Curse of Fate

Title: Curse of Fate
Author: Mistress Nika
Rating: PG-15 (Yes, 15. That's somewhere between PG-13 and R)
Summary: Thousands of years into the future, vampire Harry only wants to join his loved ones in death. However, his curse of immortality is absolute. Therefore he sends himself back into the body of his infant self, vowing to this time refuse eternity. When do things ever go according to plan? Unexpected changes to the timeline, people who aren't as they once were and more send his life spiraling out of his control.
Pairings: Harry/Lucius(main), possible Harry/Severus, possible Lucius/Severus, possible Harry/Lucius/Severus, Sirius/Remus, Theo/Hermione, possible Theo/Blaise, possible Hermione/Ginny, Draco/Luna, possible one-sided Harry/Luna on Luna's part, possible Hermione/Pansy, Cedric/Eleanor(OC), past Harry/Ginny
Warnings: AU, het, slash, angst, language, violence, time travel, VampireHarry, DarkLordHarry
Disclaimer: I do not own Harry Potter.

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Chapter Nine:
To say he was surprised when he received notice from the WTA that a job awaited him was an understatement. He'd once been a highly sought after tutor for the elite despite the fact that he was only a halfblood and not from a wealthy family. He'd been respected for his intellect and way with children. All the pureblood families wanted him to teach their young the basics of magic before they began school and some choose to employ him to teach more advanced subjects during the summer.

After the fiasco of eight years ago, it became nearly impossible to find employment. No one wanted to hire a werewolf and those that may have overlooked his condition refused to have a suspected Death Eater around their children. He was branded dangerous and a traitor, shunned from all reputable society. He'd been forced to take on menial jobs to support himself, even going so far as to work in known Dark shops in Knockturn Alley. This, of course, didn't help his reputation any.

When Dumbledore refused to believe that Sirius might be innocent and took Harry forcibly away from him to live with those muggles, he'd vowed revenge. He had trusted the man implicitly and in return he had been used and tossed aside. Like a rusted sword that no longer served it's purpose, he had been replaced by the newer, better weapon which just happened to be a fifteen month old child. Dumbledore tried to explain it to him. Harry was destined for greatness. What the man didn't seem to understand was that Harry was only a child. One who would never know the love of his parents nor his godfather because one old man was blind to the truth; because one old man thought he knew best.

Remus had tried to go through legal channels to gain custody of Harry, but Dumbledore destroyed his credibility by revealing his lycanthropy to the public. It was then that he lost all faith in the Ministry and Dumbledore. They refused to even listen to him. He had angrily declared that Sirius Black would be freed and that he would make sure the Ministry and general public changed their views on werewolves. Then, he did something they would never have expected of the kind, gentle Remus Lupin.

Had James and Lily been alive and Sirius free, they would have been laughing uproariously at the panic and disbelief his actions caused. They were the only ones to really know him and they knew there was more to their friend than met the eye. Silent strength, a quick mind and a fierce sense of righteousness. He was, after all, the most feared Marauder for a reason.

If those of the Light would turn their backs on him, he would go to those who would give their right arm for him to join them. His own kind. Fenrir Greyback was a cruel monster who ruled his pack through fear and intimidation, much like Voldemort did the Death Eaters. He promised power and delivered only pain. Remus was the only heir of the man left alive, the others having been killed by Greyback for attempting to overthrow him or by werewolf hunters.

Greyback had welcomed him with open arms, up until the moment he challenged him for leadership. Everyone assumed the spindly, sickly looking man would lose his life to the pillar of raw muscle that was their leader. Remus proved them wrong. He had never been an Auror, but he had trained right alongside James and Sirius. Greyback had pure strength, but Remus was faster, more agile and quicker to predict his opponent's moves. He won the battle along with the allegiance and respect of each member of the pack. Since then they had been working in many ways to achieve their goals. Equality for their race, freedom for the wrongly imprisoned mate of their leader and rescue of what they considered to rightfully be their leader's pup.

Six years later, Remus, in his best robes which still sported a worn hem and several patches, rode in a horse drawn carriage to meet his new employer. He hadn't been told much, only that the other tutors hadn't worked out and he was a last resort. He was to teach the Lord of Leonis House, who's name he hadn't even been told. When he had asked, he had only received nervous glances in reply and he didn't know if it was because of his condition or because there were things they weren't telling him. He didn't even know if he was going to teach a young boy who had come to the title at a young age or a grown man who had never attended a magical institution. Either way, he was glad for the chance at a respectable job again.

The quaint little village he rode through was very charming and welcoming. The homes looked to be thoroughly modern except for the obvious lack of modern appliances and anything electrical, as was common in places of higher magical concentration. They were done in various shades of white, beige and creme with different colors as tasteful accents. The little hat shop with the blue shutters looked perfect right next to the grocer's with the red trim and the salon with the light orange roof. A large marble fountain sat in the center of the shopping square, pouring forth rainbow colored water which flowed harmoniously together into the pristine white base as people went to and fro.

Clothing here seemed to fit into three categories; wizarding, muggle and middle-class Elizabethan oddly enough. A woman in a red and green dress with corset, long full skirts and a hat was sitting outside a cafe sharing an early lunch with two men in breeches and doublets, one with a feather in his cap, while a witch in dark yellow robes served them. A young woman sat a few feet away reading a clearly muggle book and wearing an obscenely short skirt, stiletto boots and a barely there tank top. Remus had to do a double take when he thought he saw Albus Dumbledore shopping for fresh fruit. It turned out to be yet another aged wizard wearing blue robes with silver stars and a matching wizard's hat. And here he'd thought Diagon Alley was diverse...

The people themselves seemed friendly and happy enough, something that had been in short supply lately in the world. As he leaned his head out the carriage window, he was treated to warm smiles and a few good-natured waves. The sound of children laughing rang joyously from every corner and a small dog barked and nipped at the heels of the horses as they passed through. A boy of perhaps eight ran alongside the carriage and called out to him with a smile.

"Are you the new tutor?" he asked with innocent curiosity.

Remus replied with a smile of his own and chuckled as the boy stumbled as he tried to keep up. "Yes, I am."

"I hope you stay." the boy continued, scooping the dog into his arms and continuing alongside him. "Poor Lord Potter's been in a right foul mood since that last guy."

"Potter?" Remus started, eyes wide.

"Yeah." the boy replied easily. "Harry Potter. He's famous, y'know. Mum said so. I don't see why no one wants to stay and teach him. I think he's brilliant! He doesn't come into town much, but he always buys me and my friends ice cream when he does. He's really nice."

"Harry Potter is the Lord of Leonis House?" Remus asked in astonishment. How could this be?

