A/N: *creeps back into the story*

Uhhhhh hi?

I am indeed not dead and have finally returned to this fic. What can I say? The muse deserted me and life has really been lifeing in the best and worst possible ways.

I've been formally diagnosed with Anxiety, am on the wait list for ADHD and ASD, and have been getting use to a bunch of new meds which hasn't helped but isn't the best of excuses for why this fic and you guys have been left in the lurge.

BUT.

I want you guys to know that I have read every single one of your comments and I love all of them! I know sometimes I vanish (2 days or 2 years... who's counting?) but just know I appreciate every single interaction on this story and you guys keep me motivated enough to not pitch this fic into a volcano.

This chapter has been an absolute nightmare. It did not want to be written and it's been sitting at 2k for nearly a year until I decided, fuck it, and began writing the second half of the chapter and then simply wrote backwards. Then I was able to crack out nearly 8k in a day and a half so clearly I have a new strategy for when I get stuck.

Still, it's been a long ass time and when I started this fic I promised all of you that I would never abandon it so I buckled down and finally I can give you the next chapter of my brainchild.

I really hope you enjoy it and I promise, even if it takes FOREVER, I will get around to answering all of your messages.

I am in no way responsible for any triggers happening if you haven't read the tags for 60 chapters

Disclaimer: you know the drill by now!

Warnings: language, torture, slash, the usual suspects

#Parseltongue#

Chapter 60:

"Werewolves." Harry decided, "Moony?"

"We are in desperate need of wands." Remus began straight away, "originally I was going to do as you suggested and take groups through to one of volunteered properties in Germany to visit Gregorvitch but that was a non-viable solution once the prevalence of wolf hunters became apparent when things had calmed enough for any of the wolves to be willing to leave."

"I have a contact with a Russian wandmaker that would have no issue outfitting Werewolves." Dolohov spoke up, "he's been one of my main contacts in getting certain creatures out of the country under the guise of wand materials."

"Alexai Resnikov?" Tom confirmed and Dolohov nodded.

"Yes, the old bastard is still going strong and given his half creature status is not in the business of being selective of his clientele."

"Who has properties in Russia that won't be monitored by the Russian government if it suddenly has a significant amount of portkey activity around it?" Hermione wondered, "Ron, Neville and I don't have anything in the country."

"Mine is half destroyed," Harry added, "it's a Black property."

"Ah I remember that place." Bellatrix perked up looking at her sister, "isn't that the one where Aunt Cas and Aunt Cretia got into that duel – you know the one…"

"Oh yes!" Narcissa remembered, "we nearly all froze to death when they ruptured the weather wards and brought what felt like the entirety of Russian winter down on our heads."

"Notice not a single person in this room is surprised at that story because, you know, Blacks." Ron muttered lowly to Blaise, who badly covered up his snort when Harry, Draco, Narcissa and Bellatrix all looked at them both offended.

"Too cold for my family," Blaise said to move attention from the glares he was getting.

"I think we have a small manor in Russia." Draco put in looking at his father for confirmation.

"Indeed we do. It's in good enough condition as it was refurbished the year before you started Hogwarts as we were considering Durmstrang." Lucius confirmed, "given Russia's tenuous alliance with the UK right now I believe we could get away with using the manor."

"If we don't use too many portkeys it should be hidden by the wards anyway." Rabastan pointed out, "if the wards are anything like any other Malfoy property I've been on."

"They are almost identical yes,"

"How long do you think it would take this Resnikov to get everything he needed to outfit so many people?" Remus questioned and Dolohov smirked.

"He's a travelling wand crafter so he carries most of his materials with him, its how we've been getting people in and out."

"Send word for his services," Harry ordered then turned to Lucius, "when can you prepare the manor?"

"I can send an elf to open it up easily and if I craft the Portkeys they should allow those given to them to bypass the wards."

"Would he want gold to compensate or would he prefer materials?"

Dolohov blinked at that.

"What do you have to offer for materials for a wand crafter?"

"Basilisk parts."

"He'll take that without question." Dolohov stated immediately.

"Good, I have an itinerary of what we have left and we can negotiate what parts he wants for the cost of the wands." Harry decided, "any objections?"

No one had any issues so he turned back to Remus.

"What else have you got for us?"

"As you know I've been working with certain Death Eaters following up on leads surrounding Dumbledore's contacts for his crusade with Werewolves and the Hunters that have crawled out of the swamp pits they should have stayed in."

"Yes, his extremism stretched much further than we could have realised," Dolohov added and Remus grimaced.

"We had some idea with the influx of foreign wolves but much of Europe has been affected in some ways with some notable exceptions; mainly Eastern Europe remains free of such influences."

"It's concerning that he's been able to influence so much especially while not being directly involved all the time." Neville mused, "at least in the UK it's more understandable."

"Dumbledore's political scope is extremely impressive but then again he has had 50 years to grow it and its only now it's taken a large enough hit for it to be effective," Ron said with a look of disgust. "We can hate him all we want but we have to agree that he knows how to capitalize on the smallest of openings."

"It's what makes him such a dangerous opponent." Lucius allowed.

"I was able to find and follow a lead as to how Dumbledore is working so well without a direct hand on the broom." Remus picked back drawing all of their attention.

"Oh? Should we be concerned?" Hermione asked and Remus frowned thoughtfully.

"I don't want to pre-emptively say yes as I haven't been able to find much, but that in itself is a concern." Remus said to them, "it seems that Dumbledore may be working directly with someone in the German government, one Wendt Riggall. I don't know where he was born but he seems to have a German mother which is where he got his citizenship. Riggall seems to have connections to Austria, Slovenia, Switzerland, Belgium and France from what I've been able to discern; he is entrenched in the German government and international politics."

"Absolutely 100% pre-emptively say yes for being concerned," Ron stated looking at Remus wide-eyed and he wasn't the only one.

"What else do we know about this man?" Tom questioned and Remus scowled.

"That's all I've been able to find so far. We haven't even found a full name, which is suspicious as he's a member of the Government. He seems to have his fingers in everything but nothing about him is public knowledge."

"Do you have any in your ranks that would have a non-suspicious in within any of those Governments?" Harry asked Tom who paused to think before answering.

"I believe I have people for Germany, Belgium and Switzerland. I shall call a meeting and stress the importance of subtlety and information gathering." He replied and Harry nodded.

"If the talk with Bill goes well we should get into France. Fleur of all people would understand the need to stop this culling of creatures." Ron pointed out.

"This is true but we shouldn't count that as a guaranteed solution just in case things don't go in our favour." Hermione cautioned.

"We need to make sure we do practically everything we can bar actual kidnapping to make sure that meeting goes well." Harry said to them both and they nodded in agreement.

