Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

Chapter 25:

"So our first was a complete success." Fred picked up when everyone had settled back down, Luna had called for some snacks so they were happily munching away.

"Good, I hope he suffered."

"He did." They confirmed,

"Our second was a success." George said, and Harry sensed a 'but'.

"Go on,"

"But we were nearly caught." He said and Harry sat forward.

"By who?" Harry demanded,

"Dumbledore," They groaned.

"Explain,"

"We had just staged the explosion, but we were thrown down." Fred said and his twin picked up,

"We were picking ourselves up when Dumbledore came in. We got in to our forms and in to the shadows in time and we ran for at least 5 streets before we changed back." He explained and Harry nodded.

"Good, the last thing we need is Dumbledore tracing it back to you." Harry said,

"We did cover our tracks, glamours, charms and removal of out magical signature." Fred assured and Harry looked less tense.

"That's good, you should be in the clear. But I want you to make sure your escape plan is solid." Harry told them and they nodded.

"We will do."

"Ok, Venom?" Harry turned to Blaise who smirked.

"My target fell in full view of everyone in the ministry and it is completely untraceable." He said, his voice slightly smug and Harry returned his smirk

"Do tell."

"There's an ancient Chinese art that my mother taught me. Its lethal, its excruciating and its doesn't even use magic. It involves the body's natural pressure points and the Chinese used these to heal, unfortunately for my enemies, they can also used to harm and I just happen to be trained in the harming side." Blaise explained to them,

"Now I really want to see this." Harry said interested, "It sounds like something I would enjoy."

"That would explain the delayed response from the aurors at the raids." Paws noted, "If your target was taken out in the middle of the ministry then the aurors would have been more interested in containing their home ground opposed to an outside threat."

"The Order was quick to respond though." Swift said, "I only saw 10 minutes before some of the Order arrived, and that was only at one location."

"How many were scattered?" Harry asked,

"At least 5,"

"So what happened? I could feel the tension with the staff."

"Bellatrix was released." Paws said and Harry immediately understood,

"Ah,"

"Yes and that woman is crazy." Paws stated and Swift scoffed.

"She's bat shit insane if you ask me."

"All of the above." Neville decided.

"True," Harry conceded, "What did Bella get up to?"

"She went mad. As crazy as she is, she is extremely powerful and deadly."

"Of course, she's a Black." Harry said,

"She was let loose in the middle of a battle with the aurors and she killed Johnson, Vance and Bones."

"Amelia Bones is dead?" Harry exclaimed, "Holy shit!"

"It was… immense." Swift said, "And it kept them distracted. They called for reinforcements, but she left after Bones fell."

"Mission accomplished then." Harry said, sitting back.

"Definitely,"

"Ok, Snake, your turn." Paws said and Harry grinned,

"I used my powers of seduction to lure Smith out, then, well, let's just say he met an unfortunate end."

"You got memories?" Swift asked and Harry wrinkled his nose.

"Partly, I kinda lost part of it."

"Demon?" Paws inquired and Harry nodded,

"I was really mad."

"Understandable,"

"Ok, so everything for the raid plan went accordingly. Do we have anything to discuss?"

"We've finished the mail ward." Fred said with a grin,

"Really?" Ron questioned, excited.

"Yes, its finished. We can put it in to play now, if you wish?"

"Yes, do it now." Ron agreed,

"Ok, it's a simple process, but you'll need to wear this on you at all times." George told him, handing over a silver band with a rune carved in to it.

"What is it?"

"Well, we discovered that, as not to alert Lemons, the ward needs to stay active. So we decided that if we could put a slight… bend in the ward, while keeping it active, then there should be no problem and the caster would not be aware. Its all about manipulating the ward to twist around its casters wishes and work in favour for the one being cast on." Fred explained,

"A drop of blood if you will." George held out the band and Ron smeared some blood on the rune causing it to flare to life. The twins took out their wands and began muttering under their breaths, Ron began to glow and when there was pulse of magic he gasped and the air settled.

"Tah dah," They said. The rune band was glowing and Ron grinned,

"Guys, you're brilliant."

"We expect a welcome to the family letter soon." Fred warned him and Ron mock saluted.

"Consider it done."

"Ok, so a quick run through." Harry said, bringing the attentions back. "The mail ward is done. Tom's trinkets are safe and the leak is contained. The wolves are in progress and Remus has his route planned. Dumbledore is set to crumble. First names are sorted. Flamel has been found and the information and journals are being translated by Moony and Tom as we speak and I've hopefully set Hadrian Greengrass on the trail of something that will keep him out of danger for the near future."

"That's pretty much everything currently." Paws said,

"I've finished the immuniser, and am working on the odd potions." Bleach said,

"We're the outside spies and are following the Order movements." The twins said,

"I'm on research for heirs and other things I can find." Paws said,

"I'm working on the other names of the wolf hunters." Swift put in,

"I have my ears out around the castle with Raven." Badger said, "And I can find little bits from my wondrous grandmother.

"I'm free to help whoever," Venom shrugged,

"Which leaves me the wolf situation, working with Tom, and bouncing around everything else," Harry surmised,

"Well, I don't know if we're more busy or not." Swift said and Harry grinned,

"We got this."

