Harry Potter and the Slytherin Connection

Chapter 17

The Test

The train ride back to Kings Cross was uneventful. Catherine and Harry waited at the platform wondering who was going to meet them.

"You don't think he's going to come, do you?" said Catherine.

Harry wanted to laugh. "I highly doubt it, Cathy," said Harry. "This is too menial a task for him. Aside from the fact that I doubt he'd want to be seen in such a public place."

"Potter."

Harry turned and saw Malfoy step up to them. "What do you want, Malfoy?" At least his thugs weren't with him.

Just then a stately looking gentleman in his 50's approached and bowed curtly to the group of them. "Master Draco, the car is waiting," said the man.

"Very good, Wilson," said Malfoy. "Come on, Potter. This is your ride."

Great, thought Harry. He took Catherine's arm and followed Malfoy and Wilson out of the station. Two porters had joined Mr. Wilson and took their trunks. When they started putting them into the back of a white stretch limousine, he looked at Malfoy.

"This yours?" said Harry.

Malfoy grinned smugly. "Yeah, family car."

Since Harry had never even seen the inside of a limousine, he didn't feel like starting something. "Impressive." Was all he said.

Malfoy looked a little taken aback by Harry's comment so he opened the door. "So let's go then."

The three of them climbed in and Malfoy seemed to enjoy showing off because he started playing host as Wilson got behind the wheel and pulled away from the curb.

Malfoy showed them all the muggle gadgets it was equipped with then some of the wizarding components. He opened a compartment and handed them both a butterbeer.

Harry's curiosity was burning. Where are we going? He wanted to ask so badly his stomach started to hurt. Catherine kept up a pleasant stream of questions about the car, which kept Malfoy occupied. At least he was being nice to her. He only gave Harry a glance every so often, which made Harry think he was just waiting.

When the car stopped in front of a huge house and a horde of people converged on the car, Harry grew anxious. Their luggage was dragged into the house, which could have been called a miniature castle and people started welcoming Master Draco home.

Harry looked at the house. "This is your house?"

Malfoy practically beamed with pride. "Yes," said Malfoy. "Jealous, Potter?"

"I'm not staying here," said Harry. Stay with the Malfoy's? What a nightmare that would be.

"But you will and you are," said Lucius Malfoy. He grabbed Harry by the hair and pulled up his face. "The Master is not at the camp and I've been instructed to babysit his pet until he returns."

"I won't," said Harry furiously. "It's not in the contract. I don't have to."

His wrists were magically tied together and Lucius dragged him up the garden lined front walk, still by hair.

"Those are the orders and you don't have any say in the matter," growled Lucius, dragging Harry into the house. "And while you are in my home, you are mine to deal with so-"

"You can't make me," said Harry.

Lucius cuffed him across the side of the head and Harry hit the marble tiled floor.

"Don't talk back to me, boy," said Lucius. "And, yes. Indeed I can make you. The master may take your crap because he mistakes it as courage, which I don't doubt you have, but I won't."

He hauled Harry off the floor and pulled him into an adjoining room, which appeared to be a parlor. Lucius gave him a shove forward and Harry staggered a few steps then turned back to face him. This is worse than a nightmare. But Lucius couldn't really touch him, could he?

"What about Catherine?" said Harry.

"Catherine is going to her father via floo powder," said Lucius.

"I'm supposed to go to Voldemort," insisted Harry.

"He said you were to stay here and you will." Lucius left and closed the door. Harry heard him lock it.

He stared at the door then looked down at his bound wrists. Great. Just Great.

Harry tried to apparate home but it didn't work because Lucius had magically tied him. Harry tried to magically untie his hands but couldn't. He vainly tried the doorknob but it was locked and when tried to use his wand on it, it still didn't unlock.

With hope, Harry opened a window. They were barred. When he couldn't get rid of the bars he fell into a chair with frustration. He brought his hands to his head, feeling the ache. There was blood on his fingers. Lucius must wear a ring because he cut him every time he hit Harry.

Well, if he touched Harry again, Harry was going to fight back. He still had his wand and-

The door opened and Harry stood up prepared to battle if necessary. Harry recognized the woman who entered with a tray as Draco's mother.

"Hello, Harry," she said nicely enough as she set the tray on a table.

