Harry Potter and the Unexpected Inheritance

Chapter 7

The Balance of Power

Harry looked up at Sirius, puzzled.

"He's legally and publicly made you his heir, Harry," said Sirius.

It felt like a knife had sunk into his chest.

All my Death Eaters must acknowledge you. They have accepted it, even if you haven't.

And now the whole wizarding world knows it.

"NO!" cried Harry, dropping the paper as if it had burned him. He looked around at all the people looking at him and shook his head. "NO," said Harry, taking a step back. "It can't be possible."

"It is possible," said Sirius. "And he did it."

Harry stared at Sirius. He started to shake. Anger and helplessness coursed through him. He felt like a trap door had opened underneath him. Harry turned and ran from the room.

Harry found himself down by the lake and considered flinging himself into it.

More of Voldemort's manipulation that Harry couldn't do anything about.

What a nightmare.

Harry stared into the flames, his fists clenched at his sides. He felt Voldemort approach and move around the fire. Harry wasn't sure why he was there or what he was even going to say.

Voldemort studied him as he settled into his chair. "I can see by that expression that you heard about my gift," said Voldemort.

Harry looked at him. "Your gift," said Harry incredulously. "I can't be bought."

"Ah, is that what everyone is thinking?"

"As if you didn't plan it," said Harry. Voldemort chuckled. "That was a pretty underhanded tactic, Voldemort. Even for you."

"Harry, I was honoring you," said Voldemort.

"Honoring me," scoffed Harry. "Do I look honored?"

"How do you feel about it then?"

"Angry," said Harry.

"Well, I can see that," said Voldemort. "What else?"

Harry stared back into the fire. "Trapped."

"By what?"

Harry looked up. "By you."

"By me," said Voldemort with surprise. "Harry, I have not trapped you. You have trapped yourself."

"How do you figure that?"

"Choices, Harry. Remember."

"But I won't join you, Voldemort," said Harry. "Trying to convince everyone else that I already have isn't going to change my mind. I know the truth and you know the truth."

"Stubborn," said Voldemort. "But the truth is only how you perceive it."

Why couldn't he speak in plain English? "I don't understand," said Harry.

"I know, Harry," said Voldemort. "It's very complicated."

"Tell me."

"You are destined to kill me, Harry, but you are also destined to join me."

"How can I do both?" said Harry.

"You will find a way."

"Well that doesn't help much," said Harry.

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

Harry glared at him.

"It's very simple, Harry," said Voldemort. "Accept me and we will rule the world and share great power."

Harry opened his mouth but Voldemort raised a hand.

"With the perfect balance of power."

Harry closed his mouth. The heirs reunite, the balance of power restored? "The prophesy?" said Harry.

"Yes, Harry," said Voldemort. "Godric Gryffindor and Salazar Slytherin did great things. They created Hogwarts, for one. The only place you and I found happiness as children."

"What are you saying?" said Harry. "That you intend to renounce the dark arts?"

Voldemort laughed. "Oh, no, Harry," said Voldemort. "But what an extraordinary concept that would be." He chuckled again. "It is too late for me. You know I am inherently evil."

Harry sat down, transfixed.

"You are inherently good," said Voldemort. "The balance of power."

"You expect the entire Ministry of Magic to step down and let-"

"Oh, they won't. They will need some persuading. But I will deal with that."

"Murder and Mayhem, chaos and anarchy," said Harry.

Voldemort chuckled again. "Well there is always discord before peace and justice is restored," said Voldemort. "That is where you come in."

"Me?" said Harry.

Voldemort stood up and moved around the fire to stand over Harry. Harry flinched and looked up at him. His thoughts were a mess.

He reached out and touched Harry's face. "You will be as powerful as I am one day, Harry," said Voldemort. "But until that day, you are not ready."

Harry stared into those red eyes. He wasn't sure he wanted to know.

"Stop fighting your destiny and accept me."

Harry closed his eyes against the pain. Not only the pain from Voldemort's touch, but a pain had developed in his chest. When he opened his eyes again, he found Voldemort studying him closely. He moved his hand to Harry's chin, holding his face up. Not that Harry could look away. Voldemort's stare was too frightening in its intensity.