"Oh we so got this." Paws agreed,

"We have to go, we have a meeting with a sheet of parchment." The twins said, Harry nodded and they left after dropping a kiss on Draco's cheeks. Harry had to fight back his smirk as the blond blushed, but chose not to say anything yet, he would corner the blond before he left. Badger left with Venom, Swift and Paws and they waved their goodbyes leaving Harry with Luna and Bleach.

"Ok, tell us everything." Harry said, eagerly sitting forward. Draco blushed again, but he was smiling brightly and he held out his wrist showing a simple silver band lined with diamonds and a Latin inscription,

"Our beautiful Dragon." Harry read and then grinned, "They really know what buttons to work, don't they?"

"They do, and they wore me down eventually. Demons," Draco said fondly,

"Is it serious?" Luna asked. Draco pursed his lips and looked down at the band, he seemed to be thinking about the question before smiling slightly,

"I hope so,"

"You know, they've been absolutely enamoured with you since our 4th year." Harry told him, and Draco blinked,

"Really?"

"Yes, they wouldn't tell you that, of course, but yes,"

"Wow,"

"They won't let you down." Luna said to him, smiling and Draco seemed to brighten.

"Thanks Raven," He got up to leave and Harry stopped him when he got to the door,

"One more thing, Bleach." Harry called, Draco turned, "When are you going to tell your father?" Draco's eyes widened in horror and he stumbled back in to the wall.

"Oh Merlin," He breathed, "I have to tell my father that I'm dating a Weasley, not even one Weasley, 2 of them."

"Is he going to be more worried about the fact there are two or the Weasley part?" Harry asked, jokingly.

"Honestly, I'm not sure. Obviously, triad relationships are accepted within our ways, and with twins they are encouraged, but the fact remains that I chose Weasleys." Draco's head dropped with a groan, "Someone kill me."

"Can I be there? I really want to see if Lucius collapses, that way you have collateral on him." Harry said, trying and failing to be innocent.

"I don't buy that act for a second, but as it will give be blackmail I'll inform you when I decided to tell him." Draco agreed, "I'll buy whiskey first," He left muttering about the amount of money he was going to need from his trust vault to keep his father sane with the announcement much to Harry and Luna's amusement.

"When do you think I should remind him that the twins will be Prewetts soon?" Harry questioned and Luna grinned,

"After he's told Lucius,"

The pair looked at each other and burst out laughing.

Harry's neck was extremely sore when he woke up in the morning and he cursed Tom to the deepest pits of Hell, Luna, the amazing person that she was, had already left the necessary potions on his side for him to take after his shower. He slunk down to the living room severely wanting a cup of tea and found Luna in the kitchen smiling at him as if she knew something that he didn't, now with Luna that was a common occurrence, but this time Harry felt like it was something to do with him that he was missing.

"Ok, who did what and do I need to harm them?" He demanded and Luna giggled… yes giggled.

"I don't think you need to harm anyone." She giggled again and Harry eyed her warily,

"What is it?"

She placed a green velvet box on the counter with a small envelop on top, he was very familiar with the sort of box as he often got one for Luna whenever he bought her jewellery. Harry picked up the envelop and pulled out a single sheet of parchment, he unfolded it and his eyebrows shot up when he saw the familiar script.

Sorry,

There was no signature but there didn't have to be, he would recognise that writing wherever he saw it, it was elegant, it was perfectly scripted; it was so Tom. Harry turned his attention to the box suddenly much more interested in what was inside, he opened it and pulled away the decorative paper to reveal a stunning wire wrist band. It was white gold and it was like barbed wire, there were tiny emeralds and diamonds twisted in the metal and when he slid it on to his wrist it wrapped around three times. Harry couldn't stop his delighted smiled coming to his face even if he tried and he looked up to see Luna smiling back at him,

"Well?" She asked, raised an eyebrow. Silently, Harry held out his arm and she gasped, "He definitely knows how to say sorry."

"Oh he is so forgiven." Harry said,

"Is that white gold?" She questioned and he nodded,

"Yes,"

"You should get extreme reactions out of him more often; that is a nice compensation." She joked and Harry laughed,

"I think he would notice."

"Ah, shame that," She shook her head in mock sadness, before looking back at him, "That reminds me, however." She looked at him expectantly and Harry groaned.

"I'll take you shopping as soon as the manor is finished,"

"Wherever I want?"

"Wherever you want." Harry replied,

"And I can buy whatever I want?"

"Whatever you want." He agreed and she beamed,

"You are officially the best brother ever." Luna informed him and Harry grinned,

"What can I say, it's my natural charm."

"We have lesson," She said, casting a tempus and Harry nodded,

"I'll see you later, sister of mine." He said brightly and left the room, the need for tea forgotten.

His day went brilliantly, Harry didn't even bother to keep the smile off of his face and when people asked about his cheery mood he simply replied that it was a good day. It seemed that the weather was mimicking his good mood, the usual forecasts had been cold as it was November, but they had a brief breakthrough with the sun. It wasn't warm, not by a long shot, but it lit up Hogwarts like nothing else could. His final lesson rolled around and Harry skipped down to potions still smiling, Draco shot him a weird look as they sat down and only when Snape had set them to work of taking notes with their partners did the blond turn to him and demand an explanation.

"What in Merlin's name is going on with you?"

