Chapter Text
Harry Potter and the Shadowed Light
Chapter 48
~
Previously
“We need to go now sir, the enchantment I cast on the door won't last for long,” Nymphadora interrupted hesitantly.
Albus cast a look over the young Metamorphmagus, when she had been a student he had taken her under his wing and helped steer her towards the light, even introducing her to Hestia so she could be taken under the older witches wing. She was clearly nervous, her hair a ghostly white instead of one of the usual vibrant colours she seemed to favour. Still that she had chosen to join him, to fight for the light was a good sign. It seemed not all was lost.
“Then let's take our leave,” Albus said, waving his arm towards the door, he would have to follow their lead until he managed to sort out his magic issues.
///
Calypso knew something was wrong; the wards she had placed over the former headmaster, albeit without any authority, suddenly started screaming at her. Turning the corner she eyed the corridor, the two guards outside the door didn't appear to be under any spells and there seemed nothing out of place, yet she knew what she felt.
Walking down the corridor she felt on edge, yet even with her senses on high alert she failed to notice the stunner sent at her until it was too late.
///
Watching the young healer hit the floor Albus sneered, he had seen the disdain in her eyes every time she had entered his room. How dare she judge him and his actions? They would all soon come to regret their betrayal of him and the light.
“Come we need to move quickly, Moody is supposed to be back any moment,” Nymphadora said, eyes darting around quickly under her cloak.
She was doubly thankful for the cloak hiding her presence, as she had no desire to go against the infamous old auror. How Hestia had managed to steal four of the highly restricted items she didn’t know, but she didn’t question it as she was keen to get moving.
She hadn’t realised at first that her mentor was so deep in Dumbledore's pockets. She had simply followed her instructions without question, as the older woman hadn’t steered her wrong in the past, but now she was regretting her choice in mentor. She didn’t want to think about what her mum would do to her if her role in this ever got out. A part of her was torn by loyalty to the old man, but the logical part of her brain knew he was guilty, she had seen the evidence, and read the reports… Still she was in too deep now.
“A moment please,” Albus interrupted the youngsters' inner turmoil.
Nymphadora paused, confused when she saw the former headmaster remove his cloak and approach the healer. He seemed to contemplate her before reaching over and taking out her notepad.
Albus wanted Tom to know that he was coming for him, that the light wouldn’t go down without a fight.
///
Marvolo was roused from his sleep by a terrified elf informing him that Amelia Bones was waiting for him. Waving his hand, he hissed at the time shown, 06:13… somebody had better have died... If not, then he was more than happy to assist them beyond this mortal plane.
After washing and dressing, he entered the Malfoys sitting room, not surprised to see the Head of the DMLE was sitting nursing a large cup of coffee.
“Apologies for helping myself but I’m running on fumes,” the woman said without preamble.
Marvolo waved a hand in the face of her words. He didn’t mind. He could imagine her workload had multiplied drastically in recent days, “I do not mind, I can only imagine the stress you’re currently under.”
Marvolo was also keenly aware that in the manor alone there were countless criminals who had yet to change their features to match their new goblin made identities, so allowing the woman a cup of coffee seemed like a small price considering if she knew just who shared this roof with her she would probably pass out.
Amelia felt her face tighten, she was planning to go home and sleep after this but for how long she didn’t know, it felt like she hadn’t had more than 3 hours of consecutive sleep since the night of the ball. With each new discovery she felt a part of her shatter, she was ashamed that Dumbledore had managed to trick her and her staff for so long. She had been blind to his manipulations and treacherous ways.
Draining the rest of her cup she placed it down and looked at the young lord before her. Why he was the target of Dumbledore's delusions she didn’t know but she felt a measure of pity for him. He hasn’t been here for long from what background work she had done on him, and honestly, she wouldn’t blame him for leaving back to where he came from as the current situation left much to be desired.
“I’m not one to mince words, and usually I would sit on this information, but in light of everything I felt it important for you to know. Dumbledore has escaped from St Mungos.”
Marvolo felt a measure of anger at the words, he knew the aurors were an incompetent lot, but this was a stretch, they hadn’t even managed to get him to sit trial yet
“I see,” he replied, ensuing to look equal parts pensive and confused.
