Harry Potter and the Unexpected Inheritance

Chapter 10

The Unexpected Ally

"What are we looking for?"

Harry almost groaned. What the hell was Malfoy doing in his room?

"I told you, Draco. The letters."

Great. Both Malfoys were in his room. Harry wondered if he had the strength to tell them to get out.

"But wouldn't he have kept his letters in his trunk," said Draco. "That's still at his house."

"The letters we are looking for are the original ones that Lord Voldemort sent to Harry," said Lucius.

"Why?" said Draco, slamming a drawer.

"I don't know," said Lucius. "And will you be quiet. If we disturb him, the master will have a fit."

"He really doesn't look well at all," said Draco, sounding subdued.

"Yes," said Lucius. Harry could still hear them shuffling through his drawers. "Everything effects him worse now. It takes him longer to recover. Be glad your name isn't Harry Potter."

"Is he really that powerful?"

"Yes, Draco," said Lucius. "You would do best to remember it, too."

"Is he strong enough to defeat the master yet?" said Draco.

"Lord Voldemort says no," said Lucius. "But I'm beginning to wonder. He's absorbed so much of the masters power - combined with his families magical strength, he very well could be. Find anything?"

"No, father," said Draco. "His family's strength? Did you know them?"

"Who James?" said Lucius. "They were all a year behind me but yes, I knew them. James Potter was and Sirius Black is very powerful. One must learn to acknowledge and respect wizards of great strength from families such as ours which both of them were." Lucius sighed and softly closed a drawer. "I didn't associate with Lily Evans as she was a mudblood."

Harry almost sat up at that, but Lucius went on.

"But she was popular. Her powers were strong too which I believe could have been because magic had skipped a generation in her family."

"What? Like someone was a squib?" said Draco.

"Yes," said Lucius. "That can mess up the blood in a family line but it won't effect the powers once magic resurfaces. And when Severus introduced me to Lily, I found her charming."

"So you knew Harry would be strong?"

"Yes, Draco. When you were born the same year as the heir, I knew there was a possibility that he would go to school with you."

"You told me to try to befriend him," said Draco. It sounded like an accusation to Harry.

"I know," said Lucius. "But the master was right, the boy is stubborn. Just like his father."

"Was his father as arrogant as Professor Snape says?"

Lucius Malfoy laughed and Harry almost said something again but Lucius' words stopped him.

"James Potter was far from arrogant, you could have even called him modest. Severus' judgement is clouded by the animosity between him and that particular group," said Lucius. "James knew his strengths though. What I would call self-confidence, Severus called arrogance. But James also acknowledged the strengths of others."

"Meaning?" said Draco.

Lucius was quiet for a moment, as if thinking. "As you probably know, if you've been to the trophy room, James Potter was the best Seeker in the school."

"People say that about Harry," grumbled Draco.

"Well when it's in your blood, you can't help it, Draco," said Lucius. "I may have spoiled you by getting you onto the team, as a father is like to do, but you are indeed a better Seeker than I could have ever been."

"But you were a Beater," said Draco.

"Yes," said Lucius. "And in my sixth year I brought down the great James Potter."

"Oh?"

"Indeed," said Lucius. "I hit him with a bludger. Not an easy task. I could fly great in my day but James was a great flier. The odds of actually hitting him were remote. The bludger hit him in the leg and knocked him into one of the stantions which knocked him out and to the ground."

Harry heard the shuffling of more paper, but was too interested in Lucius' story to interrupt them yet.

"Bet he was mad," said Draco.

"Draco everyone who plays the game accepts the risks," said Lucius. "You know that and James was not mad. When he came around later, I went to see him. Sirius was with him.

"'Come to gloat, Malfoy,' Sirius had said to me. James had been sitting up, looking at me. I told him I had come to see what the damage was - with those two you had to fight sarcasm with sarcasm. James had laughed and admitted that he had a broken hip and a mild concussion then he held out his hand and shook mine.

'You've come close so many times, Lucius, I knew you'd get me one day,' James had said.

"Sirius had grumbled something, but James looked at him and said, 'Give it a rest, Sirius. Lucius is the best Beater in the school and I believe he knows it.' Then he looked me right in the eye and, still smiling, told me he owed me one.

"I told him I'd be ready."

"What happened?" said Draco.

"The next day, he came up to me very near the entrance to the Slytherin Common Room. I didn't know how he found me then, but now I know it was that map of theirs and he gave a box of perfectly heated butterbeer."

"Why?"

"That's what I said," said Lucius. "'I told you I owed you one,' was all he said before he walked away." Lucius sighed. "But that's what I meant, Draco. He acknowledged other peoples strengths and talents."

"You admired him," said Draco.

"I did, Draco," said Lucius. "I very much hoped he would join us, but as I said before, he was stubborn too."