"Nothing nothing," Harry all but sang and Draco grew alarmed,

"Have you been slipped anything?"

"No,"

"Are you going to tell me why you are so happy?" Draco asked in exasperation.

"I received a lovely gift this morning." Harry told him, "A very lovely gift." Draco perked up,

"Do tell,"

Harry showed him the new addition to his wrist and the blond's eyes widened, he grabbed Harry's arm and looked at the bracelet closely.

"18 carat white gold, quarter carat diamonds and emeralds hand twisted in to the gold, thick enough to be a male design but wouldn't be worn by a straight married man." Draco murmured, mainly to himself and Harry shot him a look of shock.

"How do you do that?"

"Its one of those hidden talents," Draco waved him off, "This is a very nice piece of jewellery, and a very expensive one at that being hand made, almost goblin quality."

"It's beautiful, isn't it?"

"It is, and I may actually be jealous." Draco agreed, "Who got it for you?"

"Tom," Harry sighed happily. Draco jerked in surprise, so much so that he knocked the empty cauldron from the desk sending it clanging to the floor and bringing Snape over. Draco didn't even notice, he was too busy gaping at Harry, actually gaping at him, and Snape was so surprised by the lack of decorum from the usually pristine Malfoy that he didn't snap at them.

"Mr Malfoy, do try and keep your actions to yourself." He drawled, and even that didn't snap him out of it.

"Yes, sir," He answered absently, his attention still on Harry. Snape looked at him with a raised eyebrow and Harry shrugged, he flicked his wand and reset the cauldron making Snape sweep away.

"Back to your work." He snapped at the rest of the class, which hurried to comply.

"Are you ok, Draco?" Harry inquired,

"You know, I'm not too sure." He replied, somewhat faintly, "I could have sworn that you just said you had been given that stunning bracelet by him."

"You did, I got it as an apology this morning." Harry confirmed and Draco went back to his silent shock, he caught sight of Swift and Paws looked at him in question.

I think I broke him. Harry said, somewhat amused.

What did you do? Paws asked and Harry mentally shrugged,

I only answered his questions.

She didn't have time to reply as the bell went and the class packed up,

"Potter, Malfoy, wait behind."

We'll wait, Swift said mentally as they left. The door shut and Harry physically shook Draco,

"Snap out of it, I don't want to explain that I broke you." Harry told him. Draco shook himself a few times, looking from Harry to the bracelet and back again.

"You know what? Warn a guy next time."

"If you two cannot keep your extra curricular activities out of my classroom, you will find yourself scrubbing cauldrons in the lesson for the rest of the year." Snape sneered and that got Draco's attention.

"Severus, you cannot be serious!" He exclaimed horrified, Snape merely raised an eyebrow in answer.

"Leave." He ordered and the pair left the room. Swift and Paws were waiting in the shadows and Harry pulled them all to his rooms through the shadows.

"Ok, so what was that about?" Paws questioned,

"Blame him," Draco said, "He's being him again."

"What did you do, Snake?" Swift sighed and Harry looked affronted.

"Excuse me? It was him who asked me the question. I merely told him the truth."

"You don't see it!" Draco exclaimed, "And even if you did, you wouldn't even know until it hit you in the face."

"Dark Lord?" Paws confirmed.

"Yes, look at his arm." Draco said, and the pair noticed the bracelet.

"Wow, its gorgeous." Paws breathed, looking at it closely, "Wait, you can't mean-,"

"Oh yes, his darkness gave it to him." Draco stated and the pair looked at Harry in the same way Draco did.

"I don't see what you are all talking about. It was only a gift, a nice one granted, but still. I don't understand what I'm supposed to be seeing." Harry huffed,

"Unfortunately, Snake, its something you have to understand for yourself." Paws told him and Harry rolled his eyes at them.

"Whatever, now you have finished speaking about things I clearly don't understand, can we go now? I'm hungry and I have places to be." He didn't give them chance to answer because he wrapped the shadows around them and moved them to their dorms, it was a neat trick, but he could only do it to places where he had been before unlike if he was moving. It also took a considerable amount more energy to do it, but he was much more powerful so it didn't really matter. Harry made his way down to dinner and glanced towards Tom, who, by his emotions, was oddly pleased with something.

His assessment of the Dark Lord was completely accurate. Tom was feeling rather elated, not that anyone knew that of course, but he had been slightly on edge that morning when he had sent his gift to Harry's room. He had sent it with his elf, who glared at him and shook her fist, and Tom wouldn't admit it to anyone, even under duress, but he was slightly intimidated by the angry elf who warned him against hurting her Master Harry again.

It was odd, he had felt slightly bad for lashing out at Harry as he had done, and the marks which shone up on his pale skin sent a jolt of remorse through Tom. He had apologised, but trying to kill someone, while on the same side anyway, was worth more than just an apology and so he had gotten a bracelet for Harry as the teen usually had something wrapped around his wrist – mostly the leather wristbands – and had it left there for when he woke up.

Nothing would have prepared for the sheer pleasure that shot through him when he caught sight of Harry wearing it, and every time he saw it he had to fight back a pleased smirk; it was extremely odd Tom decided, but he didn't care enough to analyse why he was feeling such things because he liked seeing the bracelet on Harry and that was enough for him. He watched as Harry entered the hall for dinner and couldn't stop the burst of pleasure he got when the teen's attention was more focussed on the bracelet than anything else, Harry looked up at Tom's jolt of pleasure and raised an eyebrow.

