This is the second part of my series named 'Dance with the Devil'. The first part is called 'The Deceptive Waltz'. In order to understand everything in this story you will want to start there before going forward. For those that are just interested in this section of the series, here is a summary of the first part:

Tom Riddle from another universe came into canon end of Harry's second year. Dumbledore has known about him, and has helped him hide since then. Year five, Dumbledore asked Riddle to teach Transfigurations class while McGonagall did work for the Order. Harry found out who he was, but through a lot of meetings, and Riddle's assistance at the battle at the Ministry, Harry trusts him. Harry, Ron, Hermione, and Snape are the only people who know who Riddle is, who is under the guise of 'Magnus R. Thomason', a Wandless Wizard (Since his wand is infamous, he does not display it, pretending to not need it). Dumbledore and Sirius died at the Ministry at the end of year Five. Riddle, through his over-protective nature, has requested to be legal guardian of Harry, which Harry agreed to… there was a lot of trust building in the first series… like Riddle torturing Umbridge and wiping her memory of it so she wouldn't put Harry in detention anymore… it wasn't as bad as that sounded… sort of… and our story picks up one week after Harry returns to his Aunt's house, awaiting Riddle to finalize the paperwork to make him Guardian of Harry Potter.

Also, assume unless stated above, everything that happened in book five canon happened in my story. I will endeavor to keep those who want to start here in the loop, but feel free to ask questions. I will answer them as soon as possible.

Thank you for the 22K+ people who viewed my original posting of The Deceptive Waltz on ! Every one of you are totally awesome.

The Unbroken Threads

Chapter One

Number Four Privet Drive

Privet Drive was quiet as usual on a warm summer's day, like every summer before it. Harry was stuck inside, flipping through several issues of The Daily Prophet, while Hedwig, his snowy owl slept in her cage. Harry read numerous articles, almost tearing a section off as he turned the page, pinching his lips. The reports of attacks were increasing every day in the Wizarding World, and when Harry had the rare opportunity to sit out under the window in the garden, he could hear his Uncle Vernon watching the news. Like the year before, Harry spent this one glued to every bit of news he could find while awaiting his time.

Dumbledore and Sirius had died in the Ministry fight at the end of his fifth year, causing an enormous uproar in the community. Well, Dumbledore's death had, but Harry was just as shaken by the death of his Godfather. Harry worried that Hogwarts might close, and every time he saw another article that mentioned Dumbledore being dead with no firm replacement for the school, it made him want to rip the paper to shreds.

On one hand, Harry could understand the trouble of finding a Headmaster or Headmistress of Hogwarts now, with Voldemort back at full power. It was reasonable that any witch or wizard would hesitate to put themselves forward to protect an entire school from harm, but they wouldn't be alone. When Harry had spoken to Dumbledore's Portrait, he had said the Order of the Phoenix would be protecting the school and Riddle had said he would, even if he wasn't allowed back. Fudge had purposed having a group of Aurors on Hogwarts grounds the whole year while students were there, but Harry doubted they would be able to do much against Voldemort.

Harry closed his eyes, mentally counting down the days in his head since he arrived back at his Aunt and Uncle's house. Today makes a full week he had been wallowing at Privet Drive, though with the slow days, it's felt a whole lot longer.

Harry had been itching to do something. Every attack in the paper only made his resolve stronger. He wanted to take this year to fight against Voldemort, but he worried about his under-aged status. His wand would still be watched by the Ministry until he turned seventeen, and if the Dark Lord was as powerful as Harry thought, he would be able to track Harry through the Ministry's protections. The only thing that gave him hope was he knew he had Tom Riddle on his side.

He had to admit when he first heard Tom's tale of travelling from another universe, Harry didn't quite believe him. After being around him for a year, and seeing his fight Bellatrix without a wand in the Ministry just a few weeks ago, convinced Harry. Ron and Hermione also knew, and them believing the story made Harry feel more secure in decision. The only thing that still bothered Harry was finding out what Riddle did to Umbridge. He had a very good idea, but now that Harry had some time to think on it, he wasn't so sure it was the best way to handle her.