Seeing the look, Amelia continued, “in light of his recent attack on you I would have wanted to inform you anyway, but during his escape he also left a note… I can only assume it is for you.”
Handing over the note Amelia felt a moment of fear as darkness overcame the face of the man in front of her, had she not been paying such close attention she wouldn’t have even noticed it, as it was masked almost as soon as it appeared, but she knew what she saw and it caused the hair on her arms to raise.
~
Tom,
You may think you’ve won this round, but have no doubt, I will come for you and your little whore. You will regret standing against the light. I won’t let you win, Voldemort. The light will triumph.
~
“You think he will attack me?” Marvolo asked faux calmly, juxtaposing the overwhelming rage swirling within him. How dare the old goat threaten his soulmate? Oh he would make the fool pray for death for the audacity.
“Based on his previous actions I wouldn’t put it past him,” Amelia confirmed, looking for a sign of the darkness she had seen just moments ago, but not finding it. She wondered briefly if in her current exhausted state she had simply imagined it.
“I see,” he replied, he prayed the man would come, how he longed to put him in his rightful place.
“I have to ask, are you seeing somebody romantically at the moment? as the note also threatens them.”
“No, I am still new to England and although I have found friends I have yet to explore romance,” he lied smoothly. Rage building at the reminder of the treat to Harrison.
Amelia nodded, she didn’t quite believe the man, but she wouldn’t push. A part of her prayed Dumbledore didn’t mean Harrison; their dancing at the ball had made it into the papers and honestly, she wouldn’t put it past the man in his delusions to go after the teen again. Still, to call a child a whore… she hoped Dumbledore hadn’t fallen so far.
“I can have aurors set to guard you, although I doubt you will accept such an offer.”
“As generous as it is, you are correct. Their time will be better spent trying to find the madman. I am currently staying here while my own home is under construction and I am not often out in public.”
Amelia sighed, “if you change your mind please don’t hesitate to contact my office… with his recent actions I wouldn’t put it past him to do something drastic.”
///
Harry knew before he even woke up that something had happened, the anger flaring through his bond with Marvolo tipping him off before his mind had even cleared of his dreams. Looking at the clock he groaned at the early hour but knew there wasn’t any point in staying in bed as he wouldn’t fall back to sleep.
He had spent the night at Grimmauld Place with Sirius and Remus, he had sent a letter to his friends inviting them over this morning to update them on everything that was happening. Walking into the kitchen, Harry saw the grim faces of his guardians.
“What’s happened?” He asked, joining them at the table.
“Amelia sent us a note, Dumbledore is gone.”
Harry blinked; he wasn’t surprised, simply put out by this new kink in his plans, “Was anybody harmed?” He asked.
“She didn’t mention anything,” Sirius responded, before adding, “I’m surprised you’re not more bothered by this…”
Harry hummed, accepting a cup of tea from Kreatcher with a smile, “it’s annoying,” he admitted, “but I’m not shocked, for all that I despise him and what he’s done, he is a masterful chess player.”
“Little Heir will come out victorious, will show The Light the might of the House of Black,” Kreacher muttered.
Sirius sent the elf a look of exasperation, before continuing, “well as long as you’re okay… are we still expecting company today?”
“As far as I’m aware, although I may have to go to see Marvolo for a while before they arrive as I can feel his anger from here.”
///
Finding Marvolo was easy, his anger almost tangible, “I take it you’ve heard about the old man’s escape?” Harry asked as he entered his soulmates room.
“Madame Bones came to see me personally, it would seem Albus left me a note on his way out.”
“How thoughtful of him to be thinking about you at such a time, Should I be jealous?” Harry teased.
The look Marvolo sent him had Harry giggling, “apologies, but I couldn’t help myself. In all seriousness though, are you okay? You can’t be surprised by his escape. We knew the old man wouldn’t go down so easily.”
“He threatened you, called you my whore.”
Harry felt his eyebrows rise, “I see. That was rather rude.”
Harry wasn’t shocked, Dumbledore had been acting more and more erratic still to do so so boldly, that was a bit surprising.