The man's eyes flicked to his wrist where his new bracelet was sat and Harry looked away so the man wouldn't see his bright smile but he knew the man had when he felt a wave of satisfaction and pleasure. Harry wanted to curse Tom, he really did, but he looked at the bracelet and his smile was back, he rolled his eyes, he didn't know what was going on, but, given the current times, he was just going to go with it and let himself feel – whatever that entailed. He didn't linger on dinner, he wanted to shower and change, Luna merely smiled at him when he skipped in to the room and she had already chosen his clothes.

"You know, I should start paying you for being my assistant." Harry joked, coming down and running a drying charm through his hands and combing through his hair.

"No, then I wouldn't get very many gifts, only the ones that are given out at Yule and the occasional birthday if remembered." Luna said, shaking her head,

"Oh, I see. Only here for the gifts." Harry sniffed,

"You got me." She said in mock despondence.

"I'm going to be gone all night." He said, "So run wild,"

"I plan on fishing." Luna told him, smirking, and Harry's eyes lit up.

"Wonderful. I do hope it is a worthwhile trip."

"I have no doubt,"

Harry kissed her on the cheek and shadowed to Tom's rooms, the man wasn't there yet but that didn't surprise him. Harry threw himself on the sofa and led out, he was dressed in a tight white top, short sleeve, his green skinny jeans and his boots, which were left loosely done up. He rested his arm across his stomach while the other arm went above his head, he was taking in all the details of his bracelet when Tom walked in without so much as a raised eyebrow. Harry watched the man remove his cloak and outer robe leaving him in a delectably tight black shirt, and very nicely fitted suit trousers, Harry bit back a sigh. A hand entered his vision and Harry allowed himself to be pulled up in to Tom's arms,

"I see you are wearing my gift." Tom murmured, linking their hands and holding up the offending wrist, "You like it,"

Harry looked away trying to fight his smile, he didn't know why the bracelet made him this happy but it did, ridiculously so, and Harry had the suspicion that it was more to do with who gave it to him, despite how gorgeous the bracelet was. He cursed in his head when he felt a light blush cover his cheeks and his fight on his smile failed,

"I do," He admitted, Tom ran a finger across his cheek,

"Am I forgiven?" Tom asked, enjoying the sight of the blush on Harry's pale skin.

"I might consider it," Harry mused, smirking when Tom growled and his hands gripped his hips. "Something wrong, Tom?"

"You are a tease,"

"Is that right?"

"I have not seen you since Monday, there was an incident last night and now you come here, looking positively mouth watering, and not forgive me. That, Snake, is teasing."

"What if I merely came to say thank you?" Harry suggested, looking up innocently.

"I can think of many ways in which you can say thank you." Tom said lowly,

"Oh, do you care to share?" Harry inquired, coyly,

"I think I can show you much better."

"Really?" Harry bit his lip and reached up to wrap his arms around Tom's neck, "I think that might be something I am interested in," Tom smirked before he was kissing him, Harry kissed back with equal vigour but was forced to submit and he felt Tom's smugness. In retaliation, he left his hands drift south and brush over Tom, who, but his current position, was very interested in where this was going and the man hissed.

Harry stepped away and walked backwards towards the bedroom, he made his top melt away and smirked when Tom eyed him hungrily – he knew his extra workouts were worth it. Tom stalked towards Harry like a predator, his eyes dark with desire and filled with clear intent. Harry knelt on the bed after kicking of his shoes and his eyes beckoned Tom towards him, he vanished Tom's shirt with a flick of his wrist and reached up to kiss him. Tom towered over him in this position and so Harry pulled him down on him, easily switching positions so he was led down with Tom pinning him.

He gasped when Tom bit down on his neck, his body lighting with the familiar burning pleasure, Tom trailed licks and bites down his neck and chest making him writhe underneath him. Tom got rid of the rest of their clothes and slicked his fingers, he pushed one in to Harry kissing him to muffle the low moan that came forth.

"Don't tease me," Harry moaned, he gasped when Tom pushed in a second finger, relishing the pain that followed it. Tom smirked as Harry thrashed under him, he pushed a third finger in and twisted until he hit the spot that had Harry crying out for more. Harry whimpered at the loss as the fingers were removed, he felt Tom at his entrance and groaned.

"Tooom, I need you in me… please,"

Never one to ignore begging, from Harry anyway, Tom snapped forward fully seating himself in Harry, a low moan escaping him as he was surrounding by heat. Harry arched up, a scream ripping from his throat as he was abruptly filled, a sharp pain going up his spine and his hands instinctively gripped Tom's shoulder and back. Tom began to move slowly, he kept an even rhythm making sure to brush over that spot turning Harry in to a writhing, whimpering pile of need. Tom felt his lust increase and his eyes raked over Harry. The teen was flushed, his raven hair haloed around his hair contrasting with his pale skin, he stunning green eyes darkened with a burning lust looking up at him, his full lips pouting and bruised and Tom couldn't help but lean down that claim them.