"Yeah." the boy said as he began to fall back and they began to pull away from the town proper. "Be nice and maybe he'll buy you an ice cream!" he called as the carriage began to make it's way up the winding road to the mansion on the hill.

Surely he was mistaken. Harry couldn't be more than ten and was staying in Surrey with his muggle relatives. He couldn't have set himself up as the lord of a house at that age, no matter that Dumbledore would never even allow it. Harry should be blissfully unaware of his illustrious heritage, attending muggle school and being shunned by his family. Lily had told him enough about her sister that he knew roughly how the boy would be treated in her house.

It was with great shock that he finally exited the carriage only to be bowled over by a small form with dark hair, a cry of "Remus!" ringing in his ears.

-SCENE BREAK-

Harry was anxiously pacing back and forth in the foyer, wearing a hole in the solid stone and worrying the house elves. He even indulged in a long forgotten habit and began chewing at his fingernails, which promptly grew back. Of course, that just gave him more to chew.

He hadn't felt this nervous in centuries. Forget his millennia of experience, vast stores of knowledge and questionable sanity. He suddenly felt like the child he was supposed to be.

He hadn't seen Remus in ages. He didn't count that brief moment in time when he was a baby trying to warn him of Wormtail's betrayal and Sirius' innocence. The man had died when Harry was still mortal, a victim of the terrible war against Voldemort. Now, he was going to see him after what was, to Harry, over six thousand years.

He could barely contain the impulse to rush from the house to meet the carriage that was bringing him. After Sirius' death, Remus had been like a father to him, as well as a teacher and comrade in arms. He was one of the most important people in his life, second only to perhaps his wife and children. Though, according to Ginny, that had been debatable.

All preternatural grace seemingly lost, Harry tripped over the end of his purple robes and stumbled to the door as he heard the carriage finally pull up outside. Flinging open the doors, he was greeted with the sight of what appeared to be a much younger, healthier Remus Lupin than he was used to seeing in his memory. The shabby robes and faint lines around the eyes were still present, as was a stripe of premature gray in his hair. However, he didn't seem as if a strong wind could push him over anymore. Although far from looking his actual age, he nonetheless looked young and relatively strong. There was still a weariness about him, but that silent strength he possessed in spades seemed closer to the surface and he held himself with a bit more confidence.

As he smoothed out the wrinkles in his robes, Harry finally gave in to what he deemed a childish desire and ran to the man. He flung his arms around his waist, buried his face in his shirt and felt them both fall to the cobblestones with a thud.

"Remus!"

The stunned werewolf didn't move for a good twenty seconds as he attempted to take in this new, surprising information.

"Harry?" he finally asked, bringing an arm up around the boy's shoulders.

Harry just nodded, feeling things he hadn't experienced in oh so long; warmth, love and acceptance among them. For the four hundred years after the death of the last of his family and the nine years in this world, he had held himself aloof and not allowed himself to get too close to anyone for fear of losing them or being rejected. Now, he had someone here with him that he was already extremely attached to. No way was he going to lose him again. Not for secrets, hidden powers or anything else.

Pulling back, he stared into Remus' eyes and asked softly, "Are you able to protect your mind from any and all assaults and attempts to steal it's secrets?"

The oddity of the question confused him, but he nodded. "Yes. I learned when I was young from Dumbledore himself, so that no one could read my mind, find out what I am and use it against me. Why?"

Harry grinned brightly sitting back on his heels and finally letting go of the still stunned werewolf. "Moony, my dear man." he said, still grinning like a loon. "I have a case of firewhiskey and a very long story to tell. Care to join me inside?"

-SCENE BREAK-

Albus Dumbledore was having a nervous breakdown. Several months ago he had received a notice from Gringotts informing him of his removal as Harry Potter's wizarding financial guardian which had apparently been made official with a note from his legal guardian, Petunia Dursley.

What's more, there had been an incident several months before that, in which Harry had killed his abusive uncle. Albus decided, after reading over the official reports sent to him by his contacts in the Auror Department, that everything was well in hand. The blood wards were still in effect since they were tied to his aunt and the boy seemed to have no lasting permanent damage to his psyche. Even if there were, he was sure it could only further his goals. Through working closely with the boy to repair whatever damage was done to his mind, he would have him completely dependent upon him. After he began school of course.

When he received notice that Potter was now in control of his assets, he made a visit to Privet Drive only to discover a young newlywed couple living there. Apparently, the remaining Dursleys and Potter had moved out two weeks prior and they had moved in immediately, snatching up the drastically under priced piece of real estate.

He cursed fluently in several different languages before returning to his office. There he found yet another letter from the goblins of Gringotts informing him of the fact that he now had access to only one of the four founders' vaults. Ravenclaw, Slytherin and Gryffindor had all been claimed. It was a possibility that Ravenclaw had been claimed by some unknown and unimportant descendant. However, only two people could have claimed Slytherin's and only one could claim Gryffindor's. As Tom Riddle was dead, that left only one very discouraging possibility. Harry had claimed all three and was now the lord of several powerful families, not to mention the fact that he held controlling power over the school itself.

Harry Potter owned Hogwarts. Harry Potter was nine years old, rich, powerful, missing and owned Hogwarts.

This was the fact that caused the normally in control man to break down in nearly hysterical sobs, in the privacy of his locked and warded office of course. He would never allow himself to be seen in a moment of weakness by anyone.

He finally received word that Potter's aunt had purchased a home in a muggle-wizarding village. The first thing he did was send her a howler reminding her of her duty and criticizing her for not informing and consulting him before acting. That, he realized belatedly, was a mistake. In a shocking move, she sent one back.

It was during dinner in the Great Hall that the barn owl had swooped in, dropped the red letter on the headmaster's meat loaf and flew out again. Everyone, teachers and students alike, watched in shock as the old wizard picked it up and opened it, still smiling serenely. The smile and twinkle all but vanished as the woman's shrill, amplified voice cut through the silence, ringing through the Hall and echoing up into the castle through the open doors.

"YOU STAY THE HELL AWAY FROM MY NEPHEW! IF YOU EVEN THINK OF COMING NEAR US, I'LL BURN YOUR EYES OUT WITH LAUNDRY DETERGENT! DON'T THINK YOU CAN THREATEN ME EITHER! I'LL SHOW YOU JUST HOW DANGEROUS A PISSED OFF MUGGLE WOMAN CAN BE! EVER BEEN BEATEN OVER THE HEAD WITH A RED HOT FRYING PAN? IF YOU PUT SO MUCH AS A TOE WITHIN OUR VILLAGE, I'LL TAKE HIM AND MOVE TO ICELAND AND YOU'LL NEVER SEE HIM AGAIN! I'LL REPORT YOU TO THE MINISTRY FOR STALKING, HARASSMENT AND MOLESTATION! I'LL TELL EVERYONE ABOUT YOUR GOAT LOVING BROTHER AND WHAT HIS INAPPROPRIATE CHARMS REALLY WERE! I'LL ENROLL HIM IN DURMSTRANG! STAY OUT OF OUR LIVES! Oh, and for the students:DUMBLEDORE WAS A SLYTHERIN!"