"Luna believes the letter should reach them before my mother's so now it's a me vs her mentality and given both of them all but fled the country to get away from her I'm cautiously optimistic."

"If we are successful we might just have a look into Romania. I know Charlie isn't one for politics what with his obsession with dragons, but the reserve itself is largely entrenched into the Romanian government." Harry pointed out and Ron grimaced but nodded slowly.

"I know Charlie is quite high up on the food chain on the reservation but I don't know if that means he'll know much about it. It's all speculation right now and I don't want any of our plans relying on this."

"That's understandable," Blaise assured him, "focus on getting them neutral or onside first and worry about the other plans after the fact."

"We will have to put that aside for now as we cannot act on that ourselves," Harry decided shaking his head, "Moony, obviously continue gathering as much as you can and keep track and once Tom sends his people where they need to be we can consolidate."

"Got it,"

"The rapid changing in our political climate means that Dumbledore is going to be seeking any and all options to regain any level of favour he previously had." Hermione pointed out, "this means that many of your Death Eaters, especially the infamous ones, are going to be his targets as he cannot go after us directly."

"I have thought much the same," Tom agreed, "which is why I intend for Bella and Rodolphus to go and capture us some creature hunters."

Bella's eyes lit up at the thought.

"A hunt," she said with glee, "its been so long."

Tom smirked.

"We need some of them alive, of course,"

"Of course, my Lord." Rodolphus assured him looking as pleased as his wife.

"You'll coordinate with Remus and the Death Eaters assigned to him for any leads they have for the wolf hunters and then expand your search for those hunting other creatures that fall under our banner."

"It will be our pleasure, my Lord." Bella exclaimed with a manic grin.

"Will we be working alone?" Rodolphus asked and Tom shook his head once.

"You'll be given a team to work with, some of the lesser ranked Death Eaters who were also removed from Azkaban and that have contacts outside our borders." He said to them, "how you place them is within your purview, but I expect prisoners to interrogate."

Bella clapped her hands almost brimming with happiness.

"Just like the old days."

"I will have information to pass on to you during my time spreading international rumour." Dolohov informed them, "and I shall reach out to contacts I have amassed."

"I will speak with Nonno. Italy has banned the act of hunting any magical being or race and keep up-to-date with those known for hunting in case they cross our borders." Blaise added.

"We will also need to be careful of our movements now we know Dumbledore has an accomplice, and when we finally oust him from the political sphere he's going to go underground." Remus mused, "perhaps some untraceable portkeys and some unusual disguises?"

"That sounds like a job for us." George chimed in with a smirk.

"And we might just be on to something." Fred continued.

"What have you got for us?" Harry asked with a grin.

"We started working on a more secure version of glamours back when everything first came to light. We figured that it could be a small problem should the glamours drop and everything revealed even if any of you could probably obliviate anyone who saw you." George began and the trio nodded in understanding.

"It's not finished, we put it to the side when things started picking up, but we believe when it's complete that the user could pull forth dormant traits that would hold for around twenty four hours so far."

"What do you mean?" Rabastan asked with a look of slight confusion.

"Well take the delightful Lady Lestrange," Fred indicated, "we know, as Lady Malfoy is her sister, that one of her dormant traits is blonde hair. If she took the potion it could bring forth that trait and any others that were strong within her blood. It picks three of the main genetic markers to switch; eyes, skin and hair."

"How could you possibly have anything that would bring forth such differences that varied within different people?" Snape questioned intrigued.

"Blood." The twins answered together. "Seven drops of blood before the user drinks the potion and then it feels a bit like Polyjuice."

"What is needed for this to be finished?"

"Repeated consumption is toxic and so far we haven't found substitute ingredients that can act in the same way." George explained, "we have used it successfully but after a few days we started to get very ill."

"It was odd having black hair for a day." Fred nodded, "didn't appreciate the violent sickness, however."

"Bring it; we shall dedicate time to completing this." Snape declared making the twins blink in surprise before grinning massively.

"We'll be there tomorrow."

"Once you have managed to complete this it will be an incredible boon for us all," Tom said sounding impressed.

"It will not come cheap." Fred warned, "the ingredients are expensive and it takes a long time to brew."

"If you are willing, we can have some of our best Potioneers swear to silence and have them working on it from the war funds." The Dark Lord suggested and the twins shared one of their looks that only they could interpret.

"Deal."

"I'm going to look like Grandma Rosier," Bellatrix said in disgust much to the amusement of her sister, who burst into tinkling laughter.

"You always hated her."

"She gave me this hair!" Bella complained, "you might have gotten her colours but you have the Black hair and I have this mane. The spells I had to learn…"

"People without curly hair will never understand." Hermione lamented and Bella huffed in agreement.

"We can use the potion as it is temporarily as we will only need it while crossing the borders." Rodolphus pointed out, "if we get papers forged we can cross legally and then lead Dumbledore and the corresponding governments on a merry chase as they wonder how we got to where we are."

"That's brilliant." Ron declared, "the governments will be so busy checking their borders and trying to secure their lands that they will be distracted as to your purpose there. Dumbledore will also wonder why his own people didn't pick up on your entrance and will also look into it, having to split his time between that and your actual actions."

"Plus, if we equip you with a Scamander trunk, the prisoners can be carried across the borders by your legal identities without concern if missing person reports are sent out." Luna suggested and Harry smirked.

"It would also work to transfer the team of Death Eaters over the border so we don't need to exhaust the supply of potions for all of the hunting team." Harry added.

"The fact that not a single one of us thought of using a truck such as that for anything ever before is disheartening." Theodore shook his head and Tom pinched the bridge of his nose.

"Can I plead insanity?"

"Hilariously, yes." Theodore deadpanned making Harry burst out laughing at Tom's deeply unimpressed look.

"Thank you, Theodore, for that excellent contribution." Tom snarked and Theodore gave a graceful nod.

"Anytime, old friend."

"So the hunting team is temporarily sorted." Harry picked up. "We'll have to organise an untraceable purchase of a Scamander trunk and we'll get a back of the disguise potion as is to begin with. Next on the agenda?"

"I think it will be a benefit if I assign certain Death Eaters to some of the current projects." Tom decided, "Antonin, Theodore, would there be any that you could use?"

"A number, my Lord."

"Then we shall assign them once you give me names." Tom said, "once we have the knowledge we need we need a plan to move forward."

"Our paper is going to be showcasing much in the upcoming months." Luna reminded them.

"Then we are in need of more reporters."

"Might I suggest going through the records of those fired from the Prophet?" Narcissa put in, "many would have been let go simply because they refused to break their integrity."

"Excellent suggestion. Once we have the paper up and running we can have some of the unknown or unmarked Death Eaters act as recruiters." Neville said jotting something down on the parchment in front of him, "I'd suggest Lady Malfoy but that would look like bias once the information we publish comes out and word spreads that she did the recruiting."