"Faster," Harry demanded, his voice rough and filled with need. "More,"

"Something wrong, Snake?" Tom asked, his own voice husky and Harry hissed. He wrapped his legs around him bringing them closer and looked up in to wine coloured eyes,

Please, Tom, please, his hisses came out strangled and choked. His body was of fire, every part of him could feel every touch and thrust Tom was giving him and it was sending him mad. Tom's eyes darkened as the ancient language rolled over him, he loved it when Harry spoke in that language, especially during sex and he was only too happy to comply with his teen's pleas. Harry yelled out when Tom suddenly thrust in to him with much more vigour, he could feel the thick flesh sliding in him repeatedly and when Tom hit his prostate Harry screamed as his entire body was shot with jolts of pleasure.

"Yesss… Merlin, yes, there… harder… AAH." Harry was practically delirious as Tom angled himself to his that spot repeatedly, his nails dragged down Tom's back making him hiss and if Harry had any semblance of self he would make note to get them cut. Harry could feel his release approaching and his body arched as it hit, he came Harry shouting Tom's name as he was flushed with fire. Tom only managed a few more thrusts after the tight heat closed down around him before he followed Harry in to release, he collapsed down next to his panting lover and calmed his own breathing.

"Ok, so you're forgiven." Harry decided when he could speak again, he cleaned then with a wave of his hand and glanced up at Tom with a smirk. Tom rolled his eyes but his amusement was clear,

"I am thrilled," He deadpanned. Harry laughed and pulled himself up, his back arching slightly as he stretched. Tom trailed an appreciative finger along the curve of his spine enticing a pleased shudder from the teen, Harry looked over his shoulder and couldn't help but feel a tiny bit smug that he had such an effect on the usually stoic wizard. Harry leaned down and kissed him, enjoying the taste that was Tom and moved so he was potentially pinning the man down. Tom's hands immediately went to his hips and slid him down his body so be was pressed up against his steadily hardening member, Harry rolled his eyes with a grin, eyes dancing with amusement and desire.

"Insatiable,"

"I blame you," Tom shrugged, drawing him in for another searing kiss. "Are you staying?"

"Hm, I think I must. How else will I show you what forgiveness entails?" Harry gave his best innocent look, which might have worked if not for the darkness of his eyes, and Tom groaned,

"I think I have to agree." He murmured, his eyes filled with hunger, "I definitely need to be informed." Harry smirked; he could show him exactly what forgiveness was.

Harry couldn't help but thank Merlin it was Saturday, he was exhausted, hungry and snappish. He had had to live the day four times already and he had forgone his usual hour of rest in between, Luna had been busy also so she had not reminded him. The first day had been fine, wonderful actually, because he hadn't left Tom's rooms, or his bedroom to be precise, and when he had finally gotten up to do something he had been relaxed and happy.

His relive was so he could show his face and allow Dumbledore to watch him from afar, he had studied in the library alone, eaten in the great hall and taken a walk around the castle to ease the old goats mind. The second relive had been a bit more taxing, he was looking in to obscure branches of magic, looking in to anything that might help Tom with a counter curse and making note of anything of particular interest. While that was tiring on the mind, especially after going through his shields to organize his mind, it was the third relive that had him exhausted.

He had dedicated the entire day for training, physical, mental and magical training that had him practically passed out on the floor by the time he had finished. With a great amount of difficulty, he had dragged himself back to his rooms and collapse on the sofa, thankful that he had already lived a day under Dumbledore's eye which meant he didn't have to go again. Harry groaned and called Winky for some food before he passed out,

"Master Harry should be resting." She chided once she had popped in and saw the state of him, "Winky is bringing a pepper up."

"You are a complete dear, Winky." Harry told her, gratefully. The little elf popped away embarrassed and Harry shook his head, he gulped down the potion and wolfed down his food which made him feel a hell of a lot better. He had a few things to go through before he crashed for the night, and he wanted to go and see Moony to see how the books were coming.

He knew Tom had been living the days twice, sometimes three times, so he could teach, translate and keep on top of everything for the Death Eaters. Harry knew that this year would not have been possible without Swift's quick thinking, if he wouldn't have grabbed the turners then he would have long dead. He shook his head ridding himself of the thoughts, he had more important things to think about than 'ifs' and 'buts' because they were not going to get him anywhere. Harry got up, stretching as he did so and went to shadow to the Gryffindor rooms when an elf popped in.

"Master Harry, sir," It squeaked, "Nip has news, sir," Harry blinked a few times before his brain woke up and his eyes widened.

"Do you need me back at the manor?" He asked, excitement lacing his tone.

"Yes, sir, Master Grinder is telling Nip to fetch you, sir." The elf told him and Harry grinned.

"I'll be right there," Harry said, and vanished in to the shadows. He appeared in the entrance hall with Nip and the elf led him to where the goblin was. Grinder was in the now changed informal lounge and Harry bowed to him,

"Greetings, Master Grinder,"

"Greetings, young Lord," The goblin returned, "The constructions have been completed."

"Wonderful," Harry grinned, "Is there anything that cropped up?"

"No, work fine. Look around now," He replied and Harry nodded,

"Yes, lets,"

He allowed Grinder to lead him through showing him the classrooms, the new bathrooms, toilets and showers and Harry's personal favourite room; the giant den. He was already making a mental shopping list of all the things he wanted to buy and where he was going to put them, Harry was thrilled with the work that the goblins had done and expressed so to Grinder.

