Harry Potter and Salazar's Talisman

Chapter 19

Patrimony

Harry's first class the next day were his 3^rd year Slytherins. He endured the initial barrage of questions.

"What are their names?"

"Jack Arthur and Taylor Lily."

"Who is older?"

"Jack is 2 ½ minutes older."

"Who do they look like?"

"I'm told they look like me although I think it's too soon to tell."

"So who's the heir?rdquo; someone was brave enough to ask.

"Well," Harry told them, "Voldemort claimed that Taylor was the Slytherin heir." He paused to smirk. "He claims knowledge due to the fact that he's dead."

Harry heard the chuckle from across the room but didn't acknowledge it. Voldemort wasn't supposed to be in this class but Harry was feeling too mellow to point out technicalities.

"And," Harry went on, "Several other members of Slytherin House also agreed."

"Who?"

"Well Mr. Malfoy for one," said Harry. "But he's also her Godfather so I think he's biased. Professor Snape also concurred but I think that was because Mr. and Professor Weasley are Jack's godparents and Snape would abhor the implication of Jack being the heir of Slytherin under those conditions."

Several students snorted their agreement.

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

Things progressed in a similar fashion that day. Harry received owls at least twice during every class. The best was one from Colin who Harry learned from the note worked at the Daily Prophet and had 'managed' to confiscate several pictures taken at St. Mungo's and promptly sent them to Harry.

Those pictures had made the rounds at school and Harry was told that the headmaster had deemed it acceptable if none of his classes got any work done that day. While Harry didn't think this was particularly fair, he also noticed it was beyond his control anyway as his students were almost as excited as he was to talk about the babies.

Of course they could've been just taking advantage of him so they didn't have to do any work, but again, Harry was beyond caring. Happiness surrounded him at every turn and he was determined to cling to it.

Such was the mood of the entire castle that Harry was more than a little surprised when he walked into the fencing classroom late that afternoon.

Draco had nagged him to spar for a while before going back to the hospital that night. Draco insisted it would relax him. Harry wasn't feeling the slightest bit tense, but he could see the benefits of expending some built up energy before going to see Ginger and the twins.

What surprised him was the gathering of students - and not all of them fencing students - in fact, they were Harry's students crowded around Draco within the room. But not only their presence but also the seriousness of their demeanors.

Harry, who had learned the art of eavesdropping all too well in his youth out of necessity, crept soundlessly closer.

"I'm telling you it won't work without proof." Draco looked frustrated. Harry knew the feeling. Draco should know better than to argue with teenaged Gryffindors.

"But if he knows there's a danger-"

"There's no proof," Draco cut Cindy off. "And you've seen him. He down-plays everything."

"How can we get proof if we can't test it?"

"Oh, Harry. Don't skulk."

Harry nearly jumped out of his skin. Damn Voldemort's timing.

The group also startled and turned to where Harry stood.

"Ah, hi, Professor Potter," said Sean.

"What's going on?" said Harry. He eyed Draco who was watching Voldemort with a masked look. Draco?

We need to talk.

About what?

"Harry, aren't you going to fence?" said Voldemort. Harry looked over at him. "I'd rather enjoy an exhibition of your respective talents."

Draco?

Later.

"Harry?"

Harry slid out of his robe. "Yes, we're going fence," said Harry. A glance around showed the kids all finding places to sit. Apparently they were staying to watch.

Cindy looked like she was trying to talk to Sean but he kept shush her. Harry was surprised again when Dante walked in with Adair Darcy. While Adair was in the fencing class, he was surprised to see the Slytherins here now.

Dante was looking at Sean with a questioning look, but Sean quickly shook his head. Dante's expression changed as he turned to Draco.

"A private show, Mr. Malfoy?" said Dante.

"Professor Potter's skill would fall into decay without a Malfoy to practice with," said Draco. They continued with some mindless Slytherin drivel, dragging Gryffindor and Harry in general through the mud.

Harry rolled his eyes in Sean's direction and held up his sword.

"Sometime tonight, Malfoy," said Harry. "I'd like to see my kids this millennium."

Draco just smirked as he summoned his sword off the wall.

As usual, as soon as he faced Draco across the floor, all thoughts melted away. The sword felt like part of his arm again as he sparred and dueled with Draco. Their audience was silent as they moved up and down the confines of the fencing room floor. Even Voldemort had nothing to say so the duration was rigorous but relaxing.

