Harry Potter and the Trelawney Prophesy

A/N: This chapter is dedicated to BrennaSH who has obviously been reading between some of the lines. She has perceptively foreseen several things that will be coming up. Cheers.

Also please note, I had a lot of fun with the next few chapters, I hope you like them but don't forget, there is a reason for everything that Voldemort allows to happen in his compound and for every 'gift' Harry gets.

Enjoy and don't forget to review.

Chapter 9

Tests and Temptations

There were perhaps 20 or 25 Death Eaters congregating in the clearing across the compound. Behind them was a long table set up under a tarp, even if the tarp was unnecessary. The compound was sealed against the weather and climate controlled.

As Harry walked, he saw Voldemort move from a small group to Draco and Lucius Malfoy. Draco was looking at the ground but Voldemort was obviously addressing him.

Harry saw Draco nod then he looked up toward Harry's tent. Both Lucius and Voldemort followed Draco's gaze.

Harry approached them and Voldemort did indeed look delighted.

"Ah Harry," said Voldemort. "You look splendid. Come we will start."

The Death Eaters all moved around the table and they all stood behind a chair waiting for Voldemort. There appeared to be some sort of ranking order to the seating because the ones at the far end Harry didn't recognize.

"How did you manage to pick out a cloak and jewelry to match," said Draco at Harry's ear as they moved around the table.

Harry sent him a grin. "I guess I'm not as inept as you thought."

Draco snorted. "As I suspected - sheer luck."

Harry smiled and shook his head as Draco stopped at a chair.

Voldemort was settling himself into his chair which Harry thought looked more like a throne, at the head of the table. Lucius was on his left and there was an empty chair beside him. Harry was on Voldemort's right, Draco beside him and Harry leaned toward the other boy.

"Is your mother supposed to be here?" whispered Harry, indicating the empty seat beside Lucius.

"No," Draco whispered back. "Snape's supposed to be here."

"Harry."

Harry looked up at Voldemort who indicated Harry's chair.

Harry realized that when he sat down, he'd be in the flinch zone. He wouldn't be able to get through the first coarse without getting a full blown headache. Harry glanced around. The Death Eaters were waiting for Harry to sit down.

Harry leaned toward Voldemort. "Can I switch seats with Draco," said Harry softly.

Voldemort looked not only insulted but hurt.

Bracing himself, Harry reached out and laid a hand on Voldemort's shoulder.

"I forgot to bring Tylenol," whispered Harry. Voldemort stared into Harry's eyes. Harry shrugged. "I'm here, Voldemort," said Harry pointedly.

"Hmm. Yes I know," said Voldemort then he chuckled as Harry removed his hand. "Of course you may, Harry," said Voldemort. "I should have foreseen that." To Draco he said, "Draco, my boy, sit here." He indicated Harry's chair.

Harry and Draco switched and Harry sat down. Everyone else did then too and the chatter started immediately as food and wine appeared on the elegantly set table. The candelabras lit themselves.

Avery was sitting on Harry's right but Harry had no idea what he and the two Death Eaters in front of him were discussing. Lucius was talking to Voldemort about some unnamed demonstration, which obviously included Draco because Draco nodded several times.

Harry reached for his goblet, feeling alone again. The bubbling liquid tickled his tongue and Harry looked inside the cup at the clear fluid. He took another sip.

"This is good," Harry muttered, unintentionally aloud.

Draco looked over his arm into his cup.

"Champaign," said Draco.

Harry looked at him. "Really?"

Draco smirked at him. "Potter-"

"Yeah, yeah," said Harry, waving his hand. "I know - I'm pathetic."

Draco laughed and picked up his cup. He clinked it to Harry's.

"What are we drinking to?" said Harry.

Draco was thoughtful. "How about to Gryffindor moronity," said Draco.

Harry smirked at the pun but knocked his glass to Draco's anyway and they drank.

Harry had a strange feeling that his relationship with Draco Malfoy was going to alter. Oddly, it didn't bother Harry. He didn't quite feel so alone at that moment and Draco didn't turn away.