The sun was setting and Harry moved to close the curtains to block out the light, when he glanced down to see a figure walking down the road. Harry paused, and parted the curtains a little more to watch. It wasn't that unusual to see some people walking down the road, especially at this time of the day, but Harry was sure none of them looked like this. The man had broad shoulders, tall and lithe with a suit that looked like it came out of the 1940's complete with a fedora.

As though the figure knew he was being watched, he turned his head up towards the second story window, and his eyes found Harry in the window.

Harry grinned at the dark-haired man who approached the front door of the house. Harry didn't bother pulling the curtains, and left the room, thundering down the stairs as he went. Petunia practically screeched at him for it, but Harry didn't care, as he pulled open the front door just as the bell rang.

Standing in a two-piece navy blue suit with white chalk strips, that was clearly tailored for the handsome man wearing it, was Tom Riddle. His blue eyes were slightly widened in surprise, his hands still raised at the buzzer, but a smile slowly warmed on his face at the sight of Harry.

"Hello, Mr. Potter," said Tom in his silky voice.

Before Harry could even respond, Uncle Vernon had muscled his way into the entry way, muttering angrily under his breath, pushing Harry aside to see who was at the door. His great stature almost squishing Harry into the wall in order to let him through.

"We don't want anything you're selling," Vernon said, making a grab for the door.

"He's not here to sell anything," Harry snapped, his foot blocking the door from being shut, trying to get around his large Uncle. "He's Tom Riddle, and he's a teacher at my school."

The color drained from Vernon's face, and Petunia, who Harry didn't even know was coming up the hall, had hissed between her teeth. Vernon stood stalk still in the doorway for a moment, looking Riddle up and down with a furrowed brow, as though wondering why someone who looked so normal would ever be caught up in 'all that magic non-sense'. Aunt Petunia braced herself up against the wall, as though the shock of seeing a wizard was too much for her sensibilities.

"May I come in?" asked Riddle, tilting his chin up, with a polite smile on his face.

"No!" Vernon shouted, coming back to his sense, his face already growing red. He stuck his thick finger, wagging it near Riddle. "We already got one, we don't need a second."

"Vernon, the neighbors," whispered Petunia, already craning her neck to see past her husband to check if anyone was paying attention. Harry doubted it as only Petunia was that nosy. Harry moved his foot, now barely keeping his spot by the entry way with his Aunt and Uncle now crammed into it.

"I assure you, I'm perfectly capable of being… normal… during a brief chat I must have with you, and Mrs. Dursley, especially," said Riddle, bowing his head ever so slightly, and sweeping the fedora off his head. Harry thought Riddle was trying to look dashing, and felt he may have pulled it off. He also wanted to tell Riddle he was wasting his time on the Durselys as they weren't worth the effort.

As though to prove Harry correct, Vernon's mustache twitched, like he wanted to say something nasty but was debating on if he could attack Riddle first before Riddle could pull out a wand. His eyes darting to Riddle's hands, which were clutching at his fedora.

"He can do wandless magic and he's probably the most powerful wizard in the world, you should just let him," said Harry, then released a sigh.

"I thought the old man, what's he called, what's his name—Rumbly—Bumble—or something other—was the most powerful of your lot," asked Vernon, his beady eyes looking between Harry and Riddle, but at least he wasn't shouting anymore.

"He was," Harry all but whispered.

"Let him in, Vernon! We don't need people talking," Petunia reasoned, wringing her apron. She turned on her heel back into the kitchen area, probably to try to convince herself this wasn't happening.

Vernon's eyes narrowed at Riddle, but he pushed Harry down the hall and moved aside. Harry glared at his Uncle, before waving Riddle in, who stepped into the house looking far too expensive to be stood in the entry way to number four Privet Drive. Vernon seemed to think so too, as he shut the door behind Riddle, eyeing the suit, which even Harry could tell was very nice, even if it looked like something out of an old movie.