After about 45 minutes, they called a stop and Harry summoned them each a towel. The students showed their appreciation for the match but didn't linger. Harry wondered if Voldemort had anything to do with it. He was acting particularly intrusive.

"Are you coming to the Hospital tonight?" Harry asked Draco, hanging up his sword. Sennie coiled up his arm to a familiar resting place.

"No, I have plans."

"Ok, I'll see you later then."

Harry, we need to talk when you get back.

All right. I'll call as soon as I get back. I promise.

"Harry, you should get going," said Voldemort.

Yup, intrusive.

"And I'm sure your young wife would like to see you."

Then again, Voldemort was usually right anyway. Harry rushed off to have a shower then see his family.

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

When Harry got to the hospital, he was surprised again. This time at the flurry of activity around the outside of his wife's room. Sirius was pacing, no stalking, around the corridor while Gwenn and Remus tried to calm him down. Minerva McGonagall was also waiting, and she appeared in a pique herself.

A very large orderly was standing in front of the door, arms crossed.

Instantly alarmed, Harry approached. "What's wrong?"

"Harry," Sirius spun with a sound of relief. "Go in there and tell that-"

"Mr. Black," Minerva chastised severely.

Sirius sent her a withering look. "Well, you're not too pleased either. You've been waiting 20 minutes-"

"What's going on?" said Harry, now aware that nothing was actually wrong. There were probably people in with Ginny and there were only two visitors (aside for the father in the maternity wing) allowed into a room at a time during normal visiting hours.

Remus looked at Harry with a knowing grin. "Severus and Draco are in with Ginny right now and Sirius is none to pleased."

"Bloody Slytherins," muttered Sirius. "They've been in there for half an hour."

"Now Sirius be fair," said Gwenn. "We got to see the babies for a long time this afternoon."

Harry opened his mouth to tell them that it was impossible because he had just left Draco at school, but quickly changed his mind.

"I'll see what I can do," said Harry.

The orderly stepped aside so Harry could enter. Once the door closed behind him, he took in the room with a glance. His wife was in a chair by a window, a piece of parchment and ink before her on a small round table. She was writing steadily but stopped as Harry stepped in.

The 'bloody Slytherins' were standing by the bassinets and looking, before Harry's presence was noted, as if they wanted to reach in and pick up a baby but were at a loss as to the correct procedure.

Harry temporarily ignored them in favor of Ginny. He leaned over her and kissed her briefly.

"What are you writing?" said Harry.

She shrugged. "Baby stuff."

Harry noticed a list including things like nappies and onsies and other such paraphernalia with names and definitions that eluded him so he simply smiled. Something else he hoped he wouldn't have to worry about.

He turned to the other men in the room. "What's the matter?" Harry asked them. "Afraid?"

Snape snorted and crossed his arms. "Don't be absurd, Potter. We merely don't wish to be responsible for any undue stress for your wife if one of the little whelps were to wake up."

Harry sent Ginger a knowing glance. "As I thought." Without hesitation, Harry moved over to the bassinets. After seeing one move, he reached in and picked up Jack. Harry had gotten adequate practice the night before in maneuvering the babies, so he was satisfied when Jack settled comfortably in his arm without a sound.

"I'm impressed, Potter," said 'Draco.'

"Oh stop," said Ginger, looking up from her notes. "You were perfectly at ease with Taylor last night, Draco."

Harry looked at Ginger with surprise then sent a curious look to 'Draco' and Severus. He lifted his brows. "You didn't tell her?"

"Tell me what?"

"The privacy in this place isn't exactly conductive for candor," said Severus.

Harry sighed. "I cast a sequestration spell on this room myself yesterday," said Harry. "Did you think I wanted everyone to know that Voldemort's ghost was wondering around the halls?"

"Tell me what?" echoed Ginger, a little more annoyed.

"The anti-aparation wards may keep me from aparating but anyone could cast a concealment spell over the room," Harry added. "Even you."

The two men looked almost embarrassed.

"Harry!" snapped Ginger.

Looking over finally, Harry smiled. "Sorry, Ging," said Harry. "Couldn't help teasing two of Voldemort's most powerful Death Eaters."

"Well all right, but-" Ginger stopped and looked at the two again. "Oh that's not - oh-" a look of dawning crossed her face. She looked at 'Draco' again and smiled. "I'm glad you could come and see the babies, Lucius."

