Again, Potter
"You can't just force children to abandon their families," Amelia said.
"I'm not wanting to force anything," Harry argued. "I'm just saying, not all muggles are as open and accepting of magical children. Sometimes these parents attempt to cure their child through various, typically horrendous, means. I'm just saying that if this treatment is discovered, we need to remove the child for their safety."
"And you call muggles civilized," Nott scoffed. Harry glared at the man who pointedly didn't look at him.
"And what would happen to these now traumatized and homeless children?" Augusta asked, she sat primely in one of the armchairs and blew gently on her cup of tea. Sylvia had also chosen to sit and was offering the sugar bowl for Augusta to easily access. Harry had no reading from Augusta about her thoughts of Bellatrix. He'd killed the witch a little over a week ago and while he knew Augusta had received his notice she made no indication of her thoughts when she greeted him earlier. Harry hoped that it was just Augusta separating politics and personal life and would talk to him later but the blatant refusal of even a nod or smile left him unnerved.
"Adoption into wizarding families," Harry said, arms crossed and standing firm.
"How would that happen? It is very uncommon for a family to simply take in a muggleborn child," Avery said delicately. He stood next to the table filled with the numerous drafts of the school legislation.
"Blood adoptions make that child family," Harry countered. "So many wizarding families only have one child but can easily afford many more. Is it so terrible to consider raising two children instead of one? Give their child a sibling?"
"It isn't what is done," Nott said with a bored sigh. He too sat on one of the couches, his robes crisp and sharp without a single wrinkle even as he leaned forward to watch Harry.
"Then it becomes what is done. Change can't happen if people cling to the past."
"This is all very idyllic, Harry," Tiberius said with a sigh. He leaned against the alcohol cabinet and stared into the amber liquid as he swirled it around the glass. "But far easier said than done. This type of change will require time and example."
"Example?" Harry asked. He didn't like that all of them seemed rather against the idea of adopting children. Was this all because of Pureblood pride like Marvolo had suggested?
"Yes," Tiberius said. "If people see other prominent members of society taking up the tradition of blood adopting young muggleborn children then it might become the newest trend. Much like charities or the like."
"Adopting children shouldn't be a charity!" Harry gasped, angry and horrified.
"No it shouldn't," Sylvia said gently. "But at the start, that is how many will perceive it. But Tiberius is right, examples of prominent members would need to be set."
Harry scowled. Why couldn't people just see how adopting children would just make things better? "Fine. An example. But who?"
"Why not the fine trendsetter already standing in our midst?" Augusta asked with a smirk.
Harry gaped at everyone looking at him. "I'm sixteen! I can't be a father."
The rest of the adults snickered. Nott and Avery trying to cover their amusement but not doing so well. Harry glared at them harder than the rest and they quickly sobered. Hmm...maybe Marvolo was right about having some degree of fear instilled in people.
"I was not suggesting you do so immediately," Augusta clarified. "However, if you are seen doing so then others might be more willing to follow. But again, as we have been saying, this adoption of children will not be as quickly completed as the school will be. By the time things are properly set in motion, you might very well be the proper age for fatherhood."
Scowling, Harry crossed his arms tighter across his chest. He didn't want the children to wait that long. He wanted them to get help and be saved now, not in four or five years when he was of a better age to start a bloody trend. He'd need to talk to Marvolo about this, maybe together they could find some way for people to adopt the neglected children without waiting until Harry came to an appropriate age.
"Come now, let's move past this. It is not something that will change or affect the start-up of the school," Sylvia said with her kind smile. "Let us focus on the school."
Not at all happy, but knowing she was right, Harry sighed and nodded. "Alright, what else do we need to discuss for the legislation? Can any of you think of any other argument that could be put against it? Anything that might make people vote against it?"
"Yes, funding," Nott said. "I know we've discussed the ways of starting up the initial cost. But the continuation cost is something we need to discuss."
