After Narcissa had left the room Nagini uncurled from around his body and slithered into the discarded bedding where the warmth of Harry's body had been left behind on the bed.

Pausing momentarily he stood barefoot on the carpet his toes wiggling for a moment before he decides to stop stalling and change from his sleep clothes into the garments given to him by Draco's mother.

This all felt like some very odd dream.

As if he were Alice, from Alice in wonderland; but instead of falling down a rabbit hole or through a looking glass he had fallen into an alternate universe.

One where all his previous notions of the dark side of the magical war and it's inner workings seemed to be turned completely upside down on its head.

A snort passed from his lips as he blew some of his bangs out of his eyes as he rolled them.

I mean come on now! In what universe did Lord Voldemort in all seriousness not want to kill him? Why would the most powerful dark lord for centuries kidnap him from his horrid relatives in the middle of the night? Not only to have him healed, but tended to like a wounded baby bird that had fallen from a tree; and bythe help of Malfoy jr.'s mother and Snape of all people?

The majority lacked sense, not to mention the last time he'd come face to face with Voldemort well; he had been decidedly less sane in ways of conversation and more unforgivable curse flinging with his yew wand at his person.

But then again his dreams never tended to be weird. Depressing and scary yes perhaps, but weird as fuck not so much. He couldn't come up with half this shit on his own. So he most certainly was not asleep still; nor was he imagining it.

Which really only meant one possible thing, that it was all really seriously happening for whatever insanely odd reason. I mean apart from his many labels and aliases given to him by the wizarding world he wasn't that special or remarkable in anyway. I mean he barely passed his O.W.L's for Merlin's sake, and that was with the begrudged help of Hermione.

Sighing his run on thoughts tapered away.

With shaky clumsy fingers he began to fasten the silver buttons of the emerald silk dress shirt he'd been given. It was a tad big on him, but he was kind of grateful for it not being four times his size as per usual of all his hand me downs from Dudley. Fingering the material briefly in wonder at the smoothness, he then pulled on black jeans.

He briefly wondered why Malfoy had owned muggle jeans but perhaps it was becoming a fashion in the wizarding world as well?

Nagini lazily watched him from the bed, "Young hatchling you clean up rather well. You will have to grow out your head fur though; it resembles that of a bird's nest."

Trying to hold back a chuckle Harry shakes his head making his messy raven fringe fall into his eyes yet again, "Why thank you Nagini, but my…urm head fur as you call it, well it never really looks anything but messy. I've never really thought about growing it longer…"

Tasting the air with her tongue she lifts her head to stare in his direction, "Wll perhaps you should! Master has always preferred long head furr on his lovers."

Nearly choking on his own spit Harry makes a bit of squawking noise at this admission from the snake familiar, "If anything I'm his e-enemy, Nagini honestly! Those are the farthest and strangest most categories to pair to one another!

Running a hand over his flushed face he shook his head again and took a calming deep breath.

Nagini then looked a bit confused, "Do you not find Master appealing? I mean even I must agree he has lost a bit of his beauty from his pretty scales disappearing…." She mused glumly for a moment before continuing, "You should really consider it though Hatchling; I know for sure that you would be the most perfect and compatible mate for Master to make a clutch with."

Suddenly feeling light headed Harry pales, "A c-clutch?! I'm not even sure that'd be possible even with all the magic around us…."

Nagini almost seemed to smirk shrewdly at the young teenager, "Do you not know how the act of reproductive activities between mates work little one?"

Harry was sure he was turning crimson at this point in time, "I'm not having this conversation with a bloody snake of all things…."

A crooning sort of hiss of laugh erupts from Nagini as she bobs her head, "My hatchling is so pure, I will have to have a talk with you one of these days when Master finally decides to show his true intent towards you."

"…..That's it I've gone off my rocker, completely cracked I am!" Harry mutters to himself as he turns away from the laughing familiar, "I'm bloody fucking Alice in Wonderland…."

Nagini snorts at his dramatics, "Well should you find any white rabbits, I demand them to be given to me at once."

The moment he exited the dark lord's room and closed the door behind him made a soft prim sigh which was the only given indication of her annoyance at him taking so long.

"This way Mister Potter, please make note to walk carefully. There may not be any moving staircases in my home but you strike me as someone who can be overly clumsy. So again I cannot stress the subject enough to be careful with your movements." Narcissa states swiftly as she leads the way down a spiral staircase of white and grey marble.

