Harry Potter and the Unexpected Inheritance

Chapter 11

Defending Against the Dark Lord

Harry did what he was told and the Ministry dropped the charges. School started up again and it was only a week later that Harry got his first signal. He ignored it. The next day he got an owl.

Harry, why haven't you written to me? I know you have been cleared of the charges but we still have a contract. Are you prepared to accept the consequences of breaching it?

Harry didn't reply even though he wanted to tell Voldemort about the contract being void. He didn't want the physical evidence in writing however.

Harry had finished with his Transfiguration lessons. McGonagall was satisfied that Harry had mastered transformation and staying in his form.

He had circled the Transfiguration classroom during his last lesson, thrilling to the feeling of free-flying. Harry had been right. Soaring around on his own was much better than relying on his broom. If he ever fell off again, he'd never have to hit the ground. But then everyone would know. Just why was it such a big secret, Harry wondered. To keep it from Voldemort?

Harry had landed on McGonagall's desk and she held up a mirror. Harry realized he had no idea what he looked like. He peered into the mirror where a large, almost completely black hawk with piercing green eyes, stared back. He wasn't completely black, though, his personal marking (which all animangus had) was a silver discoloration of his feathers on his head in the shape of a lightning bolt.

Harry transformed and looked at Prof. McGonagall. "Can't seem to get away from that, can I, Professor?" said Harry.

Professor McGonagall had smiled at him.

******

It was a week after that Ron disappeared. Harry was sick for the three days he was gone and Voldemort had signaled Harry each of those three days.

"Stay strong," said Ginny. "Ron can handle it."

"What if he puts him under the Imperius Curse again?" said Harry. "How could I face your mother?"

"Harry," said Ginny. "All of us have accepted what we must do being Harry Potter's family. Stop torturing yourself."

Ron reappeared after those three days of hell for Harry.

"All right, Ron?" said Harry.

Ron grinned. "Never seen him so mad, Harry," said Ron. "He already knew the contract was void but he knew he couldn't touch me. Dumbledore's brilliant."

Harry smiled but still didn't like the situation.

Just before the Easter break, Voldemort showed up at school.

He apparated behind Harry in the Flinch Zone. Harry's hand hit his scar.

"Can I finish my final, Voldemort?" said Harry, looking down into his potions cauldron.

"No," said Voldemort. He wrapped an arm around Harry's chest and a cry of pain ripped out of him. "Focus on me, Harry."

"No," rasped Harry. He concentrated on the classroom, staring fixedly at his cauldron. Neither of them disapparated.

"I can make you, Harry," Voldemort whispered furiously in his ear.

Oh, no. Harry had forgotten about that. Voldemort's prolonged touch and closeness was draining him already. Harry didn't know how long he could last as it was but if Voldemort touched his scar, Harry would be helpless.

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

With a sound of disgust and anger, Voldemort let go of Harry and vanished.

Leaning on his table to support him, Harry looked up to the front of the class. Snape was looking back at him.

He nodded at Harry. "Very good, Potter," said Snape. "If this was DADA, I'd give you full marks for that."

The Easter break was a nightmare. Harry and his friends were kept at the castle but it seemed Voldemort was concentrating on Harry. He came several times and simply grabbed him. Harry remained strong though and Voldemort left each time without using his advantage.

At the end of the break, Hermione vanished. It hit Harry worse than when Ron had been taken.

Harry stared at his reflection in the mirror over the sink in Myrtle's bathroom.

Voldemort won't hurt her. Voldemort won't hurt her.

He kept repeating it in his mind. But Lucius Malfoy-

That thought wouldn't leave him alone.

Ron was hanging tough but he hadn't heard what Lucius had said. Hadn't seen the look on Lucius' face when he had threatened to lash her. Harry knew how Lucius hated Mudbloods.

Harry's hand hit his head. Voldemort's reflection appeared in the mirror behind him. He stared at the red gaze reflected back at him.

"It torments you, doesn't it, Harry," said Voldemort. "You can endure all the pain in the world, but you can't bear your friends to suffer."

Harry continued to stare at him, afraid to speak, to ask if she was suffering.

Voldemort took a step toward him and Harry turned around to face him.

"Come with me, Harry," said Voldemort.

"I can't," said Harry. "I won't."

"You will," said Voldemort. "You must."