"I see you can dress like us," Vernon said, still blocking Riddle from going any further into the house with his sheer bulk. "But I don't want any funny business in this household."

"I was raised like a Muggle until my mother passed away," Riddle said evenly, looking around the house with a blank look on his face. Before Vernon could say anything, "I'm quite adept at both magical and non-magical living, having a fortune for both certainly helps."

"You're rich?" asked Vernon, now observing Riddle with a conflicted expression. There were very few things Vernon loved more than being absolutely normal, and having money was one of them. Harry could practically see the thoughts swirling in his Uncle's head, wondering if Riddle would be someone to get to know for the sake of the money, versus what Vernon considered 'delinquent behavior' with all that 'wand waving non-sense'.

"Oh, yes, quite rich," said Riddle, absently as he finished looking over the entryway. He practically shouldered past a stunned Vernon. "This way to the kitchen I presume?" and without waiting for a reply, went into the kitchen where Aunt Petunia had just about finished preparing for dinner.

Vernon looked over at Harry, who pretended not to know what the raised eyebrows were for. Harry honestly didn't know if Riddle was rich or not, but he certainly wasn't going to tell Vernon anything about it either way. He followed Riddle into the kitchen just as Dudley came in the back door of the house, and paused when he saw a stranger sitting at the table.

"Who are you?" Dudley asked rudely, as Petunia all but flew to his side. She wrapped an arm around Dudley, smoothing his limp blonde hair with her hand.

"We've got company from Harry's school here, so why don't you go upstairs, and I'll call you down when everything's finish?" she asked in a sweet voice that made Harry want to gag.

Dudley, now knowing the man sat at the kitchen table was a wizard, gaped in astonishment and fear. His large arms were trembling, and his knees were probably close to knocking each other if he didn't have so much bulk to get through to do so. Harry was sure Dudley was remembering the last time he ran into a wizard, Hagrid on Harry's eleventh birthday, where a pig tail was magically produced on Dudley's backside.

Harry had to duck his face to prevent the smile from showing to his relatives, who would probably smack him for it. Harry quickly moved over to the table when Vernon came into the room. Harry hovered near Riddle, who looked like nothing was abnormal about this meeting, a pleasant smile on his face.

"I'm sorry to have interrupted your dinner, but this won't take long at all," Riddle began, shuffling inside of his jacket. Vernon and Petunia tensed as though he might draw a weapon, instead, pulled out some parchment papers. Dudley let out a small whimper, stood frozen in his spot.

"What are those?" Vernon questioned, narrowing his tiny eyes. "Don't tell me the boy has been expelled."

"No, nothing like that," answered Riddle, and if he was shocked that Harry's relatives would instantly jump to that conclusion, he didn't show it. Instead, he turned the papers towards Petunia, who was still trying to soothe Dudley. "It is my wish that you would sign these."

"We aren't signing anything!" exclaimed Vernon, already red in the cheeks.

"These are papers saying you wish to turn over your legal guardianship of Harry, to me," explained Riddle as though he wasn't just yelled at. Riddle folded his hands together, his head tilted up to look at the three stunned Durselys, with is fedora resting next to the papers.

Harry looked up at his Aunt and Uncle, his heart fluttering in his chest. He knew that Riddle was going to come here and ask his Aunt to sign, but he didn't think it would happen so quickly. He also assumed Petunia would immediately sign it without a second thought, instead of standing frozen by her husband's side.

"Well," Vernon started, a horrible smile appearing under his mustache. He marched right up to the table, looking around for a pen. "Where do we sign?"

"While I appreciate your enthusiasm in wanting to forfeit your rights to your nephew," Riddle started with a tone that suggested he did not, in fact, appreciate it. "Per the Ministry, Mrs. Dursley is the one with proper guardianship. I only need her signature."

