Harry Potter and the Slytherin Connection

Chapter 11

The Rebellion and the Impostor

The entire class reacted. They all looked around and jumped when they noticed who it was. Harry didn't have to turn around to see who it was. He slowly sat down and leaned his elbow on the table, his forehead still resting in his palm as he felt Voldemort step further into the dungeon.

Snape told the class to sit down, which they did as Harry could tell by the scraping of chairs.

"I'm trying to conduct a class," said Snape.

"I can see that," said Voldemort. "I won't take long. I just require a word with Harry Potter."

Harry finally looked up at Snape, who was standing at the front of the room. He could feel Voldemort's red eyes boring into the back of his head. Snape gave a very small nod to Harry.

Harry didn't get up or turn around. He shook his head. "There is nothing that I am required to say to him," said Harry.

"Harry, did you just say no to me?" said Voldemort in a dangerous tone, which Harry hadn't heard in a while.

"I did," said Harry. Harry felt the entire class staring at him and felt Voldemort take a step closer. One more step and he would be in the flinch zone.

"Perhaps you should heed some wise advice," said Snape, who still had Harry's attention.

Harry knew Snape was telling him to do what he was told. Not this time.

Harry finally stood up and turned around to face Voldemort. Sure enough, Voldemort's expression was less than pleasant.

"I am under no contractual obligation to speak to you until Christmas break," said Harry. "And you know I'm right."

Voldemort's glare was becoming quite menacing, but Harry stared defiantly right back at him.

"Harry's right," started Hermione. "Under wizarding contractual law, article 4, paragraph 6, section 17.3-"

"Shut up, Miss Granger!" shouted Snape.

Voldemort's eyes left Harry and turned to Hermione. His expression changed too, as if he had just changed strategies.

"So this is the notoriously clever Miss Granger," said Voldemort. Then his eyes started moving over the class, as if just noticing them. "Hello, Ron. Draco," he acknowledged. "You must be a Longbottom," he said to Neville who looked like he was about to pass out or throw up. "And Vincent, Gregory," he nodded at Crabbe and Goyle. He looked back at Snape. "Very interesting class you have assembled, Severus."

"Now that you've made a nice mental assessment of the class," said Harry. "Would you mind leaving?"

"Oh but I would mind," said Voldemort. He took the step into the flinch zone, his eyes moving over Harry's face. Harry could tell by Voldemort's expression that he knew something had changed since the last time he had spoken to Harry. He didn't look pleased about it either. "If you won't talk to me, maybe I can find someone who will."

He turned pointedly to Ron. "Care for a chat, Mr. Weasley?"

"You can't touch them and you know it," said Harry.

"I'm not talking about hostaging him, Harry," said Voldemort. "I just want to talk. Maybe your friend Ron is as curious as you usually are."

Harry didn't like this power play at all. Voldemort was trying to manipulate Harry again. Trying to make Harry do what Voldemort wanted him to do. He had to be strong.

"I doubt that Ron-"

"Hold on, Harry," said Ron. "I would like to hear what he has to say."

"Ron," said Harry.

But Ron stood up and walked around the tables to stand by them. He looked at Harry with an expression Harry had never seen, such was his determination.

"Very good," said Voldemort. He took Ron's arm, whispered something to him and they both disappeared.

The class was deadly silent. Harry felt his stomach wretch and he rushed out of the room.

Harry had become so violently sick that when a 2^nd year had found him on the floor in the bathroom, the poor boy was afraid to get near him.

"Harry," he heard Sirius call.

Harry lifted a miserable gaze to look at his godfather. "What have I done?" he whispered hoarsely.

"Harry, it's all right," said Sirius, helping Harry up. "You did the right thing. So did Ron. He's back all ready. Ron's fine."

Harry looked at Sirius. "Ron's back?"

"Yes, Harry," said Sirius. "Come on. Stop doing this to yourself." Sirius helped Harry to Sirius' room and sat him down.

"Blimey, Harry," said Ron. "You look terrible. Don't tell me you were worried about me?" Harry looked at Ron. He looked fine. Actually, he looked furious with Harry. "I read that contract thing as thoroughly as you did. Did you think I didn't know what I was doing?"