Voldemort grabbed his face and the arm Harry held out to stop him. The pain put Harry to his knees.

"You won't hurt my friends," Harry managed.

"No, I won't," said Voldemort. "But my Death Eaters-"

"You control them, Voldemort," rasped Harry. "You can stop them."

"To what purpose?" said Voldemort. "My son has forsaken me. If he doesn't care what happens to them, why should I?"

Harry felt that pain in his chest. "You know I care," said Harry softly.

"Then protect them, Harry," said Voldemort. "I have given you that power."

Harry's sight was blurring. Voldemort let go of Harry's arm and brought his hand to Harry's face. Harry closed his eyes as Voldemort's finger gently trailed up toward his scar.

"Come with me, Harry," said Voldemort. "Save Hermione from Lucius."

Harry was afraid Voldemort was finally going to use his advantage. He wasn't even sure if Voldemort had too, Harry was so weak.

"Just say the word and I will take you to her," said Voldemort.

Ron entered the bathroom at a run and pushed Voldemort away from Harry.

"Don't listen to him, Harry," said Ron.

Harry slumped onto the floor. Ron dragged him away from Voldemort.

"Harry, look at me," said Ron.

Harry weakly raised his head. Ron stared hard into his eyes. Harry turned to Voldemort.

Voldemort looked annoyed. "As I have said, you have brave and loyal friends." To Ron, he said, "It's only a matter of time, Ron," said Voldemort. "He will come to me."

Voldemort disappeared and Harry collapsed onto Ron's chest.

*****

"Harry. Harry!"

Harry sat up with a jolt, which resulted in a cry of protest from his body. But it had been Hermione's voice. He grabbed her into a hug as fierce as his sore body could manage.

"Are you all right?" said Harry. "Please tell me Lucius didn't touch you."

"I'm fine, Harry," said Hermione. "Please calm down, you're in enough pain."

Harry hugged her again anyway. "I was so worried."

Hermione scowled at him. "I know," said Hermione with irritation. "And so did Voldemort. Ron told me what happened. He tried to manipulate you again, Harry."

Harry looked down.

"He could have taken you," she scolded. "You were weak enough. You can't go wandering off by yourself like that and you have to get a grip on this. We all know the drill now, Harry."

But Harry still had trouble dealing with it. Especially when Ginger disappeared.

Harry pulled his cloak out of his trunk.

"Harry-" said Ron.

"I can't not do anything this time, Ron," insisted Harry.

"He won't hurt her," said Hermione.

"I just have to make sure she's ok," said Harry.

"Harry," pleaded Hermione.

"I've made up my mind," said Harry.

He threw the cloak around himself. What a nightmare.

Harry apparated next to the cell. Ginger was inside. She wasn't tied up and didn't look hurt. In fact, she looked bored.

Voldemort approached the cell from the other side.

"You look bored, Miss Weasley," said Voldemort.

"This isn't going to work, Lord Voldemort," said Ginny. "Harry won't come."

Voldemort studied her. "Oh, I think he will," said Voldemort. "I've surmised that you are quite a bit more to Harry then Ron's little sister."

Don't admit to it, Ginger, Harry willed.

"My family adopted him," said Ginny. "He favors us all."

Voldemort chuckled. "Nice try, my dear girl but I know Harry quite well now," said Voldemort. "And I'll even wager that he's already here just to make sure you're all right."

Of course Voldemort knew. He knew what Harry would do before Harry did it.

"I bet he's standing very near under his invisibility cloak as we speak."

"Ron and Hermione wouldn't have let him," said Ginny.

"But Harry is stubborn," said Voldemort. "He does what he thinks is best." Voldemort paused to think. "Or perhaps he is nearby in his animangus form. He has probably mastered it by now."

"I wouldn't know."

"Wouldn't you?"

"No," said Ginny. "The whole thing is a big secret. No one knows what form Harry has chosen."

"Figures," said Voldemort and he chuckled. "No doubt Albus thinks he can just spring it on me, try to use it against me. As if I wouldn't know Harry."

"Couldn't he?" dared Ginny.

Voldemort looked surprised. "Oh, no," said Voldemort. "Knowing Harry as I do, I have already speculated what form he has chosen and can foresee exactly what he looks like in that form."

"Really?" challenged Ginny.