"Will this be a publicly funded school, meaning there will be an additional tax, or will it be funded privately solely through means of donations and charities which could make the running subject to wealthier individuals," Avery explained.
Harry frowned. He didn't like the idea of the wealthy taking over his school but he also knew suggesting an additional tax would not go over well. "Well, how is Hogwarts run?"
"Privately run but its charter prevents outside influences," Augusta answered. "The Governors Board is the only accepted outside factor allowed any influence and even that is limited. But financially, Hogwarts relies mainly on donations and tuition."
"I'm not charging tuition for a primary school," Harry discounted immediately. He wanted this school accessible to all. "I also don't think the tax will go over well. So I guess it will need to be privately funded. But I'd like a charter to prevent material influences."
"This can be arranged," Amelia agreed. "Tell me, Harry, do you see yourself as this school's Headmaster equivalent, or merely the founder with no further control?"
Harry tried picturing relinquishing control of this project and immediately dismissed that idea. No, he couldn't just start up the project and leave it for others. He was too passionate, too invested, to not see it through in every aspect. But could he be a Headmaster?
"I think I'm a bit too young to be a Headmaster," Harry replied slowly.
Tiberius laughed. "Add that to the list of things you're too young for but are anyway. You've hardly let age stop you before, why now?"
Harry smirked. "Then I guess I'll add it to the list."
"As you are giving the location of the school as well as the vast majority of starting costs, this would make the most sense," Sylvia agreed.
Despite the growing eagerness at the thought of working so intimately with the school, Harry felt another weight rest on his chest. If he failed, then the school would fail. If the school failed, countless children would be displaced, history would repeat itself, society would never properly progress the way he knew it could. Harry swallowed against the weight he'd just shouldered. But it was for the best. This needed to succeed and he would make sure it would.
"Aside from finances, there is nothing else," Augusta said. "Let us finalize the draft and then prepare our presentation for the next Wizengamot meeting."
"I think it best for Lord Potter to do the presenting, but one of each faction should stand behind him," Avery said, his fingers tapping his chin. "I'd suggest Lady Abbott, Tiberius, and Julien as the best representatives."
Nott nodded his head in agreement with the suggestion of him standing behind Harry, as did Tiberius and Sylvia. Harry smiled, he was beyond thrilled that these people were agreeing to stand behind him and help him. Though he knew at the start Avery and Nott had only agreed on the command of Marvolo, he liked to think that by now they actually supported Harry himself. At least he hoped so.
"When is the next meeting?" Amelia asked, looking at a calendar that Harry had laid out on another table.
"December 11th only a few days before Harry's Faction Ball," Sylvia replied. "Which will help drum up more support before the final vote. I must admit, Harry, I was quite surprised to see that you had Narcissa Malfoy organizing your Ball. I expected Lady Pyrites to have sunk her niece into you already."
"Lady Malfoy is a very accomplished hostess and I trust that under her meticulous eye, the Ball will be an incredible hit. Perhaps next year, after I'm more established, I will let Lady Pyrites' niece organize it."
"I'm still surprised," Sylvia pressed. "From my understanding, you and the Malfoy family do not share many warm feelings."
"We don't," Harry agreed swiftly, a pleasant smile in place. "However, this is my first Faction Ball and as a new Faction Leader, and with such an important piece of legislation that I wish to see pushed through, I need to set aside my personal preferences in order to see the very best product produced. And Lady Malfoy is the very best."
"Rather mature of you," Augusta commented.
Harry smiled before his memory caught up with him. "Wait. You said December 11th is the next Wizengamot meeting?"
"Yes, why?" Sylvia asked with a frown. All of them were staring at him with concern now.
Mentally Harry was cursing and running a frantic hand through his hair. "Oh no. How easy is it to change that?"
"Next to impossible," Avery said. "The calendar is decided before the start of the Wizengamot year. The next calendar will be sent out at the beginning of the next year."