Harry looked at the meal. She walked up to him. "Er- thank you, Mrs. Malfoy," said Harry. He raised his hands expectantly.

"I'm sorry," said Mrs. Malfoy. "That has to stay. And I'm to take your wand."

Harry took a step back. "No, I don't think so."

"Just give it to me," pleaded Mrs. Malfoy. "You don't want to make Lucius angry."

"I make Voldemort angry all the time," said Harry. "Why should I care about your husband?"

"Just give me your wand."

Harry pulled it out and pointed it at her. "No. Just get out of the way and let me leave."

"Expelliarmus!"

Harry's wand flew from his hand to the door where Lucius Malfoy stood, looking enraged.

"Leave us, Narcissa," Lucius told his wife in a very foreboding voice. She rushed out of the room and closed the door behind her.

Harry stood his ground as Lucius took a step into the room.

"You disobeyed my wife then threatened her," said Lucius.

"I didn't threaten her," said Harry. "I just wanted to leave."

"But I told you that you can not leave," said Lucius. He grabbed Harry by the chin. "My touch doesn't put you in agony as the master's does." He shoved Harry into a corner onto his knees and his bond hands became attached to a small ring. "But I have my own ways."

Harry looked over his shoulder to glare at Lucius. "You can't touch me," said Harry.

Lucius instantly gagged him, then strode over to him. He bent over him and held up his face, exactly the way Voldemort did.

"Can't I?" said Lucius. "And why would that be?" He had a strange smug expression on his face. "Could it be that you would tell Voldemort and I would be severely reprimanded?" He actually smiled. "Would you do that, Harry? Run to Voldemort? Oh, how that would please him."

Harry blinked at him, feeling confused suddenly.

"He has given you his almighty protection. How it would please him to know how readily you use it."

Lucius released his face and held up his wand. He muttered something and little white sparks started spitting out of it. He moved behind Harry and Harry strained his neck to look at him. Lucius flicked his wrist and it felt as if tiny razors had slashed across Harry's back.

The shock of it made him scream but it was muffled in the gag. He dropped his head and the razors slashed again.

Harry couldn't believe it. Lucius was whipping him. Voldemort would go berserk.

"Will you go running to Voldemort, Harry?" he heard Lucius and the pain hit again. "Will you admit, accept that you want his protection, need it?"

Again the razors slashed. Harry felt like his back was on fire. The gag fell away.

"Tell me to stop, Harry," said Lucius as he cracked his wand again.

Harry was shaking, his bond fists balled. Between anger and pain, his thoughts were in chaos.

Lucius didn't stop though. Harry lost count how many times he had been hit and he tried to focus. What the hell was going on now?

"Tell me to stop," said Lucius. "One word and I will. I don't disobey the master without accepting the punishment. The master's pet is under his protection and no one can touch him but he himself. Will you use his protection?"

Harry felt blood running down his back, felt the burning across his skin. His body jolted as the razors slashed again. Then it stopped.

Harry felt his chin being lifted and he stared up into Lucius' cruel gaze. He didn't have enough strength to glare.

"Still conscious? Impressive," said Lucius. "But then the master said your tolerance to pain must be greater than most." Lucius moved his hand from his chin to his hair as he held Harry's face up. "I didn't think you'd stop me. And I don't think the master will hear anything about this." He dropped Harry's head then kicked him in the chest. "I think you might understand now."

Harry heard him leave. "No one enters this room but me," he heard Lucius yell just before he slammed the door and locked it.

He wasn't sure how long he knelt there, enduring the pain and staring at the ring that his hands were bound to.

Lucius words came back to him. Run to Voldemort. The masters pet. Accept his almighty protection.

Harry sincerely wanted to see Lucius Malfoy pay for this, but knew he wouldn't. He'd have to accept this. Malfoy was right. Voldemort would love to have Harry turn to him for this.

Harry slumped against the wall. Misery had settled over him. He closed his eyes and tried to think about Sirius. He thought about how he, Sirius and Remus had sat in the living room reading his parents letters.

The door banged open, spoiling his reverie.

One glance showed Lucius Malfoy closing the door behind him and a house-elf scurrying toward him with a satchel. Since he was still holding his wand, Harry didn't look at Lucius.

"What does master want Ferry to do?" said the house-elf.