He changed the subject completely to a topic that they both found fascinating - Quidditch. The very subject brought him up short, however.

"Wait a minute," said Draco, looking astonished. "That was your first time a broom, wasn't it?"

"What?"

"First year," said Draco. "When I stole Longbottom's remembrall. You'd never been on a broom before, had you?"

Harry shrugged. "I'd never even seen one."

Draco rolled his eyes. "No wonder McGonagall made you Seeker despite our age."

Before long, they were both submerged in an enthusiastic debate about racing brooms. They didn't even notice when the table went silent.

"Master Harry," Avery interrupted them.

Harry and Draco looked up as a black robed, hooded and masked figure approached Voldemort and stopped beside his chair.

"You're late, Severus," said Voldemort sharply.

Snape removed his mask. "I know, Master," said Severus Snape. "I am sorry, but-" He leaned down and spoke softly next to Voldemort's ear.

Voldemort let out a long suffering sigh. "Idiots," muttered Voldemort. "I told Richardson exactly what to do with anyone who-"

"I know, My Lord," said Severus. "But he was so pleased with who it was that he was sure you would want to know."

Voldemort's eyes moved briefly to Harry then he turned back to Severus.

"Very well," said Voldemort. "Sit down, Severus." He looked down the table. "McDade," he called.

The Death Eater instantly got up and moved to Voldemort's chair.

"Yes, Master?"

"Go immediately to the Esperian province and tell Richardson I will be there in two hours," said Voldemort.

The Esperian province? That's where Sirius-

Harry stood up abruptly. Voldemort raised his hand without looking at Harry as if expecting this reaction.

"And tell him," Voldemort went on to McDade, "No one is to touch the prisoner until I get there."

"Yes, master."

"And," added Voldemort in a menacing tone, "if the prisoner is in less than perfect condition when I get there, I will be most displeased."

"Yes, master," said the Death Eater again.

"Go now," said Voldemort. "And return straight away."

With that, McDade bowed, grabbed his cloak and left.

"You should have sent me, My Lord," said Lucius Malfoy, with a glance at Harry.

Voldemort finally turned to Harry. Harry was still on his feet, his fists clenched.

Oh God - Sirius. And Voldemort had known the whole time he'd be caught.

Voldemort simply stared at Harry, as if just waiting for Harry to loose his temper, which Harry was very close to doing.

You could even loose your temper and he wouldn't punish you.

But there was something else going on. Harry felt it.

Another test?

More than likely.

You've gotten to him, Potter.

Accept his almighty protection.

You know I won't hurt anyone you care about...

What pleases you, pleases me. You are my son.

Harry stared back at Voldemort. Draco was looking back and forth between them, a puzzled look on his face.

Voldemort wanted to know how far Harry would trust him.

"You will take care of this problem?" said Harry finally.

"Of course, Harry," said Voldemort.

Harry inclined his head. "That pleases me," said Harry.

Voldemort laughed with delight as Harry sat back down and talk resumed around the table.

"What was that all about?" said Draco quietly.

Harry almost said 'nothing' but stopped himself. Normally he wouldn't be able to tell anyone about the emotional struggle he had just gone through but he remembered that Malfoy understood.

"It was another test," said Harry.

"Oh," said Draco with interest.

"Do you know where the Esperian province is?" said Harry.

Malfoy shrugged. "Up north somewhere. There are some wizarding farms there. I think the lord has-" He cut himself off and looked at Harry.

"Dumbledore sent Sirius to the Esperian province to spy," Harry told him.

"The Death Eaters caught Black?"

"Yes," said Harry.

Malfoy sighed. "And Voldemort wanted to see if you would trust him to take care of it."

"Exactly."

"He doesn't let up with you, does he?" said Draco.

"No," said Harry quietly.

"You should have Granger look up Bulgaria for you," said Draco.

Harry looked over at him. Draco was grinning. Harry laughed and picked up his cup. Draco picked up his too.

"Now there's a plan," said Harry, hitting his cup to Draco's again.

Neither one of them saw Voldemort's smug grin as he watched the exchange.