"Why does it need to be changed?" Tiberius asked, no longer leaning against the liquor cabinet.
Harry pulled at his hair and began frantically pacing. "I meet Death on the night of December 10th. I'm always drained and exhausted the next day." He couldn't go to the Wizengamot, hardly able to stand and present an influential case. There was silence as Harry pulled harder at his hair and began to pace. No this couldn't be happening, no!
"Can you...reschedule it?" Nott asked hesitantly.
Harr y snorted. "Have you ever tried rescheduling with Death? Doesn't go over well. Plus, Death was a bit angry during our last chat, I definitely can't reschedule it."
The memory of Death angry and the terrifying petrification holding him in place, struggling to breathe, his mind overloaded with angry, screaming voices flashed through his mind. Harry remembered Death's parting words: 'Your endeavors are important to you but if they detract from my path they will be disbanded'. No, Death would not approve of skipping a monthly meeting simply because he wanted to be fresh for the Wizengamot the next day.
"Is it possible to just wait till the next Wizengamot session, the one in January?" Harry asked, desperately looking at the six adults in the room.
Their faces answered him before Sylvia did. "Not if you don't want to change your school opening date. If you still plan on it opening a year from January then you can't wait until the next session. Too much needs to happen for everything to be pushed back. You need to start repairs and construction in January and you can't do that until you have Wizengamot approval."
"If you wait until January to propose the legislation then you won't get a proper vote until March, February meetings are typically only held if absolutely necessary since it is so short," Avery continued to explain. "Following that timeline your school would be pushed back until the following summer or fall."
"If you don't wish to continue this legislation through the Wizengamot and just set it up on your own time and dime, you can do whatever you please," Tiberius countered. "There is no rule that you need to start up this new business venture with Wizengamot approval. However, without legislation backing it up, there isn't a guarantee you will have students."
"Or at least students of all backgrounds like you wish," Sylvia clarified.
"Alright," Harry sighed, eyes closed and already dreading the next Wizengamot meeting. He'd have to talk with Marvolo, maybe he would have an idea, otherwise, Harry would just need to stock up on pepper-up potions and practice his glamour charms. "Let's just work on getting this drafted and plan for the presentation. I'll worry about the meeting later."
The adults seemed content to push forward and Harry ignored their concerned looks. The next hour of discussing the proper wording of the legislation Harry let wash over him. His mind turning over the upcoming prospect of dealing with the Wizengamot and convincing them that his school was a great idea while being magically, mentally, and physically exhausted.
Finally, the group broke for lunch and Harry led the way to the grand dining room. Luckily it was close to the sitting room. So after a quick trip down a hallway where his guests politely and discretely gawked at everything they saw, they were seated in the dining room and Kreacher and Dobby were enthusiastically serving them soup and sandwiches.
"Will this be the manor you choose to host your Faction Ball?" Sylvia asked as she dipped her spoon into the cheesy potato soup that Harry had been told was called Locro de Papa. Marvolo had served it a few weeks ago and Harry found he really enjoyed it.
"Yes, that is my plan. My elves are eagerly cleaning the manor for the arrival of so many guests."
The conversation drifted after that, everyone breaking into smaller conversations. Again, Harry let it wash over him. Small talk wasn't his strength, though he knew how important it was based on Marvolo constantly stressing it. But Harry just focused on eating and watching the others talk. Attention was off of him and he relaxed into the freedom of that moment.
The quiet words of Sylvia and Augusta caught his attention though. "It seems you and I will be seeing more of each other, Sylvia."
"Yes, it certainly does. Hannah seemed thrilled in her letters. Would you and Neville enjoy visiting the manor for tea once the break begins?"
Augusta nodded, taking a bite of food. "Yes, that sounds wonderful. The invitation is of course extended to you as well. It is so nice to see my grandson branching out. I was growing worried for him but Hannah is a sweet girl, a good match I must say."