Lucius explained that he had received an owl with the news and a flask of polyjuice with instructions on when and where to surface so he could accompany Severus to St. Mungo's.

They visited for a bit longer then Harry suggested they leave and allow others in to visit with Ginger and the babies.

"Yes, we should leave before the mangy mongrel outside has puppies," said Severus as he opened the door. Harry was sure it was deliberate. "As appropriate as the location is, I think this ward draws the line at catering to furballs."

Harry heard a growl then a well-timed, calming voice warn, "Sirius."

"Just slither out of the way, Snape, so I can see my godson and his family," snarled Sirius.

"Clever retort, Black," said Severus. "As sharp as always."

Remus all but shoved Sirius into the room as the others left.

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

Harry returned to the castle sometime around 11:00 pm. They had kicked him out of the Hospital around 10 and he went to have a bite to eat in Hogsmeade. He met up with Severus and Lucius, who was loath to drop his disguise as it allowed him to be out in public in England without fear, in The Three Broomsticks.

They joked about how long Draco would last held captive at Hogwarts while his father pretended to be him. Lucius was happy however to enjoy his day of freedom and return to Bulgaria with little complaint.

Harry was about to call Draco as he entered the castle but Voldemort stopped him. He materialized in the foyer inside the flinch zone.

"Sorry, Harry," said Voldemort as he drifted away.

Harry couldn't help but laugh as he dragged himself to his feet. "I hate it when you do that," muttered Harry. He looked up at Voldemort. "So, where have you been?"

"Pardon?"

"I was surprised I didn't see you at the hospital." Harry began the trek to his rooms, Voldemort floating beside him. "Lucius was there."

"Hm. Yes, I know."

Harry sent him a glance. "Really?" said Harry. "So you were there?"

"Briefly," said Voldemort.

"Why didn't you say anything?"

"I didn't wish to intrude."

"You?" said Harry. "Since when?"

"As surprising at it may seem," said Voldemort, "I just wasn't comfortable."

"Why?" said Harry curiously. "There wasn't anyone there you didn't know."

"Yes, you finally have your family surrounding you."

He almost sounded jealous. " Severus, Lucius and Draco are your family too."

"Yes, but I am nothing more than an irritation to them now. They show me respect for no other reason but to keep me from hurting you. I am a reminder of their past."

Harry closed the door of his classroom and turned to look at the sullen apparition of his nemesis/teacher/father. "Who are you and what have you done to Voldemort?"

Voldemort forced a smile. "Harry, it's true. My time is coming to an end I fear. I daresay, Miss Grang - Professor Weasley will find someway to banish me."

"But I thought-"

"But there is one more thing I'd like to teach you," said Voldemort. "If you will let me."

Harry eyed him skeptically. Voldemort's defeated attitude, his morose depression all struck Harry as odd. Then he recalled how intrusive he had been before. He wondered if he should call Draco.

"Are you worried, Harry?" said Voldemort. "You doubt me. So go ahead. Use the Talisman. You know it is functional. It works because I gave it to you - it was a gift. And I cared."

He pulled the medallion out from under his shirt and wrapped his hand around it. Something wasn't right. "Tell me, Voldemort," said Harry. "Tell me the truth. What's really bothering you?"

Voldemort drifted closer to Harry and sighed dramatically. "Very well. You know how possessive I am." Voldemort hand reached out and his fingers traced a path down Harry's cheek. "I simply can't bear watching you with all those people."

That certainly sounded more accurate.

"I can't punish them without hurting you. You know it distresses me to see you in pain," Voldemort continued, watching Harry endure the pain from his touch. "In fact, if it were in my power, I would find a way to keep you safe and protected for all eternity."

"That's a bit much, don't you think," choked Harry.

Voldemort released his face and moved away. "You know how it feels now, Harry. You are a father."

Harry leaned against his desk and thought for a minute. Damn, he did know how it felt.

"And that's what I want to teach you," said Voldemort, pride invading his demeanor as well as his voice. "The protection spell for the Talisman so you can pass it along."

"The patron charm?" said Harry.

"Yes."

Harry smirked. "I already know the patron charm."

Voldemort smiled patiently. "This is a specialized version of it, Harry. Do you think Salazar Slytherin would use your average patron charm on his Talisman?" Harry had the grace to color with embarrassment. "This one will insure that the Talisman will work for your heirs."

"Surely, we have plenty of time for that."

