Harry Potter and the Slytherin Connection

Chapter 19

The Wedding

That got Harry's attention. He got up and followed Voldemort out of the tent. "I won't kill anyone for you," said Harry vehemently.

Voldemort turned around so quickly, Harry had to step back. Voldemort grabbed his face anyway. "Harry, have I told you kill anyone?"

"No."

"Nor do I expect you to be able to perform that particular curse fully, especially without a wand. But it will be a very good test to judge accurately just how far your powers are progressing."

"But-" Harry's knees were already on the ground. He hadn't thought to call Rowan.

"Of course, I can't make you," said Voldemort, staring hard into Harry's eyes. "But then I guess you will miss the wedding because that is the last test. And you can't leave without my saying you have been tested."

Voldemort released him and walked away.

"Harry, are you alright?" Catherine rushed over to him.

"Yeah," said Harry, pushing himself to his feet.

Catherine was with him when Voldemort signaled Harry out into the camp.

"This is going to be a nightmare, Cathy," said Harry as they exited Harry's tent into the compound.

"It'll be all right, Harry," said Catherine. "I know it will."

Harry sent her a doubtful glance then looked at Voldemort. "I told you that I won't kill for you," said Harry very softly.

"I don't expect you to, Harry," said Voldemort. "You aren't ready. But be patient."

"Voldemort-"

"Harry, this is only a test. You don't have the power to kill without a wand yet."

Harry stared at him.

"So what's the test?" said Harry cautiously.

"You will hit a wizard with the Killing Curse without a wand and we will see what happens."

"I don't like this test, Voldemort," said Harry softly. "I-I could get sent-"

"Harry, you've already done two of the Unforgivable Curses. Are you worried about going to Azkaban?"

"Honestly, Yes!"

"Harry, Harry, you are under my protection, remember," said Voldemort.

I still don't like this. "So what do I do?"

"This particular curse takes a large amount of power to cast, which is why I doubt you will succeed in any sort of life threatening situation. It will also drain you. Meaning you will become weaker the longer you hold it on your victim."

Harry looked into those red eyes. "Who is my victim?"

"Lucius, of course, Harry," said Voldemort.

Harry turned and saw Lucius Malfoy stepping out onto the field.

"Voldemort-"

"Enough stalling, Harry," said Voldemort. "Look at me."

Harry looked back at him.

"I have to make sure you can say the words," said Voldemort.

"But-"

"Harry, look at me and say them."

"I know the damn words-"

Voldemort grabbed his face. "Harry-"

"Avada Kedavra," said Harry.

"Very good," said Voldemort. He let go of Harry and walked away.

"So, what do I do?" Harry cast a glance at Lucius who was looking at him with a very nasty look on his face.

Voldemort studied Harry. "Well, for you, my pet, I'd start with your temper."

"You just did."

Voldemort chuckled. "You have managed to throw the Cruciatus Curse well because of it, so it is logical that you can be provoked enough to get a response from the Killing Curse."

"So what are you saying, Voldemort," said Harry. "You want to make me mad enough to kill some one?"

"No, Harry," said Voldemort. "This is a test. You know you can't actually kill. But setting off your temper will be the best way to get the results I'd like to see."

Severus had come up to stand beside Harry and Harry turned to him. "I wish he'd speak in plain English sometimes."

Severus pushed Harry out into the field. Harry looked at Lucius Malfoy.

"Why are you doing this?" said Harry.

"My master told me to. And you deserve retribution."

Harry stared at him. Was Lucius prepared to take whatever Harry had because Voldemort said so?

"So go ahead, Harry," said Voldemort.

Lucius' expression changed immediately. The cold cruel stare was back. "How's your back, Harry? I hear Severus couldn't keep it from scarring."

Harry tried to stay calm. "Scars don't bother me," said Harry. "I heard Draco couldn't-"

"Good thing you accepted the master's protection," Lucius cut him off. "I would have gone straight for that that Mudblood friend of yours."

"My friends are protected now," said Harry.

"Yes," said Lucius. "But it would have been so much fun to drag your friend Hermione here."

Harry's blood started to boil. "You can't touch her."

"Now, I can't," said Lucius. "But if you hadn't accepted the masters protection..." Lucius laughed.

Harry saw what was coming.

"I would have grabbed her so fast," said Lucius.

Harry saw red.

"How many lashes could she take, Harry?"