Marvolo hissed, emotions still high, “he will pray for death when I get my hands on him.”
Sighing, Harry gently took Marvolo’s hand and pulled him over to the love seat by the window. Shamelessly pushing him to sit in it before crawling into his lap, “do not let him anger you so my love, he isn’t worth your rage.”
Marvolo blinked at the audacious teen in his lap, before sighing and allowing his head to fall back against the chair, he spent a moment reinforcing his occlumency barriers and calming down… he still struggled with controlling his mind and emotions, quick to anger and slow to reason, “he brings out the worst in me,” he admitted, “and that he thought to threaten you… I would commit atrocities the world cannot even begin to fathom if anything ever happened to you my Raven.”
“Nothing will happen to me,” Harry scolded lightly, snuggling into Marvolo’s body without shame, “not only am I not without my own power, but I’m constantly surrounded by people who love me and wouldn’t let anything happen to me.”
“You’re mine. I won’t allow anybody to take you from me.”
“I know, just as you’re mine.”
Settling his head on Marvolo’s shoulder, Harrison allowed himself to drift. They sat like that for a long moment, simply basking in each other's presence.
“Did Amelia send you a warning?” Marvolo asked after his mind was once again clear.
“She sent a note through the floo for Sirius, I didn’t warrant a personal visit.”
“I see.”
“I wonder who helped him…” Harry mused, going through a mental list of the old man’s allies. Some who had supported the light before he knew had turned on the goat. Mind drifting to the likes of Alastor, Kingsley and the Weasley’s, but some he knew were still firmly under his thrall.
“Only blind fools would still follow him,” Marvolo commented.
“True, but we shouldn’t underestimate them,” Harry knew better than to underestimate his enemies, desperate people had nothing to lose after all.
Silence once again fell between them.
“I’m meeting with my friends later… I’ve promised to keep them updated with everything.”
“Ah yes, your followers, how you managed to build such a strong inner circle so young I’ll never know.”
Rolling his eyes, Harry gently freed himself from his soulmate's hold and stood, “they’re not my followers, if anything they’re more likely to be my coven.”
“A true coven hasn’t been established in centuries,” Marvolo commented, intrigued by the idea.
“Something that should change. It’s only a matter of time before Dumbledore is caught and ended and with that, his toxic influence over our world, now is the time for magic to be freed…”
Marvolo watched in awe as his Ravens magic swirled around him, eyes alight with power and passion.
“…a world where light and dark magic are practised without shame, where magic is celebrated and the old ways worshipped. Where magic is treated with the respect it deserves and not restricted,” Harry finished.
“I can’t wait to see what you will accomplish.”
“What we will accomplish,” Harry replied.
///
Returning to grimmauld place, Harrison settled into the library to wait for the others to join him. Unsurprisingly Draco and Blaise were the first to arrive.
“Our elves said you came over this morning, why didn't you grab us?” the blonde complained as he flopped full bodied into a chaise lounge, dramatically covering his face with his arms in a bid to return to sleep.
“Honestly? I didn't think about it, I had been focused on seeing Marvolo.”
“And how is our evil overlord doing this fine winter day?” Blaise asked.
“Blaise!” Draco gasped, shocked by the Italians' audacity, sitting up so quickly Harry had thought he would fall over.
“Quite ,” Harry agreed, “if anything its former evil overlord.”
Laughing in delight, Blaise replied, “apologies, how is our former evil overlord doing this fine winter day?”
Harry hummed as he considered what to say, however his desire to not go through everything multiple times won out, “I’ll tell you later,” he promised.
The two Slytherins traded looks of intrigue, “at least tell us if you’re okay?” Draco asked, reminding Harry that for all his bluster the blond boy was a sensitive soul.
Sending a soft smile at his cousin, Harry nodded, “I'm okay.”
“Want to go from okay to spectacular?”
“Only spectacular, brother you're slacking,” came the twins' voices as they walked into the room.
“Well, I didn't want to oversell it, else his lordly lover might get jealous of us Forge.”