Harry left his tent the next morning and went straight for food. He was hungry. Turning toward the fire with a full plate, he noticed the crowd of Death Eaters in the clearing - a lot more than had been there last night.

Voldemort wasn't in his usual chair by the fire, in fact, his chair wasn't even where it usually was. Curious, Harry put his plate down by his chair and moved toward the Death Eaters.

He spotted Voldemort's chair and went toward it, flinching as he stopped beside it.

"Voldemort," said Harry.

Voldemort looked up at him. "Ah, Harry," said Voldemort. "Good morning."

"The problem in the Esperian province?" said Harry.

Voldemort smiled. "There is no problem in the Esperian province."

Harry inclined his head. "Thank you." With a glance at the clearing in front of them, he asked, "What's going on?"

"A demonstration of skill," said Voldemort.

Harry noticed Lucius and Draco Malfoy enter the open area and remembered the conversation he had heard mentioned last night at the table.

"What kind of skill?" said Harry.

"Fencing," said Voldemort. "A somewhat archaic art but fascinating to watch those with skill."

Harry watched both Malfoys remove their robes and saw the swords in intricately designed sheaths belted around their hips.

"Lucius is a master swordsman," said Voldemort. "And of course Draco is his protégé. It pleases me to watch them spar occasionally."

Harry watched with interest as they both turned to Voldemort and held up the sword in salute then slashed the blade down with a swipe to their sides. Then they removed the sheaths for freer movement and saluted each other in the same manner. They took their stances.

Lucius began the 'practice' and throughout the thrusting and parrying Harry could hear him softly calling out instructions to his son. Lucius Malfoy was indeed incredible to watch as he put Draco through the paces of form and balance.

Harry stood transfixed. I wish I could do that.

It was so graceful. The flashing swords (no practice swords what they used, but four foot shining weapons) mesmerizing, the steel clanking like a rhythmic beat.

When Draco was disarmed, Lucius turned to Voldemort and saluted him again as he did before. Draco retrieved his sword and saluted also. They sparred several times and Harry couldn't keep his eyes off them. Father and son practicing a shared art form.

It made his chest hurt with a combination of envy and respect but Harry couldn't look away.

When they were done, the Death Eaters dispersed and Harry watched as Lucius went to Draco and laid a hand on his shoulder, clearly giving him praise and more instruction.

"Harry?"

Harry turned his head and realized he had stood the whole time next to Voldemort's chair.

"You enjoyed that, didn't you?" said Voldemort.

Harry nodded and looked back at the pair. "Do you think - if I ask-" Harry cut himself off. Yeah like Lucius might teach him. Harry's relationship with Draco might be changing, as it was now it was still obscure, but Lucius certainly wouldn't want anything to do with Harry.

"What, Harry?"

"Nothing," said Harry and he went back to his breakfast, which even though it was cold, Harry ate it, still thinking of the fencing match.

He spent most of the morning in his tent doing some of his Holiday homework. When Draco came in just before lunch, Harry was delighted but covered it.

"Don't you ever knock, Malfoy," said Harry, but without much heat.

"Would you have invited me in if I had?" said Malfoy with a note of challenge in his voice.

Was this it? Make or break time? Harry felt like the moment Malfoy had extended his hand on the train their first year.

Harry sighed. "Yeah, I would have," said Harry but it was grumbled.

Malfoy laughed as he moved toward Harry's desk. "Don't be so pathetic, Potter," said Malfoy as he looked at what Harry was doing. "I'm really not so bad."

"Yeah, I guessed that."

"Still haven't finished your potions assignment, I see," said Malfoy.

"Well, I've never been that good at it, but Snape expects 110% from me now," said Harry. "Must be nice to be his star pupil."

"Try paying attention in class," said Malfoy, dropping into one of the chairs in the office.

"I do," said Harry in defence. "Did you want something? Or did you just want to chat about school?"

"Actually, I came to see if you brought your Transfiguration book," said Malfoy. "I left mine at school and that is one subject where you have the whole school beat. I heard about some of your other - um - performances the first few weeks of school and while I think the piggy bank was the best, they sounded amusing."