"Sorry, Ron," said Harry. "I'm just not used to-" he glanced around the room. Only Remus and Hermione were with them. "To - well - caring so much."

"Well, forget it," said Ron. "It was great. He's really worried, now. He's not so confident now. And he actually looked like he didn't want to upset me in any way."

"What happened?" said Harry.

"He wanted to know why your weekly letters weren't as 'amusing' - as he put it - as they usually were. And why you didn't come when he called," said Ron.

"What did you tell him?"

"I told him you had a long talk with Sirius and-"

"You didn't tell him what we talked about did you?" said Harry.

"You didn't tell me what you talked about, so how could I," said Ron. "You only spoke about the plan."

Harry nodded. "So is this good or bad?" said Harry, looking between Sirius and Remus.

"I'd say it's good," said Remus. "He's going to be very careful with how he deals with you now, Harry."

"Yes," said Sirius. "He knows you've wavered. He's going to have to see if he can sway you back."

"It won't happen," said Harry fiercely. "I'm not going to listen to a word he says anymore."

"Well, it won't be that simple, Harry," said Sirius. "After the Christmas break, and he tests you, then there will be no contract. There is no telling what Voldemort will do then."

"What does Professor Dumbledore think?" said Hermione.

"Albus isn't in on our little arrangement here, which is why he isn't here," said Sirius.

"What do you mean?" said Ron.

"Well Albus wouldn't have agreed to tell Harry what Sirius told him," said Remus. "So we didn't tell him. I however agree that Sirius did the right thing, which is why I'm here."

Harry looked back and forth between the two of them. He pulled out his wand and tapped his watch. "Commentary," he said.

Mr. Prongs thinks that his son should listen to Mr. Padfoot and Mr. Mooney because they both love him as much as he does.

Harry held his breath and waited.

Mr. Wormtail believes that Mr. Padfoot is deluded from his time in Azkaban and knows that the master only has the best intentions for master Harry.

"What did Peter say?" said Remus.

Sirius actually laughed after Harry told them. "Oh, yes," said Sirius. "Voldemort is worried all right."

Voldemort didn't show up at the school again but the Christmas Break was fast approaching. Harry continued to send him notes on how his grades were progressing but he still didn't include anything personal. Voldemort had stopped writing Harry back too, which Harry liked, although he did 'signal' Harry every once in awhile. It was usually during potions, which Harry attributed to the fact that Voldemort probably knew that the whole class would jump as soon as Harry's hand hit his forehead. That would amuse him.

When the first day of the break came, Harry paced Sirius' room. Both Ron and Hermione were being forced to stay at Hogwarts, under Dumbledore's protection so they were both in the room as was Remus, Severus and Dumbledore.

"I can't do it. I can't do it."

"Yes, you can, Harry," said Sirius.

"I-" Harry stopped himself. Of course, he had to do it. Dumbledore was looking at him strangely and casting odd looks at Sirius and Remus as if he suspected something. Since Dumbledore didn't know what they were doing, Harry shouldered his backpack. He hugged everyone in the room, waited until he got his kiss from Hermione, then stared at the floor.

Another nightmare.

Harry watched as Voldemort strode across the compound toward - well, toward himself. He couldn't believe it. Voldemort walked up to Harry Potter, stopping just out of the flinch zone and they started to talk.

This was just fine with Harry. If someone was stupid enough to impersonate him, then great. Harry was free. What a wonderful feeling. It didn't last. A gag went around his mouth and someone grabbed his arms.

He was dragged over to Voldemort.

"What do we do with the spare, Master," said the Death Eater.

Voldemort turned and stepped back, looking surprised at the two of them.

"Who are you?" said the Harry Potter who was there first.

"Well, this is a dilemma," said Voldemort. He raised his wand and Harry's gag fell off.

"Well, since you all ready have one, I'll be leaving," said Harry.

Ropes appeared around Harry's hands so he couldn't apparate. He looked up at Voldemort.

"Look, you only need one of us," said Harry.