The letter then blew him a raspberry and tore itself to shreds. Unknown to him, Harry had helped Petunia considerably with the creation and composition of that howler.

Rumors had flown for months afterwards. Everything from a magic hating guardian of a muggleborn to the pissed off guardian of a boy Dumbledore had molested. No one who had been present was ever able to look at their headmaster the same way again.

As if that weren't enough, stories began running in the newspapers about supposed evidence which cast doubt on Sirius Black's guilt and with the information that the man had never even received a trial, it became front page news overnight. The Auror with the new evidence was keeping a surprisingly low profile. Dumbledore had so far been unable to track him down and convince him to stop his investigation. Because the evidence couldn't be officially presented, a trial could not be granted. However, with their public support waning, the Ministry decided their best bet would be to bring Black over from Azkaban for interrogation under Veritaserum. It was set for the third of July.

Dumbledore, realizing the negative light that would be cast on him should Black prove to be innocent, began making plans to make his problem go away. After all, who cared about justice when the victims were long since dead and buried? He persuaded, bribed and threatened the Aurors who would be escorting him until he knew Sirius Black would "escape" from custody somewhere between Azkaban and the Ministry and would never be found.

Unfortunately for him, one of the Aurors' name was Jonathan Michaels and he was not so easily intimidated.

-SCENE CHANGE-

It had been three weeks since Remus moved in and Harry had told him everything there was to tell. He had been surprisingly accepting and never criticized any of the choices Harry had made over his lifetime. After all, as Remus said with a smile, "I should respect my elders, and besides, what can I tell you that you haven't already learned in six thousand years?"

Ironically, Harry was the one teaching Remus. After discovering how much knowledge Harry possessed, he insisted the tutor become the student. Secretly, of course. They were in the ballroom practicing advanced wandless magic, which Remus seemed to have a knack for, when a house elf informed them an Auror was there and wanted to see him.

They met the man in the drawing room and Harry introduced him to Remus. They had stayed in touch and Harry had been providing him with bits and pieces as was needed to bring about Sirius' freedom.

Michaels firmly shook the werewolf's hand and gave a respectful nod, surprising Remus. An Auror with respect for a known Dark creature? It was almost unheard of.

Not intending to beat around the bush, when Harry offered him tea Michaels stated simply, "A certain old bird is intending to make your godfather do a disappearing act. A permanent one."

After a few moments of tense silence, a plan was hatched.

"We have to get to him before Dumbledore does." Harry spoke seriously which confused the Auror who was not used to the serious, mature Harry.

"I hate to say it," Remus put in gravely, "but even if we delivered him to the Ministry safely, Dumbledore has ways of getting to him, even there. We couldn't exactly hang around to protect him."

"Better a fugitive than a corpse." Harry muttered, looking at Remus questioningly. Remus gave a slight, almost imperceptible nod.

Michaels looked between the two for a moment before speaking. "Do you have someone in mind who can help? If I were to turn on the others, I'd be branded a traitor and sent to Azkaban myself. And even together, I doubt Mr. Lupin and I could defeat seven other Aurors and escape with Black."

"I'll be there too." Harry spoke, ignoring Remus' wide eyed staring. When he glanced from Harry to Michaels and back again purposefully, Harry sighed and said, "Moony, I'm not telling him everything, but Aurors are trained to protect their minds and he can do so with my secrets. I've read him. He can be trusted." Turning back to Michaels, Harry said, "Forgive me for sifting through your thoughts, but I had to make sure you would side with me."

Michaels nodded dumbly before narrowing his eyes. "You're a Legilimens?"

"Yes." Harry replied. "Like I said, I can't tell you everything, but I will allow you to be privy to certain things most others aren't." Standing, Harry called for a house elf and ordered him to close off the entire house except the ballroom, make sure all the elves stayed out of sight until he called for them and to close all the heavy curtains in the ballroom to block out the light. The elves were used to such strange requests. They knew their master wasn't an ordinary wizard nor even human, but he was good to them and they were loyal.

Harry led Remus and the confused Michaels to the darkened ballroom, which became dimly lit by braziers as they entered. Remus knew about his little masquerade and confessed that he thought it was a masterful plan. This would be the first time he took part in it, however. Harry drew Voldemort's wand from his sleeve and transfigured their robes into simple black ones with the hoods up, casting their faces in shadow.

Michaels looked stunned by that display of advanced magic from a child who had not even started school yet, but quickly turned terrified as Harry pulled a bone white mask from thin air and handed it him. The boy stared at him with glittering crimson eyes and he let out a fearful, shuddering gasp. He'd seen many things in his career that would haunt him for the rest of his days, but the cold unnaturalness of the creature before him, who he realized wore complex glamours most of the time, far outweighed them all. Here he was, an Auror and sworn enemy of Dark Wizards everywhere, being offered a Death Eater's mask by the most feared Dark Lord in centuries.

"Y-You're-" he started, but the boy just glared and pushed the mask into his hands before turning away.

"I'm not the Dark Lord." he said in clipped tones, his words seeming to hold some deeper meaning that the man could not even begin to guess at. "At least, not the one you're thinking of."

As he walked away, towards the back of the room, Remus placed a hand on his shoulder and spoke gently. "Harry's a good person. He may not be a child and he may be what we would call Dark, but that doesn't make him evil. Trust me, and him."

At the large fireplace in a corner of the room, Harry throw in a handful of floo powder and stated clearly, "Malfoy Manor." He stuck his head in the green flames and waited a moment before speaking. Though Remus and Michaels could only hear one half of the conversation, it was clear who he was speaking with. "Luciusss." he hissed, sending shivers up Michaels' back. "Don your mask and come to me. There are plans to be made."

After removing his head from the fire and spelling away the soot, he turned back to the two men.

"Put the mask on, Michaels, and keep quiet. I don't want you attacking any of my Death Eaters and I definitely don't want them attacking you."

Michaels nodded, not daring to argue, and placed the mask upon his face. It felt decidedly weird, but he concluded he would look at this as if he were deep undercover. Maybe that would make the crawling sensation and the little voice in the back of his head that called him a traitor go away.