Harry blinked. "Wait, Hannah and Neville?" And then flushed at his rude interruption. The two women looked up at him and while Augusta tutted at him disapprovingly, Sylvia granted him a smile.
"Yes, it appears, young Mr. Longbottom asked to begin courting my daughter."
A giddy smile broke across Harry's face. Oh, he couldn't wait to see Neville now. The immense teasing that he could do seemed limitless. The very fact that Harry had to find out that Neville was in a relationship from his grandmother would fuel teasing alone for months. But aside from that Harry felt proud of his friend for chasing what he wished for. Harry wholeheartedly supported the whole thing.
"Well, I'm glad for both of them. Neville is a great guy, one of the best I know. Hannah would be hard-pressed to find a better man."
Augusta sat straighter, her lips thin and tight but the pride was evident in the old woman's stern countenance.
***
"Again, Potter," Pucey said.
Harry scowled but did as asked. Montague turned the music back on and Harry took Hestia's hand as they began the steps of the standard waltz once more. With all of the balls looming ominously on the horizon, Harry had requested the help of his guard in teaching him how to dance. He was not going to relive the horror of the Triwizard Tournament Yule Ball. Now, however, he was starting to regret it. Pucey and the Carrow twins were slave drivers in terms of dancing.
Currently, they were occupying the Gathering Room, the rest of his guard was either leaning against the dais or were cajoled by the Weasley Twins into a game of their own making.
"Honestly, Harry, I think you're just overthinking this dancing," Hestia said as he studiously counted his steps.
"I can't mess this up. Do you know how many people are just waiting for me to fail?"
"I'm well aware of the pressure. But honestly, it's just dancing. It's supposed to be fun."
"So I've heard. I've yet to believe it though."
"Don't be such a saggy tit, Potter," Hestia scolded and Harry snorted. She was by far the more vocal of the two Carrow twins. He could definitely understand the pairing between her and Flint.
Glancing at her hand in his he saw the glittering ring now occupying her finger. He remembered how excited she'd been the other week when Flint had finally presented it to her. Their engagement had been set for over a month, but she'd only just gotten her ring. They had all tried explaining it to him, the proper steps of Pureblood Courting and Betrothals, but Harry didn't get it.
He did remember the day fondly though. Hestia had been beside herself with excitement, quick to show off the massive ring when they all gathered before their Muggle Hunting session. Only Harry and Flora had provided a willing listening audience though. Flora out of loyalty to her sister and Harry out of polite interest and because he considered his guard his friends by this point. It was a large ornate ring composed of a cluster of diamonds and aquamarines, which Harry hadn't realized were actual gemstones and not just a color. But aquamarine was apparently the Flint Family Gem - because old Pureblood families still held to that tradition - and represented young love among other things. It was an heirloom that Flint had chosen from the family vaults.
"Was the least obnoxious of the lot," Flint had grunted while Hestia flashed the ring to the group while wrapping Flint's arm over her shoulder.
"Still horribly obnoxious," Hestia had countered with an eye roll. "I don't know how I'm expected to brew potions with this weighing my hand down."
"Won't stop you from making explosions," Flint had replied with a roll of his eyes and a smirk on his overly largemouth.
"Explosions are the best part," Hestia had laughed.
Flora had been quick to pull Harry aside as soon as her sister had walked on with Flint and the others to whisper, "She might call it obnoxious, but she's been over the moon about it. Apparently, it also represents their first dates of their courtship. Something about visiting the seaside or something. Don't let her sneers fool you, she wouldn't stop squealing for days afterward."
Harry was roughly brought back to the present when Hestia slammed her heel into his foot. "Honestly, Potter, when you're dancing with a lady at least try to appear interested in her."
The other guys snickered at his expense. "Hestia," Flora scolded from where she stood next to George.
"Sorry Hestia, I was thinking about you though," he said with a charming smile that he'd been forced to practice for his political dealings.
She rolled her eyes and snorted. "Real charmer you are, but the lie ruins it."