"Ragnok asked, we delivered," Grinder said, and Harry grinned at the goblin.

"Still. Your work is fantastic, and for that I thank you. I am sure Ragnok will make sure you are paid correctly." Harry said. Harry saw the goblin out and then had a mad jumping up and down phase, he shadowed directly to the Gryffindor rooms spotting Tom first as he was at the table in the library working furiously.

"I'm borrowing Moony from you." Harry told him and Tom absently waved his wand to show that he heard and that he really didn't care, Harry grinned and darted off to find the wolf.

"Hey Cub," Remus called, not looking up from his book.

"Hey Moony, I need to borrow you."

"Oh!?"

"The manor's finished." Harry said and Remus' eyes light up.

"Really!?"

"Yes, I've just seen the Goblin's out." Harry replied, "Come on, I've told Tom I'm stealing you." Remus placed his books back on the shelves and accepted the hand Harry offered, they were swallowed by the shadows and landed in the entrance hall. Harry led him around the manor like before and Remus noted the very well made changes,

"So, have you planned the wards?" Remus asked and Harry nodded,

"Yes, there is going to be an age restriction on the library. No one under 5 can enter without an adult because their books will be in the den." Harry said, "And from what I can tell, there is already a hoard of protection on the books and the really dangerous ones are warded too."

"That's a good idea." Remus agreed,

"I'll be warding all the balconies to make sure there are no accidents, and I'll be warding the final floor for 'staff' only. Plus, I want to ward the downstairs, but I was going to leave that to you, that way you don't need me to be here every time there is a new apprentice or new wolf that needs the labs." Harry explained,

"Ok, I can do that."

"I also plan on giving you control of the main wards, so you can allow access. The only people who will be able to override you would be Tom and I, that way you don't need to send word for me if any stray wolves make their way here." Harry continued,

"Thank you, Cub." Remus said, his voice full of sincerity and Harry knew he wasn't just speaking about the wards. Harry hugged him tightly,

"One day, Moony, I'll make sure this isn't necessary." Harry murmured,

"I know you will, Cub. I know you will."

They shared a smile before continuing on, Harry showed him the chill out area and the classrooms, the latter had the older wolf in love and Harry dragged him away.

"Coby," Harry called,

"Master Harry called for Coby?" The elf squeaked, once he had arrived.

"All of the things I had you purchase, I want you to follow Moony's instructions to where they go. He is going to be living here with some guests of mine, so I want you to listen to his orders ok, along with all the other elves."

"Yes Master Harry." Coby nodded, before turning to Moony, "What can Coby bees doing for Master Moony?"

"Have you got that list, Cub?" Remus questioned. Harry closed his eyes and summoned the list to him through the shadows, it took a bit of concentration but he knew exactly where it was and the exact layout of his rooms.

"Here. You set everything, I'll do the warding." Harry said, "Meet you in the library when I'm done."

"Got it," they parted ways and Harry headed up to the rooms that led out on to the inner roof, he had already researched and practiced the wards needed during one of his many relives and so he wasn't worried about them failing. He waved his wand in a jagged motion and muttered under his breath, the magic built in the air and the edges of the roof suddenly flared with light and a clear barrier settled in to place.

Harry took a deep breath to deal with the draw back of magic, he had been too busy today but he knew that if he had to ward the house on the day where he and Tom settled the main ward then he would likely overdo it and put himself in a coma. He moved to the library and cast the ward necessary over the door and he did the same with the training room, accept he changed that to 8 instead of 5 because there were many more dangerous things in there. He had created a ward for the top floor and the study, he was going to tie it in to a separate ward stone which he had dug out of the Peverell vault, or he had an elf fetch it for him.

"Nip,"

"Yes, Master Harry?"

"Can I have that ward stone, please."

"Yes sir," He popped away and returned with the stone in his hands. It was simple, it just looked like a large crystallised rock but it you could feel the magic within it and Harry lifted it carefully. He was going to be placing it in the master study, that way Remus could add anyone he wished to the 'staff' wards. Harry would have to add his friends and Tom in to the stone when he came back, all he would have to do would be to pour their blood on the stone and they would be accepted so he wouldn't have to use any magic to do so.

Once he had cast the ward and tied it in to the stone, he went and selected all the rooms and the top floor and wrapped it in to the ward and felt it flare to life. With his job done, Harry headed to the library and threw himself in to a chair in wait. Even though he had taken that pepper up, his body was starting to protest to the strain that it had been put through and Harry knew that he was going to be asleep very soon. He looked up when Moony walked in and smiled tiredly,

"Everything set!?" He asked,

"Yes, and I think this place is ready. It's just the final ward." Moony said and Harry nodded in agreement.

"I'll drag Tom here tomorrow and it will be done." Harry said, "I'd do it tonight-,"

"But you're on the verge of collapse." Remus cut in, "Come on, cub, lets get back. I'm going to head out tomorrow to leak the word, but I'll be back to meet with Greyback."

"Ok, how fast do you think it'll travel?"

"If I can get the phrasing right, then it should go quickly. I'll have to scout the areas and I'll see the moods of the packs, but I do have some friends."