"I have several people in mind that could fit such a position."

"So a summary of what we are doing so far?" Harry wondered. "Yours then mine?"

"Antonin and Theodore are working on our international problems. Antonin getting the wandmaker first and then working on external politics, and rumours, while Theodore is focusing on the ICW and internal politics. Narcissa will be organising our Dark Alliance ball which pairs with that."

"With Blaise and possibly Ron assisting with Italian and French connections," Harry said and Tom nodded.

"Do not forget that the Malfoy Russian accommodation needs to be opened and Harry needs to collect the Basilisk parts for payment." Hermione chimed in and Harry and Draco nodded.

"It'll be done."

"Bella and Rodolphus are going hunting." Tom continued, "tracking down our creature hunters for interrogation with the aid of a team."

"Remus is also going to be aiding in this as he had already found some leads for them to follow and hopefully this will lead to us finding some hunters directly connected to Dumbledore or his mysterious accomplice, Wendt."

"And once I have moved some of my unknown Death Eaters into the international ministries they will also pass on any information." Tom added.

"Will we have confirmation when they are in position?" Ron asked.

"Yes,"

"Thank you," the redhead made a note, "once we know where they are we can finalise backup extraction plans for anything you or they come up with."

"Fred and George are going to supply the disguise while we supply the Scamander trunk, and then Fred, George and Snape are going to work on finalising the disguise so it can be utilised on a more permanent basis." Harry carried on, "depending on how fast they finish depends on if they will lead the extraction ideas or we throw it out into a group discussion."

"Lucius is obviously working within the Ministry and with several of yours on his Ministry campaign, plus whatever team he will create to be the main public face of it."

"I will have the names and their positions to you as soon as possible, my Lord." Lucius assured him.

"Once we have them we can arrange meetings where we can pass everything we're working on for the campaign to you so you can have them flesh it out ready for public consumption." Luna said, "that will involve getting our paper up together and making sure it has no connection to any of us."

"Hiding our identities is probably going to be the easiest part of that." Harry mused, "could we not simply keep it in your mother's maiden name?"

"Dumbledore will know."

"Dumbledore should be cut by the knees by the time we publish so it shouldn't give him much opportunity to search."

Luna looked unfocused for a moment before nodding slowly.

"He will find out but it will be too late for him to move by the time he does."

"Perfect."

"Now, Rabastan is still working on the wards but he is also taking over my side of the research into finding magicals in the muggle world." Tom said.

"I'm going to switch Hermione to that too, as it's very researched heavy and my patience has its limits." Harry admitted, "it also pairs well with her research into muggleborns being squibborn too, so that flows better."

"What do you intend to take over?" She asked.

"I'll take the blood banks back," Harry said, "if we're going to have this Dark aligned ball then once I finish them up I can present them to the vampires, especially if Atan is there."

"He will be," Tom confirmed, "he will want to see your final classifications if you have them."

"They need to be reviewed by the vampires themselves and then someone who can make is palpable but yeah, they're close enough."

"Then that should gain a positive note from the vampires."

"Draco, Neville, Ron and Blaise are heavily focusing on laws both nationally and internationally, with Ron leading how they're going to be working into the campaign and how they're going to be incorporated into our national law once Lucius is Minister." Harry said looking down at his notes, "plus Ron is working on how we're getting Bill, Fleur and Charlie onside while Blaise and Draco focus on Blood magic with Theodore and Dolohov, while Neville uses the knowledge on how it can be used to benefit our society as a whole and not just for squibs."

"With Rabastan taking over my side of the magical detector, I will focus heavily on both the Department of Education and the Department of Muggle Separation." Tom declared, "I will await all of the information from tutoring experiences while I use first hand knowledge from myself, Severus and Remus as teachers at Hogwarts."

"And of course, once Fred and George work their magic to have rumours and "secrets" spread, I'm going to be using my name up front to make inquiries, get people talking, stage a few "random" interviews and hopefully get it so Remus' first hand tell all happens to be in a time and place that can't be silenced." Harry put in, "I'm also working on finishing any classifications I'm still working on, aiding on the campaign, helping where I'm needed with the sanctuary and being the main face of our alliance."

"I think we have everything." Hermione decided looking over her notes, "obviously we will be available for help over everyone's assignments but each of us knows exactly where our focus needs to be."

"Your Death Eaters?" Harry asked Tom.

"Obviously you know I shall inform you of the teams and the infiltrators, and as for the others they shall continue to lay low and train."

"Do you intend to follow up on our idea of a public persona?"

"If the disguise potion is finalised it would be the perfect option for me to remain under the radar without any of Dumbledore's men being able to dispel it."

"Dumbledore's confusion when no magic registers upon you when it gets reported back to him is set to be something I'm sad to be missing." Harry said with a smirk.

"Do not worry, I will make sure you are there when it is revealed to him."

"You are a generous Lord." Harry informed him and Tom sniffed.

"Of course."

"First order: Lucius, send word when your manor is ready and Dolohov when the wandmaker is found so it can be passed on to Remus, then we'll kick start the campaign as soon as we have the first order of business in place." Harry said turning to the blond in question, "once those details are handled and I can negotiate how much basilisk parts the wandmaker requires for payment I can wash my hands with the situation."

"I shall inform you once I have secured the wandmaker," Dolohov promised and Harry nodded.

"I don't think I have anything else to add." Harry said before turning to his friends, "guys?"

"No, we seem to be clear, though we may need a better form of communication with the Death Eaters," Hermione said thoughtfully and Harry made a humming sound of agreement.

"Remus, did you happen to help my father and Siri create their communication mirrors?" He asked and the werewolf blinked.

"I did. I think I have the notes somewhere." He realised, "I shall hunt for them."

"If you'd like, we can secure the patent and have it secured through our business?" Fred offered, "the communication mirrors could be something that, later down the line, we could market very well."

Harry looked at Remus as it he was the only surviving member of the creators and the werewolf nodded slowly.

"For now we shall keep it between us, but the possibility of creating a whole network of them so they could act as an alternative or even take over floo calling would be incredible."

The twins eyes lit up at the prospect of such a thing and the others in the room looked intrigued by the thought but Harry cut them off before they could delve into the logistics.

"Talk about the plans and ideas amongst yourselves; we don't need to know unless you need help."

George pouted while Fred heaved a great sigh as if it was an imposition before they both grinned and Remus smirked.

"We might also talk about creating a Marauders line for your shop; the mirrors will be only a part." He offered and the twins positively exploded.

"Well looks like we're done here." They exclaimed, "come along Remus, let's get to work so we can get these lovely people their communication mirrors and make ourselves some incredible items that will make us richer than rich."