"Just clean up the blood and cover it," said Lucius as he moved to stand over Harry.

Harry continued to look at the floor. Ferry, apparently the house-elf's name, ripped open the back of Harry shirt and the fibers tore from his shredded skin. Harry couldn't help the cry of pain.

Ferry gasped. "Master Lucius, this is very bad. Does master want me to heal it?"

"No, Ferry," said Lucius. "Just do what I told you to do. I want him to remember it."

Like Harry would forget it.

Lucius watched as Harry's back was administered too. He seemed to enjoy seeing Harry's pain as much as Voldemort did. "When you are done, feed him."

Still looking at the floor, Harry said, "I'm not hungry."

Lucius grabbed Harry by the hair again and jerked up his face. "What did you say?"

"I don't think I can eat," said Harry, doing his best not to glare.

"My wife loves to cook, Harry," said Malfoy. "She went through a lot of trouble with this meal. You will eat."

Harry dropped his gaze and nodded.

Ferry covered his back the best he could and taped up his broken rib then he magically mended Harry's shirt. Harry figured that one rib must be extremely weak by now, it had been broken so many times.

As Ferry attempted to feed him, Harry wondered how he was going to hide all of this Voldemort. The man had eyes, after all. He could see when Harry was in pain.

When Lucius came in later that night, Harry felt completely beaten.

Lucius unbound him from the ring but didn't untie his wrists. Harry struggled to his feet, clutching his rib and leaning against the wall.

"What's wrong with him, Father?"

Oh, great. Draco.

"He must have eaten too much," said Lucius with amusement. "I told you not to come in here."

Draco nodded and left.

Harry glanced up at Lucius who looked back with satisfaction.

"Yes, I believe you understand, now," said Lucius.

"More than you know," said Harry. "May I go to sleep now, Lucius?"

"Who gave you permission to use my name?"

Since he sounded angry, Harry repressed blaming Voldemort. "Sorry," he muttered.

"But-"

"No time," said Lucius and Harry's binds fell off his wrists. "The master has called."

Lucius had no sooner said the word master when pain exploded in Harry's head. All ready dealing with the pain from his back, Harry hit his knees.

"Oh, my," said Voldemort, taking several steps away from Harry.

Don't look at him. Don't look at him.

"Harry, are you all right?"

"I'm fine," said Harry. Lucius helped him to his feet blocking Voldemort's view.

"Good," said Voldemort. "Back to the camp then."

"No," said Harry. "You breached the contract."

"How did I do that?" said Voldemort with interest.

"I was supposed to go back to you. You never said anything about being sent to anyone else."

"Harry, Harry," said Voldemort in that annoying patronizing tone of his. "I told you last night that I was arranging for you and Catherine to be picked up. You didn't ask where or by whom."

"You didn't say I had to stay here," argued Harry.

"You weren't interested in the details," said Voldemort. "You simply agreed."

Harry opened his mouth then closed it. Voldemort was right. He simply wanted to get back to the dance.

Voldemort chuckled. "Come then."

"Can't you just test me now and get it over with?"

"Harry, it's too late to start that now," said Voldemort. "I'm tired and you don't look very awake yourself." Voldemort took a closer look then. "Actually you look terrible. What happened?"

"This is a big house, Voldemort," said Harry, his mind racing. "I got lost and fell down a trick staircase."

Voldemort turned to Lucius. "I told him not to wander around by himself but the boy is too curious for his own good."

"It's just a scratch," said Harry, trying to sound indignant. "I've had worse."

Voldemort stared into Harry's face. Harry finally looked away.

"Something isn't right, here," said Voldemort. "Back to camp - now," he told Lucius.

Another nightmare.

"Sit down, Harry," said Voldemort.

Harry looked at the plush chair in front of the fire and had to keep himself from shuddering. He couldn't lean back. "I'd rather go to bed if you're not going to test me."

Voldemort stared hard at him again. Could he see that Harry was in pain? He didn't show it. "All right, Harry. I'll see you in the morning."

Harry made toward his tent.

"What's wrong with your stomach?"

"Mrs. Malfoy is a good cook," called Harry. "I think I ate too much."

Harry put off leaving his tent. He had collapsed onto his bed on his stomach the night before but didn't sleep very well.