"Yes, it seems you have a surplus," said the other Harry. "That lets me off the hook."

That was exactly something Harry would say so Harry looked at the other Harry. It had to be Malfoy. He was the only one who would try something like this and know Harry well enough to get away with it. And with inside information from his father...

"Malfoy!" said the other Harry. "Are you crazy? He'll kill you."

Harry blinked at him.

"Is that why you've been so friendly at school since the duel? To get me to let you close to me?"

"Well I guess you were right, Voldemort," said Harry, "the guilty will damn themselves."

"So you admit it?" said Malfoy.

"Sure," said Harry. "Whatever you say."

"I am not amused," said Voldemort.

"Neither am I," said Malfoy.

But Harry started laughing. He couldn't help himself. Just like Snape said, Anything can happen. This was a little weirder than Harry expected but still...

"Well then, if you'll just let me go, I'll be out of the way," said Harry.

"I don't think so," said Voldemort.

"Then let him go. He didn't sound like he wanted to stay either," said Harry.

"I have to stay," sneered Malfoy. "I'm under contractual obligation until I'm tested."

Harry's jaw dropped open. He had forgotten about that in his amusement. Harry couldn't leave either. Not legally.

Voldemort looked at Malfoy as if he had said the right thing, then turned to Harry. "So what do I do with you boy?"

"Well," said Harry. "If you don't believe I'm Harry Potter, then you could kill me. If you think I might be, you could try torturing me. But I would rather that you release me from my contract so I can go to Bulgaria."

Voldemort stared at him.

"Where did you hear that? Hermione?" said Malfoy. "I didn't think you would listen to anything she says. You hate anyone who isn't pure blooded."

Malfoy actually defending Hermione hit a nerve. Harry raised his bond hands. Voldemort grabbed one of Harry's wrists and Harry's knees hit the ground.

"One of you is a very fine actor and very stupid," said Voldemort. "When I find out which one, I will see justice done."

Voldemort had them both put in Sirius' cage. Harry knew this was a good thing. Voldemort should have been furious, but the state of his position with Harry made him leery of doing anything to actually hurt him. If he had been intending to sway Harry back, this was not helping him.

"So what did you use?" said Malfoy. "Polyjuice potion? Where did you get my hair? The floor of the bathroom after Hermione cut it?"

Harry could tell that Malfoy was just giving him all the answers because Voldemort could still hear them. In fact, Voldemort had the cage moved closer to the fire so that he could still hear them.

Harry ignored both of them. Harry didn't want to talk to Voldemort anyway. This was the perfect opportunity to escape it. Harry couldn't leave, as Malfoy reminded him, because of the contract. But at least he didn't have to endure talking to Voldemort.

Harry surprised himself by being hurt that Voldemort couldn't see that Malfoy wasn't him, but then berated himself severely. That was what Voldemort would want him to feel. The resulting guilt caused Harry not to sleep that night. He dozed briefly in the early hours of dawn and when he woke up, he was alone in the cage.

Malfoy approached the cage when he noticed Harry was awake. "You lose," was all he said before he strode back toward Voldemort.

Harry wondered what Malfoy could've done or said to get Voldemort to believe he was Harry. Again he felt hurt and Harry shoved the feelings away. Good, fine. Maybe he'll kill me now and get it over with.

But Harry wasn't killed. He remained in the cage the rest of the day and that night being let out only to go to the bathroom. The next morning, Harry was leaning against the bars when he felt Voldemort approaching from behind him. When he hit the flinch zone, Harry said, "You can't sneak up on me, Voldemort."

Voldemort rounded the cage. Harry still had his eyes closed.

"Problem with your new toy?" said Harry.

"He doesn't seem as talented as he was the last time I tested him," said Voldemort.

"Maybe, he's having a bad day."

"He also doesn't seem as amusing as I recalled," said Voldemort.

"Too bad," said Harry.

"He's also too respectful."

Harry opened his eyes and looked at Voldemort. Those red eyes stared back. "Really?" said Harry. "Well that is a real pity."

Harry leaned against the bars again and closed his eyes, willing Voldemort to go away.