"I have killed your parents. I have tried to kill you. I have tortured you and I have manipulated you," said Voldemort. "But I have also protected you, taught you, given you my magical strength, my favor and my attention. And I have gone to Azkaban for you.

"I have become very fond of you, Harry," said Voldemort. "You have pleased me very much and you have made me very proud. You can make me laugh. Not many people can do that." He raised another hand toward Harry's face but didn't touch him. "I have legally made you my son. Our connection continues to grow. I am as a part of you as you are a part of me."

Harry wished he would stop, but knew that he wasn't finished. Harry's emotions were all ready bent to the breaking point.

"You know I'm right, Harry," said Voldemort. "You came to me again today and I have explained everything to you. You always come back to me." Voldemort moved his hands away from Harry's face, still searching Harry's expression. "What does that tell you?"

Harry felt like his brain was in overload now too.

"Go back to school, Harry," said Voldemort. "I have given you much to think about."

Harry turned away from Voldemort to stare into the fire. "Voldemort?"

"Yes, Harry?"

"Are you stronger than Dumbledore?"

"I am now," said Voldemort. "The only wizard in the entire world who I can't kill and who can destroy me is Harry Potter and he is now my son."

Harry felt Voldemort moving away and that deep rooted fear clutched in his chest again. Pain grew in response to it and grabbed his heart the same way Voldemort grabbed his face.

He apparated directly to Sirius and sat down in front of a desk, staring at the side of it. Sirius stood up and moved around the desk.

"Harry," said Sirius carefully. He lowered before Harry to look into his face. Harry focused on his dark eyes.

"He's winning," said Harry.

"Don't say that, Harry."

"He is," said Harry. "I can't win."

"Harry-"

"It's like he knows everything about me. What I'm thinking, what I'm feeling." Harry's voice went hoarse and he cleared it. "He knows what I'll do before I do it."

"Harry-"

"Sirius," said Harry seriously. "He is controlling me. He's beaten me."

"No, Harry," said Sirius. "He's trying to make you think that. He using your emotions to manipulate you."

"I know, but I can't stop him."

"You can," said Sirius. "Fight him."

Harry grabbed Sirius' hand, staring into his eyes. "How, Sirius? Tell me how," pleaded Harry. "He's tearing me apart. Tell me how."

Sirius shook his head. "I don't know."

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

Harry wasn't sure how he got through the next few weeks. Dumbledore had spoken to him and had lectured again about choices.

The Ministry of Magic had posted a statement that Harry had no knowledge of the bequeathment and was still safe at Hogwarts under Dumbledore's protection.

Voldemort had found the statement amusing and had sent Harry an owl reassuring him that he was still under Voldemort's protection, which irritated Harry. Harry had written back that he could take care of himself. To which Voldemort replied:

I know, Harry. But you don't have to.

Which only reminded Harry of Voldemort's manipulations.

Harry was dreading the Christmas break, which was approaching.

"Do you want me to go with you," said Ron one day out of the blue.

"Go where?" said Harry.

"To You-Know - I mean to Voldemort's compound?"

"Why?"

"Well it's clear he's upsetting you," said Ron. "I thought, well, I could go with you as, you know, moral support."

Harry stared at him. "You'd do that?" said Harry.

"Harry, you idiot, of course I would," said Ron. "We both know I'm safe under the contract. You're the only one who isn't safe from You- I mean, Voldemort's manipulations. If I'm there, maybe I can keep you grounded."

Harry felt the weight on his chest lighten. "Oh, Ron," said Harry. "That would be great. Will your parents let you?"

"My father suggested it."

Harry grabbed Ron by the shoulders. "Ron, you don't know what this means to me."

Ron shrugged. "It's not easy being Harry Potter's best friend but I'm damned good at it."

Harry smiled. "You're damned right, you are."

"You better ask him first though, Harry," said Ron. "Don't want to breach the contract."

"Good point."

Harry sent Voldemort a brief note asking if he could bring Ron with him and Voldemort's reply didn't surprise Harry.

Ah, moral support. I have said before, Harry, you have brave and loyal friends. Of course you may bring Ron home to visit. He will be a welcomed guest.