"Stay at my side and don't respond, even if one of them questions you. Understand?"

He nodded again and dared to ask, "What about Mr. Lupin? Shouldn't he be wearing a mask?"

Harry smiled, showing slightly elongated canines, and replied, "Remus needs the respect that the knowledge of his identity will bring. I've already prepared him for this."

The conversation was cut short as the fire flared to life and a masked and robed Lucius Malfoy emerged. He dropped to his knees, crawled across the floor and kissed the hem of Harry's robe before daring to address him.

"My lord." he said, years of training keeping him from even glancing at the other occupants of the room. "I have come as you commanded. How may I serve you?"

"Give me your arm." he ordered and the man offered up his bared arm.

Michaels watched as Harry touched the thin black wand to the squirming mark and Lucius tensed as if in pain but refused to make any sound of discomfort. He knew the man hadn't been under Imperious. He was a loyal Death Eater by choice. Here was his proof, and yet, he could do nothing about it. Besides, despite Harry's claims that he was not Voldemort, it was obvious that he indeed was. He nearly sighed. He'd had dealings with the supposedly dead Dark Lord and didn't even know it. How easily the boy had tricked him.

Moments passed before others began arriving, all masked and robed in black, by port key. Ah, yet another suspicion confirmed. The Dark Mark was a port key which lead them directly to their master when activated.

After all seemed to have arrived, and much bowing and scraping occurred, they formed lines before him with Michaels on Harry's left and Remus on his right. Absently, he thought that if these were all the Death Eaters, there weren't nearly as many as was believed. However, considering Lucius Malfoy was there and had been thought to be rather high up, it was possible that this was the legendary Inner Circle, the most powerful and loyal of the Dark Lord's followers. The little voice that kept calling him a traitor now began telling him how screwed they were if it was ever discovered by the Ministry that he was here...at an Inner Circle Death Eater meeting...at the side of the Dark Lord...about to plan an attack against his own people. Yes. Very, very screwed.

"My friends," Harry spoke, eyeing each person intently. "I have been informed by one of my spies," here he motioned absently to Michaels with a grace and fluidity that surprised the man, "that Dumbledore is planning to kill one of my most faithful. I'm sure you have heard the stories of Sirius Black in the media?" Respectful nods of affirmation came from around the room. "I have planted these stories to affect his release and continued position in the Order as my spy. However, Dumbledore does not believe them and intends to kill him before he reaches the Ministry. He is far too valuable to allow to slip through our fingers. Even without the knowledge he possesses of my enemies, he is a powerful wizard. We will act preemptively and steal him away from them. Bellatrix! Lucius!"

Both stepped forward and dropped to their knees.

"You will each choose a team of five. Bella's team will attack the Aurors head on in an offensive maneuver. When they are well occupied with her, Lucius' team will attack from the opposite direction. In the chaos of battle, Lupin and I will slip in and grab Black. I don't want to see one Killing Curse." He narrowed his eyes at them. "I may very well survive should I be hit, though I will be very angry, but I'd rather avoid any of you being killed by 'friendly fire'. Also, if I loose Lupin to your stupidity and poor aim I swear whoever's curse did it will loose their life at my hand." His eyes blazed with angry fire before he smirked cruelly. "After several long days of torture of course."

Just to emphasize this, he pointed his wand at McNair. "Crucio!"

Remus fought not to react as he watched the man writhe on the floor, screaming in agony. Michaels felt ill, but Harry stopped the curse before he could become physically sick.

"Just a reminder that I am not to be disobeyed." Harry chuckled sinisterly. He had to do it. If he didn't demonstrate cruelty, they would begin to question him about his forbidding them to kill and actually seeming to care about certain people's well being. "You have two days to pick your teams and prepare yourselves. I will summon you then. Dismissed." The Death Eaters made a beeline, as respectfully as possible, for the floo. What might have been Nott stopped to pick up McNair on his way out. "Lucius, stay behind."

The blonde returned to his master's side, wavering between smug joy that he had been singled out before the others as a seeming confidant of the Dark Lord and nervousness at the thought that perhaps his master was angry with him. After the room emptied of everyone save Harry, Lucius, Remus and Michaels, Harry turned to the Auror and said, "Wait for me in the drawing room."

A little nudge that he recognized as Legilimency prodded insistently at his mind and he was surprised to find it break through his shields with ease. The nudge told him what to do in vague terms and he knew it was Harry. How incredibly powerful the boy was. He bowed to the boy lord and quickly left the room, returning to the drawing room they had previously been in and collapsed into a heap on the soft blue carpet.

Harry turned back to Lucius with a smile and the blonde relaxed slightly. It appeared his lord was pleased.

"Tell me, how are Bella and the others faring with their newfound freedom?"

Lucius hesitated only a moment. As much as it sounded like a casual inquiry, it was more of a demand for a report. Leaving anything out would result in several rounds of Cruciatus.

"Their health is much improved, my lord." he responded with a nod. "Rookwood nearly lost his leg to infection, but he's regained full use of it."

"And their sanity?"

Ah, there was the big question. Was anyone really sane after coming out of Azkaban? He feared what his master would do to him should his answers prove unsatisfactory. Still, he couldn't lie.

"They are...damaged, my lord. I believe that in time most will return to how they used to be, nearly at least. However..."

"Bellatrix." Harry said with conviction. "She's completely mad, isn't she?"

Lucius nodded. "Most of the time she doesn't even know who she is. Her every waking thought is consumed by a need to serve you. Not that it's a bad thing!" he quickly added, fearing for his life as he realized how that may have sounded. He continued after seeing only mild amusement in his lord's eyes. "I know how you treasure her, my lord, but if I may offer my honest opinion?" After receiving a nod, he said, "She's a danger to us. There's no telling what she may do. Should she ever be captured, it could be the end of us. Your loyal servants! Not you, of course." He paused again and Harry spoke up.

"I assumed as much. I want you to watch her on this mission as best you can. Later, you will report to me on how she behaves and I shall make my decision on her fate then. If it looks like she's going to fail or be captured, begins to willfully disobey my orders or endangers the mission, kill her quickly."

"Yes, my lord." Lucius replied with a deep bow. Here was his chance, he thought. If his sister-in-law died, he would likely take her place as his master's favorite. Could he kill her during the battle and make it look justified? As if he had read his mind despite all the walls he had built around it, his lord laughed. It was odd. Not the deep velvety tones of the man he had served for years. It was the light laughter of a child, which made it all the more frightening in a way. He fell to his knees, knowing he had been discovered and accepting whatever fate would be bestowed upon him.

"Remus," Harry said though chuckles, looking at the werewolf with a smile. "Leave us, please, and tell Binky she may open up the house again."

