said Harry.

The doors sprung open wide, revealing a vast amount of robes, cloaks, trousers, shirts and jumpers hanging in an orderly fashion. Harry stared at it.

"It's a wardrobe, you git," said Malfoy.

"I can see that," said Harry, reaching out to touch one of the shirts. The softest material he ever felt slid through his fingers. "What's it doing here?" said Harry softly.

"Well obviously because it's yours."

"Mine?" said Harry with doubt as he touched another shirt. "This is more like the stuff you wear, Malfoy."

"Noticed, did you?" said Malfoy. "You possess quite possible the worst fashion sense imaginable."

Sean nudged Dante and the other looked up as Lord Voldemort moved to the doorway behind Draco Malfoy.

"He looks pretty good," said Dante. "Considering."

Sean stifled his snort. "Yeah, it looks like he's rejuvenating," he murmured.

"Why?" said Harry, looking at Voldemort.

Malfoy looked confused.

"Harry," said Voldemort, startling Malfoy who looked about to fall over at seeing Voldemort behind him. "You are the most powerful boy in the world. I won't have my son dressing like a peasant."

"But-"

"Harry," interrupted Voldemort. "Don't you like them?"

"Well, yes, but-"

"Very good," said Voldemort with a smile. "What pleases you, pleases me, my son. I will see you both at dinner." With that, he turned and left.

Harry stared after him, his fists had clenched, his jaw locked. He turned back to the cabinet and reached out. Very slowly and carefully, he closed the doors and turned away from them.

"Potter?"

Harry looked up at Malfoy. "So now you know," said Harry. Malfoy looked puzzled. "Voldemort can't kill me," said Harry in a soft voice. "So he's driven me to insanity instead."

Malfoy smiled but it looked forced. "Well, if it's any consolation, he's gone off the deep end where you're concerned as well."

"It's not," muttered Harry as he fell into a chair.

"Well shake it off," said Malfoy. He opened Harry's wardrobe and pulled out some clothes. Tossing them on the bed, he said, "Wear that."

"Malfoy?"

He turned back. "What?"

"What kind of dinner is it?"

"Just dinner," said Malfoy. "There aren't many Death Eaters here yet."

"I don't dine with Death Eaters," said Harry tonelessly.

"So high and mighty are we," said Malfoy. "Fine, piss off the Dark Lord if you want to."

"Ask me if I care," said Harry, staring at the far wall, looking lost.

"Do you care?" said Malfoy. Harry's expression twisted and he choked. "Don't know which is worse, do you, Potter?" said Malfoy. "The internal anguish or the external torture."

Harry's gaze shot up to stare at Malfoy.

Malfoy crossed his arms again and nodded. "He's getting to you, isn't he?"

Harry looked away. "I'd rather have the physical torture."

"Maybe," said Malfoy. "But you still have choices."

"What do you mean?"

"He can't force you to do anything but visit him, right," said Malfoy. "You can chose to wear the clothes he's given you or not. You can accept his fortune or not. You can use the tent he has provided for you, or not. You can eat with his Death Eaters or not and he won't do a damn thing to you either way. I bet you could even lose your temper and he wouldn't punish you."

Harry blinked at him.

"I on the other hand am forced."

"How is he forcing you?" said Harry. Malfoy sighed and moved back into the room. "You don't have to tell me if you don't want to."

"No, I think I should," said Malfoy. "Mind if I sit down?" Harry nodded his permission and Malfoy sat on the end of the bed. "First off, I don't have half the tolerance for pain that you or my father have."

"Fear of torture?" said Harry.

"For starters," said Malfoy. "You've seen him torture with the Cruciatus Curse, I know." Malfoy went on, "But have you ever seen him punish anyone with the Dark Mark?"

"No," said Harry. "I didn't know he could."

Malfoy nodded. "With the Dark Mark, he has almost complete domination over the Death Eaters. He can punish and reward with it."

Harry was listening with interest but the other four present were more than interested. They were shocked and appalled by much of the information they were hearing.

"You come when he calls, or you're punished. You do what he says when he says it, or you're punished. You don't do it to his satisfaction, you're punished. You please him and you're rewarded. You betray him and you're dead."

Malfoy rubbed the back of his neck as if a knot had formed there.

"Go on," said Harry softly.

"My father is a very powerful wizard," said Malfoy without his usual arrogance. "And he has an exorbitant amount of pride. He was forced to publicly renounce his master once for my mother and I and to spare the family name, but he will not do it again. He's sworn it to Lord Voldemort and to my mother and me. Thusly, he will do the Dark Lord's bidding or take the consequences."

"He want's you," said Harry. "Doesn't he?"

Malfoy nodded. "If I don't do what I'm told, it's my father's fault." Malfoy looked away. "Ever watch someone you love tortured because of something you did or didn't do?"