“Ah too true brother, who wouldn't be worried, we are after all talented…”
“…and Gorgeous,”
“Can't forget smart,”
“And clearly modest,” Harry interrupted with a laugh.
“So modest,” George agreed before flinging himself onto the floor near Harry's feet.
“I'm surprised you two made it,” Blaise observed.
“Bill’s in charge at the moment, he was happy for us to go out.”
“Think’s it's a good distraction,” Fred added.
“How are your brothers coping?” Harry asked, remembering Percy's initial reaction and how the young man had cautioned Ron to distance himself from Harry.
“Bill is trying to keep everything together and struggling, Charlie is beside himself with guilt as he had offered Ron advice before the task, and Percy is…” George replied, trailing off as he was unsure how to word their middle brother's reaction.
“...I'm pretty sure Percy is willing to wage a one man war on Dumbledore at this point,” Fred continued for his twin from his place in front of the fire.
Harry winced in sympathy for Bill, he was honestly quite fond of the eldest Weasley son.
“My aunt would join him,” came Susans voice as she entered, bringing with her the rest of his guests; Hannah, Neville and Luna, who was carrying an old fashioned steamer trunk painted with clouds and covered in moving stars.
“I'm staying here for the rest of the holiday my lord,” Luna announced, making Harry blink.
“Okay,” he replied, happy to host her but unaware he would be.
“I would also like to join your lessons,” she added before joining him on the sofa.
“Kreacher,” Harry called, summoning the elf to take Luna's trunk.
“Little master,” the elf greeted.
“Would you please take this to the guest room near mine, and inform Sirius we will have a guest for the remainder of the holiday,” he requested.
The elf nodded and with a click of his fingers disappeared, taking the trunk with him.
“Any reason in particular you've decided to join me little moon?” Harry asked the younger girl.
“You're going to mark me and Neville before we return, so I wanted to be close while our bond settles,” Luna said softly, so only Harry and Neville, who had shamelessly pushed George out of the way, taking his place by Harry's feet, which had the added benefit of allowing him to hear their conversation.
“Am I?” he asked, he had never planned to mark his friends.
“Our coven will embrace all magic, light, dark and grey,” Luna hummed, eyes far away.
Harry tilted his head in contemplation, “I see.”
Neville nodded, leaning further back into the Ravenclaws legs.
“Maybe it's not us who his royal darkness has to worry about Gred,” Fred joked, drawing Harry's attention to the rest of his guests, who had all now settled into place.
Neville rolled his eyes and sent a stinging hex at the now laughing twins. Seeing his friends' easy casting and confidence filled Harry with a sense of pride. Neville had always been an amazing wizard and friend, it had just taken him a while to see it before, but now he knew better.
“So now that everybody is here, want to tell us what's happened?” Blaise said, keen to know the latest gossip.
Harry sighed, but settled into telling them what he knew…
“Damn,” Fred swore once he had explained “I wonder if that's what the note Bill received this morning was about.”
“Probably, Marvolo had a personal visit from your aunt Susan, but we only got a letter from the DMLE," Harry agreed.
“I have never seen Aunt Amelia so stressed,” the redhead hufflepuff confided, “she's got me staying with Hannah as she doesn’t think she'll be around enough over Yule with everything going on.”
“I can imagine, and with Dumbledore on the run she's going to be pulling even longer shifts, she appeared overrun when I went to her office with Sirius” Harry commiserated.
“Will he come after you again, do you think?” Neville asked, voicing the concern of many.
Harry hummed, “I wouldn't be surprised, and for all of my abhorrence of him, Dumbledore isn't a fool… he will probably send one of his minions. I'm shocked he acted so brazenly at the ball, but Marvolo has always been a trigger point for him.”
“He is a masterful chess player,” Luna agreed.
“Surely he will have lost followers in light of everything?” Hannah asked.
“For some, but he's been a pivotal figure to so many for so long, and that’s without all of the malicious magic he's been casting and potions he's been spilling,” Harry pointed out.
“Look at our mother, she would have done anything for the old git,” Fred agreed.
“Yeah, it's nice to think he might have magically manipulated her, but honestly, I doubt it,” George added.
“What will you do now, about your mum and Ron?” Susan asked the twins.