"I have a wolf hideaway, it was the one I stopped Smith from reporting. I can get the coordinates from the tracker if you want?"

"Once I've met with Greyback, that'll be great."

Harry nodded and they vanished in to the shadows, Harry left Moony in the Gryffindor rooms and headed back to his own; he needed sleep.

"Don't make me move." Harry groaned, gripping the covers and wrapping himself in it much to Luna's amusement.

"You have loads to do today and I would rather think that you would want to get it done." She said, "I've set a box up for the phials and mine is already there."

"Fine, fine, I'm up." He muttered, not moving an inch.

"Don't make me move you." Luna warned and Harry was up and in the shower in a flash, Luna grinned, "Good boy."

"You know, I really don't know how you became so scary." Harry grumbled through the door.

"You taught me." She chimed,

"Curse past me." He sighed. Harry had a much needed shower, brushed his teeth and got dressed, Luna handed him a pepper up, a mug of tea and Harry ate the breakfast at the bar.

"I'm sorry about missing our day again, I have much to make up for." Harry said and she waved him away.

"I know how important this is. Besides, I know I'll be missing days too, and we'll be working together with the wolves."

"You're the best."

"I know,"

Guys, I need your blood. Harry sent to them and received silence.

You know, Snake, even for you, that was weird. Paws told him and he grinned,

Come on, grab Neville while you're at it.

Be there in 5,

"I've already sent for the twins." Luna said, "They'll grab Bleach and Venom."

"I've got to ask the twins why we're not connected."

"Oh, they said that yours is on a different rune chain because when they did theirs it was an experiment." Luna answered his question with a shrug, Harry raised an eyebrow before shaking his head and leaving it.

"I suppose they would experiment on themselves." Harry rolled his eyes at the twins, he might have to speak to them about their experimentation on themselves.

"Morning all," Said twins greeted, skipping in followed by Draco and Blaise,

"Gentlemen," Harry nodded,

"Snake,"

"We're just waiting on the others." Luna said, "Winky, can we have some refreshments please." The elf popped in and filled the coffee table with fresh fruits and sparkling water, nothing to heavy for the time in the morning. There was a gathering of shadows in the room and Swift, Paws and Badger appeared, Swift wearing a pleased grin.

"I got it." He cheered and Harry smiled,

"I told you it would come."

"Yeah I know," Swift waved him off and Harry rolled his eyes.

"I have good news," Harry began, "The manor is ready, Moony should have set of already and I am going to be setting the main ward today. For that, I am in need a small phial of blood from each of you so I can key you in. Those who have not donated blood will not be able to access the manor, even if Tom or I key you in at the gate. This ward will stop all those who have not been infected or born with the werewolf gene from accessing the lands or manor, and I have no doubt that even if they put the best curse breakers up to the job that they would get through."

"I have the phials, so if you would just bleed in them Harry can be on his way." Luna picked up, passing the phials around to them. Each of his friends didn't even question his motives as they cut themselves and bled in to the phial, it showed an enormous amount of trust because blood was the most dangerous substance within the magical world.

"Do you want them labelled?" Paws asked,

"You can, but it is not necessary. The ward I created does not need magic to key people in." Harry informed her. Luna went around and collected the blood and handed the box to Harry, where he shrunk it down and placed it in his jacket pocket.

"There are extra phials for any death eaters His Darkness wishes to be keyed in." Luna told him, "The rest is down to you."

"Thanks. I don't know when I'll be back, the power needed for this ward is… unimaginable so there is a strong likelihood I'll be passing out soon after." Harry explained, "And I had better go tell him that his study partner isn't going to be there."

"Those two are rather scary when working." Paws said, grinning, "They are both exactly the same."

"You're comparing Moony to the Dark Lord." Swift said in disbelief, looking at her as if she had grown an extra head.

"You haven't seen them. It's odd." Paws shook her head, "It's something you have to see."

"I'll take your word for it." Swift said. Harry grinned at the pair,

"I don't know what you plan on doing today, but I may see you later." Harry said, and waved as he vanished in to the shadows. Tom wasn't in his rooms and Harry used his scar to discover that the man was in his office, Harry moved quickly to his destination and grinned at Tom's raised eyebrow.

"Morning," Harry greeted brightly, Tom sat back behind his desk with a look that clearly said: why are you so happy this morning? "I have good news."

"I would not have guessed." Tom drawled, sarcasm lining his tone.

"You feeling up to doing a unhealthy amount of magic today?" Harry asked and Tom blinked,

"The manor is finished,"

"Yes and everything is in place. Moony and I completed the inner warding yesterday as well as the furnishing, its just the main ward that needs to be put in place and the word needs to be spread. Moony has already set off, but he will return because he wishes to meet with Greyback when you call him in." Harry explained,

"This ward needs to be set before I call Greyback, he will want to test the place for himself. Despite popular belief, he is extremely protective of werewolves, his own pack more so." Tom said and Harry nodded,

"I cannot pass judgement, I have never met him. However, if he tries to harm Moony then I will not be responsible for my actions." Harry warned,

"I can guarantee that that will not be necessary. Greyback was the one to bite Remus, he will not harm his own cub." Tom assured,

"Ok. Another thing, do you want any DE's keyed in?"