Voldemort's signal finally got Harry moving. He moved across the camp slowly, dreading the encounter. Lucius was already there and he didn't look too happy. Great.

Harry put some food on a plate and moved toward them picking at the food on his plate with his fingers.

He approached the fire, still not looking up.

"Harry, you are up late," said Voldemort.

"I was tired," said Harry by way of an explanation.

"You still look tired. Sit down."

Harry continued to pick at his plate. He broke off a piece of bacon and ate it then glanced at his chair.

"The master told you to sit," said Lucius.

Harry sighed and sat down on the edge of the chair, still staring onto his plate.

"Harry?"

"What?" said Harry.

"What ever is wrong with you?"

"Nothing," said Harry. "I'm fine."

Voldemort stood up and walked toward Harry. He stopped just within the flinch zone. Harry didn't look up. "Don't lie to me, Harry. I can tell."

Harry gave him a quick glance. "Look I just want to get home. Ron's brother is getting married next week and I'd like to go if you test me by then."

"I don't think that's it," said Voldemort. He took a step closer. "Tell me what's wrong, Harry."

Harry stared at his plate. "Nothing is wrong, Voldemort."

"Why don't I believe you, Harry?" He turned to Lucius. "Lucius, what have you done to the boy?"

"Me, My Lord?" said Malfoy. "I don't think he cared for the arrangements but the boy was no trouble while he was with me. I have no idea what's bothering him."

Voldemort eyed Lucius too. "Why don't I believe you either?"

"Master-"

"Silence," said Voldemort. He was looking between Harry and Lucius with a look that was far from pleasant. "I will hear the truth now or someone suffers."

"There's nothing to tell," said Harry.

Voldemort grabbed Harry's face. Harry wretched it out of Voldemort's grasp with a cry of pain and hit the ground.

"Nothing to tell?" said Voldemort, staring down at him. "Harry, my pet, I don't believe you."

Harry didn't have the strength to respond.

"As I thought," said Voldemort. "Tell me now, Harry, or there will be consequences to deal with."

Harry stared at the ground, willing him to leave.

"Very well," said Voldemort. Harry felt him leave and groaned as Lucius helped him up.

"I don't know whether to thank you or to tell you how stupid you are," said Lucius.

"You should have let Ferry heal me," said Harry. "Voldemort knows when I'm in pain. He can see it."

"I know," was all Lucius had to say.

Lucius was helping Harry to his tent when Voldemort signaled.

Lucius turned with Harry and they saw Voldemort dump Draco Malfoy on the ground. "I told you I would have the truth or someone suffers," said Voldemort.

Draco looked up at his father.

"No Master," cried Lucius, falling to his knees.

"I swear," said Draco. "I don't know what happened in the parlor."

Voldemort chuckled. "Oh, I believe you, Draco, my boy. I just want to know what did happen."

"Master-"

"Quiet, Lucius," ordered Voldemort and looked at Harry. "I will hear it from Harry."

Harry looked at Lucius, who looked horrified, to Draco, who looked terrified, to Voldemort, who looked madder than hell. Draco was going to be the one who suffered if he kept quiet.

"Draco is not your friend, Harry," said Voldemort. "He is not protected by the contract. Will you watch him suffer by your silence?"

Voldemort raised his wand.

Draco was a lot of things, but he didn't deserve to be punished for what his father did.

"Lucius beat me," said Harry.

Voldemort cast him a glance. "Why would he do that?" he said returning his gaze to Draco.

"I didn't want to stay. Mrs. Malfoy brought me a tray and told me to give her my wand. I wouldn't do it," said Harry. "I guess Malfoy got mad."

"Is that what happened?" said Voldemort, looking to Lucius.

"Yes, my lord."

"So why are you protecting him, Harry?" said Voldemort. "You are under my protection."

Harry bit the inside of mouth to keep from answering.

"Harry wouldn't stop me, my lord," said Malfoy. "He wouldn't accept your protection."

Voldemort turned to Harry with a look of surprise. "You didn't use my protection, Harry?"

Voldemort sounded hurt again and Harry wanted to wrap his hands around his neck again. He was manipulating him again. Harry wouldn't let him.

"I can take care of myself," said Harry.

Voldemort looked at Lucius. "What did you do?"

"I lashed him."

"WHAT?" said Voldemort, then controlled his voice. "How many times?"