Harry and his friends snorted.

"For now, we shall pass on information through myself or Harry or directly using House Elves so nothing can be intercepted." Tom decided, "it is the safest option available to us at the current time."

"Sounds like a plan." Harry agreed, "next big meeting?"

"As long as nothing major occurs then I believe we shall meet in a month. You all can organise meetings between yourselves in your own time."

Everyone took that as the dismissal it was and started gathering up all the necessary parchments and notes that had been worked on during the meeting. They all had much to work on and many of their plans hung on working together to get each of the necessary parts done so the next person could take over. The thought of what they had to do in the upcoming weeks made him feel exhausted and that was before they had to deal with everyday life.

"Ugh I can't wait to have a nap." Harry cited stretching out his body, "I mean I know I had one before we got here but quite frankly I'm exhausted."

"Unfortunately, darling, that will have to wait," Tom informed him and Harry blinked.

"Oh? Why?"

"We have business to attend to." The Dark Lord said and Harry raised an eyebrow.

"We as in us or we as in groups?"

"Us."

"Okay?" Harry drew out the word but Tom said nothing else so the Potter Lord turned to his friends. "Looks like I'm busy now so I'll see you guys in the morning. Don't forget to make sure you're not seen before the time meets up."

"We've been using the time-turners long enough to know, Snake." Draco rolled his eyes, "Blaise and I shall go and play in the Slytherin politics."

"Hey, I'm allowed to be concerned." Harry pouted, "I'm a nice person."

"Sometimes," Ron coughed and Harry's jaw dropped.

"RUDE!"

They shared a laugh before Harry's group dissipated taking Snape, Remus and Rabastan with them back to the castle while Bella, Rodolphus, Dolohov and Theodore said their goodbyes and headed out. The Malfoys turned towards their Lord with looks of inquiry on their faces.

"I shall not linger much longer, there is something must do before I leave." He told them and they bowed their heads regally before also taking their leave. Tom lead Harry out and they went in the direction of what Harry had mentally started calling the throne room.

"Are you going to establish a Headquarters outside of Malfoy Manor?" Harry wondered and Tom made a humming sound.

"I had every intention and then I got sidetracked with teaching and the rapid pace in which things began to move since your arrival." He admitted and Harry nodded.

"Yeah, that makes sense."

"I shall probably use the Riddle Manor as a training base and a meeting point but it needs work."

"Then send the Peverell House elves." Harry pointed out, "if they work on the actual manor, as it doesn't really need any renovations only fixing, then you can lay the wards and secure it however you wish."

"I am furious I did not think of such a thing." Tom muttered with a scowl and Harry grinned.

"Didn't you once say to me that you figured I would think of House Elves as I use them in my daily life?" He mocked and Tom side eyed him.

"Don't think I won't hex you."

"Don't think I will let you touch me tonight if you do."

"I fear that is going to be held over me often." Tom sighed and Harry laughed.

"It's the little things."

"With you nothing is ever little."

"I feel like I should be offended."

"I do not care if you are."

Harry snorted and Tom flashed a smirk. They entered the large hall and Tom conjured up his usual throne but this time he put a secondary one next to him so Harry could sit with him. Harry blinked at it, somewhat stunned by Tom's actions and what it represented.

"Tom."

"Sit,"

"Surely you are not introducing me to your Death Eaters now?"

"I am not, but I shall be holding a full meeting with them tomorrow and informing them of your change in allegiance now that it is public knowledge, as well as the position you hold in my eyes before you meet with them," Tom stated easily as if he wasn't all but admitting Harry was his equal. "If any then chose to try and take you from me then I shall know they are suicidal and act accordingly for the betterment of everyone."

Harry released a surprise bark of laughter at his words and Tom looked pleased. The teen shook his head at the older man's actions and moved over so he could reach up and kiss him.

"You are possessive, unhinged and unfathomably charming." Harry told him, "thank you."

Tom took a seat pleased with himself and Harry sat next to him, watching with curiosity that quickly turned into rage when he pulled out his Dark Mark pendant and hissed

#Petter Pettigrew#

"The rat?" Harry demanded, "what do you need him for?"

"Did you not promise Hadrian that you would be handing him over? Did I not promise you could?"

Harry blinked and then a somewhat feral smile stretched over his face.

"Remember how I said you were good to me, Tom? I'll be sure to thank you accordingly." Harry told him coyly.

"I will hold you to that."

Before they could continue their flirting banter, Pettigrew scurried into the room, rat-like face twitching in anxiety as his beady little eyes darted back and forth. He threw himself on the floor at the Dark Lord's feet with a snivelling greeting that made Harry's lip curl and Tom look down at him in disgust.

#How didn't I kill him when I was insane?# Tom wondered, his tone riddled with derision.

#Don't ask me, I've wanted to kill him since I discovered him at thirteen and still under Dumbledore's webs.#

"Get up, Pettigrew." Tom snapped when the rat didn't seem to be stopping his grovelling anytime soon. The rat scrambled to obey, tripping over his own feet several times as he got up and Harry wondered with full judgement how his father, Sirius or Remus could ever consider this waste of magic their friend. He saw the moment when the former Marauder caught sight of Harry and realised who he was because his flushed face when pasty white and he took a stumbling step back when Harry bared his teeth in a fallacious smile that showed only too well how he felt about the cretin before him.

"M-m-my Lord?" Pettigrew squeaked, "wha-what is he-?"

"That is none of your concern." Tom cut him off clearly having no time nor patience for the rat, "You are here to serve a purpose and serve it you shall."

"Your w-w-will is m-m-m-my co-command, my Lord."

#Do you have anything you wish to do with him before I alter his mind? Do not worry about discovery, I shall need to change him so thoroughly so that he might stand up against anything the Ministry throws at him.#

#You are spoiling me,# Harry hissed back delighted. "Let's see, shall we?Crucio."

The unforgivable hit Pettigrew before he had a chance to even understand what was happening and he dropped to the floor screeching, writhing on the ground and the curse tore through him. Something in him was soothed by the rats suffering and Harry took a slow breath, relishing in the sounds of his pain. He released the spell and took time to appreciate Wormtail whimpering on the floor. Harry was nice enough to allow him to regain his breath before lashing out with a spell Hermione had made when she was particularly enraged.

"Premo Exposso,"

There was a sickening crunching sound and Pettigrew shrieked as his arm was crushed under Harry's magic and the teen felt the curiosity from the Dark Lord next to him.

"Hermione's spell. It crushes bones rather than simply breaking them."

"Did she have anyone in mind when she created that spell?" Tom wondered and Harry snickered.

"The general population and their stupidity, I believe,"

"I fully understand the need."

"I just bet."