"Why do you think this is?" said Voldemort. "And why is the impersonator so flippant?"

Harry sighed. He still didn't open his eyes. "Maybe your pet over there remembered that you killed his parents. Maybe he remembers you hunting him for the past few years. How you took his family away from him again this summer. How you're manipulating his life to suit yourself. And as for the impersonator. Perhaps he doesn't care."

"Interesting," said Voldemort and Harry felt him move away.

It was close to lunch and Harry was hungry. He kept staring at Malfoy, and Harry was convinced it was Draco, because no one else could've convinced Voldemort it was him except Malfoy. Draco was sitting by the fire reading. There was a pile of chicken on the table beside him and he was sitting in Harry's chair.

Pain exploded in Harry's head. Harry quickly looked around as it went away. Voldemort was signaling. Draco hadn't moved. The pain exploded again and Harry's hand hit his forehead because it didn't go away quickly. He looked to Voldemort's tent and found Voldemort standing at the opening looking back at him. Voldemort lowered his wand and Harry's pain went away. Then Voldemort looked towards Draco, who hadn't moved, was still engrossed in whatever he was reading.

Voldemort started moving toward Draco, closer and closer. Draco didn't move. He's got him, thought Harry, feeling inordinately pleased.

Voldemort stopped directly behind Draco and Harry heard the cage door unlock. Harry went to it and jumped out. He went to the fire and Draco looked up at him. Harry sat down in one of the other chairs and started eating.

"Who let you out?" said Draco. Harry looked up and saw Voldemort's hand fall on Draco's shoulder.

"I did."

Draco jumped.

"I told you that you couldn't sneak up on me," said Harry.

"Yes, and I should punish you for that hint."

"Why?" said Harry. "Because you couldn't figure out that Malfoy was playing you for a fool and I had to clue you in?"

The Cruciatus curse knocked Harry out of his chair to the ground.

"As much as I missed your sarcastic wit, Harry," said Voldemort. "I don't appreciate it now."

"All right," said Harry, pulling himself back to the chair. "I'm sorry."

"Good boy."

Voldemort magically tied up the imposter then started to question him. He had one of his Death Eaters search him until they found the flask of polyjuice potion. At which point the fake Harry fell to his knees pleading with Voldemort.

"I rather like this," said Voldemort. "Harry Potter at my feet, begging for his life."

"I'll ignore that remark," said Harry. Harry was still eating. "So what are you going to with him?"

"Nothing until the polyjuice wears off," said Voldemort. "He's of little use until then."

"You know who he is."

"Yes, he has damned himself," said Voldemort. "But punishment will be more effective when he returns to his normal form and when his father returns."

Voldemort gagged Draco then had him put into the cage and Harry looked up.

"So what were you signaling me about anyway?" said Harry.

"Ah, that curiosity," said Voldemort. "I'm glad you asked. I found a rare book and wanted to show it to you."

"Can it wait until I'm done eating," said Harry. "Being hit with the Cruciatus Curse takes a lot out of you."

Voldemort chuckled, looking very pleased. "All right, Harry. But it is a book of Prophesies. And I have found one that I believe refers to you."

Harry's eyes immediately met Voldemort's. He grabbed the closest napkin and wiped his hands. "All right, Voldemort. You got me." Harry stood up. "I'm done."

Voldemort chuckled again. "How could I have not known that it wasn't you."

Harry shrugged and followed him inside his tent.

Harry woke up. He had slept fitfully and left his tent feeling good. He had the book of prophesies in his hand. The one Voldemort had shown him was vaguer than he would have liked, it spoke of heirs rising to great power and the balance of power being restored, but he was curious to read some more of the book.

"Ah, good morning, Harry," said Voldemort. "Hungry?

"'Morning," said Harry, staring at the food spread out. "Yes, I am." Harry filled a plate and sat down in his chair. He opened the book and popped a piece of bacon into his mouth. Harry felt Voldemort's eyes on him and looked up. "What?" said Harry.

"I'm still trying to get used to seeing you without glasses."