"Petunia, did you hear that? We can get rid of the boy from our house for good!" Vernon cheered, not noticing how pale Petunia was growing over this news. Dudley also seemed to be confused, frowning at his dad, and looking over at his mom. Vernon continued, "No more owls, no more letters that come in here barking at us, no more nonsense!"

Riddle and Petunia seemed to be eyeing each other. Riddle, sitting comfortably in a chair with his hands folded, a slightly smile, and relaxed shoulders; Petunia, standing stiff between her son and husband, brows furrowed.

It took Vernon a few more seconds before he realized Petunia wasn't moving to sign the papers on the table. He turned to glance at his wife, with his smiling dropping and he wrapped his arms around her shoulders.

"Petunia dear," he started, talking slowly as though she were a child. "You just need to sign, and we can say good-bye to your nephew for good." He looked over at Riddle. "You're taking him forever, right?"

"Right."

"See?" Vernon continued, grabbing Petunia's thin wrist, and tugging her gently forward. "We can have this over with."

Much to Harry's surprise, Petunia snatched her hand away from a shocked Vernon, her eyes never leaving Riddle's. She squared her bony shoulders. "What happens if I sign?"

"Well, I become his legal guardian. I will have him pack, and leave this house for good," Riddle answered, tilting his head. There was a moment when they just looked at each other, before Riddle continued in a low voice, "But, you are wondering what happens to the protection on the house if I take him now, aren't you?"

Petunia froze, as though feeling guilty she was caught in what concerned her. She twisted her hands together, looking over at Vernon who was now gapping, and then Dudley who was quivering, before turning back to Riddle.

"Dumbledore said I had to keep him safe until he was an adult," Petunia began and Harry felt a twinge of pain run through his heart at the mention of Dumbledore, but was interested to hear where this was going. Petunia never said anything about magic! Let alone talk about any discussions she had with Dumbledore. "In his letter, he said this house was protected as long as he lived here."

"That is why Harry returned this summer," Riddle began, sitting back in the chair now and a slightly twitch in his jaw. "The protection that was invoked by Albus when he left Harry here fifteen years ago will continue for another year on this house, and if we fail in destroying Voldemort in that time, I will make sure you are notified so your family may make arrangements to move to a safe location. Until that time, you and your family are protected."

Uncle Vernon looked as though he had something stuck in his throat, turning red, and Aunt Petunia, however, was oddly flushed. Dudley was turning his head to look between his parents, as though he was still trying to work out exactly what was going on.

"Did you have any other concerns?" asked Riddle, still smiling as though he didn't just tell the Dursley's Harry and he were going to war against a dark wizard for the next year and they may have to run from said dark wizard if they didn't kill him in time. Harry wanted to ask Petunia when she had ever spoken to Dumbledore before, but kept quiet. Riddle seemed to have the Dursleys about to give in to signing over their rights to Harry, something he wanted more than satisfying his curiosity.

"And where is he? Why isn't he explaining this?" asked Petunia, almost hissing.

"Albus died in a battle last month with Lord Voldemort," Riddle answered simply, his face not even twitching at the name, but Harry felt a prickle in his scar, and a deep sorrow that was not his own.

"Who's 'Albus'?" asked Vernon, suddenly out of his shock. His beady eyes going from Petunia's pale form, to Harry who looked down, and then to Riddle. "What kind of name is that?"

"Albus is Dumbledore's first name," Riddle snipped almost out the corner of his mouth, now leaning back in towards Petunia, as though hoping he could block out Vernon. "As you can see, things are in a bit of chaos right now. Harry needs protection, and for me to do that, I need to be his guardian. That way I can care for him, without needing outside approval."

"See Petunia?" Vernon said, his hands coming up to rest on Petunia's shoulders. He appeared to be more concerned with Harry being gone for good, over Riddle being rude to him. "He cares for the boy, and we keep the protection. It's all good, right?"