"Trahere Capillis,"Harry cast, making sure to push as much magic into the spell as possible knowing the results, and watched pleased as great chunks of hair was ripped out of Pettigrew's skull and other hairs were yanked off his body.

"Did you just turn a beautification spell into a torture curse?" Tom said impressed and Harry beamed.

"I did. Turns out the plucking spell can be real nasty if you overdo it. It's why only certain people perform it at salons."

"The possibilities," Tom murmured realising how many spells he had overlooked because they were so far removed from what he assumed would cause pain. He had often times used healing spells or even household charms as torture devices, but for some reason he had never thought to use beautification magic.

"Aguamenti Salsamenta,"Harry blasted the rat with an edited version of the water charm that shot out salt water instead of drinking water making Pettigrew's wails reach new heights.

"We really need to have a joint torture session," Tom declared, "you have been holding out on me."

"Sometimes you just need the right person to torture," Harry mused, "really get the imagination going."

"I see that."

"I should stop," Harry said with a sigh, "I have a nifty little spell that twists the spine around but that would kill him and that sort of defeats the purpose of him being here in the first place."

"I wish to see that spell in action." Tom declared, "perhaps once we have a hunter in our grasp you will demonstrate."

"Definitely. Plus, it would give you a chance to show off too. I know you have some incredible spells in that mind of yours."

"Indeed,"

"Who's gunna heal him?" Harry wondered and Tom waved him off,

"He doesn't need to be perfect so long as he is not mortally wounded."

"So just make sure he's not bleeding then?" Harry suggested, "I can do that."

Tom looked at him but Harry didn't move.

"Well?"

"Oh, yeah, I don't want to do that."

The Dark Lord sighed but looked amused as he waved his wand several times, spells flowing effortlessly making sure Pettigrew was no longer actively bleeding or had any open wounds. His arm was splinted and he was cleaned up from where he had pissed himself before Tom stopped.

"Shame." Harry muttered, "if I didn't need him…"

"I am sure you would have made his death glorious." Tom agreed, "now, allow me to concentrate as we need this to hold up."

Pettigrew was petrified with a flick of Harry's wand and then Tom dragged him forward, pressing his wand against the rat's temple as he delved into his mind. He needed to make sure anything over the past year that Pettigrew may have heard or found out could not be revealed if he were under any truth spells or potions, including Veritaserum. The memories also had to be modified in a way that if they were taken out to be viewed in a pensieve then they wouldn't look changed. It was intricate and difficult magic, even for someone as accomplished as he, as there could be no detail missed else it be uncovered at the wrong time. It didn't help that a lot of Pettigrew's memories appeared murky as if not his own, and it seemed to be from the times when Pettigrew was in rat form. It took longer than Tom thought, Pettigrew in rat form had overheard many of his plans, training schedules and ideas though thankfully he was mostly unknowing of anything surrounding Harry and his group other than what his Death Eaters had been speculating since the paper release.

Still, to be on the safe side, Tom went back as far as his resurrection as anything before that mattered little to him, and triple-checked the truths he was hiding in Pettigrew's mind could not be revealed. The only way his modifications could be broken was through Pettigrew's own magic overwhelming Tom's own or someone with stronger magic than the Dark Lord coming in and breaking his spells. Once he was done it didn't look or feel as if any magic had been performed on the rat at all, which meant if anyone did an in-depth scan on him nothing would come up. Tom withdrew and was faced with a wave of vertigo as he came back to himself, shaking off the feeling as if he were underwater with practised ease. Pettigrew was unconscious so Tom released the petrification spell and instead forced him back into his animagus form.

"You good?" Harry questioned sounding concerned and Tom was able to feel that the teen was worried through their bond. "That took nearly an hour."

"Yes, simply Pettigrew is nosy and I wished to be thorough." Tom reassured him and Harry nodded, his worry lessening.

"How far back did you go?"

"To my resurrection." Tom told him, "I did not wish to have concerns if he had caught wind of a stray comment when he was lurking where he shouldn't have been."

"Yeah, that makes sense."

"Now, to secure him so he doesn't scurry away as he is wont to do," Tom said and Harry grimaced.

"I want every security spell that isn't punishable by prison time on there." Harry stated, "normally I'd be all for the darkest but the cage will be going into the Ministry."

"Do not fret, I have a sealing spell that can only be released by those who carry my magic with them."

"So me and anyone with the Dark Mark?"

"Yes. And as Pettigrew will be in an enchanted sleep and the cage spelled to be unbreakable, he is also not getting out."

"I'd ask why you have such a spell but I'm guessing your paranoid brain decided it was a wise thing to do."

"I have found it to be a very wise invention. Do you know how crafty some of the Order were back in the first war? It only took your father and Black three times of breaking out prisoners before I realised that normal security wasn't going to cut it."

Harry laughed surprised.

"My father and Sirius?"

"There was a reason why I tried recruiting them so often. They were brilliant."

Harry smiled slightly, pleased with such high praise for his family coming from Tom of all people. He watched, fascinated, as the Dark Lord conjured up a case and proceeded to spell, charm and ward the ever-loving shit into it before stuffing Pettigrew inside without care.

"One rat, as promised." He declared, holding out the cage for the Potter Lord.

"Thank you," Harry said, sending his sincerity and gratitude through their link so Tom knew exactly how he felt. "Dobby,"

The devoted elf popped in and Harry handed over the cage.

"This is to be guarded to the best of your abilities until I ask for it tomorrow, and you are not to hand it over to anyone other than me or Tom." Harry told him and Dobby nodded seriously.

"Nobody bes getting Master Harry's nasty rat man," Dobby vowed, popping away when he was dismissed. Harry sighed in relief knowing that Pettigrew would be handed over as soon as possible and Sirius' name would be in the process of getting cleared. He blinked when Tom entered his vision, pulling him to his feet and drawing him close.

"I believe you promised rewards for good behaviour," Tom told him lowly and Harry smirked.

"I did," he agreed, "and you have been very good to me, Tom. What did you have in mind?"

The lascivious grin that came over the Dark Lord's face promised all the good times for Harry and happily pressed a teasing kiss to his lips.

"Come and get me," Harry taunted shadowing away with a laugh. Tom banished the thrones and apparated after him; he had rewards to collect after all, and he intended to make the most of it.

One of the things Harry would definitely have to speak to Lucius about was the absolutely abysmal security within the Ministry of Magic. Several times now Harry had been able to sneak into the foremost government building of their world with little issue and if they were going to make their government and their country a global power as it used to be then the least they needed was a secure Ministerial building; it was actually embarrassing come to think about it. Either way, Harry was angsty and tense as he moved through the Ministry under his cloak, careful not to touch a single person as he weaved through the crowds and headed towards the elevator. He got lucky in that he managed to get into a car that only had two others entering and he tucked himself into the corner far enough that no accidents.

