"It seems that your plan to keep your inheritance secret is no longer viable," Marvolo commented calmly over breakfast two days after the Introduction Ceremony.
"What do you mean? I thought you said that your minions wouldn't spill," Harry replied looking up from his eggs. Since last night he had felt an itch under his skin that, according to the journals, indicated the first stage of warning that his powers needed releasing. He was having to consciously ignore the urge to scratch at his skin.
The red eyes narrowed over the edge of the newspaper. "It was not one of mine. Do have more faith in my abilities," he tsked.
Feeling tense, Harry stared nervously at the Daily Prophet in those pale elegant fingers. "Then what are you talking about?"
Not bothering to answer with words, Marvolo merely turned the paper around so that Harry could read the blaring headline.
HARRY POTTER GOES DARK: Dumbledore claims Boy-Who-Lived is a Necromancer
"Fucking Dumbledore!" Harry seethed, ripping the paper out of Marvolo's hands to scan the article.
It was Skeeter's work but she didn't feel as harsh towards him as she once was. Maybe she was a little fearful of possible repercussions if the accusations proved true? The article was a plea from Dumbledore for the public to be on guard and that Harry already had two confirmed kills. The victims being his poor muggle uncle who had been raising him for fifteen years and Hestia Jones who had only been attempting to help him. Skeeter even commented that Harry was unavailable for comment and that the DMLE would begin the search for Harry not to execute but to merely question to put the public's mind at ease.
Fuming, Harry took several deep breaths. Drawing on the meditation practices his ancestors wrote about for control. All the while, Marvolo sat pristinely at the other end of the table, calmly observing.
"It seems Ms. Skeeter might wish for the other side of the story," the man finally said.
"Hm..." Harry sighed. "Suppose it's only fair to clear the air on what really happened. Might as well contact the DMLE and get started on destroying Dumbledore's reputation."
"Lucius will contact and arrange a meeting on neutral ground between yourself, Ms. Skeeter and Madame Bones. I can't imagine either will wish to delay this meeting."
Harry just nodded, staring blankly at his plate trying to mentally prepare and ignore the itching that had gotten worse since his rush of anger.
"I would recommend calling on Avery and Lucius this afternoon to strategize."
"Why Avery?" Harry asked.
"I do believe you remember him being 'gifted' to you only a few days ago?" Harry glared but it was ignored. "It is my belief that you don't actually plan on using your abilities on him. Which is beneficial because he is quite useful in regards to politics and laws."
"So even though I don't plan on killing him, I still have to do something with him?"
"Why Harry, he was your welcoming present. Are you telling me you didn't like it?" Harry growled at the look of pure innocence that graced Marvolo's face but the look was just so strange to witness that he fought to keep his lips from twitching. "Just consider him a servant until his punishment has been fulfilled."
"Fine, I expect both of them this afternoon before our dueling practice."
"They will be here. Though I advise not letting on not wanting to kill him. I find it's better to keep them on their toes."
~*~
Curled in the armchair that he had claimed in the library, Harry rubbed a hand over his face, putting the latest journal aside. He only had one left that he planned on finishing it tonight. Luckily, he was more hopeful for his future. He wouldn't be as lonely as Ashur had been because since he was a type of liaison between Life and Death, he would be able to communicate with his Necromancer ancestors and even Sirius and his parents. Harry was beyond excited for that but each of his ancestors had cautioned to speak with their Master before anything else. And to do that he had to control his magic. It was what Marvolo had offered to teach but luckily there was a guidebook for it so Harry wouldn't have to ask for help once again.
Absently, Harry rubbed at his skin trying to relieve the itching sensation. He had already started on the breathing exercises and tomorrow morning he planned on starting the physical movements that based on the pictures looked like a mix of Tai Chi and yoga.
Summoning some parchment and quill, Harry decided to make a To-Do list since he knew Avery and Lucius would be arriving soon and he didn't want to look like he had nothing else going on.