The twins both scowled, mirror images of one another, “Our mum…” the word was said as though a curse, “...is basically a squib now, her core shredded by the leech that Dumbledore attached to her, she's in a magically induced coma while the healers at Mungos work on her, but honestly… she’s better off staying in it as far as we’re concerned,” Fred told them.
Looks of horror were shared in light of that revelation, not by their attitude, but by the results; The thought of the leech, the idea of their magic being stripped from them, losing such a pivotal part of themselves, left all in the room feeling sick.
“Ron is back to looking like a fortescues special that's been left in the sun,” George added, “Bill is considering moving him to Mungos as well, his magic…”
“…It’s weird,
“Not like mums but not what it was.”
“Will he be able to remain at hogwarts?” Blaise asked.
“We’re not sure but we think so…”
“He will just be limited in what he can cast.”
Harry nodded, “let us know if you need anything,” he offered the twins, he didn't want them to suffer simply because of who they share blood with.
After his offer, everybody seemed to break into their own groups, all discussing their various interests and theories, while Harry sat in quiet contemplation.
“Are you excited for your Yule ritual?” Luna asked.
Harry hummed, this year it would be significant, Harry and Marvolo would be casting the yule ritual together; with both his family, Blaise and the Malfoys, and also Tom's followers taking part, and apparently now Luna and Neville.
“It will be interesting,” he admitted. The magic of the holiday was truly without comparison. How he had lived his previous life ignorant of such power astounded him, and that Dumbledore not only willingly pushed for it to be suppressed but actively tried to destroy such a fundamental part of wizarding culture was honestly something he didn't understand.
“I'm excited, it's been such a long time since i've celebrated a holiday with more than just Daddy,” Luna said, “and seeing your and the dark lord together? Oh it’ll be so exciting!”
Harry hummed, he wasn't sure about Luna joining him, not because he didn't want her there, but he was worried about exposing her to Marvolos' less than sane followers.
“I'm sure gran will let me stay, it will be nice to celebrate with you Harry,” Neville added, making the concern Harry had previously felt to double; Neville truly had cause to be upset being near the people who had harmed his family to such an extent.
“Are you sure, you know they will be present,” he warned.
“If they step out of line I trust you’ll put them in their place, or allow me to?” Neville asked.
Harry nodded, truly apart from Bella who was honestly manic in her emotions and still wild, the other death eaters seemed almost subdued, had he not known of their past actions he would never have guessed they had been murderers, torturers and terrorists.
“They will never cause you harm again,” he swore, before looking around the room, “any of you.”
“Then I'm looking forward to it, like Luna said. It's been a long time since I've had a chance to celebrate with more than just my family.”
“The magic of the ritual will also help our marks settle,” Luna added
“The marks I'm going to give you?” Harry asked again, still in disbelief, not that he doubted Luna but still…
“Um hum,” Luna replied, humming the affirmative.
“I see…”
“I've always wanted a tattoo,” Neville said, “it's kind of taboo in some circles after the war and the dark marks, but honestly, I've always liked them.”
Harry laughed at Neville's nonchalance drawing the eyes of the rest of their friends.
“Then I'll make sure it's something beautiful, just for you.”
“What's this then?” the twins asked, coming over and flopping to the floor forming an almost semi circle at Harry feet with Neville in between them.
“We’re getting tattoos?” George asked.
“Eventually,” Harry replied, “at least so Luna tells me”
Luna smiled but said nothing.
“Well i've always been partial to some self expression, though i must say, for the sake of continuity, forge and myself will require matching, it wouldn't do to give away our identities.”
Harry laughed, “when it's time for it i’ll do my best not to brand you with something that doesn't match.”
“It's not a brand but a symbol of our strength, of magic and our worship, our coven will make magic strong again.”
The conviction in Luna's voice brought the room to silence.
“Then I'll happily wear Harry's mark,” Hannah said.
“Me too,” followed susan, setting off the others.
Hearing this Harry sighed, “I will endeavour to be worthy of you all,” he eventually said.
///
After everybody left, at least those who weren't staying with him over the holidays, Harry, Neville and Luna made their way down to the dining room.