There were several stops on the way to the top floor where the Minister's and Undersecretary's offices were, but thankfully, the busiest the elevator got was four aurors seemingly coming back from their break and heading into the DMLE. Harry breathed in relief when he was able to move out of the elevator and search out where Hadrian Greengrass' office would be. Thankfully, it wasn't too much of a maze and he found a stately wooden door with golden accents and a golden plaque proclaiming Undersecretary Hadrian Greengrass for all to see. The twins had helpfully given him one of their decoy detonators and Harry set it off drawing all attention away from the office and he slipped in as soon as he was clear to do so. Hadrian's attention snapped up as soon as his door opened and Harry came face to face with a wand and a scowl, which he felt was fair.

"I do apologise, Lord Greengrass, I'd normally have more manners but needs must." Harry said pulling off his cloak making the older Lord relax.

"Dare I ask how you got here?" He wondered reluctantly amused and Harry grinned.

"Don't worry, I intend for Ministerial security to be one of the things Lucius works on as soon as possible. I hope you will be a part of that conversation."

"Given the multiple times you seem to have gotten yourself and others into this building I believe that shall be a much-needed conversation I will be happy to have." Hadrian agreed, "please, have a seat. What brings you to my office, especially in such a clandestine manner."

"Thank you," Harry said as he took the seat before the Undersecretary's desk. He reached into his pocket and pulled out the small cage Pettigrew had been secured it and placed it on the desk with a look of abject loathing. "As promised, one Peter Pettigrew. A day late, I know, but things happen as I am sure you understand."

Hadrian blinked, looking down at the sleeping caged rat and a look of dawning comprehension filled his eyes.

"I know you implied such a thing but to see it with my own eyes…"

"It's unfathomable that he managed to achieve such a thing." Harry said with disdain.

"It explains how he managed to stay under the radar and that's how the former Lord Black escaped."

"Yes. Thankfully, because of the war and the age in which they achieved the transformation neither Sirius, Pettigrew or my father registered their forms." Harry told him, "they did it so they could be with Remus on his transformation."

"Ingenious," Hadrian murmured realising the brilliance of such a plan, "werewolf bites are only harmful to humans."

"Exactly,"

"So they finalised the transformation during their school years?" He said impressed and Harry smiled slightly.

"Fifth year. Pettigrew needed the most help but he still managed it." Harry confirmed, "it's a shame no one took into account his true self was a rat before he was made secret keeper for my parents."

"A great and terrible treachery indeed," Hadrian said in disgust. "to be entrusted with such a thing and to so easily break that sacred honour is something I cannot understand."

"Trust me, you're not the only one."

"You understand that with such a lapse in judicial proceedings, it is very likely that Pettigrew will be given Verituserum."

"I'm counting on it. As he was declared legally dead, something that could have been checked by walking into Gringotts but that's an entirely different matter that will need to be addressed later, he has no right to deny the use of the serum." Harry stated, "the main opposition will be Dumbledore if only because he's on record for giving evidence against Sirius so he's set to come out of this situation looking bad either way."

"So any still loyal to him will work against anything to do with this trial."

"Definitely."

"Very well, I shall speak with Lucius on how we shall introduce this trial. I cannot promise certain questions will not arise."

"There is nothing I have need of hiding when it comes to this… vermin."

"Then I shall make sure justice is granted to the late Lord Black." Hadrian vowed and Harry found himself breathing shakily in relief.

"Thank you." He said quietly, "that means more to me than you can ever know."

"It is simply something that should have long ago been corrected," Hadrian told him. "Now, I assume you can make your way out of the Ministry without issue."

"I only need to follow you out when you leave your office." Harry said with a slight grin, "everything else is unfavourably easy."

"We really do need to discuss the security of the ministry." Hadrian sighed, "very well, let me collect everything I need so I can begin the process of this trial with Lucius. I do not know if it will be ready for the next Wizengamot session or if I shall need to call for an emergency one due to the secrecy that will be surrounding this."

"Tell me nothing. I am a good actor but with something like this it would be best to have authentic reactions therefore Dumbledore's sycophants cannot claim collusion or anything of the sort."

"Understandable,"

Harry watched as Hadrian gathered up several pieces of parchment tucking them into his pockets before picking up Pettigrew's cage, only to pause slightly with a furrowed brow.

"What magic is on this?"

"Ah, yes, well, we might have gone a little overboard when securing him." Harry admitted somewhat sheepishly, "Lucius will be able to release him, but I didn't want him slipping away and he seems very good at that. Also, I do not trust very many people in the ministry and if anyone even close to Dumbledore's camp catches wind of Pettigrew being in custody I don't trust that Pettigrew won't end up dead or gone."

Hadrian raised an eyebrow but nodded in understanding.

"Unfortunately, I cannot say that your concerns are baseless." He admitted, "I am looking forward to a time when we can say the ministry isn't corrupt. Or at least not as corrupt as it is now."

Harry snorted.

"That will be the day."

Hadrian gave him a wryly amused look before heading to the door. Harry threw his cloak over his head and followed on his heels slipping away as Hadrian left in the direction of what Harry assumed was Lucius' office and Harry went back to the elevators. He had to wait a bit before the doors would open, thankfully it only took ten minutes before someone was getting in so he could sidle in and press the button for the atrium. He stayed in the corner going down, having a close call when a rush of people from the Department of Magical Games and Sports rushed in jostling and laughing together discussing something to do with the latest Quidditch Game; Harry idly noted that Wood was doing well with Puddlemere if what was being said was true. Harry followed the group out into the atrium, using their numbers to make sure no one else came close to him and was more than happy to exit through the guest entry and onto the busy London streets, From there it was exceptionally easy to slide down a darkened ally and shadow directly to his rooms in the castle. Unsurprisingly, Luna was waiting for him for him and he was only too happy to fall face first onto the sofa and into her lap.

"I've left it all in Hadrian's hands so there can't be any accusations of collusion."

"Authentic reactions."

"Exactly," Harry said, voice muffled from where he pressed his face into her stomach, "I can easily brush off not being surprised at his being alive as I've claimed it openly since fourth year, what I cannot be sure I can react to is anything that comes out of his mouth. I know he betrayed my parents and Sirius, but I don't truly know why and if I do I don't think I can fully reenact a genuine reaction."

"And even if you could if anything wasn't perfect on the day then someone in Dumbledore's camp will cry foul."

"They're going to anyway, but Dumbledore knows how I lash out and it would be better for him to witness such a thing andknowthat I'm acting truthfully as he's already going to be on the defensive."