TO-DO
Control magic
Have interview
Talk to Kreacher and Dobby
Grimmauld
Wand
Set up a meeting with friends
Visit Potter vaults
Visit Black vaults
Research Deathly Hallows
Stone
Wand
Meet Death
The Deathly Hallows were something that the "Three Brothers" had confirmed existing in each of their journals. And Ignotus discussed plans of passing his Cloak on to his son, who wasn't a Necromancer but was still worthy of it by being a descendant. Ignotus also lamented how his brothers' possessions had been lost and how they needed to be found in order to utilize the highest Necromancy power. Having read the description of the Cloak, Harry knew for a fact that his Invisibility Cloak was the one Ignotus spoke of.
Lucius and Avery had entered the library halfway through the list but Harry enjoyed watching them stand before him waiting to be acknowledged, waiting for orders, out of the corner of his eye. So he soaked in the feeling while he finished his list. He was also pretty positive that Marvolo was also in the room but just invisibly watching, Harry could almost feel the Dark wizards presence.
Finally, he looked up at the two men and smiled innocently, not bothering to uncurl in the chair. Lucius looked like he was sucking a lemon at the snub and Avery looked nervous. "Thank you so much for meeting with me," Harry finally said, like the two had a choice. "Sit," he continued, gesturing to the couch. Lucius dipped his head regally and swiftly sat, while Avery bowed once again before sitting.
Harry observed them a bit longer, enjoying the fidgets they tried to hide by adjusting robes and smoothing nonexistent wrinkles. "Are you aware of why you are here?" Best not to divulge too much unknowingly.
"Our Lord -"
"Your Lord, not mine," Harry interrupted. Both men widened their eyes in disbelief. "I am his ally, I do not serve him. And surely you remember that I have my own Master." Avery paled even more. It didn't go well with his russet curls and Lucius Malfoy swallowed hard.
"Of course," the blonde continued. "My Lord said you wished to respond to the article in today's paper. I have contacted Ms. Skeeter and Madame Bones requesting a private meeting. Gringotts has been suggested."
"Arrange it." It would give him the chance to visit his vaults after.
Lucius nodded again. "The Dark Lord also mentioned strategizing."
Harry flicked his gaze to Avery and wondered if it was normal for Lucius to just commandeer a meeting or if it was because Avery was too petrified. "Yes, I'd like to hear your ideas on how to address this interview and see if they match mine."
Harry didn't really have much thought on the interview but he didn't want Lucius getting too big of a head. Lucius shifted and adjusted his robes for the fifth time since sitting down. "Of course. It really depends on how much you wish to reveal. Such as if you want the world to know of your alliance."
"No, that will not be released at this time."
"I agree, that is for the best." It was nice to have a Malfoy sucking up for approval, Harry thought. "The public is still in shock over the article, understandably so since you are their Golden Boy. I believe it is best to play into that perception. They are still feeling guilty over vilifying you for a year and if the article proves true, they are not in a rush to be on your bad side." Harry smirked at that. "My suggestion is to play into your innocence on the matter, your naivety over the whole thing. Gain public sympathy, however possible."
It was a good idea and Harry could already see the parts over the summer where he could play upon his desperation and fear to gain sympathy points while 'unknowingly' casting blame on the Headmaster. "Avery, your thoughts?"
"Sir?" the man jolted slightly.
"Your thoughts on Malfoy's suggestion?" The man still seemed to struggle to speak and Harry frowned, finally swinging his legs to the ground to properly look at Avery. "Tell me, Avery, why did you believe I called upon you today?"
"To fulfill my punishment, sir."
"Correct. However, it seems you were expecting something more. Am I proving too mundane for you?"
"I-I'm sorry, Sir?"
"No, no, apparently it is I who should be apologizing. It seems I am not living up to expectations. Do you wish for me to just kill you and be done with it?" Avery shook his head, his eyes wide. "Good, because I hadn't wished to kill you outright. I wished to make another use out of you. I've been told you're well versed in politics and legislation. Though I've yet to see that claim prove believable."
"No, Sir, it is," Avery assured, clinging to the lifeline he saw.
"Hmm...Anyway, I decided to have you work your punishment through utilizing your skills. Though, again, I'm starting to doubt that decision. Do you quiver like this at the Wizengamot in order to see your laws through?" Avery looked ashamed and Harry didn't allow him a defense. "Besides, I'm still learning my craft. No use rushing things just yet," Harry finished smirking, watching how stiffly both men sat. "Now. Your thoughts."