"Why do you hate Harry?" said Draco.

Harry was almost afraid to hear this one. He opened his mouth to say something but his damned curiosity got the better of him.

"I initially despised him because of all he took from me," admitted Lucius. "I had such power. People feared me, respected me although they did even after, if wasn't quite the same. I had been Lord Voldemort's most trusted Death Eater. I feared nothing but Voldemort himself. But he knew how loyal I was, knew I would do anything he told me to do so I didn't even have to fear him. He rewarded me well. That boy took it all away, even if he had no control over it."

"And now?" said Draco.

"Now." Lucius sighed, closing another drawer. "Knowing everything he's been through, seeing first hand what he can take and do, I honestly think that he should have changed his name and gone to Bulgaria."

Harry couldn't help it. His laugh came out as a snort, startling both Malfoys.

"Master Harry," said Lucius. "Can I be of assistance?"

Harry shook his head as he pushed himself to a sitting position. He still couldn't help grinning. "Mr. Malfoy," said Harry, looking across the room at him. Malfoy was in front of a chest of drawers. "Do you know where Bulgaria is?"

Draco snorted on his laugh.

"I do," said Lucius seriously. "But it wouldn't make a difference. The master would find you."

Harry only nodded.

"How much did you hear?" said Lucius.

"Enough," said Harry, as he pushed himself to his feet beside his bed. He stared at his legs. They held him.

He looked to the door and tried calling Rowan again. Then he lifted his hand, unlocked his desk drawer in the office and summoned the letters. As soon as they hit his hand, he called Voldemort.

"You don't know why he wants these, do you?" said Harry, looking down at the letters.

"No," said Lucius.

As soon as Voldemort entered the bedroom, Harry hit his knees.

"Damn it, Voldemort," said Harry. "You could have warned me."

Voldemort chuckled. "I'm sorry, Harry, but I had hoped you'd have some strength back."

"I did."

"You did call me," said Voldemort.

Harry let Draco help his to his feet. "Yes," said Harry, leaning on the back of the chair beside his bed. "What do you need these letters for?"

"Leave us," said Voldemort.

"No, they can stay," said Harry.

"If you wish, Harry," said Voldemort. "Ron said they would be useful evidence for your appeal."

"You're trying to help?" said Harry.

"Yes, Harry," said Voldemort. "It's what you want, isn't it? To be accepted again?"

"I'm not so sure now," muttered Harry. Voldemort was watching Harry closely. "Voldemort?"

"Yes, Harry?"

"It's pretty established by the wizarding world that Lucius Malfoy is a Death Eater," said Harry. "Why is Draco still allowed back to school?"

Draco perked up. "Good question," said Draco, looking to his father.

"Draco is still considered salvageable," said Lucius.

"Salvageable," echoed Harry and he looked at Draco. Malfoy laughed. Harry turned back to Voldemort. "And me?"

Voldemort sighed patiently. "The wizarding world is very complex in it's present state - and I told you what must be done to correct it. You are an unknown factor within it right now. They simply don't know what to do with you."

"But you do," said Harry.

"Oh, yes," said Voldemort.

"So do I," muttered Harry and he looked at Draco. "Want to come to Bulgaria with me? I hear the Quidditch is great."

Draco grinned. "Sure, Potter."

"You can't run from me, Harry," said Voldemort.

"I know," said Harry. "You'll find me. And now you keep me prisoner by draining me daily. The only difference then being sent to jail is there wouldn't be any pain."

"It isn't my fault that they have caged your phoenix," said Voldemort.

"You could leave me alone for a couple of days, then so I can recover," suggested Harry.

"No, Harry."

"Then tell me where Rowan is and I will go and get her," said Harry.

"I don't know where she is, Harry," said Voldemort.

Harry wasn't sure if he believed him. Harry was starting to think that Voldemort was purposely draining Harry to keep him there. Anything to make the world think that Harry had chosen to stay with Voldemort. Then why the help with the appeal? Harry was confused again.

"I heard she was in Dumbledore's office," said Draco.

Harry glanced at him.

"You don't have the strength to apparate into Hogwarts," said Voldemort.

"You-"

"I have never been in Dumbledore's office, Harry. I would not be able to picture it," said Voldemort.

Harry looked at Draco. If Harry had help... He took a hold on Draco's arm. "Help me, Malfoy. Concentrate on me and we can-"

"Draco does not know how to apparate," said Voldemort.

"I do," said Draco, grabbing Harry arm. "Let's go."

Before Voldemort or Lucius could stop them, Harry concentrated on Dumbledore's office.

What a nightmare.

Harry hit his knees as they materialized in the office, the effort draining him further. He immediately heard Rowan's song, yelling at him with concern and irritation.