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

"I hate this," grumbled Ginny, fussing with Harry's collar. "I really do."

"I know, Ginger, but I have to go."

"Why can't I go?" demanded Ginny. "I'm not afraid."

"I know you aren't," said Harry. "But I told you, he can't know about us."

"But you're taking Ron."

"Ron's my best friend," said Harry. "And he's been there before."

"But I'm a Weasley too," said Ginny.

"Ginger," pleaded Harry.

"Fine!" she snapped. She grabbed Harry's face, kissed him once hard on the mouth and stormed away.

"Trouble in paradise?" said Ron as he walked into the common room looking back at his sister. Ron had been in the other room saying good bye to Hermione, who came out right behind him.

"Yeah, your sister's mad now," said Harry.

"She's just worried about you, Harry," said Hermione as she stepped up to him and kissed his cheek. "So am I. You both be careful."

Harry nodded and looked at Ron. "Ready?"

Ron nodded and Harry got a grip on Ron's arm.

Another nightmare.

Ron and Harry apparated in front of the fire and Harry looked around. Voldemort was no where to be seen but a Death Eater approached them.

"Welcome home, Master Harry," said the man. "I am Darian Michaels. Please follow me."

"Where is Voldemort?" said Harry.

"The master is in conference," said Mr. Michaels as he led them toward Harry's tent. "He will send for you when he is free. Your tent has been altered to include a private room for Mr. Weasley. I hope it meets with your satisfaction."

Ron looked impressed. Harry got mad. "Grounded, Ron," said Harry. "Remember."

"Oh, yeah," said Ron. "I'm sure it's fine, Mr. Michaels."

"If it isn't, Master Harry," he said. "Please inform me so the master can punish those responsible."

Harry didn't like the sound of that and to his dismay, they found Ron's room to be a disaster. Ron laughed but Harry recognized it for what it was - a test.

"Why are you laughing," said Harry. "This is a test to see if I'll use the authority Voldemort forced on me."

"I know, Harry," said Ron. "But it back fired."

"What do you mean?"

"Harry," said Ron, still smiling. "This is what my room usually looks like. I love it."

Harry stared at him.

"I only straighten it up when I know you are coming to stay."

"You like it?" said Harry.

"Yeah. It's fine."

Harry laughed.

They were in the middle of a game of wizards chess when Voldemort signaled.

"Do you want me to come?" said Ron.

"Not yet," said Harry. "I'm not sure how he'll react to the test yet."

Harry moved through the compound. Several Death Eaters acknowledge him with a courteous nod and Harry wanted to scream. He ducked into Voldemort's tent.

"Ah, Harry. Come in," said Voldemort. "How is everything?"

"As well as can be expected," said Harry as he took a seat in one of the chairs in front of Voldemort's desk.

"Meaning..."

"You know what I mean, Voldemort."

"But I don't, Harry. Tell me."

"I don't like being treated like royalty," said Harry. "Tell them to stop."

"You tell them to stop," said Voldemort. "They will do as you say. What displeases you, displeases me. You are my son."

Harry sighed and decided not to go there. "Can I go, Voldemort. I'm in the middle of a chess game with Ron that I might actually win."

Voldemort chuckled. "And are Ron's accommodations satisfactory?"

Harry stood up. "Oh, yes. Ron's happy as a clam."

Voldemort frowned. "Is he?"

Harry had to smile. "Sorry, Voldemort. I guess I failed your first test. If you ever saw Ron's room, you'd know he's perfectly comfortable with his room."

Voldemort laughed. "Ah, Harry. I have taught you well."

Harry stopped smiling.

"You have passed that test because you recognized it as a test. I did, in fact, know Ron would be happy with his room."

Why wasn't Harry surprised? "Of course," said Harry. "You know everything."

"Accept it, Harry," said Voldemort. "There is no other way for you. Your destiny is with me."

Harry ignored it. "May I leave your exalted presence now?"

Voldemort chuckled. "Yes, Harry."

Harry returned to his tent and Ron instantly grounded him.

"He just knows what teenage boys' rooms look like," said Ron.

"But mine-"

"Doesn't count. You didn't grow up normally. Neither did he."