"Of course," said Voldemort. "Harry loves to fly, therefore he would chose a bird. With his powers, he could master a large one with little difficulty. He's had a sight problem all his life so I'd say he'd chose a hawk to compensate."

Ginny blinked at him. "You think?" said Ginny but she sounded genuinely interested.

Harry was astounded. Well so much for the secrecy.

Voldemort chuckled. "As for his appearance, his coloring is dark so he would be black. His lens would augment his eyes and make them very piercing and of course he has the mark of a lightening bolt on his head."

"Your theory is sound," said Ginny. "But you never know."

"Oh, but I'm right," said Voldemort. "Aren't I, Harry?"

"I told you-"

But Voldemort raised his wand to his head. It was so sudden, Harry cried out.

Voldemort looked at Ginny as Ginny looked around.

"I told you, my dear, I know Harry very well," said Voldemort. "Show yourself, Harry."

"Harry, don't," cried Ginny. "Go back to school. Please."

"Stay and visit with us for a little while," said Voldemort. "You know I won't keep you here."

Harry swung off the cloak.

"Oh, Harry," cried Ginny.

But Harry was staring across the cage at Voldemort.

"Let her out, Voldemort," said Harry.

Voldemort raised his hand and the cage swung open. Ginny jumped out but Voldemort grabbed her before she could run to Harry.

"Let her go," said Harry.

"And what will you give me?" said Voldemort.

Harry considered it. He looked at Ginny. She didn't look the least bit frightened although she did look miffed at Harry.

"I'll stay until tomorrow if you take her back now," said Harry.

"No, Harry," cried Ginny. "I want to stay with you."

Harry stared at Voldemort. "That is what I offer," said Harry. "Or I leave now."

"Harry," said Ginny.

"Done," said Voldemort and he dissaparated with Ginny.

Harry sighed and moved to his tent. Had he done the right thing? Harry wasn't sure. Falling to a seat behind his desk, he wondered what Voldemort would try next. Then he saw the corner of a piece of parchment sticking out of his drawer.

Harry opened the drawer.

The map?

Harry stared at it. He pulled out his wand and held it over the parchment. "Identify," said Harry.

Instantly, all the little dots Harry had created on the map were labeled with names.

"I did it," muttered Harry. Every Death Eater in the compound was named and his or her location identified.

All Harry needed to do now was find the compound. He could lead the aurors straight to the camp. But how...

You can fly.

Harry looked at the map. Voldemort hadn't come back yet. He quickly pocketed the map then left the tent and went behind it. He transformed into a hawk and soared up over the trees. He circled, noting landmarks and other such key points so that he could sketch a rough map later.

A quick, dull burn on his head distracted him. Voldemort must be signaling. The pain was quite a bit less in his present form. Harry liked that.

He soared through the trees of the forest and noticed Voldemort in his chair by the fire. Harry landed on the back of his own chair and peered at Voldemort across the fire.

Voldemort stared back for a moment then laughed. "So I was right," said Voldemort.

Harry transformed and was now sitting on the back of his chair with his feet on the seat.

"You were," said Harry.

"I missed you, Harry," said Voldemort.

"Missed me?" said Harry.

"You know I enjoy our talks," said Voldemort.

"How amusing you find them, you mean."

Voldemort chuckled. "Always the cynic. But yes, Harry," said Voldemort. "Admit it. You miss them too."

Did he? "Well I don't miss the pain," said Harry. "But the conversations were always a challenge."

Voldemort studied him. "Yes, I have taught you much."

Harry sighed and dropped into the chair properly, running a hand through his hair.

"I can't dispute you there," said Harry.

"But you are very easy to teach, Harry," said Voldemort. "You catch on very quickly."

"Compared to whom?" said Harry.

Voldemort chuckled. "So you have a point. I have not had anyone I wished to teach," said Voldemort. "You have made it very easy for me."

Harry glanced up at him. "All you do is ask questions or test me. I do all the work. Of course it's easy for you."

"Are you complaining, Harry?" said Voldemort with surprise.

"No," grumbled Harry. "I'm not stupid enough not to recognize how much you have taught me." Harry sighed and slouched back into his chair running both hands over his head. "I wish I was but I'm not."

Harry heard Voldemort chuckle again and looked up.

"Yes," said Voldemort. "And the Ministry knows how much more I could teach you which is why they are trying to keep you from me."