"I wasn't counting," said Lucius.

Voldemort turned to Harry. "Was he conscious through it?"

"Yes, my lord."

"How did he take it?"

"He screamed the first time I hit him and then only after the house-elf tore the shirt off his back," said Lucius. "You're right, master. He has a great deal of endurance."

Harry still refused to look up. They were talking about him as if he were an animal. Voldemort's pet and Harry couldn't bear it.

"Harry," said Voldemort. Harry didn't look up. "Harry!"

Harry's chin was jerked up to meet the red eyes. Lucius was the one holding his face so Harry didn't feel pain, but he was forced to look into Voldemort's face.

"Do you not want my protection?" said Voldemort.

Harry opened his mouth, ready to say no.

"Think hard, Harry," said Voldemort. "I can not punish Lucius if you don't accept my protection. If my Death Eaters know you don't want my protection, I can't keep them from hurting you." He paused. "Or your friends."

Harry stared at him. Voldemort reached out and touched his face. Harry shut his eyes. He was in such pain...

"Do you want my protection, Harry?"

Harry heard the question again. Protection from his Death Eaters. He could take any thing they threw at him - but his friends.

You are protected through the contract.

The contract?

"Yes," said Harry weakly.

What about my friends?

Why they are protected by me through you by the contract.

"Say the words, Harry."

Harry swallowed. If he didn't accept Voldemort's protection then his friends wouldn't be safe from the Death Eater's either. Voldemort was bound to the contract, but the Death Eaters weren't unless Harry accepted Voldemort's protection.

"I want your protection," said Harry shallowly.

Voldemort held a hand under Harry's chin to hold his face up. "Very wise, Harry," said Voldemort. "You have passed the first test."

Harry had only vague recollections of being brought to his tent. He thought he had heard screams of pain - which he hoped was Lucius - but couldn't be sure. He remembered hearing Severus' voice and Catherine's. He remembered a lot of pain.

He felt only a small amount of pain now as he opened his eyes.

"Harry?" said Catherine.

Harry almost groaned again. Not again.

"I'm all right," said Harry.

"You keep saying that!" said Catherine, sounding mad. "But you never are!"

Harry sighed. "I'm sorry."

"You keep saying that too. Stop it!" Catherine was clutching Harry's hand. "It took hours for Severus to stitch up your back and he says that you're still going to scar."

Scars were the last thing on Harry's mind. He had passed the first test, Voldemort had said. Just how many were there?

Harry pushed himself to his feet.

"What are you doing?" cried Catherine. "Lay down."

Harry leaned against a chair to steady himself. "I have to see Voldemort," said Harry.

Catherine grabbed his arm. "They are all closed in the conference tent."

Harry looked at her and sighed. That meant they could be in there for hours.

"Harry-"

"Could you please give me some time alone," said Harry softly. The emotions running through him were too strong, he didn't want to deal with a girl he happened to like.

"Um, sure Harry," said Catherine, although she looked at him worriedly. "Are you all right."

"Yes. I just need to think."

Catherine left and Harry almost over-turned his desk, he was so furious. You have passed the first test.

Voldemort's words kept running through his mind. So did Malfoy's. Accept the master's almighty protection.

Harry needed to calm down. He was letting Voldemort's manipulations get to him again. He needed an outlet. He turned to the book shelves. Hermione always looked to books. Harry grabbed the first one he reached.

Surprisingly, it was a book about birds. Harry looked up phoenix' and saw a font of information in front of him.

Harry got a phoenix? This is too weird.

Remus, will you keep your mouth shut for a change.

Harry heard the voices in his head and started looking at the book in earnest for the reason why Rowan had chosen him. He read about the song of The Phoenix, the tears of The Phoenix - both of which he knew - but the Order of The Phoenix Harry could find little about.

Harry had about six books open on his desk. He still couldn't find the answer. All he had figured out was that Rowan had picked him and that gave him the Order of the Phoenix.

"What does it mean?" said Harry.

Harry slumped in his chair holding his head in frustration. Voldemort would probably know, he thought. Voldemort would tell him. But he was tied up with his Death Eaters.

He ran a hand through his hair, looking down at the book open before him.

Pain erupted in his head. Harry looked up.

"Harry," said Voldemort. "You figured out how to call me."