"It's the truth. I was thinking about your ring. Do you and Flint know when you're actually going to hold the ceremony?"
The change was amazing to watch. Her eyes grew bright and her smile giddy and Harry felt himself smiling along with her. "We're thinking of early Spring. Definitely before summer, I will not have my wedding and honeymoon cut short and overshadowed by his bloody Quidditch practices."
"Oi! You love my bloody Quidditch practices," Flint argued smugly.
"I love how bloody hot you are because of them, not much else," Hestia argued and threw a wink over her shoulder to her fiance.
"Ugh, please at least try to have some decorum, Hes," Flora said with a sigh. "Why don't you tell Harry all about what you already have planned."
Harry shot a betrayed and mortified look at Flora while Hestia turned her full attention back at him and began rattling off about the various color schemes she was choosing between, something about combining the House Flint and House Carrow colors and how frustrating it was because they just clashed so terribly. However, it did give the benefit of him relaxing into the dance. He nodded attentively and tried not to glaze over too badly as she rattled on and on.
Finally, Pucey called a break from them and Harry gave a short bow to Hestia's curtsy and quickly left her clutches.
"You're a brave man, Harry," George said, clapping him on the back.
"The bravest," Fred agreed, tossing an arm over his shoulders.
"Dirty trick, Flora," Harry said with a glare.
Flora gave an angelic smile. "Whatever do you mean, Harry? My sister has only been discussing this stuff for weeks. She's been needing a fresh perspective."
"A fresh victim," Harry countered.
"If you prefer that way of thinking," she conceded before her angelic smile faded into a smirk and she left to go talk to her sister.
"So how have you two been?"
"Can't complain," George shrugged. "We've got a few new products in the works that should be ready for sale come the summer. Flora has been a great help with new ideas, Hestia, too."
"Oh, I didn't realize you guys were all talking together." Harry didn't know why this was so surprising to him, he was glad that his guard all got along well.
"Well, Georgie and Flora are mainly doing the talking," Fred said with a smirk.
"Oh?" Harry said with interest and turning to properly face George whose neck was going red.
"It's nothing really. We're just swapping ideas for different product ideas and how to make them. Nothing more, honest."
"But you...want more?" Harry asked hesitantly. This was new territory for him and the twins. Usually, it was laughs and jokes, hardly anything deeper and more substantial.
George sighed. "Well sure, she's pretty and funny and smart. Who wouldn't want more? But, I don't know, she seems....nervous about anything more." George shrugged and shook his head. "Ah well, not to worry. It'll happen or it won't. I'm in no hurry. Besides, Freddie is having more luck than me."
"You are?" Harry asked in surprise. How was he missing so much? First Neville, now Fred and George. Bloody hell, next he knew Ron and Hermione would finally get together, and then Ginny would be saying she had a boyfriend. Was he missing out on all of these events because he was a bad friend? Their lives were going on and he was just stuck in a manor with a Dark Lord who made him confused and happy in equal measures.
Fred smirked and winked over in the direction of Pucey and Montague who were talking with Warrington. Both Pucey and Montague blushed and looked away.
"Wait, which one are you seeing? Pucey or Montague?"
"Oh, poor, sweet, innocent, naive Harrikins," Fred said, shaking his head and ruffling Harry's hair. "Why limit yourself? Why have one when you can have both?"
Harry choked. "What! You and them?"
"Well...not yet, but I'm working on it," Fred admitted. Harry felt heat rising to his face at the very idea.
"Luckily, Mum is still on a craze with planning Bill and Fleur's wedding, so we have a bit of a break from her matchmaking. Keep your calendar open, it's next summer," George said.
"Yeah, we get a break for the year."
"Because it's only a matter of time until she turns her sights on us."
"She's all but given up on Charlie."
"Percy is probably more likely to be a spinster."
"And then we're next."
Harry laughed at their horrified faces.
"I wouldn't laugh too much, Harrikins," Fred said.
