The Shadow Assassin

(Song of Inspiration for the Chapter: The Moon Over Mount Gorgon; from the Witcher 3: The Wild Hunt, Blood and Wine Soundtrack)

In the days that followed the horrible incident where Tom had learned that his mate had tried to take his life and that it could possibly become a re-occurrence if nothing was done to help Harry heal; the Dark Lord took a much more active approach and he was seen more and more in the company of the Shadow Assassin to his Inner Circle.

They watched as he often took long walks in the gardens of the Chateau; where the younger man of the two was often seen smiling a little more each time. The first few times; they had seen the body-wrap bandages about him and wondered what had happened to cause him such harsh injuries. But soon the physical injuries healed up and left Harry with no scarring this time due to Sahale's excellent care alongside of Maharet.

The assassin's green eyes regaining a bit of their vibrancy from the dulled shade it had been for weeks after he emerged from the incident around others. The Dark Lord spoke to him often and softly; with a gentle expression to him, but would resume his cold and indifferent mask if anyone else came to them to ask anything.

It was clear that the Dark Lord; he had some level of...care for the assassin. And it hadn't been missed by those who watched nor those who didn't like what they were seeing happening before them between the two.

A few of them worried this was some manner of plot; to get close to him and try to assassinate him...and none of them aware of the fact that if it had been...the assassin in question would be the only one with a chance of success for the attempt.

They saw as their Master had treated the young assassin to picnics when he wanted them in the gardens. He more often of late; he ate breakfast with the Circle, lunch was mixed, and then he ate his dinner alone with the younger male.

They all noticed the Master was seen smiling a little more often after his encounters with him. Tom's eyes showed a happiness to himself when with the younger male that he had never showed towards any one of his followers or their gatherings.

Something that had...now been noticed by the Death Eaters within the most trusted; and had caused tensions among the Inner Circle due to several others who were not happy by this change. The Dark Lord himself; he had said nothing to them of noticing the tensions, but they all knew that he likely was aware of it, which was why no one had acted out yet.

Tom spoke to Maharet often enough; to ensure that Harry's healing seemed to be going well. And, he apologized for accidentally lying to her; he had forgotten that Lucius knew who the Shadow Assassin was...he had been there with him in Egypt to meet for the contract he wanted done.

But he assured her; that Lucius knew better than to reveal Harry if he or Tom did not wish for it yet.

Maharet prayed that he was right...She didn't believe that Lucius would betray them, but she'd seen how Lucius's son was eyeing Harry; like he was a puzzle to figure out and one that he would enjoy after he had. It was clear that he was conflicted despite his obvious attraction; he felt as if he knew the Shadow Assassin...which was true in a way.

They'd attended Hogwarts together, of course. She had come to learn that they were even in the same House and had played Quidditch together. Had been tentative friends in that time. But Draco didn't recognize Harry without his glamours as Harry Potter. Didn't realize the Harry Potter he knew and the Shadow Assassin the real Harry was; they were one in the same.

And Maharet would narrow her eyes; when she'd seen the jealousy flash in Draco's mercurial gaze to Harry and Tom when they walked together in the gardens. How his face would darken and scowl when Harry laughed or smiled to something Tom had said or did. The way his hands curled in tension when Tom was allowed to be affectionate to Harry; holding his hands and such.