Remus gave a short, almost mocking, bow, smiling as well as he left the room.

"Lucius," Harry stated with mirth, turning back to the man kneeling before him, "The way into my good graces is not through treachery, deceit and betrayal. Rather it is through loyalty to me, no matter the circumstances." A small hand reached out and cool fingers stroked gently along the side of his face before removing the mask and letting it fall to the floor. "You are loyal to me now, Lucius, but I wonder if you would remain so if you knew the truth."

"I am forever loyal, my lord." he replied automatically.

"Don't be so hasty, my friend." Harry admonished, still with the smile upon his face. His hand moved upwards to push back Lucius' hood, freeing his hair and leaving his face completely bared to his lord's crimson eyes. "Tell me, why do you fight?"

Lucius blinked a moment before replying. "For you, of course. For you and our glorious cause."

Harry clucked his tongue. "No, no." he said. "No useless rhetoric here. Tell me the real reasons. Don't fear my reactions and what I may do to you. I give you my word that I won't harm you for speaking the truth. Now, once more. Why do you fight?"

After a deep breath, he responded. "Power, my lord. I fight for power."

"And what will you do with this power when it is yours?"

"I will ensure my family's survival and the survival of the pureblood way of life. The Malfoy's will always be powerful, noble, wealthy and respected."

Harry nodded thoughtfully. "Noble goals. Goals not too dissimilar from my own. We both fight for power, independence and the ability to protect what is important to us." After a long pause, he continued in a much more subdued tone. "If I were to tell you that I am not Voldemort, that I were manipulating you all to achieve my own goals, what would you do?"

Lucius looked stunned. "I-I don't know, my lord. It's...not an issue. You are my Lord Voldemort." Lucius was one of the few who were privileged enough to speak their master's name in his presence and he reserved that right for special occasions such as this. What was his master thinking?

"But if I were not... You're an opportunist, Lucius. If I were someone else entirely who could and would give you everything Voldemort promised and more, without the pain, suffering, torture and threat of death, would your loyalty lie with me? Would you turn from your master and take my offer?"

"I..." He had obviously been discovered. His master knew he would turn on him should another, more powerful, offer him a better deal. He was a Slytherin, after all. He should take his punishment like the man he was. "Yes, my lord. I would." There, the damning words. He closed his eyes and lowered his head.

"Good."

Wha..? Lucius' head snapped back up at the single word said without malice and without that sinister air of power that flowed so freely around him. He was stunned by what he saw. A smiling, cherubic face with clear green eyes and a playful, happy smile upon it's lips. Black waves fell freely to his shoulders and the black cloak had vanished, leaving him in deep purple velvet robes tailored for a child of the nobility. It was plainly obvious the boy was not human, but no longer did he seem dangerous...evil.

"Lucius Malfoy," he spoke, his voice young and somehow carefree while maintaining an aura of knowledge and gentle power. "My name is Harry Potter and I am a born vampire with the memories and knowledge of a First One." He held out a delicate hand for him to take and continued to smile. "I will protect you and that which is important to you. Will you join me of your own free will?"

In that moment, Lucius knew what he had to do. He raised his hand and placed it in the boy's. "Yes, I will. My lord."

A new alliance was made.

-SCENE CHANGE-

Michaels was still in the same position when Harry found him. Harry gave him what would become his standard general cover story. Revealing absolutely nothing while seeming to lay all the facts bare. "I am, in a way, both Harry Potter and Voldemort. The night he tried to kill me I recieved copies of all of his memories. I was born a vampire which gave me access to my powers and, using Voldemort's knowledge, I managed harness them at a young age. No, I'm not out to purify the world of all muggles and muggleborns. Yes, I do think the Ministry and all wizarding society could do with some changes. Yes, I intend to see that those changes are made and yes, I will use violence to achieve my goals." It may have not been the most convincing story, but one of the things Harry had learned early on is that people believe what they want to believe. Simply put, the lie was more believable than the truth. Less dangerous to him, as well.

After giving the cover story and making sure it was believed, Harry gave Michaels a choice.

"You've helped me more than you know." he said as they sat in the drawing room, Remus at his side. "So, I'll give you a choice. I can Obliviate you and you'll have no knowledge of what has happened here today. Or, you can join me."

The man goggled at Harry for a moment before stammering, "B-become a Death Eater?"

Harry shrugged. "If you want." He could link the mark to himself instead of Voldemort. Even though he would have the title of Death Eater, he would technically be of an entirely different sect. "I could mark you and spell it to be invisible unless you choose otherwise. Or you could remain unmarked and just give me information now and then. Of course, if you don't take the mark, I'll have no way of summoning you. Should you be discovered, I would have no way to quickly warn you, nor would I be able to find you if you were captured."

Michaels thought long and hard about that. He had been catching Death Eaters for years now. Never had he expected to seriously consider joining them. However, he knew the Ministry was corrupt and the boy before him didn't seem so bad. He was a rebel fighting for what he believed to be right, not a "mass murdering fuck head" as his former partner had once described the Dark Lord.

He raised his violently shaking left arm and said, "This is gonna hurt, isn't it?"

Harry chuckled and took him gently by the wrist. "Not at all." he said before he brought the wand down and a pleasant warmth flooded through him.

-SCENE CHANGE-

Narcissa was slightly concerned when her husband didn't return from the meeting with the other Death Eaters staying at the mansion. None of them could tell her why the Dark Lord held him back, so she waited patiently by the fireplace, several healing potions and a large bottle of Cruciatus Relief standing ready on the side table.

Two hours later he emerged. He stood straight and proud. His mask was gone, his hood was down and a bright smile lit his face like she had not seen since before they were married.

"Cissy." he said, kneeling before her and clasping her hands in his. He met her eyes and said softly, "I have news that will ensure our family's safety and prosperity for many years to come. Our master favors me."

Narcissa's eyes narrowed in thought before widening in surprise. "What about my sister?" she asked. "No one rises in rank so suddenly without the death of the one above them." She paused and looked down sadly. "He's sentenced her to die, hasn't he?"

Lucius nodded, giving his wife's hands a squeeze. "If she's too far gone into madness, I'm to kill her in two days time." When Narcissa refused to meet his eyes, he gave her a rough shake. "Look at me, Cissy." When her eyes rose to his once more, he said, "Bellatrix is mad, beyond our help. She's a danger to everyone around her. Would you risk our son for her? Would you choose your sister, who may one day seek to harm Draco, over your own son? If she dies, our son's future will be assured."

"Until you fall out of favor or someone else kills you to take your position." she said sourly.