The thought of Hermione being whipped sent rage through Harry. He raised his hand.

"Avada Kedavra!"

Harry saw a flash of green light and hit the ground hard on his knees. He looked up and saw people running toward Lucius, who was also on the ground. Oh God, tell me I didn't kill him!

Harry stared at Lucius, still on the ground. Harry felt so weak he could have fallen over right then and there but he had to watch Lucius.

Severus approached Lucius and examined him. "Drowning effect," said Severus as he proceeded to administer CPR. Lucius took several deep breaths.

Harry watched the scene from his knees. He felt as if Voldemort had just touched him, he had no strength.

"Come along, Harry," said someone who grabbed his arm and pulled him to his feet.

"Is Malfoy all right?" managed Harry.

"Yes," said the Death Eater. "You have pleased the master but the power behind the curse has weakened you. You must rest."

"Malfoy is ok?"

"Yes, Master Harry," said the Death Eater.

"Then I can leave now," said Harry. He hadn't intended to say it out loud.

"No," said the Death Eater. "The master hasn't dismissed you, nor are you strong enough to leave."

Harry stared at the book with frustration. The words wouldn't register. He was fully recovered from yesterday's test. He had been told he had passed it 'admirably.' Why hadn't Voldemort sent him home yet?

"Master Harry?"

Harry's stomach clenched up at the voice. He didn't look up. "What do you want, Mr. Malfoy?"

"Please come with me."

Harry noticed the respectful tone, then realized that Lucius had called him Master Harry. Harry looked up. "Why?"

"The master wants to see you," said Malfoy.

"Voldemort knows how to call me," said Harry.

"But you don't always come when he calls," said Malfoy. "So Lord Voldemort commanded me to come and get you."

"Why?"

Malfoy looked as if he was starting to get annoyed. "I don't believe he is done punishing me yet."

And sending him to get Harry would be punishment, Harry considered. "What does he want?"

"I don't know."

"Then forget it," said Harry. "I've jumped through all his hoops already. I'm not playing any more of his games."

"Please, Master Harry," there was a hint of urgency in his voice now. "Don't make me go back and tell him you wouldn't come with me."

"Stop calling me that," said Harry.

"That is the address the master has told us to use so we must use it. And I will beg you to come with me if necessary," said Malfoy. "Draco is with him."

Harry looked up. Lucius looked genuinely concerned for his son. It struck a nerve. Sirius had begged for Harry too.

Take him. You're the only one who can.

Are you begging, Sirius?

Yes, damn it. Take him.

He ran a hand through his hair and stood up. "All right."

"Thank you, Master Harry," said Lucius as they moved through the compound. "Perhaps he will let you leave after he sees you today."

Harry sent him a glance. He could hope anyway.

Harry went through the flap first. Voldemort stood up from his large chair as he entered and Draco looked up from a subdued position on a nearby couch. Lucius came in behind him.

"Ah, Harry," said Voldemort. "Come in."

"Are you going to dismiss me yet?" said Harry.

"Soon, my boy. I have one more test for you."

"You said you would only give me three."

Voldemort chuckled. "I lied."

"I thought you had no use for lies," said Harry, his anger growing.

"Little use for lies," Voldemort corrected him. "When they serve my purpose, they are convenient."

"So what is it?" said Harry. It came out more like a growl. He didn't especially like having this confrontation in front of the Malfoys.

"First, I'd like you to show Draco your back."

"What?" It surprised Harry. "You're kidding?"

"Harry, have you ever known me to 'kid'?" said Voldemort.

"Why?" said Harry. "So Malfoy can gloat?"

"No, Harry. So you can."

"Me?" said Harry. This had to be a joke. "Well I don't want to so forget it."

"Then do it because I want to boast."

"You?" Now Harry wanted to laugh. "Is this the test? Trying my patience?"

"Just show him, Harry."

"No."

"Harry, why do you argue with me?"

"Because no one else dares," said Harry. "And I wouldn't want to deprive such an exalted presence from the mental stimulation."

Voldemort laughed but took a step towards Harry. "You know I can make you."

"Then you'll have too," said Harry.

Voldemort sighed. "Stubborn," he said. "Why won't you just do as you're told?"

Harry glared at him. "For you, I will do what I have to do. For Sirius, I will do what he says," said Harry. Something Harry said seemed to make Voldemort mad. Harry pressed on. "He is my guardian."

"But I am the one who protects you, Harry," said Voldemort.