"That is my choice too," said Harry.

"Is it, Harry?" said Voldemort. "Or is their fear forcing you not to come to me?"

"What do you mean?"

Voldemort smiled at him. "Curious, Harry?"

"I'm asking," said Harry.

"And you remember that all you have to do is ask me," said Voldemort. "And I will tell you."

Harry lifted his brows expectantly.

"Harry, who is afraid of me?" said Voldemort.

Harry sighed. More questions. "Most of the wizarding world."

Voldemort nodded. "Who isn't afraid of me?"

"Dumbledore," said Harry.

"Go on."

"Sirius," said Harry.

"Sirius fear is on a different level, Harry," said Voldemort. "His fear is for you. But he should not."

"Why shouldn't he?"

"Because you under my protection," said Voldemort. "You know that, Harry. So who else doesn't fear me?"

Harry only stared at him.

"Your friends don't fear me," said Voldemort. "They know I will not hurt anyone you care about." Voldemort looked intently over the fire at Harry. "You don't fear me," said Voldemort.

"Don't be so sure," said Harry.

Harry had been expecting a laugh but Voldemort looked back at him seriously.

"I know what you fear, Harry," said Voldemort. "And it isn't me. When you have accepted your destiny, you will fear nothing. And that is what the Ministry fears."

"I don't understand."

"Harry, the ministry is keeping you from me because I tell you the truth," said Voldemort. "I tell you what they try to keep from you. They are afraid of you having the knowledge and the power that they don't want you to have. I can give it to you."

"Maybe I don't want it," said Harry.

"Why not, Harry?" said Voldemort. "You are curious. You always come to me when you want the truth. Why wouldn't you want to know what I can give you?"

"Because the more I know," said Harry. "The more you use to manipulate me."

Voldemort looked surprised. "Who taught you that?"

"You did," said Harry.

Voldemort chuckled.

"So you see, you were wrong," said Harry. "It isn't the ministry keeping me from coming to you, it's my choice."

"But you did come to me, Harry," said Voldemort. "You are here now."

"I came to make sure Ginger was ok," said Harry.

"But you and your friends know I won't hurt them," said Voldemort. "Also knowing the ministry would be angry, you came anyway."

"You knew I would," said Harry.

Voldemort nodded. "But why, Harry?" said Voldemort. "Can you answer that question? Why, when you knew she was safe?"

Harry's brain hurt again. Harry had wanted to make sure she was all right even though Ron and Hermione kept telling him not too.

"You can't answer that can you?" said Voldemort. "You simply won't admit it."

Harry said nothing. He stood up.

"Stay with me, Harry," said Voldemort.

"I can't," said Harry. "You know I won't."

"I can make you."

"I know," said Harry. "But I don't think you will."

Voldemort got up and moved around the fire until he entered the flinch zone. He reached out and touched Harry's face. Harry pulled away.

"No, Harry," said Voldemort. "I won't." Voldemort's red gaze traveled over Harry's face. "Soon," said Voldemort.

"Volde-"

Voldemort's fingers trailed down Harry's face, shutting him up. Harry shut his eyes. When he opened them again, Voldemort was still staring into his eyes.

"It pleases me," said Voldemort, "That my son shows no fear. But it distresses me that I can not touch him without him feeling pain."

Harry stared into those red eyes. He had no idea how to respond to that. But Voldemort was waiting for a response. Harry could tell because he didn't let go and kept staring at Harry.

"Sorry," Harry was compelled to say, or rasp as it came out.

Voldemort raised his other hand toward Harry's face but didn't touch him. Then he let go.

Harry hit the ground.

"Very good, Harry," said Voldemort.

What a nightmare!

He heard gasps from people in the Gryffindor common room. Ron and Neville helped him up.

"All right, Harry?" said Neville.

"Yeah," muttered Harry.

"Ginny's a mess," said Ron. "Will you stop being an idiot."

They helped him up the stairs to the dormitory.

"Can't seem to break the habit of a lifetime," said Harry. "I'm OK."

They left him alone and Harry got into bed. Harry was afraid he was running out of ways to fight. When he looked at Voldemort, Harry was seeing him less and less as a monster and more like a teacher. Had Voldemort changed or was Harry simply losing the battle? Fortunately, he was so exhausted, he went immediately to sleep.