Lucius just shook his head. "No. This is permanent. Unless I betray him in a way that's unforgivable, my place with him is lifelong and will pass to Draco upon my death. I think he's creating a new Inner Circle, a royal court if you will, of those who are truly loyal and trustworthy. I believe Remus Lupin already has a place there, as well as Sirius Black should we succeed in freeing him. I am proud to be among them. Look." Here he paused to roll up his left sleeve revealing pale, unmarred flesh. Narcissa gasped and reached out to touch the place where the Dark Mark once sat.

"Did he-?" she began, but quickly jerked back her fingers when the familiar skull and serpent reappeared.

Lucius chuckled at her reaction. "Not gone, just hidden." he said, pulling his sleeve back down. "It's a new version of the spell which allows the bearer to hide it unless they choose not to. Our master is powerful, far more so than any other I have ever seen before. He's going to win and our world will never be the same again. Don't you want to be on the winning side?"

"Of course I do!" she snapped, rising from her chair sharply. "I just don't enjoy losing family, family who loves me I might add, even if it's my crazed sister. But yes, I would choose my son over her."

"Good." Lucius said, rising smoothly to tower over the blonde woman as his expression faded back into his normal mask of haughty indifference. "He wants to see you sometime soon. After this next raid, I suppose. He's going to tear your mind apart, searching for any signs of disloyalty and, should he like what he finds, he may offer you the new mark. I suggest you take it." He turned to exit the room, pausing only briefly to throw over his shoulder, "Oh, and if you warn Bellatrix, I'll Crucio you myself."

-SCENE BREAK-

Draco was in the walls again. He had yet to be discovered and found that not only were the passageways good for eavesdropping, they were a great place to hide. He had altered the spells over time to allow him to listen in on conversations, but remain unheard himself. His father was either going to rue the day he bought Draco his wand and all those spellbooks, or he would be proud of him for all the secrets he had overheard.

He didn't know how he should feel about what he'd just discovered. His aunt, a woman he barely knew and quite frankly terrified him, was going to die at his father's hands. His Aunt Bellatrix had apparently been the Dark Lord's favorite, but he was discarding her and raising his father into her place because she was had lost her mind in Azkaban.

He had never seen his father smile that way before, like he was truly happy. Did the man he idolized really care more about pleasing the Dark Lord than his own family? But no, he had been positively beaming when he'd told his mother that he, Draco, would one day inherit his place in the Dark Lord's ranks. So...it was all for him?

Draco decided this bore more contemplation as he made his way back to his rooms.

-SCENE BREAK-

Sarah Michaels, a tall dishwater blonde who currently stood over the stove with a long wooden spoon stirring a thick sauce, started as the fireplace behind her lit up. She wiped her hands on her apron and turned to meet her husband.

She let out a high pitched scream and backed into the wall, fumbling for her wand as a man in Death Eater robes and mask emerged from her fireplace.

He ignored the fifteen and a half inches of maple pointed at him and bonelessly flopped down into a chair at the table. Such odd behavior for an evil fiend...

She felt her eyes go wide as he removed the mask, dropping it on the table and revealing himself to be her wayward husband.

"Jon!" she scolded, putting away her wand and storming over to his side. "Don't do that to me! You almost gave me a fit!" She slapped him hard on the head, causing it to roll violently forward before snapping back to it's previous position.

"I deserve that." he moaned, causing her to go from angry to concerned.

"What happened?"

"Sarah," he started, looking her seriously in the eye. "My love, my darling, my wonderful ray of sunshine, my perfect wife of twenty two years... I've done something you're not going to like."

"What?" she asked, eyeing him warily.

Slowly, ever so slowly, he drew up the sleeve of his left arm, revealing the much hated sign of the Dark Lord.

"Jon...tell me that's ink, you've just come from an undercover mission and you're going to go upstairs and wash it off now."

"Can't," he muttered. "Took a vow not to lie to you." He took a deep breath, unable to meet her gaze anymore. "I've become a Death Eater."

"JONATHAN ALEXANDER MICHAELS!" she screeched angrily. "I'M GOING TO EVISCERATE YOU! WHAT, IN MERLIN'S NAME, HAS GOTTEN INTO YOU?"

He cringed back in his seat. Give him Dark Lords over an angry wife any day.

-SCENE BREAK-

"Mr. M,
"Moving to take back what's mine in two days time. I'm sure you won't be present, but I'm honoring our agreement and informing you of this. Give Padfoot my fondest regards...and tell him the Prongslet says hello.
"-Moony"

A happy howl of triumphant laughter filled the levels of the First City.

Gabriel looked up from where he was boredly filling away at his nails. He raised an eyebrow and asked absently, "What's got his hackles up?"

Jacob shrugged and Anai ignored it as usual. With a shrug of his own, he went back to work shaping his nails to perfection before reaching for a bottle of peach nail polish. Hey, a vampire's gotta have a hobby.

-SCENE BREAK-

July third dawned foggy and uncommonly chilly. Harry stood at his window looking out at the village below that was just waking up. Thick fog covered the land, veiling the buildings, secreting away the people and casting a gloomy pall over the day. The sun was already reaching the mansion though and burning away all traces of night.

In an hour's time he would be leading the Death Eaters to rescue Sirius and he vowed that this time he would succeed. Remus assured him that Malak would not be guarding him as his promise to do so only covered the island. If the Ministry took Sirius off it, he was no longer obliged to play warden.

Just in case, Harry intended to go in all guns blazing, in a manner of speaking. He cast every protective spell he could over himself and Remus. He had consumed the necessary amount of blood for breakfast and no more, leaving him in peak physical condition. Remus he had given a controlling potion which allowed him access to his lycanthropic abilities in human form. He would have the advanced senses, strength and reaction time he usually had only in his fully transformed state. Hell, he could even have wicked looking claws and fangs if he so desired.

For this mission, both he and Remus would be wearing masks to hide their identities from the Aurors. Of course, his was going to be blood red, as were his robes and cloak, while Remus stuck with basic black and a silver mask.

He was hoping their part of the attack would only be in and out. Shadow in while the Aurors are busy, grab Sirius and Shadow out with no one the wiser. Remus was only there for back up as the werewolf refused to allow Harry to go alone, leaving his back unprotected. He'd tried to protest, but if the man was one thing, he was stubborn.

All the Death Eaters were gathered downstairs, waiting for him and Remus to make their appearance. He could feel their nervousness and anticipation. He also sensed jealousy, hatred and suspicion swimming within a clouded mind. Apparently, Bellatrix had noticed the shiny new silver mask Lucius was sporting, and she was not happy about it.

-SCENE BREAK-

"Why are you so special?" Bellatrix spat angrily. "I am Master's favorite! It should be me he honors! ME!"