Harry accepted Ron's excuse and did in fact win their game, which made Harry feel better.

"You didn't let me win, did you?" said Harry.

Ron looked at him as if he had two heads. "What do you think?"

Ron was right. Ron had enough competition. Ron never let any one win at chess. He took the game very seriously.

"I'm starving," said Ron.

"What a surprise," said Harry.

But as they left Harry's tent, they found the compound bustling with activity. Harry glanced around and saw Voldemort in his chair with five Death Eaters around him. All of them were talking at once.

"Something's wrong," said Harry. They both moved toward the fire.

"That's good isn't it?" said Ron.

"I don't know," said Harry. "Does Voldemort look worried to you?"

"Not really," said Ron.

"Exactly."

Voldemort held up his hand for silence and the Death Eaters instantly shut up.

"It is merely an inconvenience," said Voldemort.

"But master-"

"Enough," said Voldemort. "Make the necessary arrangements and I will tell you where and when." Voldemort noticed Harry at that moment and smiled with such satisfaction that Harry's stomach clenched up.

Harry stood behind his chair, Ron beside him. "What's going on?" said Harry.

"Leave us," Voldemort told the Death Eaters and they dispersed. To Harry he said, "Wormtail has been caught."

"Why aren't you worried?" said Harry.

"Sit, Harry." He looked at Ron and indicated another chair. "Because, Harry," said Voldemort. "Wormtail doesn't know enough to be a threat to me. The only inconvenience is that we will have to relocate the camp."

"Why do I get the feeling there's more," said Harry, sitting down. Ron sat too, looking interested.

Voldemort smiled. "Your instincts are very good, Harry," said Voldemort. "Wormtail isn't a threat to me. He is a threat to you."

Harry ran a hand through his hair. "I knew I wasn't going to like this."

Voldemort chuckled.

"Why is Wormtail a threat to Harry?" said Ron.

"Why do you think, Ron?" said Voldemort.

Harry looked up but Voldemort was staring at Harry as if Harry would know. Harry was afraid he did know and Ron figured it out.

"He's going to tell them that Harry's joined you," said Ron. "You've given him authority over the Death Eaters, you made him your heir." Ron looked at Harry. "He's going to rat you out."

"Indeed Ron. Very good," said Voldemort. "He's betrayed Harry's father and now he will betray Harry."

"But it's a lie," said Ron.

"Who will believe it?" said Voldemort.

"Everyone who knows Harry," said Ron stubbornly.

"Perhaps," said Voldemort and he turned to Harry. "So you are faced with a choice, Harry. Stay with me or go back and defend yourself against the charges."

"Harry, everyone will defend you. The entire school knows the truth. Even Snape-"

Voldemort sighed patiently. "Ron, everyone knows that Severus is a spy for both sides. He will not be able to testify."

Harry continued to stare at Voldemort. He remembered the smile. "This is a test," said Harry. "Isn't it?"

Voldemort chuckled. "Oh, Harry, how well you know me. Yes, it is but I will not be the one giving it to you."

"I have to go back," said Harry.

"If that is your choice," said Voldemort.

"You will let me?"

"Of course, Harry. If Wormtail betrays you, you have every right to face him."

Harry stood up. Ron did to.

"Oh Harry."

Harry turned back to Voldemort.

"If it's any consolation," said Voldemort. "I heard it was Sirius who caught Wormtail and it took five wizards to keep him from killing Wormtail outright."

Harry absorbed that. If they hadn't stopped Sirius, Wormtail couldn't rat on Harry. "It's not," said Harry.

Harry apparated to La Casa Black (Ron had gone directly home to find out what was going on through his family).

"Arthur, it's ridiculous." Harry heard Sirius' voice raised in anger from the office.

"I know it and you know it but the ministry is in chaos over this."

Harry moved to the door.

Mr. Weasley went on. "The minute he gets back-"

"I'm here," said Harry, startling both men. "Am I under arrest?"

Mr. Weasley turned away. Sirius looked over Harry's expression. "So you know."

"He's told the Ministry that I've joined Voldemort, hasn't he?" said Harry.

"He's told them a lot more than that, Harry," said Sirius.

Great.