"Only from the Death Eaters. No one but you and them has ever tried to hurt me."

"But Sirius can't keep you from me, can he?"

Harry wasn't sure where this conversation was going. He only knew that Voldemort didn't seem happy about Harry talking about Sirius. Harry still wished the Malfoy's would go away.

"Sirius supports me, Voldemort," said Harry. "If I had gone to him first, before that contract-"

"But you didn't," Voldemort interrupted. "You came to me."

"Only because I'm not used to caring-"

Harry cut himself off. He wished he could take the words back.

Voldemort nodded. "Or having people care about you. I do know, Harry. You know I do."

Voldemort was working on Harry's emotions again. Harry was getting dizzy.

"This test, Voldemort," said Harry. "Can we get on with it so I can go home."

Voldemort grabbed Harry's face, his face distorting slightly with irritation. "I told you, Harry," said Voldemort as Harry slowly sank to his knees. "This is your home."

"La Casa Black is my home," said Harry.

"Stubborn.' Voldemort stared into Harry's eyes. "Lucius, show your son Harry's back."

Harry stared up into Voldemort's face. He was going to make Harry do it. Voldemort didn't let Harry look away as Harry felt his shirt torn up the back. He heard a surprised gasp.

"How does that make you feel, young Mr. Malfoy?" said Voldemort.

"Glad my name isn't Harry Potter," said Draco.

Harry choked on his laugh.

Voldemort smiled at him. "Ah Harry, you are cynical enough to find that funny." He looked at Draco. "But Draco, doesn't that make you feel inferior?"

"Inferior, My Lord?" said Draco with confusion. "Because my body is smart enough to shut down-"

"Ah," said Voldemort. "It isn't the body, Draco, it is the mind. The will to endure, to persevere. Harry has that. You do not."

Harry couldn't see Draco's face but didn't expect he looked too happy.

"Don't you want to please your father, Draco?" said Voldemort.

"Of course."

"As any good son, you want to make him proud."

"Yes."

"And are you proud of your son, Lucius?" said Voldemort.

Harry had no idea what was going on. Voldemort still had a hold of Harry's face and wouldn't release his gaze. Harry was getting dizzy again.

"Of course, my lord," said Lucius. "He does exceptionally well in school. He does what he's told."

"So he is a good boy," said Voldemort. "But do you like him?"

"He is my son, my lord. I love him."

"Yes, yes," said Voldemort. "But do you like him? When he is at school, do you miss him? Do you sit and talk with him? When he has questions, do you take the time to answer them? Do you protect him?"

"Of course. That is what a father does."

Harry felt like a knife had pierced his chest. Sirius was right. Voldemort was trying to take his place.

"And when he is bad, when he disobeys, what do you do?" said Voldemort.

"I punish him, of course," said Lucius.

"Of course," said Voldemort. "Thank you, Lucius. You and Draco may leave now."

Harry heard them leave but was still trapped by Voldemort's grip and his steady stare.

Voldemort nodded at Harry. "You understand, now, Harry. Don't you?"

He let go of Harry and went back to his chair. Harry leaned on one hand, pressing the other to his head. He still felt dizzy. Voldemort had held onto him so long.

"If you think that you can replace Sirius then you're deluded."

Voldemort chuckled. "Harry, Sirius is an established entity in your life. I can't replace him."

Harry pushed himself to his feet and leaned on the desk to face Voldemort. He couldn't mean... "You can't mean my father?"

"Have I not been acting as one?"

Harry glared at him.

"I have given you my protection. I have given you all my attention, my knowledge. I have answered all your questions. I provide you with food and shelter. Anything you ask of me, I will do. I have given you my magical strength," said Voldemort. "Tell me, Harry, have I not been like a father to you?"

"There's more to being a father than that," said Harry. He was more confused than angry now. What was Voldemort trying to do now? It was almost too much to assimilate.

"How do you know?"

The knife in his chest felt like it just twisted. Harry didn't know. "I don't" whispered Harry and he weakly pushed off the desk and walked toward the entrance of the tent.

"Harry?"

"I'm leaving now, Voldemort," said Harry.

"All right, Harry," said Voldemort. "You may return to Sirius."

Harry still felt dizzy as he stared into the fire in the living room. Sirius had been casting Harry worried looks since he had gotten home yesterday but seemed wary to disturb Harry's thoughts. And Harry's thoughts weren't happy ones.