"Oh do humor me, Harry," said Voldemort. "I'd like to feel somewhat involved in all your happiness. After all, they are my grandchildren, even if everyone else claims a closer bond."

Harry snorted at Voldemort's choice of words. Grandfather Voldemort.

"I'd like to feel I've given them something."

"You did," said Harry seriously. "You wanted me to live. Without your noble gesture, I'd be dead as well and they wouldn't even exist."

"There you are then. Call it a belated thank you. I will teach you the charm and you will be honoring me with the temporary gift of your power."

"So that's it," said Harry with realization. "You just want me to give you my power."

"With very good reason."

"Why didn't you just ask?" said Harry. "Why go through the whole 'poor dead dark lord' routine?"

Voldemort blinked at him. "You think I've been deceiving you?" Voldemort's features flashed anger but quickly melted into hurt. "I thought I taught you better," murmured Voldemort. "I thought you knew me."

Without another word, he was gone.

Harry looked around. What the hell?

"Voldemort, I'm sorry," said Harry, turning a full circle. "All right, I'll do it. But-"

Voldemort instantly materialized. Harry hit his knees.

"Yes, yes," said Voldemort. "I promise, no tricks."

Harry hauled himself to his feet yet again. He shook his head. "I walked right into that one."

Voldemort chuckled. "I do know you so well."

"Yes, well as proficient as your manipulation techniques are, if we-"

"If? You said that you would," Voldemort pointed out.

Harry sighed. "Ok when we do this-"

"Yes, yes. I will release you on my own."

Harry frowned. "I guess we could ask Hermione in the morning."

Voldemort looked crestfallen. "Well I suppose," said Voldemort. "It wouldn't be quite the same. I was looking forward to-"

"I could call Draco and-"

"Draco is not my son," said Voldemort, his expression harsh and serious. "If you would prefer that Lucius-"

"Forget it. I'm sorry. We'll do it now, ok. Stop with the guilt."

There was the chuckle. "Sorry, Harry."

Harry grumbled under his breath but dug out Voldemort's wand from his desk.

"Relax, Harry. It will be fun."

Harry was suddenly reminded of the 'demonstration' for the Death Eaters when he was 17. That had been more 'weird' than anything else.

He moved to the clear space between his desk and the first row of desks. "How will I know-"

"I will explain as we go along," said Voldemort.

"Of course," said Harry, closing his eyes and clearing his mind. He felt Voldemort move up behind him. Damn, Voldemort was impatient tonight.

Concentrating on his internal magic, he felt Voldemort grip the hand that was holding his wand. Harry relaxed and felt the charge flow through him again.

"Go on, Harry," said Voldemort sounding breathless.

"Apporton," said Harry.

The magic shifted and began its dance through him, around him. This time it felt slightly different. Voldemort didn't do anything with the magic at first. He merely accepted it. It coursed between them as if they were one conduit for it.

"So what's the spell?" said Harry.

Voldemort's other arm came around him and he picked the Talisman up off his chest. Harry opened his eyes to peer down at it. The eyes, one red, one green, were glowing especially bright.

"I gave you this gift for many reasons," said Voldemort. "One because it was another brand for you to wear. Like your scar, it marks you as mine. Another because I wanted you to know, to be sure, that I would never - could never deceive you. But mostly because I knew you would like it, favor it. It was one thing that was mine, that I knew you would accept without the usual - negotiation."

Harry swallowed. It was true. He had resisted accepting Voldemort's company, his protection, his fortune and his patrimony but he had accepted the medallion without question.

But what did all that have to do with the spell?

"I told you the absolute truth before, Harry," said Voldemort, releasing the medallion.

It fell to Harry's chest solidly but Harry was more concerned with Voldemort's free hand, which lifted to Harry's face.

"I can not bear others intruding into your life. And now I will stop them."

Voldemort moved around to face Harry, a grip still tight around his fist, his other hand returned to Harry's face.

Voldemort's expression was determined and intense. A feeling of déjà vu overcame him. Harry opened his mouth to call Rowan.

A grip around his jaw silenced him but not from pain. Intense red eyes locked on his own.

"I will protect you from everything and everyone for eternity," said Voldemort. "The prophecy is complete again, but this time - I win."

Harry then heard the hiss of parseltongue in his ear. "Truth is timeless. Death is a deception."

Voldemort's hand moved up his face. Harry only vaguely wondered why he wasn't in agony. The fingers pressed to Harry's scar.

"Apporton," said Voldemort.