Petunia, much to Vernon and Harry's delight, strode up to the table. Harry was sure this was going to be it. Aunt Petunia would sign the paperwork, Harry could run upstairs to grab his trunk, and Hedwig, and he would be on his way out of here for good. He was already imagining the feeling of being able to see number four behind him and know he was never coming back, when Dudley started to speak.

"You promise to keep him safe?" Dudley asked Riddle, much to the shock of every person in the room. If Harry didn't see Dudley's lips move, he might not have believed it. Petunia looked like she wanted to rush over to her son and hug him for just suggesting someone take care of Harry. Harry hoped Petunia could hear the sound of his eyes rolling.

"I promise," Riddle said slowly, as though he couldn't believe he was asked anything by Dudley either. Riddle pulled out a quill from his coat, placing it next to the papers.

Petunia nodded, grabbing it, and finally signing her name on the papers. Riddle waved his hands over them and instantly they vanished with a POP. The Dursley's jumped at the show of magic in their house, but Riddle didn't appear to have even notice their reaction, instead he stood up, and turned to Harry.

"Are you packed?" he asked.

"Never unpacked," Harry answered, a grin starting to spread on his face. Harry turned and went bounding up the stairs to grab his trunk, and Hedwig. It only took him a minute or two to have everything ready, as he wasn't lying when he told Riddle he didn't unpack at all. Instead, he had been packing a few other things away, knowing that he was never coming back to Privet Drive. Hedwig made a few noises on complaint over Harry's hurried treatment of her in order to get down stairs faster. Harry cooed at her, promising to buy her a treat at his first chance for the rough treatment.

When he made it back downstairs he was greeted by the sight of Riddle, and the Dursleys in the entryway of the house. Petunia, and Dudley were gathered together in the doorway to the kitchen, while Vernon was standing between them and Riddle. Riddle had his hands behind his back, and was rocking back and forth on his heels while he waited.

"I'm ready," Harry announced, making it down to the landing.

"Very good, then let's be on our way," Riddle said, flipping his fedora onto his head. He nodded towards Vernon, who sneered, then to Petunia. "I wish I could say it was a pleasure, but I detest lying. Instead, I shall just bid you farewell."

Vernon's face slowly started to turn impressive colors, but Petunia placed a bony hand on his shoulder, and shook her head. He clenched his jaw shut, his ears now looking like eggplants attached to the side of his face, as he held in his nasty comments.

Harry wasn't sure what he expected from his last walk out of Privet Drive, but Dudley coming up to him and shaking his hand wasn't one of them. Petunia practically burst into tears, proud that Dudley dared to do something that wasn't mean for once, while Vernon looked like he was still angry at Riddle for his comments. After Dudley stepped away from Harry, Vernon did look like he wanted to shake Harry's hand as well, but thought better of it, instead just telling him bye. The biggest shock actually came from his Aunt of all people.

Petunia, when she was finished with cuddling on Dudley, came over to Harry, and eyed him. Harry wasn't sure how to respond, feeling like he was under McGonagall's gaze for a moment.

"Well good-bye then," she said briskly, and she looked at Riddle once more as though she wanted to say something, before snapping her mouth shut then returning to Dudley's side.

"Bye," Harry responded, grabbing his trunk.

The sun had just set when Harry and Riddle walked out the door. The orange glow from the streetlights were shining brightly now against the dark sky. The neighborhood was fairly quiet with distant echoes of evening shows being played from the next-door neighbor's house, a dog barking with its owner yelling at it, and a few kids around the corner walking down the sidewalk from the park.

"Now Harry," Riddle started, his arm wrapping around Harry's shoulders. Harry noticed the change of Riddle calling him by his first name. "We should have the element of surprise since no one would think you would be leaving your Aunt's and Uncle's house this early, but stay close to me until we reach safety, alright?"

"Got it," Harry answered, his earlier happiness at leaving privet drive now sinking in his stomach as reality hit him. Before he could ask if he needed his wand out, which was currently tucked into his pocket, Riddle waved his hand over Hedwig and Harry's trunk, both vanishing.