"I only have to change the lenses once a week and I see better with them," said Harry with a shrug. "I like them." Harry looked back down at his book and felt Voldemort move away.

Harry felt like he was getting dizzy by lunch. The stuff he was reading about was fascinating but confusing. While some of it sounded like one of Trelawney's lessons, some of them sounded so clear and foreboding it was scary.

"So, he's got you reading, again?" Lucius Malfoy said beside him.

"Um, yeah."

"Is it working?" said Lucius.

Harry was totally baffled. "I'm not sure," was the only thing he could think of to say.

"Give it time," said Lucius. "The Master will figure it out. Why has he gagged him?" said Lucius of the Harry Potter back in the cell. "Has he gotten tired of his whining?"

"Something like that," said Harry.

Harry felt the burn on his head and waited. "You can't sneak up on me, Voldemort."

He chuckled. "I know that my pet," said Voldemort.

Harry stood up so fast he almost knocked Lucius over. "Do NOT call me that! I will not answer to it, nor will I-"

Voldemort grabbed his face, which silenced Harry. "You will answer to whatever I call you, Harry," said Voldemort. "And I might add, that was a much better response to that then when I called you that yesterday."

Voldemort let Harry pull his face away and Harry caught on. This was for Lucius' benefit.

"What do you want, Voldemort," said Harry. "First Lucius, now you. Won't anyone leave me alone?"

"Watch your mouth boy," said Lucius.

"Make me," dared Harry.

Harry was surprised as Lucius hand came across his face. It almost knocked Harry to the ground.

"The master may find amusement in you, but I don't," said Lucius. He looked to Voldemort. "Is he giving you a hard time, My Lord?" said Lucius.

"I'll admit, he wasn't so disrespectful yesterday," said Voldemort.

"Maybe, I was having a hard day," said Harry.

"As I have told you, Master," said Lucius. "The boy needs discipline. I know. I have one of my own."

"Indeed you do, Lucius," said Voldemort. "But this one is mine to deal with." Voldemort stepped closer to Harry and Harry flinched.

"My lord, I don't really think it requires that," said Lucius.

"You don't?" said Voldemort. He grabbed Harry's face and Harry hit his knees. "I just told you that he wasn't so disrespectful yesterday. Don't you find that odd?"

Lucius looked down at Harry.

"What could have happened between then and now to make him change?" said Voldemort.

"Master-"

"Lucius, did you know that I have of way of calling Harry when I want him, just as I can call my Death Eaters?"

Now Lucius looked worried. Harry was shaking.

"You do?" said Lucius.

"Yes," said Voldemort. "I can signal him from anywhere and he knows I want him to come to me. Harry doesn't always come when I call him, but I know I have his attention." Voldemort looked over at Lucius. "He didn't come when I called him yesterday."

"He didn't?" said Lucius.

"Do you think that I should punish him?" said Voldemort. He looked at Harry. "What do you think, Harry? Would you like to bleed for Lucius."

"No," breathed Harry.

"Master," said Lucius, "I don't think this incident is bad enough to-"

"To what, Lucius?" said Voldemort. He released Harry and he fell to the ground at Voldemort's feet. "To prove that this boy will bleed if I touch his scar. To prove that this is Harry Potter. To wonder who that boy is in the cage?"

"Master-"

"Silence," thundered Voldemort. "I know for a fact that this boy is Harry Potter. Severus," he called. "Take care of Harry."

"You mean I don't get to see what happens?" said Harry.

"We did it for you, My Lord," Lucius insisted.

"Come along, Potter," said Snape, dragging Harry off the ground to his feet. Snape helped him to his tent. "Good work, Harry," said Snape, once inside. "You did it." Snape settled Harry into a chair and went back outside.

Harry wondered what Snape was talking about. Then his brain froze on the realization. Voldemort had done it again. He had swayed Harry back. Voldemort had manipulated the whole neglect scenario to perfection. Harry had been glad when Voldemort had realized he was the real Harry. Harry had wanted him to. Harry wanted, needed the recognition. Voldemort gave it to him and Harry accepted it.