Voldemort had been acting like a father all year. Harry had been going to him. True Voldemort had been manipulating everything to suit him but Harry hadn't been able to stop him. Harry was losing.

"Come on, Harry," said Sirius.

Harry glanced at his watch. It was time to go next door for the wedding. Harry had been informed that Percy had asked if Harry would by an usher. Penelope's bridal party was so large. Sirius had agreed on Harry's behalf.

The whole of the Weasley's yard was strewn with chairs and decorated as only wizards could. At the back, where people were assembling to be shown to seats, Harry saw the Weasley men.

"Go on, Harry," said Sirius. "You'll be fine."

Harry nodded and walked over to them.

"Harry," said Percy, shaking his hand. "I'm so glad you made it."

"Thanks for asking me, Percy."

"You're part of the family, Harry," said Charlie. "As big as it is."

Harry forced a smile.

"Alright, Harry?" said Ron, studying him.

"Yeah," lied Harry but Ron didn't look like he believed him. Well he would talk to Ron later, if Harry made it through the wedding without passing out. He still felt dizzy. What had Voldemort done to him this time?

Harry escorted many people to seats in the vast garden. Many Ministry people were there. Harry avoided Fudge but Bagman made a fuss.

"Told everyone your wouldn't turn," said Bagman. "I knew it. Just because the ambassador didn't come back."

"He found out the truth and Voldemort wouldn't let him leave," said Harry.

"Knew it. Knew it," said Bagman. "You hang in there, Harry. We're counting on you."

Harry directed him to a seat and went back to the welcome area. It seemed as if the entire wizarding community was there. When the time was approaching, Harry felt someone grab his arm and pull him to the side.

"Come here, Harry, I have to fix you."

Harry looked down at Ginny. "Why? Am I broken?" said Harry automatically.

Ginny was looking at Harry's bow tie, which she was straightening. "Are you?" she asked seriously.

Harry sighed. She had noticed his withdrawal too. "Feels like it," he said.

"Well, don't worry. I'll fix you up."

She brushed his hair behind one ear and Harry's shoulder hit his ear.

Ginny smiled. "Harry, are you ticklish?"

"Guess so," said Harry.

Ginny continued to fuss over him. She tried to calm down his hair and Harry felt that jolt again as her hand brushed the back of his neck. She straightened his collar and adjusted his boutonniere. Harry just stood there and let her. When she looked up at him, she smiled.

"There," she said. "You're all better now."

"I am?" said Harry.

"Yes. You're not alone anymore, Harry," said Ginny.

Mr. and Mrs. Weasley opted to let Harry escort them to their seats. A great honor, which Harry contributed to them wanting to show the wizarding world that the Weasley family was behind Harry Potter.

"You know, Harry," said Mrs. Weasley on their way down the isle. "When you move to Bulgaria you can always change your name to Weasley."

"We wouldn't mind," said Mr. Weasley.

Harry felt dizzy again. "Thanks," said Harry and looked up at them. "I mean it. Thank you."

Mrs. Weasley looked like she wanted to hug the stuffing out of him again but Mr. Weasley stopped her. "Sit down, Molly."

Harry left them and returned to the back.

The bridesmaids and ushers were lining up. Harry took his place beside Ginny. Ron, in front of him, turned around.

"All right, Harry?"

"I-I'm just-"

The music started and everyone focused on the front. Ginny grabbed Harry's arm. "You'll be all right Harry," said Ginny. "I'm here."

Harry could only nod and he squinted as he and Ginny set off down the isle. He took his place beside Ron and was glad there was a chair behind him because he leaned on the back of it twice during the ceremony, which was a complete blur.

Harry put on a happy face as the newly married couple walked back up the isle and as he walked up it with Ginny again he searched the crowd for Sirius. He found Sirius looking back worriedly. Harry sent him a pleading look and continued to the back. Once there, he continued using every drop of endurance he had to stay conscious and still look happy.

Once everyone was being directed to the canopies set up in the Weasley's back yard, Harry felt his knees going weak. He would have hit the ground if Sirius' arm hadn't come around him.

"I've got you," said Sirius, lowing him into one of the chairs. "Harry, what's wrong?"

Harry leaned his head over his knees. "I don't know. I'm so dizzy."

"Dizzy?" Sirius looked up at Ron and Hermione. "Take him home. I'll be there in a few minutes. I have to talk to Dumbledore."