"Yup, after us it's you and Ronnie."
"And since Ronnikins has been besotted with our resident bookworm for years now, she'll turn her sights on you."
Harry felt ill at the thought.
"Don't worry, you still have a bit of time. Being a Dark Lord-in-training probably buys you a couple of extra years," George assured him.
"Maybe."
"Possibly."
"Hopefully," Harry said with a huff.
"Ready to dance again, Potter?" Pucey called over and Harry groaned.
"Of course he is, Adrian dearest," Fred said with a grin.
"However, it isn't right to just let him steal the lovely ladies' time," George continued.
"Yes, yes, come Harrikins dance with us," Fred said, grabbing Harry's hand and George's and led them in a skipping circle.
Harry laughed loudly, enjoying the carefree moment. Tossing thoughts of dating and marriage and balls out of his mind and just savoring the moment of a fun time with friends. In some unspoken language, the twins dropped hands and began lifting their arms for Harry to duck under and twirl beneath. It reminded him of a game he'd seen little girls do on the sidewalks on Privet Drive.
This lasted another five minutes before George and Fred separated to drag the others into the convoluted dance as well. Harry stepped back and watched as the former Slytherins fell to the Weasley Twins' pressure and skipped in circles with them in time to the music playing in the background. Harry grinned, feeling lighthearted and relaxed.
"Alright, come on. No more dancing today, let's go grab some lunch," Harry said. He could tell Pucey, Flora, and Hestia wanted to argue but didn't because of his place among them. While Harry usually didn't like being deferred to in such a way, today he appreciated it because it meant he got out of more dancing practice.
Harry led the group to the formal dining room because the informal one was only ever used by him and Marvolo. Harry was hesitant to bring others into that room and so dealt with the stiffness of the formal dining room to keep the informal one safe for just him and Marvolo. Missy was quick to serve them all a light chicken pasta.
"So who still needs to buy presents? I know I need to go out shopping soon," Harry said as he sat at the head of the table.
"We have all our gifts already," Flora said with a nod to her sister. "It would be most inappropriate for heiresses to wait until such a late moment to buy them."
"Late moment?" Harry squawked. "It's only just the end of November. There is still almost a full month."
"And all the good things will be gone by then," Hestia replied.
"We still need to buy a few things," Fred said, nodding at his brother.
"Same," Montague and Warrington agreed.
"Already bought everything," Flint said and Pucey agreed.
Now Harry felt even worse, he hadn't bought anything yet. He had so much to buy, he felt a bit of panic rise. He'd never had so many to buy for before.
"Harry don't stress about it," George said.
"Honestly you could probably just owl order most of them," Fred added.
There was a thought, Harry thought distantly. Most of them he could just owl order. He'd need to do that soon though, he really couldn't keep putting it off. He'd also need to make a definitive list of who needed presents.
"Yeah, it's not like you need to get a special someone a present, right?" George joked.
"Or do you," Fred said, noticing Harry's hesitation and pouncing. The rest of the group looked up with interest and Harry shoved a mouthful of pasta into his mouth to prevent saying more.
"Come now, Harrikins, who else do you need to buy a present for?"
"No, no one special. I mean all of you guys, my friends, and stuff. I just need to get one for Mar- ehr - Voldemort too."
Now it was Fred's turn to choke. "You're getting a present for Voldie?"
"Seriously?" Warrington spluttered, grabbing a napkin to dab at the mess he made.
"Well..."
"Morgana's tits," Hestia said, falling back into her seat.
"Hestia," Flora scolded.
"She's right," Flint agreed, arms crossed and scowling. "Bloody fuck, Potter."
"What?" Harry frowned. "Why is it so strange for me to get him presents for Christmas? I mean aren't you guys getting him presents?" He could sort of understand why the Slytherins still in school found it so surprising for him to buy presents, but his guards were actually Death Eaters.
"Of course we're getting him a gift but we aren't actually working on it," Montague said.