Harry shrugged. "I was bored," said Harry. "And no I didn't bring my book, but I can go back and get it if you want."

"You would?"

"Sure," said Harry. "It's not really that difficult for me, remember."

"Yeah, being the heir and all," said Malfoy.

"I'll go at lunch," said Harry.

"You're not going to lunch?" said Malfoy.

Harry shook his head. "Too many Death Eaters," said Harry.

"Scared, Potter," said Malfoy with half a grin.

"Terrified," said Harry.

"Of what," said Malfoy with doubt.

"They way they look at me," admitted Harry.

"How do they look at you?" said Malfoy, grinning again.

"Damn it, Malfoy, you know what I mean."

Malfoy laughed softly. "Yeah, I just wanted to see if you would say it."

"Bastard," said Harry with laugh.

Malfoy laughed too and with a glance at his watch stood up. "Well since I don't have the option of not dining with Death Eaters, I've got to go."

"OK," said Harry. "I'll bring the book by a little later."

"Thanks," said Malfoy and he moved toward the door.

"And Malfoy," said Harry. Malfoy stopped and turned back. "That was really great this morning. I mean the fencing. You're really good."

Malfoy smiled. "I've been fencing since I was six," said Malfoy. "I'm no where near as good as my father but I really love it."

"I could tell," said Harry. "It was incredible to watch." Harry had to fight to keep himself from mentioning how badly he wanted to learn.

"Thanks," said Malfoy and he left.

Lunch was brought to him by a house elf - Voldemort would have known that Harry wouldn't be joining them and after he ate, Harry apparated back to the Gryffindor common room. He went up to the dorm and got his Transfiguration book.

When he returned to the common room, Harry was surprised - although he probably shouldn't have been - to find Dumbledore waiting.

"Hi, Professor," said Harry. He held up the book. "Homework."

Dumbledore nodded and appraised Harry with curiosity.

"What?" said Harry, looking down at himself. Then he noticed his clothes. "Oh, um-"

"Never mind, Harry," said Dumbledore. "I see he is still treating you well."

"Er, yes," said Harry, suddenly uncomfortable. He changed the subject. "The ministry," said Harry. "They-"

"They still do not have a clue," said Dumbledore.

"And have you heard from Sirius," said Harry.

"Sirius is fine," said Dumbledore. "Although he was not able to ascertain any useful information. I have sent him to check on Hagrid with the giants."

Harry nodded.

"Well I must be going," said Dumbledore. "Lot's to do. And Harry," Harry looked up. "Try not to worry. And try to have a good Christmas."

Dumbledore could have added, "for it might be your last", he looked so solemn but Harry chose to ignore it.

Enjoy it while you can.

Harry sighed as Dumbledore left and apparated back to his tent. Book in hand, he left the tent and immediately noticed the large tent being erected at the end of the compound, just to the right of Harry's tent. It was hard to miss because some trees had to be moved, which Harry noted with fascination that they were magically moved and not torn down.

He went to the Malfoy's tent and called Draco. He entered at Malfoy's say and noticed that Lucius wasn't there. Draco was sitting behind one of the two desks in the office Harry had entered. Although it wasn't as grand as his own, he did find it a bit cozier. Maybe the fact that it was shared with his father, maybe that there were traces of a woman's touch here and there.

Harry laid the book on Draco's desk.

"Thanks," said Malfoy.

"What's with the new tent?" said Harry.

"Don't know," said Malfoy. "My father does though, but he seems sort of unsure what to make of it."

"Make of what?"

"Don't know that either," said Malfoy, looking a little perplexed. "He was with Lord Voldemort earlier and he came back looking -"

"Looking?"

"Well, nervous," said Malfoy. "And somewhat surprised."

Harry sighed. "Yes, well, Voldemort can do that."

They talked some more about homework and Harry even relented and showed Malfoy his animangus form, which seemed to impress Malfoy.