"I've sent them ahead," Riddle said, walking them towards the street. "We need to move outside the protection before we can disapparate – yes we're traveling that way—and make our way to Hogwarts."

"We're going to Hogwarts?" asked Harry, a smile tugging at his lips. He's never been to Hogwarts during the summer break.

"It's the safest spot for right now while we work out a few things, but the Weasley family has offered to have you over there for a few weeks as well, until September," Riddle continued, his eyes occasionally darting around the neighborhood, as though looking for someone. "I also figured it might be nice to spend your birthday with your friends."

"That'll be great," Harry said with a smile. It was rare he could spend much of his summer around his friends, and especially for his birthday would be grand. When Riddle didn't share his smile, he frowned. "What's wrong?"

"I have a few things to tell you before we leave," Riddle started, stopping them on the corner of Privet Drive. Harry could see the lights on number four from here, and the curtains were drawn but not shut completely. Harry had little doubt Petunia was probably craning her neck from the kitchen window trying to see if they were really going. "Minerva… Professor McGonagall, isn't exactly happy about me taking you from here."

"Why not?"

"She's worried Death Eaters are waiting just outside the protection for you to try to leave, and there should be a whole group coming to collect you, instead of just me," Riddle answered, looking up into the night sky. Harry glanced up, turning his head but seeing nothing but sky and stars. "And it seems her concern about the Death Eaters was correct."

"Where are they?" asked Harry, squinting, but still not seeing them. He tensed and grabbed his wand from his pocket. Riddle turned to him, seeing the wand but not telling him to put it away; Instead, he lifted his hand, and pointed. Harry peered after it, trying to spot any figures in the sky but failing.

"Look for the stars fading from view, then returning," whispered Riddle close to his ear.

Harry took a few seconds, concentrating on watching the stars. Suddenly, a few clustered together, disappeared leaving an empty spot as though darkness was sweeping over them. Harry narrowed his eyes, and a moment later they were back again like something had passed in front of the stars, blocking them from view. He gasped, darting to look at the other areas. Now that he knew what to look for, Harry could tell there were numerous Death Eaters just a few kilometers away in the sky, most likely on brooms, circling the area.

"They can't see us while we're in the area of protection, but they will spot us the moment we leave," explained Riddle, straightening. "We have to get out of the barrier before I can disapparate us to Hogsmeade, where a few Order members are waiting for us. We'll escort you to Hogwarts from there, and then discuss our plans."

Harry nodded, but he felt his heart thundering in his chest at the thought of so many Death Eaters surrounding them. Riddle's arm tightened around his shoulders, pulling him closer. Harry hissed as his scar prickled in pain, but didn't pull away.

"I'll keep you safe Harry," Riddle said, his grip firm. "I promised."

"What if Voldemort is also waiting out there?" Harry couldn't help but ask.

"Then, he'll learn the hard way I don't fight fair," said Riddle, cocking an eyebrow slightly. Harry huffed a laugh at his display despite the sick feeling in his stomach, Riddle's lips twitched into a smile, before looking back up at the sky. "If we're clever, we'll be out of here before they all figure out what's happening."

Harry gripped his wand tightly, glad that Riddle had already transported Hedwig to safety, and was by his side. He gritted his teeth, preparing to fight as soon as they left the barrier. Riddle lead him to the edge, waving a hand in front of them, and a familiar silver shield surrounded them. Harry felt the warmth from Riddle's side, and the hearty crackling of his magic, and took the first step outside of the barrier.

Harry spotted a man, hovering just to the left of them. The man in dark robes turned, scanning the area, before spotting them down below. Before the man could spout off a single thing to his fellow followers, he was pushed out of the sky by a stunning spell, falling with a sickening thud on the ground, followed by the broom which had lost its magic. Harry heard it crack, and a moan of pain, that was probably the Death Eater, who was hit with the fallen broom.