“Oh hello Mr Sirius, you're looking much better now, a lot less nargles,” Luna said as she skipped over and sat next to a suddenly confused looking Sirius.
“Hello Luna,” he replied, staring at the tiny blond human who was smiling at him brightly, “do I want to know what a nargle is?” he asked.
Harry smiled but said nothing, “oh, Neville will also be joining us until we return to Hogwarts,” he said and he took his seat.
Remus smiled, “it’ll be a pleasure to have you,” he offered the young Gryffindor.
“Thank you sir.”
“None of that, call me Remus, or moony.”
“Oh moony here is the one I was telling you about, he's moon blessed,” Luna said smiling and waving at Remus.
Remus sent Harry a helpless look, “it's very nice to see you again as well Luna,” he replied when it became clear Harry wouldn't help him.
“So any plans for the holidays?” Sirius asked once lunch was served.
“Harry is going to mark us, which makes sense as we're going to be his left and right hand,” Luna replied, ignoring how both adults froze at her words and continued to sip at her stew.
“I'm sorry, what was that?” Remus asked, voice horse from where he inhaled his soup.
“Our coven grows stronger, our bonds tighter, now is the time for Harry to mark us and come into his own role.”
“I see,” Sirius said, he did not see. Well, he did, he had popped his head in earlier to check on Harry and his friends and what he saw had left him wondering. Harry held court with his friends, they watched him and listened to him as though he was their lord, he doubted Harry was aware of just how much power and sway he truly had over them, the awe in their eyes when they looked at him.
“I still need to explore marks, I won't be putting anything on you that I don't 100% trust and believe in,” Harry swore.
Nevile smiled, “it's a good thing you have a soul mate then who's got some experience in such things.”
Harry grumbled, “I'll talk to him, though honestly, why you all want to be marked by me is beyond me.”
“You're our lord Harry, we trust you,” Luna said.
Harry nodded, “I was going to see him tonight, though I had thought I'd skip as it's your first night here.”
“Don't be silly, me and Neville will entertain ourselves,” Luna promised.
“If you're sure…”
“Go, we have the entire holiday to spend time together,” Neville reassured.
///
Albus fummed as he drank from the cup of tea passed to him by Nymphadora; Not only was liquid weak, but the mug was chipped and the temperature was lukewarm at best.
“The continent…” Dodge said.
“No, I will not run from this fight like a coward!” DDumbledore thundered.
“But Albus, the whole ministry is out to find you, they've labelled you a criminal.”
“ They will soon see the error in their ways, Tom will no doubt throw us into anarchy and war soon enough.”
“Not done anything…” was a muttered whisper albus only picked out due to the sheer lack of people.
“What was that Nymphadora?”
The young metamorphmagus paused as all eyes fell on her, her hair which has been a flat white since leaving the hospital shook for a moment but remained unchanged, “it's just… he hasn't done anything, he's not even the worst member of the Wizengamot.”
Albus snarled, “he is the Dark Lord, don't be fooled girl, he is evil.”
Tonks shook at the venom in the former headmaster's voice.
“But how do you know?” she asked, bravery momentarily winning out.
“The dark mark has returned, isn't that right Peter?” Albus said, making her pause
“It is headmaster,” the oily voice of Peter Pettigrew said, the small man shuffling into the room reminding her of his animagus form.
“He's a criminal, a death eater, it's his fault James and Lily died!” Tonks shouted, shocked by the man’s presence and scared about what she had gotten herself into.
“The folly of youth, a mistake Peter regrets.”
Nymthadora shook her head, she didn't want to be here, she didn't understand how or why hestia was here. Swearing to herself, she vowed she would get away and tell Amelia everything she knows. How could the headmaster she had once looked up to say such things?
“Now, let's plan,” Albus said, drawing everybody into a discussion.
///
Harry entered Malfoy manor and followed the pull he felt towards Marvolo, only to find him sitting in his office with piles of paperwork, looking exasperated.
“Having fun?” he asked.
“Are we sure I can't burn the system down and rebuild it from scratch?” the formerly insane Dark Lord asked, running his hands through his hair in frustration.