When he left the Malfoy's tent that afternoon, he couldn't seem to keep his eyes off the new tent. It appeared to have been completed as there was no one around it. Harry glanced around and noticed that no one was around at all. Harry guessed there was meeting and as he passed the conference tent, his theory was confirmed as he heard voices from within.

Curious, Harry approached the tent and was about to reach for the flap when a man emerged. He took a step back and looked up.

"Oh, sorry, Mr. Malfoy," said Harry, taking another step back. Lucius Malfoy still unnerved him.

"Curious, Master Harry?" said Lucius.

"I-I just wondered-"

Lucius' hand grasped his shoulder.

"Then come in," said Lucius. "This was constructed for you."

"Me?"

"Yes," said Lucius. "Anything you ask him, he will do."

"But," said Harry confused now. "I haven't asked him for anything-"

"Didn't you?" said Lucius as he steered Harry into the tent.

The tent was indeed huge although most of it was empty space but there was a hard wood floor that had a varnished shine. It was longer than it was wide and on the far long wall was table. There was only one bookshelf but the walls were strewn with a vast display of swords.

"Wow," said Harry.

"It's just been completed," said Lucius. "I was just sent to inspect it to insure it was suitable for you."

"I-"

"You did express and interest to learn the art of fencing, didn't you?"

"Well, yes," said Harry. "But I didn't think..."

"Didn't think what?"

"Well, that you'd teach me."

Harry moved toward the wall to look with awe at all the different types of swords displayed on it. They were beautiful.

"I will do what my master tells me to do," said Lucius with no animosity in his voice.

"But-"

"Master Harry," said Lucius. "Listen carefully."

Harry looked at him, still unnerved. They were alone in the tent.

"Fencing is one of my little pleasures and I do indeed know how good I am. Passing the knowledge to my son was also a great joy to me even if his prowess has proven less than my own."

"I thought he was quite good," said Harry.

"Don't interrupt," said Lucius. "Draco has peaked I believe. There is nothing more to teach or show him. Practice and experience is all he needs now.

"I have been asked to teach you, which I will do if you wish it. If you show interest and talent, it will be a pleasure for me. If you merely go through the motions without any real enjoyment and enthusiasm for the skill, it will be a chore.

"Fencing can be very relaxing, challenging and fun and it is a good form of exercise. What you put into it will be whatever pleasure you get out of it."

Harry mind started racing with excitement. Lucius was going to teach him.

"So, what's it to be, Master Harry?"

Lucius was asking him.

My father will do anything the master tells him.

Enjoy it while you can.

Harry, still by the wall, reached up and removed a sword, gripping it to feel it's weight. Harry had handled a sword before. This one was far lighter than Godric Gryffindor's.

Harry turned to Lucius and saluted him in the way he had seen Draco and Lucius do that morning.

"When can we start?" said Harry.

Lucius Malfoy's lips curled into a smug sort of satisfied grin. "Very well," said Lucius. He reached into his robes and pulled out a book. He stepped toward Harry. "We will begin tomorrow just after breakfast," said Lucius as he held out the book. "You will familiarize yourself with this book."

Harry took it and flipped through some pages.

"It contains the ethics, codes of honor as well as the basics of form, balance and stances," said Lucius. "It is a noble art, Master Harry. I teach and practice by the rules."

Harry nodded absently, running his hands over a page of the book as if Lucius had just given him gold.

He looked up at Lucius. "Thank you, Mr. Malfoy," said Harry. "I mean it. I'll try not to disappoint you."

A strange expression came over his face. "See that you don't," said Lucius and he turned and left the tent.

Harry looked around the room. The tent had been constructed for the sole purpose of teaching Harry because he had expressed the interest to learn.

Another one of Voldemort's gifts? Had Voldemort predicted Harry would want to learn and had therefore staged the demonstration that had held Harry captivated.

Harry frowned. More than likely.

"Do you care?" he heard Draco's voice and looked up. Draco stood at the entrance to the tent.

"Hell no," said Harry. "Not this time."

Draco nodded. "Didn't think so," said Draco and he left.

Harry looked back down at the book, moving toward the door. He went to his own tent and immediately started on the book.