Harry turned to see Riddle's hand out stretched, and a peculiar smile on his face. Riddle glanced over at the gapping Harry, who had his wand half raised to defend himself.

"I did say I don't fight fair," he quipped, his grip tightening on Harry's clothes now, balling up the shirt. "We may want to pick up our pace now that the ones nearby were probably alerted to our presence."

Harry and Riddle dashed across the street, just as Harry could hear a few voices starting to gather overhead. Several popping sounds were heard, sparks flying from the street lamps all the way down either side of the road. The whole area became dark, as Harry heard the odd whirling hum of the power to the neighborhood going out. He didn't even bother looking up now that all the light was gone, his legs moving quickly under him, and Riddle guiding him in the dark. Harry barely flinched at the crackling resonance of their shield being hit with spells, as Riddle batted them away like flies. A yelp from directly behind Harry was heard, just a few seconds before another thud.

They raced between houses, and when they reached a neighbor's fence, Riddle did not slow them down. Instead, he waved his hand and the wooden boards parted for them like they were made of water. Harry barely had time to stare in awe, as they passed, then the boards snapped back to where they were, as though they never moved.

"We're almost to the limit of the anti-disapparate jinx," Riddle whispered, cutting them through another yard, and ducking around a corner just as another Death Eater flew over-head. Riddle pulled Harry up against the house they were hiding behind, watching intently as the Death Eater was glancing around. Riddle reached inside his coat, and pulled out the yew wand. He pointed it at the unsuspecting man, and whispered something under his breath. The Death Eater straightened on his broom, pausing in mid-air for a few moments, before darting off in a completely different direction. Harry could hear him shouting he saw Harry running down another area.

They only had to wait a few more seconds before it seemed every Death Eater was chasing after nothing. Riddle tucked the wand away, looking at Harry with raised eyebrows.

"I'm quite capable without a wand, but there are limitations to even my magic," whispered Riddle, who adjusted his coat, and fedora, which were displaced due to the running. He then held out his arm to Harry, who placed a hand on the crook of his elbow.

Despite the tense circumstance, Harry chuckled a little, thinking they looked like they were a couple going to a ball, with Riddle dressed up as he was.

Riddle only smiled, leading Harry out to an alleyway. They remained covered in shadows now, stepping between buildings where even the moon's glow wouldn't reach. He turned his head to look at Harry. "Ready?"

"Yes."

And the world went dark, as Harry felt the unpleasant sensation of disapparating across London, and staggered on his feet when they appeared in another alleyway in the quiet streets of Hogsmeade. Harry took a few moments trying to convince his stomach not to heave the little bit of food he had managed to eat for lunch, before Riddle lead him out of the alley, and onto the streets.

Harry looked around, not seeing a single person. One of the shops at the end of the block looked like it was burned to the ground. Harry vaguely remembered that being a tailoring shop he read in The Daily Prophet, before he was pushed into the Three Broomsticks. Like the streets, the whole room was bare, except for Rosemerta who was already moving to close the door behind them. Her green eyes narrowed at the pair.

"Get upstairs before you cause a scene," she hissed, placing her hands on her hips. Riddle gave her a smile that made her cheeks go red, tipping his hat to her, before all but dragging Harry upstairs. Harry turned to watch Rosemerta's gaze linger a bit on Riddle's retreating form as he went up the steps, with a little smirk on her lips, before turning back to the door of her inn.

Riddle opened the third door on their right, and waved Harry in. Harry had barely made it past the threshold when Lupin sprung up from an old patched chair, and dash across the room to hug him.

"Harry!" Lupin said, almost crushing Harry in an embrace, and skewing Harry's glasses in the process. "We're were worried."

"I gathered that bit myself," Harry murmured, now tall enough to see over Lupin's shoulder. He spotted Tonks with brightly colored purple hair, smiling, and playing with her wand, looking like she just stood up from her seat next to where Lupin was. Much to Harry's dismay, Snape was sneering in the corner of the room, his arms crossed in front of him, making him almost blend into the heavy shadows cast by the fireplace.