"No," admitted Harry. "But he's used that-"

"Exactly, which is why I knew you would understand why I'm here."

Harry lowered his voice. "But what about Dumbledore?"

Malfoy shrugged. "I lead a double life." Harry slumped back in his chair. "Which is exactly what you're doing," said Malfoy. "Sneaking to visit without the Ministry finding out."

Harry stared at Draco Malfoy. "You do understand," said Harry softly.

Malfoy nodded and stood up. "So now you know," said Malfoy.

Harry nodded back. "Malfoy," said Harry. "I know you took out that book on prophecies. Have you read the prophecies?"

"Of course," said Malfoy. "Required reading for a Death Eater."

"You're - er - I mean, you're not one yet, are you?"

Malfoy pulled up his sleeve. His skin was unmarked. "Not yet," said Malfoy, a shadow of a smile surfaced. "That's going to be one hell of a fight between my parents when that day arrives." He looked at Harry. "So what about the prophesies?"

"Do you think I'm supposed to join Voldemort?" said Harry.

"Are you asking me my opinion, Potter?" said Malfoy.

"Yes," said Harry.

Malfoy stared hard at him for a moment then paced a few steps. "Well," said Malfoy, "if you believe in all that destiny and fate crap, than I'd say you were screwed."

Dante snorted and Cindy smacked his arm.

"Great," muttered Harry.

"But if you look at it more symbolically, then the fact is that you've already 'united.'"

Harry sat up. "What do you mean?"

Malfoy continued to pace as if he'd already done some thinking on this. "Well," said Malfoy. "You two have been sucking power off each other for a couple of years now. He's given you powers beyond belief. You're both a part of each other now - which is what is tearing you apart and which is frustrating Voldemort."

"What?"

"You've gotten to him, Potter," said Malfoy. "He didn't expect it to happen but it has. When you don't visit, he goes berserk. When you are here, he's totally different, relaxed, confident, even happy." Malfoy looked at Harry again. "And you, as much as you hate it, you find the need to come back here."

Harry closed his eyes.

"It's like you've magically bonded, Potter," said Malfoy. "And there is nothing either one of you can do about it."

It looked like having his deepest fears spoken out loud by a sort of neutral party made Harry's chest clench up. He opened his eyes. Malfoy was looking at him from across the room. Harry swallowed. "And," Harry prompted.

"And," said Malfoy with an odd grin, "if I were you, which I'm glad I'm not."

Harry grimaced.

"I'd enjoy all this." Malfoy gestured around the room. "Accept all his gifts and enjoy it while you can. Then," said Malfoy. "When it comes down to the ultimate choice..." he trailed off.

"What," said Harry, desperately.

"Only you can answer that," said Malfoy too seriously for Harry.

"That's encouraging, Malfoy," muttered Harry. "Thanks a lot."

Malfoy sighed and Harry lifted his gaze to meet his again.

"Oh don't be so pathetic, Potter," said Malfoy. "The world doesn't need anymore tragic heroes." He glanced at his watch. "Dinner is in half an hour, and it's a free menu meal, which are usually good." He glanced at the clothes he had thrown on Harry's bed. "Test my theory, Potter," said Malfoy. "See how pleased he is when you show up at dinner dressed to kill."

With that, Malfoy strolled out.

The four watched Harry get up and move into an adjoining room.

"Well, that was weird," said Cassi.

"Weird?" echoed Dante incredulously. "Man, how would you feel if the most evil, most brilliant Dark Lord turned all his focus, all his deviousness on the sole purpose of bending you to his will?"

Sean was silent for a moment. "I'd cave," he admitted at length.

"All that emotional turmoil and manipulative foresight," said Cindy miserably.

"And if you remember, Potter said that Voldemort only marked Draco Malfoy because of him," said Dante. "It was obvious that Malfoy didn't want the Mark."

"Yes and-"

Cindy blushed and turned around. The others turned to see Harry re-enter the room with just a towel wrapped around his waist. He rubbed another towel over his head, drying his hair, and looked down at the clothes Malfoy had told him to wear.

"Why not," he said, reaching for them.

"Oh, dear," said Cassi, but Harry had turned around, giving them a full view of his back.

They didn't even notice him pulling on boxers or his trousers, their gazes were fixed on the scars that covered his back.

"Th-those are lash marks," said Dante.

Cindy gasped. "Are you sure?"

Dante nodded. "I've seen them," he paused, "on house-elfs."

Harry sighed as he pulled the red silk shirt around him. The clothes fit him to perfection. He stepped in front of the mirror as he tucked in the shirt and looked surprised at his reflection.

He turned back around, looking almost self confident. The girls sighed and Dante rolled his eyes, but even he had to admit that he looked good.