The man swallowed and took a breath, no longer looking as pale. "I believe it is the best course of action. It wouldn't do to incite panic. So portraying an innocent teenager will serve you well. It is my assumption that you plan on taking your Wizengamot seats with your titles?" Harry nodded. "Then appearing more naive will catch more unaware and might let you pass more legislation."
"Speaking of legislation, I'd like you to dig up any laws regarding Necromancers and magical inheritances. This needs to be a top priority. Request assistance if you need some. I'd like a progress report in two days."
"It will be done."
"Wonderful. Now, that is all I really needed to discuss with you." Harry continued standing, pleased to watch the other two stood immediately. Harry glanced at his watch. He really hoped that the dueling practice would prove an adequate distraction from the itching. "I've got another meeting anyway. Voldemort?" He called out. The man, because he was in his human form, turned visible on the other side of the coffee table and Avery and Lucius immediately dropped to their knees.
"Very impressive," Marvolo hissed, not looking at the two kneeling men.
"I'm glad you enjoyed the show."
"I did indeed. Now for dueling, do you wish for them to watch?"
"How would that benefit me?"
Marvolo chuckled darkly and the kneeling men stiffened. "Despite the limited practice, you are becoming an impressive opponent. For them to witness, the rest will soon learn that you are being trained personally by me."
"Quite the gossips you employ."
"It does keep things interesting. But Nagini is the worst." Marvolo chuckled again and Harry couldn't help but snicker, remembering how the snake gossiped during the Introduction Ceremony.
"Malfoy. Avery. Perhaps you would like to attend Potters' dueling practice?"
~*~
"Dobby! Kreacher!"
Night had fallen and Harry was enjoying some tea that Tobi had brought him. Scrubbing in the shower and exhausting himself in training had helped with the itching but it was starting to return once again. He had finally finished the last Peverell journal and was eager to start on the guidebooks, or at least progress further in the magic control guide, but he needed to focus on other things first.
The two elves popped in front of him and Harry could already see the difference in Kreacher. While still noticeably old, the elf looked enlivened and cleaner. Dobby looked just as devoted as always.
"Master Harry Potter!" "Master Lord Black."
"Hello, I hope you two are doing well. I wanted a progress report on how things are going."
"Grimmauld Place is being much better, Master Lord Black," Kreacher began. "It is being fully cleaned."
"Great. I would like to hold a meeting there in three days. If you could deliver these letters to the same people you delivered my last message to. Again, make sure you are not seen. I'll be needing you to transport them all to the house as well. So, be ready for that." Kreacher bowed. "Now, what about my wand?"
Dobby's ears drooped and Kreacher looked to the ground. "We is being finding Master Harry Potter's wand," Dobby began. "But it is being kept by Dumblydore at all times."
"Damnit," Harry groaned. The itching started flaring up again and he rubbed at his arms in irritation. "Thank you. I assumed he had it but I had hoped it would be easier to get. Alright. Thank you two again. I'll take care of that for now." Harry trailed off when he heard a tapping noise coming from his window. Curiously, Harry turned to look only to let out a delighted whoop at seeing the familiar white plumage of his Hedwig. Rushing to the window, Harry opened it for Hedwig to land on his shoulder. The responsive hoot she gave before nipping affectionately at his ear and hair released a large weight off his shoulders he hadn't realized he had been carrying.
"That's all for right now," Harry said, turning again to the elves. "Thank you, Dobby. Thank you, Kreacher." The two elves disappeared and Harry focused his attention on his familiar. "Oh, Hedwig, I've missed you so much. I was so worried but relieved when Dobby said you escaped from the Dursleys." Hedwig hooted once again. Harry settled into his chair once again and Hedwig hopped onto the chairs arm instead of his shoulder. "Hedwig, so much has happened," Harry continued, running his fingers over her feathers. Calling Tobi for some owl treats, he then proceeded to tell Hedwig everything as he fed her treats. No matter what happened, Harry was certain that he would always have Hedwig with him.