"Rest now, you have Charms after lunch and then you're free for the day. Try not to think about too much." Luna ordered and Harry sighed but didn't argue knowing it would be pointless to even try. Luna ran a soothing hand through his hair and Harry allowed it to lull him into a semi-doze, trying to shut off his mind as his thoughts spun with the possibility of finally having Sirius' name cleared once and for all. It didn't much work, but now that Pettigrew was with Lord Greengrass Harry was at least contented to know that the man wasn't corrupt and as long as Lucius wasn't a complete fool the Pettigrew wasn't going anyway. He'd finally get some justice for his parents because yes Tom might have killed them but it was war and they had chosen to fight, Pettigrew had been their friend and he had given them up light lambs for slaughter; and for what?

If it wasn't for Sirius' name, Harry would and wrenched the skin from the rat's body and drenched him with salt water until his very nerves burned themselves away before healing him and starting over and over until his mind broke from the sheer torment. He still might, come to think of it, as one of their main ports of call was revamping Azkaban, once Pettigrew was convicted and Sirius' name was cleared it wouldn't be too difficult for the rat to go missing and allow Harry and Remus to make him suffer as they had suffered all these years. Yes, he would see to that. It was nothing less than he deserved.

Luna roused him just before the bell signalled the end of lunch so that he had time to change into his school robes and collect his bag before the pair of them headed out to their respective classes. Luna made towards the dungeons while Harry headed to Charms, an anxious group of friends waiting for him as he approached the classroom.

"Well?" Draco demanded, having exactly zero patience in his body.

"Locked and handed over." Harry confirmed, "I have no details as I want authentic reactions as there will be foul play called and I want there to be little reason for anyone to believe them."

"That makes sense." Neville agreed.

"Do we at least know when everything is going to happen?" Blaise asked and Harry shook his head.

"The only thing I have been told is that it might be necessary to call an emergency meeting due to the significance of the case," Harry said, "I don't know which will be better."

"Normal session might raise issues depending on what else is on the docket while emergency puts people on their guard." Ron mused thoughtfully, "however, emergency has the benefit of no one knowing what's going on while the normal session Dumbledore will see that something is in the works even if he doesn't know details."

"All the more reason for us not to know and for it to be our genuine reaction." Hermione realised, "right, well there is nothing more we can do about that situation so let's turn our attention to the plethora of other things we have brewing."

Just then, Flitwick called for them to enter and they all trooped into the classroom, focusing on the day's lesson rather than Pettigrew's upcoming trial. As they were sixth years they were expected to master silent casting and it was being incorporated into every aspect of their education. Thankfully, Harry and his friends were more than capable and now they weren't hiding Flitwick got very excited watching them work. Harry actually enjoyed Charms, Flitwick was always an excellent teacher and he was someone who was always openly enthusiastic about his students doing well. Plus, there was something nice about being able to just do magic that didn't have any significant importance or could affect the entire future they were trying to build. Flitwick made an offhand comment that Harry had his mother's Charm's talent and it reminded him of something he had been wanting to work on finishing ever since he had found it the first time.

When the end of the lesson came, Harry waved off his friends telling them he was going to have a quiet night and they could go back to plotting tomorrow, then walked up to the front of the classroom, assisting Flitwick in clearing up so he could speak to him.

"Thank you for your assistance, Potter." The Charms professor said cheerfully, "what can I help you with?"

"It's sort of a personal thing Professor, it's to do with Charms but not school work." Harry admitted, "do you have time to speak with me now or shall I come back at a better time?"

"Is this conversation set to be long?"

"Most likely." Harry said, "it's about my mother's unfinished Charms mastery work. I found it."

Flitwick squeaked and had a strange expression of abject delight and great sorrow on his face.

"I had wondered what had happened to it." Flitwick said softly, "Lily was one of the greatest students I have ever had the pleasure of teaching and she would have taken the world by storm."

"I'd like for her efforts to be recognised. Currently, it is not finished, but I was hoping you might help me finish it off so she could get the recognition she deserves. She wrote that you were such a help and inspiration to her, I didn't want anyone else touching it." Harry explained and he wasn't lying at all. The reason he hadn't gotten anyone else, Tom for obvious reasons, his friends or even Remus to look it over and help out was because it was one of the few non-materialistic things he had from his mother and he wanted her work to be finished in as close as a way as she would done. And as she had been completing an independent Mastery, with tutelage and help from Flitwick, then that was exactly what Harry would do too.

"I would be honoured, Lord Potter." Flitwick said formally looking touched, "to see Lily's work completed and her brilliance shown to the world is something I would never deny."

Harry beamed.

"Thank you, Professor, truly." He said pleased.

"I know you're schedule is rather busy, what with your placement on the Wizengamot and taking a decent class list, but shall we write in an evening where we can meet and see where we can start?"

"That would be perfect."

"Excellent," Flitwick declared. The two of them went through both their schedules and came up with a revolving set of days where they could meet. Harry would come when Flitwick was supervising detentions as he more often than not had them in his classroom and he could help supervise the students, help Harry and mark essays at the same time. It worked out well as Harry could adapt his schedule to make sure he was either free or using the time-turner when Flitwick was on the detention rota, or he would have plenty of time to rearrange with the Charms Master if something came up. It would also be the perfect time to speak with the half-goblin about his neutral stance and see if he could feel him out as Harry didn't particularly want to anger a champion dueller who was well-liked by the majority of the wizarding UK and had strong ties to the goblin nation.

Harry ended up leaving the Charms classroom with a spring in his step, happier than he had been all day and he was only too happy to head down to the kitchens to grab something to eat as he didn't intend to go the Great Hall for dinner. No doubt his friends would inform him if something major happened, but Harry had every intention of making a nuisance of himself to Tom until he was given the amount of attention he desired.

Winky was only too happy to prepare a meal and dessert for him and Tom to be sent up, quickly ushering him out and insisting he could have just called her rather than travelling all the way to the kitchens. Harry had tried to argue the point of it not being that far but it was like talking to a wall so he did as he was told and left, shadowing to his rooms and staying long enough to ditch his uniform and freshen up before shadowing to Tom's. He wasn't surprised to find Tom's rooms empty, unlike him, Professor Drield had a full day of classes, so Harry made himself comfortable. He didn't really want to study, but he had some homework to finish so he flew through that before turning his attention onto something that didn't involve politics, plotting or schoolwork. He asked Dobby to bring him the journal Remus had gotten him for Christmas so he could look through it fully. He hadn't had the chance to fully read it, only what Remus had shown him when he had gifted it to him, so Harry curled up on the sofa and turned his attention to the soft, worn brown journal. The first entry looked to be a muggle sonogram with a lovingly written "baby Potter" underneath in writing similar to his own, while there were added notes from four different hands as what Harry could only assume were the four Marauders celebrating his conception.