Harry paused, “tempting, but we're going for subtlety this time, though why do you ask?”
“These are copies of the recent laws put forward by the wizengamot, both those passed and declined. It seems that Dumbledore's influence won't be the only thing we have to fight to restore our world to glory.”
“Mm if it was easy somebody would have done it by now,” Harry replied, eyes skimming over the titles of the laws and who proposed them.
Seeing Umbridge's name caused Harry to clench his hand in memory, he despised the woman, “anything with her name on it needs to be overhauled,” he hissed.
Not only hearing the venom but seeing whose name it was aimed at reminded Marvolo of what his mate had told him about this witch, “perhaps it would be easier for her to simply disappear?” he offered.
Harry paused, “as long as it's not traced to you or the dark then I have no objections,” he replied after a moment.
Marvolo smiled, enjoying the darker aspects of his little love, “then it shall be done, maybe i'll wait and have her brought here for your birthday?” he offered.
“Most people receive jewellery or other such trinkets from their partners for their birthdays,” Harry pointed out.
“How dull of them.”
In truth he had already planned Harry's birthday, it would be a family reunion he would never forget, still adding the Umbridge woman to his plans wouldn't take much effort, and truly, who was he to deny his mate his revenge?
Harry laughed, “this isn't why I’m here,” he said, deciding to redirect their conversation. “When you created your marks, what did you do?”
“Oh, finally admitting who you are?”
“No, well maybe… Luna mentioned marks, and well, I don't bet against luna.”
Marvolo hummed, he had met the little witch now on multiple occasions and could see why Harrison held faith in her words, those with the sight were truly hard to sway from their neutrality, that he had one so firmly in his corner was rare indeed.
“I based it on a vassal slave binding, something I'm sure you would be opposed to using on your friends .”
Harry nodded, face pulled into a scowl, he didn't want to brand his friends as slaves.
“The book I found inspiration from had more bonds and bindings, there is one in particular that I would recommend for you. It was an old Lord bond, one which promises loyalty, protection and security, the bond goes both ways.” The last two words said like a curse.
Harry hummed, it didn't sound bad, “what's the catch?”
“Did you not hear be, you to would be bound to your followers.”
“I don't mind that,” he admitted, his friends deserve security if they are to be bound to him.
”You wouldn't, my noble little raven, how one as pure as you got stuck with me… well the fates have a funny sense of humour.”
“We balance each other, and who but you could ever be a match for me?” Harry asked.
“Who indeed?”
“Are you ready for tomorrow's ritual?” Harry asked.
“I am prepared, are you? It will be your first time leading one on such a large scale.”
“I’m looking forward to it, the feeling of magic in the air… I feel that after this year the renewal will be beneficial to all of us.”
“My followers will certainly need the boost.”
“Luna and Neville will be joining us, will you make sure to impress upon the Lestranges that Neville is not to be bothered?”
“Of course my soul, if that is what you wish.”
“It is.”
They sat for a while longer, simply enjoying each other's company.
“Have you heard any more about Dumbledore?” Harry asked.
“No, the former headmaster has been rather elusive since his escape, though I have no doubts he will reappear soon.”
“It will be strange returning to Hogwarts with him gone, though I'm sure Mcgonagall will have replaced him.”
“Ahh good old Minnie, Sirius and Lucius should know soon as members of the school board what the plan in regards to the school is.”
Harry hadn't thought of that, “I wonder who they will bring in to help, I've always thought it odd that we only have one teacher per class, and some teachers have multiple roles on top of teaching their subjects, Mcgonagall had three roles which were all equally demanding.”
“Blame Albus, he's the one who cut back on staffing, followed by the curriculum and extracurricular activities. It will be one of the things we will be fixing. Hogwarts will once again be the pinnacle of magical learning by the time I'm through with it.”
Harry smiled at the passion in Marvolo’s voice, “you would have been a great teacher,” he said, drawing Marvolo up short.
“I don't disagree. I honestly do wonder what would have happened if Albus had let me teach, if I would have gone down the path I did, I had already made a horcrux so perhaps it would have only slowed me down…”
“I don't think you would have jeopardised the school, it is your legacy.”