"Ok," said Hermione.

"Let's go, Harry," said Ron, grabbing his arm and hauling him up. Harry swayed. Hermione caught his other arm.

Harry's vision was all wacked out too. "Don't let go of me, Ron," whispered Harry. "Please."

"I won't, Harry," assured Ron.

Twice on the way home Harry grabbed at someone's arm.

"I'm here, Harry," said Hermione, the first time.

"We've got you," said Ron, the second.

"I feel like I'm about to slide into oblivion," muttered Harry.

"Well you know I won't let you," said Hermione matter-of-factly.

That made Harry feel better. But the feel of Sirius' chair as he sank into it in front of the fire had a much better appeal to it. His head fell back on the cushion. "I feel terrible."

"What's he done to you?"

"Ginny," shouted Ron. "What are you doing here?"

"What do you think, Ron?" shouted Ginny.

"SHHHH," said Hermione.

"It's all right, Hermione," said Harry. "I'm dizzy but there isn't any pain. My vision is messed up though."

"Maybe Ginny is right," said Ron. "Maybe he did something to you." Ron was bending over Harry looking into his face.

"I don't know, Ron," said Harry weakly.

"Ask him," said Ron. "You know he'll tell you."

Harry blinked up at Ron. He was right but...

"No, Harry," cried Hermione. "You can't leave. What if you can't get back?"

Harry raised a weak hand to his scar. Voldemort.

Harry was a little surprised to feel the pain right away.

"You came."

"Of course I came," said Voldemort looking around the living room. He noted Harry's friends in the room and turned back to Harry.

Harry groaned, leaning forward on his legs again.

"Oh, my," said Voldemort. "What ever is the problem, Harry?"

"That's what we want to know," Ginny demanded. "What have you done to him?"

Voldemort turned toward Ginny slowly. "Ah, the little Quidditch chaser. Quite a champion of Harry Potter, are you?"

Hermione grabbed her arm and pulled her back. "Please," said Hermione. "Do you know what's wrong with him?"

Voldemort looked at Harry then at Ron.

"He's dizzy," said Ron. "And his eye sight is all messed up."

Harry felt Voldemort come closer and bend down to look into his face. "Harry, open your eyes," said Voldemort.

Harry couldn't even distinguish those red slits as he looked into them.

"Are your ears ringing?" said Voldemort.

Harry shook his head.

Voldemort turned his head. "Ron, come here," said Voldemort. "Hold out your hand."

He turned back to Harry. "Harry, take Ron's hand and squeeze it as tight as you can."

Harry's blurry gaze turned to Ron then on his hand. He took Ron's hand and squeezed.

He heard a cry of pain. Was it his own?

"Let go, Harry," said Voldemort.

Let go of what? Harry looked at his hands then up. He saw Ron. Ron was holding one of his hands tightly under his arm. Harry blinked at him, trying to focus. He squinted. "Ron? You all right?"

Harry heard a gasp and managed to turn his head. There were two people standing to his right.

"Harry."

Harry looked up.

A tight grip attached around his chin and the dizziness instantly went away. His eyes focused on Voldemort's red stare.

"It's gone," whispered Harry.

"And what do you feel now?" said Voldemort.

"Just the pain from your touch."

"Do you know what the problem is?" said Hermione.

Voldemort sent her a glance before returning his gaze to Harry. "Oh indeed I do."

"Can you help him?" said Ron.

Voldemort stared into Harry's eyes. "I can help him," said Voldemort. "In fact, I am the only one who can help him."

"Lord Voldemort," said Hermione a little breathlessly. "Can you explain?"

Voldemort let go of Harry and turned to her.

The dizziness hit Harry so hard he had to put his head to his knees. "Hermione Granger, you could probably explain it better than I could," said Voldemort.

"It has to do with you feeding magic off each other, doesn't it," said Hermione.

"Yes," said Voldemort, turning to Harry. "Harry has reached a threshold. He needs a little more power to get him through it."

"What do you have to do?" asked Ron.

Voldemort sent him a glance. "I have to touch his scar."

"NO!" cried Ginny.

Voldemort cast her another interested look. "Who is this girl?"

Ron jumped in front of her. "She's my sister."

Voldemort sighed. "Ah well." He turned to Harry. "Will you accept my power, Harry?" said Voldemort. "I can not help you unless you accept it."

"We've got you, Voldemort," said Sirius from the doorway.