Harry glanced at his watch and he raised his hand.

"Commentary," said Harry.

"Oh I wonder what the watch says," said Cindy.

But their teacher only smirked at it. Grabbing a brush, he attacked the untidy mass until he gave up and shook it out. His bangs fell naturally over his forehead, his scar almost completely covered.

He turned to the wardrobe and searched the contents. He pulled out a black cloak.

Fastening the gold clasp at his shoulder, he spied a small box within the wardrobe. There was a vast display of jewelry within.

Sean whistled. "That must have cost a fortune."

Harry sighed and picked out a gold chain with a medallion in the shape of a phoenix with gem stone eyes, one red and one green, and clasped it around his neck. He picked it up off his chest and stared at it.

"That's the Talisman," said Cassi.

"No kidding," said Sean. "One of Voldemort's gifts."

"Gift," said Cindy, her brow furrowed in thought. "Hmm."

Harry left the tent and the memory started to fade and blur again.

It refocused again and again they were inside what was obviously their professor's tent. This time they followed him out into the compound.

"How much time do you think he spent here?" said Sean.

"I'd say a lot," said Dante. "Wasn't that what Lord Voldemort wanted. To spend as much possible with him as possible."

Sean had to agree.

The camp was dark and very quiet. The group stopped behind Harry at a tent.

"Voldemort," called Harry from the entrance.

"Come in, Harry," said Voldemort. "What can I do for you?"

"Wow," said Cindy as they followed Harry into the tent. "This looks just like Professor Potter's tent."

Dante smirked at her. "Of course it does. Lord Voldemort is brilliant, especially in these little subtleties."

The Dark Lord was sitting behind his desk, a book open before him. Harry glanced at Voldemort's bookshelves then back to Voldemort.

"I was wondering if you had any books on types of fencing swords," said Harry.

"I might, said Voldemort. "You are welcome to look if you wish." He swept a hand toward the shelves.

"Thanks," said Harry as he moved to them, browsing the titles.

"Are you enjoying your lessons?" said Voldemort.

"Oh yes," said Harry. "Lucius is an excellent teacher. Did he tell you about today?"

"Of course," said Voldemort.

Harry nodded, running his hand over the spines of books as he inspected the titles. He pulled a book off the shelf with obvious excitement and flipped eagerly through it.

He turned to Voldemort and froze. Voldemort was standing behind him, just outside the flinch zone.

"Of course you may borrow it, Harry," said Voldemort.

Their gaze's became locked much like in class. Voldemort reached out a hand and let his fingers brush down Harry's cheek. Harry endured it, staring into Voldemort's eyes.

"You are pleased with this visit," said Voldemort, his hand still on Harry's face. "I know you are."

Harry was quiet. Sean was sure it was because he couldn't speak.

"You are safe, contented and you have your freedom," said Voldemort. "You are happy here right now, Harry."

Voldemort glanced down briefly and picked up the medallion which lay on Harry's chest before returning his gaze to Harry's. "I knew you'd favor this one," said Voldemort.

Voldemort dropped both his hands and stepped back.

"Come in, Lucius," said Voldemort.

The four swung around as Lucius Malfoy stepped into the room.

"How long was he here for?"

"So that's where Draco gets it from."

"Shhh!" Dante quieted the girls.

"Master," said Lucius. "You did tell me-"

Voldemort waved it off. "Yes, yes. I know. Come in. Harry just came in to borrow a book." Voldemort glanced back at Harry, then looked at Lucius. "A book on types of fencing swords I believe."

Lucius stepped further into the tent and sent Harry an understanding smile.

Harry closed the book that still lay open in his hand. "I'll see you both tomorrow," said Harry and he left.

They followed him back into the quiet compound. Young Professor Potter moved back toward his tent, his expression downcast and troubled. The four moved to follow him but their path was soon blocked by a tall, black cloaked figure.

Professor Severus Snape glared down at them.

"Come on," said Sean, grabbing Cindy's arm. "He can't see us, remember."

"Ah, McIves," said Dante, carefully. "He's looking right at us."

"He's-" Sean looked up and stopped mid-sentence as he spied the Potion Master's smirk. "Er."

"I'm wondering," said Snape to no one in particular. "What the punishment might be for a transgression of this magnitude."

"Prof-"

Cassi was cut off as Snape grabbed the two boys by the arms. They in turn took a hold of the girls as they were lifted out of the memory.

Professor Snape dumped them on the floor of the DADA teacher's office.

"Or perhaps, you'd all like to see, first hand," Snape continued. "Harry Potter's famed and formidable temper? Hmm?"

The four looked up.

Standing in the doorway of his office, with an expression which had surpassed violence and transcended murder, was Professor Potter.