Marvolo hummed but didn't answer, he liked to think he wouldn’t have destroyed what his ancestor helped build but he wasn't sure.
“Such deep thoughts tonight my soul, I understand Ravenclaws are prone to such musings but has something brought this on?”
Harry sighed, “I feel as though I’m on the cusp of some great change, the actions i'm soon going to take will forever change the course of my life…”
“You're transforming into who you were always meant to be, my equal.”
Harry huffed a laugh, “you're not wrong, still, I should probably get going. I have to look up the bond before I implement it on Luna and Neville.
Marvolo held out a hand and a book materialised on it.
“Here,” he said, offering it.
“You happened to have this lying around?”
“It's part of my personal library, summoning from there isn't hard.”
Taking the book, Harry felt his resolve harden, “thank you,” he said, leaning over and kissing Marvolo’s cheek.
Marvolo relished the brief contact and allowed himself a moment of indulgence, bringing his hands up he gently pulled Harrisons head back towards him when the younger went to pull away, and pressed a kiss to his temple. “Do not thank me little raven.”
Pulling away Marvolo cherished the blush staining his soul's cheeks, “now go, I still have years of laws to go through.”
Shaking his head, Harry turned, “I will see you tomorrow,” he promised.
///
Harry wasn't surprised to find both Luna and Neville still up and waiting in his room when he returned home.
“Did you have a productive night my lord?” Luna asked from her spot by his window.
“Why do I feel as though you already know the answer to that question?” he asked, joining Neville on one of the chairs by his fireplace.
“I only know what magic lets me know,” Luna replied.
“Marvolo told me of the bond he used and recommended one for me,” he said, drawing out the book his soulmate had lent him.
Neville looked at the old tome and tilted his head, he wasn't dumb by any means but even he could tell that the book would be a hard read.
“Will you use it?” he asked.
Harry paused, “yes, if you agree that is. I would not do such a thing without your full and explicit consent.”
Luna laughed, “you have that already silly,” she said before practically floating over to join them. “I know you're nervous my lord, but this is the right thing to do, can you feel it?” she asked.
Harry paused, he had been feeling a pull ever since Marvolo had returned, he had ignored it for the most part but now it seemed impossible, “did I ever have a chance at being just Harry?”
Luna smiled sadly, “some people are born to do great things, and you my lord have always been one of them.”
Sighing, Harry nodded, “then I suppose I should give in to destiny.”
He shouldn't be surprised, not really, he had travelled through time, met a being some considered a god and changed the fate of the wizarding world.
///
Marking Luna and Neville was easy, and if anything it seemed anti-climatic for all of the build up Harry had given this moment in his mind.
“Do you solemnly swear on your life and magic to shelter and defend me and our coven, our goals and ambitions?”
“I do,” they both intoned.
“Do you offer freely your fealty?”
“I do.”
“Then I, Harrison James Potter-Black, offer you my protection and loyalty in return, your fights shall be my fights, your struggles my struggles. As your lord, so I say, we shall fight together for our world.”
The magic which had been building reached a crescendo with the last of his words, and Harrison saw it start to take shape, on Neville it formed around him before settling on his chest above where his heart rested, on Luna it seemed to hesitate before settling on the back of her neck and on himself he felt it on his wand arm.
Both let out sounds of surprise as the magic settled into their skins and Harrison took a step forward worried he had somehow messed up, until they smiled.
Luna hummed and lifted her hair, turning around to show Harry the mark. One her neck sat a perfect triskelion, Harry knew without seeing that on Neville's heart there would be the same mark, just like the one he now sported.
“Thank you my lord,” she said as she released her hair and turned to harry.
Harry smiled, he could feel them both through his own mark, could sense their presence and magic, he knew they were both overwhelmed with a sense of peace and pride.
“No thank you, thank you for trusting me and for believing in me.”
“Always my lord,” Neville said, bowing his head to Harry with reverence.
“None of that now, you two are my friends, my best friends, there is no formality, not between us.”
“As you say my lord,” Luna giggled, before skipping over to Harry and throwing her arms around him, “I knew you could do it,” she whispered.