"No, but you may want to ask Narcissa. I have heard that she is becoming bored and she may enjoy seeing the cubs, I have observed that she is fond of small children." Tom said after a moments of thought

"Babies are adorable, Tom." Harry said and Tom made a noncommittal sound at the back of his throat.

"Other than Narcissa, there would be no one I would suggest." Tom picked up and Harry nodded,

"Ok. Are we casting the ward directly in to the ward stone, or from the lands and then tying it in?"

"We will need to go to the lands to make sure it covers everything, then, once it has been cast, we twist it in to the other wards and tie it in."

"I believe the ward will last 5 days without being keyed in to anything. A ward of his size needs something to lock on to, I made it on the basis that it would have a base and not be a free standing ward."

"We shall only need 24 hours at the maximum, however, we are able to go back and tie it in instantly." Tom pointed out.

"True. You know, this is going to be the biggest ward I have ever cast?"

"I do not doubt that. I have never cast something this substantial before either."

"Ready to hit the shadows?" Harry asked, and Tom didn't even grace him with a comment for the change in phrase.

"Let's,"

Harry skipped over and took Tom's arm, easily wrapping the shadows around them and landing them outside the master study.

"I'm not sure if your status nullifies the extra wards so you're going to have to try and get in to the study. They are not harmful, it just forms an invisible barrier." Harry said, "It's the ward that will only allow the 'staff' in to the top floor and the studies."

"I see," Tom murmured, his eyes narrowed at the door. Harry felt the man's magic reach out and test it before his expression cleared and he walked through the door.

"Well, that clears that up." Harry said cheerfully.

"Our status will cancel out all other wards. It appears that the wards are becoming sentient in the fact that they will offer all those of Peverell blood access." Tom explained, "It's a welcome fact."

"Agreed. Come on," Harry took his arm again and moved them to the grounds. "Nip," the elf popped to them and looked up eagerly.

"What can Nip bes doing for Master Harry and Master Marvolo?" He asked. Harry felt a shot of shock from Tom followed by something else and he found himself pulled back in to a firm chest and a kiss pressed to his temple.

"Thank you," Tom murmured, and Harry smiled knowing Tom could feel his acknowledgement.

"Would it be possible to have the co-ordinates for the south point of the property lands and the north point too?"

"Nip can be taking yous."

"Wonderful," Harry clapped his hands, "I'll take south point,"

"Don't try and use magic afterwards, you'll end up putting yourself in a coma." Tom warned and Harry looked affronted.

"Excuse me, I happen to have an extremely large core."

"Yes, but you haven't reached your majority and therefore your core is still expanding and won't settle on your eventual size until your 17th birthday," Tom pointed out, and Harry pouted,

"Yes, remind me that I am underage thank you."

"I often forget," Tom admitted,

"I noticed, multiple times."

"You're legal in the muggle world." Tom stated with a sniff, "North point, if you will." He held out his hand and Nip popped him away before Harry could say anything in return, not that he would have been able to, Tom had just stunned him in to speechlessness. He couldn't believe what he had just heard, Tom had just used the muggle world, muggle world, to justify his actions.

"Well shit,"

"Is Master Harry ready?" Nip questions, shaking Harry out of his shock.

"Yes, lets go, Nip."

He was popped to a place where he didn't even recognise, but he could see the manor in the distance and gaped as it looked like a tiny gingerbread house.

"Holy mother of Merlin!" He exclaimed, "Just how big are the lands?"

"Very big, sir. Nip is not knowing the precise acreage." The elf responded. Harry took in the view amazed, he could see the stretching forest which seemed to go on forever and the large lake that led out so he could just see the other end, it had a small island in the middle and Harry thought it was stunning. He felt a flash of something from Tom and he could only describe it as ready, he sent back acceptance and took out his wand. He took a deep breath and reached in to his magical core, he began to chant under his breath and twirled his wand in an odd circular motion.

Harry felt the magic build and continued his chant and his wand movements allowing the magic to thicken and swarm around him until it was visible as a large green dome surrounding him. When it had become a near opaque dome, he began a fresh chant and on the last word he swiped his wand upwards sharply. His magic blew out as the ward was formed, he could feel his core emptying as the ward solidified around him securing itself in to place. Harry sucked in a sharp breath when he felt his magic mesh together with Tom's and he continued to push magic in to was ward to make sure the magic fused together. His magic drained in to his reserves and continued on and just as his vision began to swim the dome flashed and settled heavily in to place, he could feel the ward and the power that it possessed which made him smile slightly. Harry dropped to his knees in utter his exhaustion, his breaths coming in short sharp pants and the edges of his vision was slowly bleeding black.

"Nip," He gasped, "Get me to the other Master." When he appeared next to Tom his stomach rolled but he managed to keep his breakfast, his vision blacked for a second as he collapsed to the floor but he blinked it away. Harry spotted that Tom was also on his knees and was shaking slightly, he didn't look to healthy and Harry hated to think what he might have looked like.

"Bed, now." Tom managed to get out,

"Nip, take us to a room." Harry ordered, his vision rapidly fading. "I'm going to pass out now." And he did just that. Tom took hold of Harry's arm and held put a hand for the elf and felt himself apperated away, his own vision swam but he managed to get both Harry and himself on to the bed before he too fell in to unconsciousness.