"Break that down for us non-Voldie followers, please," Fred said, frowning in confusion.
"What he means is that yes of course we are getting the Dark Lord presents," Flora said. "It just usually involves something expensive or a priceless artifact that we have in our bank vaults. I don't know anyone who actually...."
"Tries?" Hestia supplied.
Harry frowned. Was that really true? Did none of his followers really try? "But why not try?"
"Because he's the Dark Lord," Warrington said. "He's superior and untouchable, besides no one would know what he would actually want. To get the wrong thing would be worse than getting him nothing at all."
That seemed a little excessive in Harry's opinion. "Ah, but something you sneaky little snakes are forgetting," George said with a grin that would be better suited on a shark. He and Fred exchanged a look and Harry felt a little scared.
"Young Harrikins here is Old Voldies ally, his partner — " Harry felt heat in his cheeks at the way Fred purred that word.
" — if anyone knows what Lord Snakeface wants, it's him," George said.
"Isn't that true, Harrikins?" Fred continued. "You know him better than anyone. What are you getting the most Fearsome Dark Lord in Wizard History for Christmas?"
His throat was strangely dry and his face felt like it was burning. What were the twins implying? Yeah, they were partners, why were they making it so weird? "I — well...I don't know...that's why I have to find something. What are you — why — ?" Harry couldn't even finish his sentence.
"Oh Harry," Fred sighed and ruffled his hair, which made Harry scowl. He wasn't a child. "Why don't we go tomorrow to help you look, at least those of us who still need to shop."
The rest of the guard nodded in agreement and Harry could not read the looks in their eyes but he knew he didn't like it.
"Anyways, we should probably be heading back to the shop anyway," George said, pushing away from the table.
"Lee, Charity, Felicity are great but can't trust them to man the shop for too long," Fred said.
"Especially since Lee needs to head to work himself soon, too," George agreed.
***
Earlier in the day, Harry had sorted out a good deal of the Christmas presents he'd need to get. At least he'd gotten the Weasley's, Remus, and his Gryffindor friends. But he still needed presents for the Slytherins, his guard, his Faction members, and political allies, and of course, Marvolo.
With some presents taken care of, Harry allowed himself to relax as he sipped his tea watching the flames dance as the fire crackled. Marvolo drank his tea as well and stared into the flames. The sun had set and the only light was the fire itself. Harry enjoyed it this way. A fresh layer of snow blanketed the windows from earlier that evening and the library felt even cozier with that knowledge. Neither of them was bothering with work tonight and Harry found himself enjoying the silence.
"I saw your owl return earlier today, any news?" Marvolo asked quietly, obviously not looking to disturb the silence either.
"Yeah, Remus wrote. He said things were going well. Said he missed me and that he would see me soon. But he wouldn't be able to make the Christmas Eve party."
"Why not?"
"It's a full moon that night."
"Ah, I see. I could request the date change so he could attend. The werewolves should be in attendance after all. Fenrir is a close ally."
A dark heat flared in Harry's stomach and he scowled at the flames. "Well, we wouldn't want Fenrir to miss out," he said blithely. Harry sensed Marvolo look at him but he refused to return the look. Desperate to push the dark feeling away and to keep hold of the peace, Harry changed subjects. "So, do you still not want anything for Christmas or your birthday?"
Marvolo stared at Harry a bit more before facing the fire again and letting the subject change. "Why are you so insistent on this question?"
"Is it really so hard to figure out?"
"Obviously."
"I want to get you a present, Marvolo."
Marvolo hissed suddenly and Harry jerked to look at him and saw that some of the tea had spilled onto the man's hand. "Harry I am not in need of anything, you have no reason to purchase me anything."
"That's not the reason I want to buy you something. You're my friend, my ally, I want to get you something for the holidays."