Harry wanted to cry again. How was he going to fight against a wizard who used Harry's own nature against him?

"What's wrong, Harry?" said Voldemort.

"You cheat," said Harry.

"So I do," said Voldemort.

"It isn't fair," said Harry. He lifted his gaze from the book to look over the campfire at Voldemort. It had been three days since the imposter had been discovered. Harry knew that nothing had been done to either of them. He knew that the whole plan was to show Harry how Voldemort could manipulate his life to make him do and act as Voldemort wanted.

"Who said life is fair? Deal with it."

"I all ready have to deal with you. Why should I have to deal with that?" said Harry.

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

"Will you please stop referring to me as yours," said Harry. "It's very annoying."

"Accept the truth, Harry," said Voldemort. "You are, indeed, mine."

Harry stood up and dropped the book on the table. "Will you please test me and get it over with. I'd like to go home."

Voldemort stood up and rounded the fire to stand just outside the flinch zone. "You are home, Harry. Where ever I am is home for you."

Harry almost growled with frustration and turned away before he said something that would get him punished for losing his temper.

"All right, Harry," said Voldemort behind him. Harry turned. Voldemort handed him his wand. "Hit me with the strongest curse you can and I will let you go back to Sirius."

Harry looked at his wand then at Voldemort.

"Go ahead, Harry," said Voldemort. "You have my permission."

Harry took a moment to settle his stomach, then realized what was happening. Voldemort was doing it again. Playing on Harry's emotions. Would Voldemort play by his own rules?"

Harry looked at him. "This is the test?" said Harry.

"Yes."

Harry lifted his wand.

"Crucio!"

Harry saw Voldemort hit the ground, but didn't wait around to see if it worked. The contract was fulfilled. He apparated home.

"SIRIUS!" shouted Harry has he tore through the house. But the house was empty. The only person that was there was Winky who gave Harry some food and sat by him.

"Master Sirius hasn't been home in a while, Master Harry," said Winky. "Now that you are home, I'm sure he will come home."

Harry collapsed on the floor next to the chair in the living room, feeling so tired he couldn't move. "Where's Dobby," he managed to ask.

"The evil Lord has hired him to take care of you while you are there."

Harry blinked at her. Dobby was taking care of him at Voldemort's compound?

"Oh, master," said Winky. "You are tired. Let Winky put you to bed."

There was nothing Harry would have liked better but he didn't want to move. This was the room where he, Sirius and Remus talked about his father. This was the room where they celebrated his homecoming birthday party. This was the first room of the house he had seen that made the house a home. He wasn't leaving it until Sirius was there.

"Harry? Harry!"

Harry stirred at the voice and opened his eyes. Sirius was leaning over him.

"What are you doing on the floor?"

"Waiting for you," said Harry, sleepily.

Sirius helped him up. Sirius silenced two very excited house elves with a word that Harry didn't recognize.

"Come on, Harry," said Sirius. "I don't know how you did it, but you're home now, so I'm not going to complain."

"Home," said Harry. "I just wanted to come home."

"All right. Don't think about it now. Bed."

Harry felt someone pulling his shoes and socks off then his robe. When we was left in only undergarments, he felt himself pushed into bed, the covers brought to his chin.

"Good night, Harry." Harry heard then he felt pressure on the top of his head as if someone had pressed their mouth to it. "I love you."

"Goodnight, Sirius," said Harry, understanding now. "I love you, too."

When Harry woke up, he felt better than he had in weeks. He was home, he was free from Voldemort's contract and even the guilt had subsided somewhat. Severus' words had helped more that he knew. Anything can happen. Harry had to remember that.

When he got downstairs something did happen. He heard Ron's voice and he tore into the dining room.

"Ron!" said Harry.

"Hi, Harry," said Ron, chewing on some bacon.

Then he heard Fred and George arguing in the kitchen. "Who else is here?" Harry asked Sirius.

"Everyone," said Charlie Weasley from the doorway. "Part of plan," said Charlie, entering the room. "Keep you out of trouble and keep you happy." He looked around the room at everyone present. He rubbed his hands together. "So who's up for some Quidditch?"