Lucius just smirked at her from behind his mask which was unlike that of the others present. "Control yourself, dear sister."

"I'm no sister of yours!" she growled. "Just because you married my whore of a sister, doesn't make you my family!"

A harsh slap echoed through the ballroom as his hand collided with her face. "As I said, control yourself, Bellatrix. You are not thinking clearly. You love my lady wife. She is your favorite sibling, remember?"

Bellatrix seemed to shake herself before her eyes unfocused and she muttered, "Yes. Yes, you're right. Not thinking. Must control myself. Love Cissy." She wandered off to the other side of the room as her husband came up beside Lucius.

"He's ordered her dead, hasn't he?" Rodolphus asked sadly in quiet tones.

Lucius nodded and responded in kind. "I apologize for making you a widower, Rodolphus."

"My Bella's been dead for years." he said with a sigh. "Ever since we were thrown in that awful place. I wish I knew what happened to her that did not happen to us that could drive her to such a state. She was never really all together normal, but this madwoman I see before me isn't the same woman I married. I loved my wife, but she's dead. Do your job as you have been commanded and spare me no pity."

"I shall." Lucius replied solemnly.

"By the way," Rodolphus said with a small grin, "Congratulations on your promotion. I get the feeling that mask means something far more than we mere Death Eaters can guess."

Lucius chuckled. "You have no idea, my friend."

-SCENE BREAK-

After yet another scene in which Bellatrix threw a temper tantrum upon seeing Remus' mask, followed by a short round of Cruciatus from Harry and a murmur of pity from the lord for the broken woman, they port keyed to the docks where the boat would be arriving shortly with Sirius.

Bellatrix and her team took up positions nearby, directly in the path the Aurors would have to take and hidden from view in the underbrush. Lucius was a little farther off with his team, poised to swoop in from the opposite direction and attack the Auror's unprotected backs as they dueled Bellatrix's team. Harry and Remus were stationed atop a large boulder in what would have been plain sight had they not been properly disillusioned. From there, they could see the entire area and would know when the moment came to act.

At precisely ten, the little boat arrived bearing nine passengers. Four of the red and brown robed Aurors disembarked first, followed by Sirius and the other four.

He was nothing like Harry remembered. It looked as if he had never been subjected to the Dementor's frightening ministrations, or if he had, it had only been for a short time quite a few years ago. His hair was long and wild, but not tangled, matted or dirty. It was silky and fell to his thighs in a midnight cascade of elegance. His clothes were torn and frayed, but no more than Remus' own robes. The most drastic difference was the well toned body that was most certainly not suffering the effects of starvation. A smirk played over his pale lips seeming to say to all around him that he was better than they were. He was beaten, chained and a prisoner and still he was a greater man than they. He reminded Harry of a warrior king, captured by his enemies and still refusing to give in.

As the procession made their way up the hill toward the apparation point, Bellatrix and her team leapt into action.

The battle was fierce and the six Death Eaters seemed horribly outnumbered and outclassed. The Aurors were obviously winning, until Lucius arrived. Successfully catching them in the pincer move, the Auror's went back to back in a tight circle around Sirius. The sight of the silver mask Lucius bore seemed to both confuse and frighten them. They were uncertain who he was and what made him special. Harry heard their panicked thoughts on the matter. Their leader. A powerful ally of the Dark Lord. Some inhuman, magical creature. Voldemort himself.

Harry almost chuckled and sent out a tendril of his magic to lick at Lucius, setting him visibly aglow with a silver light. That seemed to panic the poor Aurors even more. Unfortunately, none of them broke rank and gave him a shot at Sirius. They were holding their own.

"Damnit." he muttered and Remus turned away from watching the battle to look at him.

"We're going to have to get involved, aren't we?" he asked.

Harry nodded and quickly informed him of his plan. He didn't really want to hurt the Aurors. They were only doing their jobs and, even if they had agreed to kill Sirius, they believed him to be the horrible monster Dumbledore made him out to be. They would scare them instead. Hell, they were going to give them nightmares for the rest of their lives.

A loud, inhuman howl split the air and all the combatants stopped, spinning to face the source.

Upon the boulder stood a lone figure in black robes. Glowing golden eyes glittered at them with a predatory hunger, contrasting with the silver mask and intensifying the sense of an evil demonic force. Long, viscious looking fangs fell over slightly parted lips and black clawed hands flexed at his sides threateningly. A deep, animalistic growl issued from the figure as it poised itself for attack.

"What the fuck is that?" one of the younger Aurors shouted in pure unadulterated terror.

A screech that sounded like a cross between the cry of a large bird and a child's scream drew their attention away from the 'demon'.

To their left, just outside the reach of the long dead, petrified forest was yet another demon. Though smaller than the other, it was no less frightening. It's robes and mask were red and it's eyes burned the same fierce color; a Hellfire inferno. It's hands were clawed and it's mouth bore smaller, sharper fangs than it's counterpart. Most striking were the large black leather wings spread out behind it and the spade black tail that flicked from side to side and struck at the ground in a taunting rhythm. It let out a menacing hiss and took a step forward.

The first figure suddenly leapt from the boulder to the ground and also began advancing slowly toward them.

The Death Eaters were stunned. This was not part of the plan. It was, however, incredibly humorous seeing hardened Aurors about to piss themselves in fear.

"Ahhh!" One of the Death Eaters screamed in fear and turned tail, kicking up dust as he fled.

Lucius sighed as their number decreased by one. There went Bell. The man had the nerve of a flobberworm. How he became a Death Eater was anyone's guess.

The others had grouped together now. Seeing their services would most likely no longer be needed, they were content to step back and watch the show. Their lord and his pet werewolf seemed to have the situation well in hand.

Speaking of his lord, he was speaking now. Well, it was really more of an ominous chant with a strange melodiousness to it that rang through the air, but it certainly did the trick.

"Born of light from emerald flame. Heir of the Chosen, tainted he came." The sky seemed to suddenly cloud over, a rainless storm blowing in from nowhere. "Eyes of death and hair of night. Time unseen be thunder's bite." Oh, nicely timed flash of lighting and thunder. Very nice. His lord was really getting into this. "The world fall worship at so much, freedom he brings with innocent touch." Wait. What? "Child no more, his forehead marked, by death defeated in magical arc." Oh fuck. "Lead the dark and traverse the Light, honored child of darkest night." No. No way. It just couldn't be. "Sword be quick to break the chains. United as one with thunderous strains." It was. "His glorious coming be preordained. Never ending may he reign." A prophecy! His lord was spouting a prophecy! Right in the middle of battle to a bunch of Aurors! "Behold, the Night King!"