Harry found himself grinning and tearing up in equal measure as he flicked through the entries, some were accompanied by pictures, both photographic and drawn, as the Marauders and Lily put the life of her pregnancy onto pages. It was funny, ridiculous, depressing, angsty, adoring and most of all, Harry got the impression that he was one of the most loved and anticipated babies of the year. The most frequent entries, other than his mother, came from Sirius, who seemed to put his all into the pregnancy development as if he were the expectant father. James had even written that Sirius was showing him up with his enthusiasm much to Lily and Remus' amusement. There was an odd detachment surrounding reading his parents' excitement of his upcoming birth, he could read and see their joy but it was absent in a way that he could barely explain. Looking at Sirius', however, made Harry ache in ways he hadn't expected. Sirius looked so alive, so adoring, and Harry knew had he been given the chance Sirius would have poured every ounce of his love into Harry without thought. Even through Dumbledore's actions and manipulations, Sirius tried everything he could to be the rock Harry needed until Dumbledore had him killed.

Harry traced his finger over the photo of a younger Sirius seemingly going through a ridiculous amount of baby clothes while he spoke to Lily's huge belly. Beaming as if there was no place he would rather be as he nearly folded a pair of tiny socks and added them to the pile. Harry loathed Dumbledore more than words could describe for denying him and Sirius their chance of a family, for making it so they were on the cusp only for it to be ripped away. Pettigrew being handed over had dragged up all of the feelings Harry actively tried to ignore and seeing the joy in Sirius' face it was a sharp reminder of what had been destroyed simply for one man's need for power. Ever since they had found the warding on Tom's orphanage, it had become apparent that Dumbledore was playing a longer game than anyone had ever expected, so there was no way for them to know exactly what it was the old man wanted other than power. So Harry felt like his losses would never have a reason. What was the point of the prophecy? What was the point of locking Sirius up and having them forcefully separated when he broke out? Why create a Dark Lord in the making and then have a prophecy used to destroy him rather than take him out himself? There were so many unanswered questions and Harry often felt as if he was always going to be climbing a mountain with no end in sight. It wasn't much, and the reminder of what he had lost only emphasised that point, but at least soon Pettigrew would get his even if Dumbledore would still not be made to answer for his own part in Harry's family's destruction.

He didn't realise tears had leaked from his eyes until they dropped onto the pages of the journal and he rushed to dry it before it could ruin the ink. He scoffed to himself, putting the journal to the side and wiping his eyes.

"Merlin, what is wrong with me." He muttered scrubbing his face.

"I'd like to know the answer to that, also." Tom's voice startled him and the Dark Lord's already frowning expression went severe when he caught sight of Harry's tear flushed face.

"Ignore me," Harry insisted, wiping over his face one more time, "I'm fine, I'm just a mess."

Tom pursed his lips before moving forward and taking a seat next to the teen, pulling him close so he was all but sitting on the older man's lap.

"Tell me," he ordered and Harry sighed, pressing his face into Tom's shoulder slightly.

"It's dumb," Harry said but Tom simply continued to look at him waiting on him and Harry sighed. "Remus gave me my mother's pregnancy journal and I've finally been able to properly look through it and it hit me, I guess. Everything Dumbledore took."

He felt Tom go tense underneath him and look away so Harry turned his head and made him look at him.

"It's not what you think."

"As much as we do not speak of it we cannot deny that your parents died at my hand."

"And we both know that if Dumbledore hadn't put a giant target on their head you would have continued to try and recruit them." Harry pointed out and Tom scowled.

"You cannot know that."

"Neither of us can but we can know for certain that the only reason you turned your obsessive attention onto us in the first place was the prophecy, and Dumbledore made sure his face prophecy got out," Harry stated and Tom didn't argue with him because he couldn't.

"Then if not your parents then what?"

"I lost my parents so young and I spent ten years being told they were useless drunks that got killed in a car crash and left me to my shitty relatives, it was only when I was reintroduced to the magical world did I learn the truth, and by that point, I have barely any connection to them other than what Dumbledore forced upon me and the generic 'what if' that I am sure all orphans have," Harry explained and Tom made a humming sound of understanding.

"I see,"

"I love my parents in the abstract way, in that they were my parents, they brought me into this world and they protected me with their very lives but the connection is simply not there. But Sirius…"

"Sirius was real in a way they never were." Tom realised what he was getting at and Harry nodded, picking up the journal where it had been left open on the picture with Sirius and the baby clothes.

"Sirius was taken from me and I don't know if I will ever get over that fully. Seeing him here, so alive and happy, and knowing that it was all taken away because of the whims of two men makes me want to burn the world to the ground. All I have now is making sure Sirius' name is post-humorously cleared and that Pettigrew, and eventually Dumbledore, pay for their crimes. I'd give almost anything to have him here with me now." Harry shook his head with a thick laugh, blinking rapidly to attempt to stop any more tears from slipping from his eyes with little success. "Fuck, I hate this!"

Tom didn't speak, instead, he manoeuvred them so he was laid out on the sofa flat on his back and Harry was basically plastered all over him, face hidden in the crook of his neck so he could mask his tears.

"One day, when we have rebuilt the world in our image, I will have all the time in the world to get my answers from Dumbledore in any way I seek."

"I promise you this; the old man will suffer in ways you can only imagine and when he believes he has reached the end of everything he is he will learn how cruel I can be," Tom swore, his voice low and almost thrumming with magic as he put his full weight into his words. Harry pressed a grateful kiss to Tom's collarbone, relaxing as the older man gently ran a slow hand up and down his back. The Dark Lord's mind was whirling, he truly loathed witnessing Harry's tears. His snake should never have reason to shed them and the fact that this particular situation with the late Lord Black was causing such pain despite everything Harry had been through and suffered did not sit well with Tom. His mind turned over the idea of correcting such a thing.

Harry needn't know anything at the current time just in case. It would be difficult, even for someone of his power and intellect, and he would be working on rumour and speculation alone, which was always tiresome and time-consuming. But. If it was possible, if any of the rumours were in any way true, then it would beworthit. Harry would be worshipful in his gratitude, he'd tie his teen to him forever with this one action alone,andhe would also gain more favour with the House of Black and Lupin. Yes. The more he thought about it the less downsides there were to such an idea. Plus, the intellectual aspects of it would be the likes of which are currently unknown. The ministry was built around it, it predated Hogwarts itself, and so there were multiple accounts of how and why the it came to be. After all, the Veil of Death was one of the many mysteries of the world and now Tom was only too eager to uncover them all.

So, 11k words and a reintroduction after 2 very short years!

I hope you have all enjoyed it, and I shall begin working on getting through the approximately 200 messages currently sitting in my inbox.

Thanks guys!

Jess*