It's All Just Temporary with a Bit of Necromancy

Chapter 19: Found One

"Yes it does."

"No, it doesn't. Purebloods have been living in this mindset for centuries, there are far greater issues that I need to address and rectify then the assumed future occupations of a small percentage of my followers."

Harry frowned at that, feeling the first heats of anger starting to flicker in his gut. "It's greater than that though! Even from a numbers game, you are missing out of potentially great followers. You're losing an advantage."

"It's not a great enough loss to deal with the upheaval." Marvolo seemed completely unconcerned about the topic now. If anything he looked bored but there was a strange calculating gleam in his eyes that disrupted the indifferent image.

"It is though!" Harry shouted, standing from the couch and stalking over to the desk. "I mean without Hermione, Ginny, or Luna, hell I'd be done for. Hermione especially. You're saying that if you win, they would be worth nothing more than if they can reproduce? Even though you don't agree with it? That's bullshit! You either support it or you don't."

"Why must I be the one to change it then?" Marvolo countered, again looking completely unperturbed in the face of Harry's rant. Eyeing Harry from his relaxed position in his chair while Harry leaned over the desk, hands splayed out on the polished wood.

"What?" The question threw a distraction in Harry's anger and he could already feel it losing heat.

"You are obviously more passionate about it than I am. Why don't you change it?"

"But...but you're the Dark Lord."

"So why must I be the one to change everything?" Harry shifted, opened his mouth and shut it again. "Already, you are starting the process."

"How?"

"You have incorporated women into your personal guard. You don't realize how large of a message that sends to my followers. Especially, since I've given my approval of your choices."

"But, I'm not in charge. It should be you doing the changes. You're the one who plans on ruling the world after all."

"Just because I'm not the one doing the leg work doesn't mean I'm not the one doing the changes. I already said that my approval of your guard choices is sending my unspoken agreement with your stance."

Feeling strangely manipulated and not sure why, Harry shifted his feet. "Well, what about after you win?"

"What about it? Do you think I won't have an ally beside me to continue those changes?" The glitter in those eyes made Harry's gut twist and he looked away. "Oh, little lion, you are on the edge of your own leadership role. Deny it all you will but you are creating your own following and followers need ideals to support as well as a leader to champion those ideals."

"You talk like I'm going to start and lead a whole new faction, you sure you want that competition?"

There was a strange light shining in Marvolo's red eyes. "I don't foresee there being a competition."

"You seem so certain this is happening but what following am I creating?"

"Aside from the one you had just through being the young celebrity you are— you're welcome for that by the way." The sardonic drawl had Harry snorting in laughter before he could stop himself. Gruffly clearing his throat and folding his arms tightly to keep himself contained, he looked back at Marvolo. "You're little friends for one, the children of my followers as well are the start of your fellowship."

"The Slytherins don't follow me, they follow you."

Marvolo's look could almost be fond, if it wasn't so politely stoic, and Harry felt his cheeks grow hot. "Of course," was all Marvolo ended up saying. There was a beat of silence before Marvolo continued, moving to sit straight backed in his chair and grabbing his quill. "We shall continue this later, your guard should have arrived by now," Harry nodded and quickly went to the office door. "Just remember Harry, whether this alliance continues or not, you will not be allowed to fall into oblivion." Harry paused with his hand on the doorknob and looked over his shoulder but Marvolo wasn't looking at him, he was staring out the office window. "There will always be those who seek you and follow you. So, give them reasons to do so."