Marvolo stared at him intently and the flames did nothing to help Harry decipher the emotions hidden in the red depths. "Right of course...allies...presents..." Marvolo was facing the flames again and muttering to himself. Harry smirked into his teacup and didn't feel as bad about not having a gift yet. "Your Wizengamot session is next week though, let us discuss that."
Harry chuckled at the almost desperate tone and took another sip of tea. "I'm fairly certain we've talked that to death too."
"You can never be too cautious."
"I appreciate your willingness to help."
"Anything for....allies. After all, it is imperative that we ensure the success of our ventures."
Harry just nodded as his thoughts drifted, his body content and warm, curled up in his chair. "Will you look like you at the Ball?"
"No, my followers must see me as Voldemort, nothing else. It wouldn't do for loose lips to reveal that I am not always in that form."
"I actually think it would do some good for your followers to see you as human. I mean, you're already going to have an insane amount of wards just to keep the secret of my friends' identities, you would fall under that as well."
"This is my following, I can't just disrupt the image I have crafted for decades for the whim of a party."
"I suppose that's true, but just think of the shock your followers will get. Didn't you once say that it is the little things that make the days amusing or something?"
Marvolo smirked. "You raise a valid point," he conceded.
"And if you're super concerned just obliviate them all after the Ball. So then you can enjoy their shock twice."
Marvolo glanced at Harry with a dark look with a sinfully wicked smirk. The look made Harry feel warm from the inside out.
"Actually, that's another thing I've been wondering about. Why don't you claim seats on the Wizengamot? I mean you have the Slytherin and Gaunt Lordships. Why not use political power?"
"Hogwarts Founder Lordships don't grant a seat on the Wizengamot. They are more figurehead Lordships. They grant power and riches but not a say in government, their focus was always supposed to be strictly on the governing of the school. Gaunt is much the same just without the riches or the renown."
"Oh. Will you ever walk out looking as you do now?"
"Perhaps after Dumbledore is taken care of. Now, he will cause too much fuss that I don't have the desire to mediate. Once or twice, he looks like a doddering old fool spouting claims of my Dark Lord persona, multiple times and he is able to attack with a credible opposition, pulling up previous school records and such. Easily dealt with but an unnecessary distraction from more important things." They sipped their tea for a few more minutes. "Why the questions concerning my appearance?"
Harry sighed. "I suppose I just wish you'd be able to come with me to the Wizengamot. I know it would be far more interesting with you in attendance and then you wouldn't have to rely on your followers' memories to watch me...what did you call it? Decimate them with my words?"
"It is breathtaking to watch." Harry felt his cheeks heat up at the compliment. "This upcoming one will be incredibly thrilling, I'm certain."
"I hope so. If all of this goes well, I'm kind of looking forward to it."
"Oh, little lion, as am I. More tea?" Marvolo asked, refilling his own teacup.
"Please," Harry said and held his own cup out.
"So, are you still certain you wish to govern the school?"
"Yeah, now that I've thought more about it, I'm still certain it's the right thing to do. I mean, I'll need a job and I can't rely on just doing Wizengamot things to keep me occupied and Dumbledore will be defeated within the year. So that won't be a distraction anymore. And I like kids and I enjoyed teaching last year. What will you do?"
"What do you mean?"
"After all this world domination is done. What will you do?"
"I shall rule it."
Harry rolled his eyes. "Of course. So Minister?"
"Hardly anything so menial," Marvolo replied. "I shall be Lord and Ruler, Emperor and King."
"A bit full of yourself with the titles, aren't you?"
Marvolo glared and Harry snickered. "I shall be overseeing that everything runs smoothly and making sure the proper policies and laws are in place. It will involve a lot of paperwork, unfortunately."
"Sounds terrible."
"The price to pay for progress."
"If you say so. I think I'll be quite happy making sure the next generation is happy and well taken care of, personally."
"Always someone to save, hm?"
"Someone's gotta do it," Harry said with a shrug. "I'll take that over paperwork though."
"Someone's gotta do it," Marvolo quipped and Harry laughed.