"She's beautiful," muttered Draco.

"Thanks," said Harry. "Help me up." Fawkes started to sing too as Draco helped Harry to his feet. "Quiet Fawkes," said Harry.

Harry moved to Rowan's cage. "I'm not sure if I can open it, girl," said Harry. "But I'll do my best." Rowan looked into his eyes and must have seen his pain because she started crying. Harry pulled out his knife and began working on the lock. He tried his command but it didn't work.

"Maybe Fawkes will help you," said Draco.

Harry glanced at the bird who only stared sadly back. "I don't think he can. He's at the end of his cycle, I don't know how much healing power he has left."

Harry kept working on the lock. He was starting to get dizzy.

"Why did Voldemort say you didn't know how to apparate?" said Harry.

"Because he didn't know I could," said Draco.

Was it a secret? "Did your father teach you?" said Harry.

"No, Harry. I did."

Harry startled at the sound of Dumbledore's voice and his knees buckled from the sudden movement. Harry looked up at him.

"This was a trap, wasn't it?" said Harry.

"Yes," said Dumbledore.

Draco helped Harry into a chair.

"Professor Snape told me Voldemort was keeping you with him by draining your strength," said Dumbledore. "I had hoped you would figure out that with help, you could get back. Which is why I sent Draco."

Harry sighed. "Well, if I'm to go to prison, can you let Rowan out. I'd rather go without this pain."

Dumbledore studied Harry with that searching look of his. "You need not go to jail, Harry." With a wave of his hand, Rowan's cage was opened and she flew directly to him.

When Harry was pain free, he looked at Dumbledore. "Why?"

Dumbledore sat down behind his desk. "Arthur Weasley and Remus have won your appeal. The Ministry of Magic will drop the charges if you will breach the current contract you have with Voldemort."

Harry blinked at him. "But if I breach it, can't he just come and take me?" said Harry.

"He can try," said Dumbledore. "But you are strong enough to keep him from apparating out of Hogwarts with him."

"I can?" said Harry. Dumbledore nodded. "But my friends-"

"He will try that too, Harry," said Dumbledore. "But you must be strong. You must accept that he won't hurt them."

"How do you know?" said Harry.

"Harry, Voldemort has been emotionally tearing you apart."

Harry looked away.

"He wants you to see him as a father."

"I know," said Harry softly.

"He will not risk what he has already established with you by hurting anyone you care about," said Dumbledore.

"Why not?" said Harry. "It never bothered him before."

"He has threatened," said Dumbledore. "But has he actually hurt any of them?"

Harry thought about it. Actually he hadn't. The only one Voldemort had actually hurt, aside from that one time he had hit Sirius with the Cruciatus Curse, was Harry.

"So you see, Harry, as long as you know and they know, Voldemort has nothing to use to control you. He has nothing to make you go back to him."

Harry nodded. "But what about wizards honor, if I breach-"

"Harry," Dumbledore interrupted. "You have loyal and resourceful friends. Hermione found a very interesting problem with that contract."

"She did?" said Harry, sitting straighter. He could always count on Hermione.

"Yes," said Dumbledore. "She remembered a minor little detail that was omitted."

"What?"

"Neither you nor Hermione shook on it when she proposed the contract for you," said Dumbledore.

Harry racked his brain, but Dumbledore was right. Harry knew he hadn't and Hermione was tied to the chair until Voldemort walked away. All she had said was she agreed. Harry smiled. The contract had been void this whole time. He frowned. Voldemort probably knew it too. And he let Harry believe... Manipulative bastard.

"So while the Ministry of Magic will thinks you have agreed to breach the contract, you, Hermione and Voldemort, if you chose to tell him, will know you haven't forsaken wizards honor."

Harry smiled again and glanced at Draco. Malfoy was smiling too. "Are you in on this?"

"Yes," said Draco. "My father is worried. He will not betray or renounce Voldemort but he wants me safe. He told me to do whatever Dumbledore says. I'm sort of like Professor Snape, only Voldemort doesn't know."

"No one is to know about the void contract or about Draco," said Dumbledore. "Especially Severus. He is obligated and I don't was to jeopardize his position with Voldemort."

Harry nodded.

"Draco," said Dumbledore. "Would you be so kind as to help Harry to Gryffindor Tower?"

Malfoy nodded, and with a grip on Harry's arm helped him out of the office. Once outside the office, Harry pulled his arm from Malfoy's grip.

"I'm alright," said Harry. "Rowan took care of it."

Malfoy looked annoyed. "Don't be so pathetic, Potter. You need all the help you can get."

"What-"

"Think about it," said Malfoy then he turned and strolled away.

Harry watched him leave and sighed. Just who was on which side? Harry was starting to wonder who he could trust.