All light suddenly vanished and Harry let out a fierce growl before leaping toward the petrified Aurors. As one they let out shrieks of unholy terror and fled toward where they knew the apparation point to be, leaving behind their befuddled prisoner. Harry pulled up short, his wings and tail, a product of human transfiguration. suddenly vanished and the light returned.

Remus wandered over after him, his more animalistic attributes withdrawing rapidly.

"I take it we won?" he asked, quirking a grin at them.

"Let's get out of here." Harry responded easily, wrapping shadows around them all and transporting them back to the ballroom.

Most of the Death Eaters stumbled and looked around in wonder as they were unfamiliar with that particular mode of transportation.

"Moony?" Sirius questioned, glancing over the werewolf in Death Eater robes questioningly.

"It's me, Padfoot." he said, pulling off his mask and smiling warmly at him.

Before anyone could even blink, a black blur throw himself at the man and attached them both firmly at the lips. Eyebrows were raised, a few coughed discreetly and most turned away.

Lucius was very confused. Not at the display of hormones currently going on. He spent seven years in Slytherin dorms, for Merlin's sake. He was confused because no one seemed to be making a big deal out of what their lord had said. The Dark Lord was not a seer and that was clearly a prophecy.

Harry cleared his throat and addressed the Death Eaters who gratefully turned their eyes on him to avoid what was quickly escalating from a kiss of joyful reunion to a full scale snogging session.

"Good job, everyone." he said with obvious pride. "Despite the minor setback, we accomplished our goal. I'm sure we all," a lusty groan interrupted him and he glanced over to see Remus trying to lead Sirius out the door before the deprived man tried to undress his mate. Remus flashed him an apologetic look as he finally maneuvered him out and down the hall. A few people chuckled. He cleared his throat and tried again. "As I was saying, I'm sure we all would like a chance to relax and recover. I know a few of you were hit with curses. Go home. Tend your wounds. I'll call you again in a few days. Dismissed. Bella. Lucius. Stay."

As the others moved to the floo, both Lucius and Bellatrix moved closer to their lord.

Bellatrix looked like the cat who caught the canary. The insane laughter in her eyes and the smirk on her lips told Lucius exactly what she was thinking. She would be getting her silver mask now and be let in on their Dark Lord's secrets. He almost felt sorry for the woman as his lord nodded to him.

"Avada Kedavra."

Her body dropped lifelessly to the floor and Lucius put away his wand. From the corner, Rodolphus looked back sadly as his wife was killed, then tossed the powder into the fire and returned to Malfoy manor.

"My lord?" Lucius questioned as Harry placed preserving charms over her body.

"Yes?"

"The prophecy." he began, unsure how to mention something only he seemed to have heard.

Harry's eyes narrowed as he regarded the man. "What prophecy?" he asked suspiciously.

"The one you spoke during the battle." he replied. "An emerald flame. Something about dead eyes and thunder. I can't remember it in it's entirety. I'm sorry, my lord. I thought perhaps you would know it. I seem to be the only one who heard you speak it."

Harry studied him a moment before nodding. "I have a pensieve you can use. This way." He then turned and led him to his private study.

-SCENE BREAK-

"Born of light from emerald flame. Heir of the Chosen, tainted he came. Eyes of death and hair of night. Time unseen be thunder's bite. The world fall worship at so much, freedom he brings with innocent touch. Child no more, his forehead marked, by death defeated in magical arc. Lead the dark and traverse the Light, honored child of darkest night. Sword be quick to break the chains. United as one with thunderous strains. His glorious coming be preordained. Never ending may he reign. Behold, the Night King!"

After watching the memory from Lucius' point of view, Harry came to several conclusions.

First, he still hated divination. His life always seemed to be ruled by some prophecy or other.

Second, he didn't actually speak a prophecy. Lucius only heard it. When he touched the blonde with his magic to give him the Auror-frightening silver aura, he created a very small link between them which became augmented and twisted through the linking magic of the modified Dark Mark. This in turn temporarily activated the divinatory abilities possessed by Lucius' great grandmother and passed down through generations which had thus far remained inactive. In simple terms, Lucius became a seer for all of two minutes in which he, instead of speaking a prophecy, heard one that had to do with the person he was linked to; Harry.

Harry sat behind his desk with Lucius in the chair across from him, the pensieve now dormant on his desk.

"Fate hates me." he groaned, rubbing a hand over his face dramatically.

Lucius smirked. He felt strangely at ease around his lord now that he knew who he actually was. It was as if he were suddenly more human, despite proof to the contrary. He certainly spoke to Lucius in a way he would never speak to the other Death Eaters; as if he were nearly an equal, maybe even a friend. "At the risk of sounding hypocritical, my lord." he said with a smirk. "To borrow a muggle phrase; 'Fate's a bitch.'"

Harry chuckled. "Actually, I believe that's 'payback's a bitch', but it certainly applies to fate as well." He paused to put the pensieve away in a locked cabinet with a wave of his hand before speaking again. "No." he said thoughtfully. "I'd have to say Fate is a big guy in leather on a Harley fresh out of prison and he wants me as his bitch."

"Oh, what a pleasant thought." Lucius quipped. "Then we can send Fate back to prison for pedophilia and make our own destiny."

Harry's nose crinkled with displeasure. "That's right. I'd forgotten I'm only ten...well, at the end of this month anyway."

Lucius studied him carefully, just now realizing how very frustrating it must be for him. He had memories of men older than human record and yet was consigned to the body of a young child. He sat in an office chair that nearly swallowed him whole behind a desk meant for an adult. His posture seemed completely opposite his physical body. He seemed so powerful, regal, in control. Yet every word he spoke of battle, power and intrigue was in a child's voice.

"My lord," Lucius began hesitantly. "You will age, perhaps quicker than you think. Time goes by and we are all slaves to it. Perhaps, you should enjoy the time you have as a child. You can act however you wish and no one will think less of you for it. They will think, 'He's just a child. Let him be.' A child can do things an adult cannot. For example, Draco, my son, enjoys to fly as fast as he can around our manor, laughing loudly and happily. If I were to do that, I'd be thought a fool. You may have knowledge and powers I can only dream of, but you also have a chance to be happy as only a child can. You should take advantage of that."

Harry studied the man before him for a long moment. He had a point. He had been acting as he normally would, before his trip to the past. Maybe, just maybe, he should allow himself to be the child he was.

With a smile, he replied, "You're right, my friend. I'll never actually be a child, but there's nothing stopping me from acting the part. You haven't told young Draco anything about me, have you?"

"No, my lord. He knows nothing."

"Good. I think, perhaps, I should like to have a birthday party."