"Did you have any trouble?" Tonks asked, as Riddle shut the door behind him.

"None at all," Riddle said smoothly, his face not giving away a single thing. Harry could practically see Snape itching to call Riddle out on his lie, but thought better of it. Instead, his lips pinched tightly, going almost white.

Tonks brightened, patting Lupin on the shoulder. "I think Harry needs to breathe."

Lupin let Harry out of the embrace, still holding his shoulders though, and smiling. There was a glint in his eyes, as though tears were gathering in them. "It's good to see you in one piece."

"Same," answered Harry, letting out his own smile.

"As touching as this is, we're wasting time," Snape said, stalking from his corner. "It won't be long before the Dark Lord is notified that Potter is not at his Aunt's home."

"Right you are Severus," Riddle said, looking around the room at everyone. "Wands out, and follow me."

Despite what he said, Riddle lead the way without a wand. Lupin and Tonks flanked Harry as they walked with Snape bringing up the rear. Harry did feel a trill of apprehension with Snape at his back with a wand out, but he shook himself out of it. He was still angry at Snape for not giving a better sign that he had understood Harry in any way during that night, but he wasn't going to let that spoil his return to Hogwarts. Dumbledore had explained to them that Snape did alert the Order that Harry left the school, and it allowed their rescue at the Ministry. Harry had to trust that Dumbledore knew what he was doing, saying that Snape was on their side.

They quietly made their way through the cobbled streets of Hogsmeade, like Harry and the Weasleys had made just after Christmas Holiday. This time, there wasn't any snow on the ground; Springy grass covered the way, barely making a sound as they all walked quietly to Hogwarts. Harry felt his heart swell in joy as he saw the peaks of the castle. Their trip went by quickly, making it up to the oak doors Harry had just left a little over a week ago, but feeling it like it was a lifetime. Riddle pushed open the doors to reveal McGonagall waiting for them.

She was standing in the entry hall with her raven hair pulled into the severe bun, pointed hat tilted to the side, and her green eyes staring right at Riddle. Instead of looking happy to see them, her lips were drawn tight, and her nostrils flared. Harry had only seen that expression once before, and it was during his second year when Ron and he flew into the whomping willow with Ron's dad's flying car. Even though Harry knew he didn't do anything wrong he still felt himself shrinking at her piercing gaze.

"Ah, Minerva," Riddle began holding out his arms as though to greet her warmly. McGonagall's eyes narrowed at the handsome man, becoming slits. Riddle paused in his greeting, his hands slowly dropping to his side and his slight smile falling.

"Magnus Thomason," she began almost through her teeth. She pulled out a parchment that looked very familiar to Harry. "I want you to explain the meaning of this letter, and I do hope you have a very good explanation for why I received it."

"Oh."

"Oh, indeed," she snipped, marching up to Riddle, and pushing the rolled parchment into his chest. Harry could swear fire was going to come out of her nostrils at any moment. She turned her gaze to Harry for a moment and almost kindly, "It is good to see you safe Mr. Potter." Before her eyes returned to Riddle, and snapped, "Well?"

"What's this all about some papers?" Lupin asked. McGonagall whipped her head over to him.

"I've just received an owl from the Ministry declaring Harry Potter is now the legal ward of a Mr. Magnus R. Thomason along with a copy of the signed documents."

Her voice echoed in the hall, and no one made a sound after. All eyes turned to Riddle, who twitched in his spot. His hands were still on his chest, holding the papers that were thrust at him there, and shuffled his feet. Harry wanted to reach out to help him, but the furious eyes of McGonagall, Lupin's outrage, Tonks' gapping mouth, and Snape's still fury made him second guess. Like the rest of them, Harry looked at Riddle, wondering what he was going to do to get out of this. Harry wondered if there was a way to reverse the paperwork, and hoped, despite the reaction, there wasn't.

"To be fair, Albus thought it was brilliant."