Rubbing the back of his neck self consciously he padded barefoot after her carefully as to not somehow fall down said staircase and break his neck in the process. That would be the very last thing that he needed to happen. He could see it now, "Boy who lived killed by marble staircase in the home of the most Noble and Ancient house of Malfoy!" read all about it on page 1. through 6. in the Daily Prophet.

Shaking said thoughts away he took in the scenery he had not been able to the night before. Several curious moving portraits gawked at him as they made their way down stairwell; all of whom he could only guess were long since deceased family members of the Malfoy's seeing as they bore striking resemblances to Draco and Lucius.

The manor all in all seemed elegantly bitter and cold. It felt not very lived in well enough or long enough to have that special warm homey feel that good proper homes had. You know, that cozy feeling of belonging? The only place that currently gave him such a feeling was Hogwarts.

Finally stepping off the stairs they came to a long front half that forked to the left and right, the right leading into a long hallway, and the left leading into the front pallor.

Narcissa lead him down the right hallway. They passed several more whispering portraits of family members, one in particular who looked like a sterner version if possible of Lucius Malfoy. Underneath this man's portrait in gold plating was labeled, Abraxas Malfoy.

"A Potter eh? Not the normal sort that you would see in these halls." The long blonde haired man in the portrait states before Narcissa can usher him past, "Though I must say, you have the most remarkably ominous eyes. That hue does not belong on the face of a Potter."

Frowning some Harry eyed the man for a moment about to open his mouth but was cut off by Narcissa, "Do come along Mister Potter I do not have all day. Pay no mind to my Father en-law's portrait his curiosity has shown no bounds when it comes to strange things."

Smirking some at his daughter en-law, Abraxas merely snorts before locking his cool grey eyes with Harry's emerald ones, "Come back to speak with me if you get the chance, it tends to get a tad boring when not even your family members pay you any attention. Run along now little snake in lion's clothing."

And with that Narcissa motions for him to continue on their way. For what seems like at least thirty minutes of endless hallways they finally come to a large beautiful dining room.

The room is stunning with a mixture of silvers and creams for the walls and curtains. Intricate glass sky light windows for a ceiling can be seen over head as sunlight dapples down onto the table cloth.

The glass stretches down over the one wall in a greenhouse like effect to the right forming two doorways that he could only guess would lead to the garden that can be seen outside of it. All in all he had to click his mouth shut in awe of it all.

A soft smirk seemed to appear on Narcissa's face at his reaction but it was gone before it seemed to appear, and she smiled in greeting to her son who was already seated at the table.

Draco Malfoy looked pale and gaunt; although he stood a good head taller than him Harry was still pretty sure he could probably take the silvery blonde in a brawl if needed in this point in time.

Malfoy jr.'s blue grey eyes were fixed on him almost in a hungry way that made his skin crawl. He didn't exactly like the attention he usually got from such a stare from the older boy so it made him all the more on edge.

"Please take a seat Mister Potter."

"Yes Potter, do sit you'll catch flies with your mouth just gaping open like that." Draco snidely spoke up.

Nodding some Harry took the seat furthest away from the youngest Malfoy which was unfortunately next to Narcissa.

"Mimpsy!" Narcissa called sternly.

A sharp crack is heard before a very small and young seemingly female house elf wearing a sack of sorts for clothing appeared out of thin air next to them, "Yes Mistress Malfoys? What can Mimpsy be gettings the esteemed lady of the house?"

"I will be having the French onion soup and a garden salad with balsamic vinaigrette." Narcissa spoke before looking to Draco, "What would you like my dear dragon?"

Shifting some Draco eyed the house elf with distaste before speaking, "A roast beef sandwich on rye bread, and a garden salad as well."

Mimpsy then held her big lavender eyed up at Harry in question, "And you sirs? What would the guest sirs be wanting for lunch?"

Harry swallowed nervously, "Urm…It doesn't really matter really um…just a sandwich of any sort will do. And maybe treacle tart afterwards that is if it's not too much trouble please? Thank you." He smiled to her.

Mimpsy's eyes watered around the edges and got saucer sized, "O-Of course guest sirs! Mimpsy can be doing that! Woulds the guest sirs be wanting a roast beef sandwich like the young Master?"

Blinking Harry shrugged and smiled before he nodded, "Sure."

Mimpsy then holds onto her ears for a moment then nods and apparates with pop to the kitchens.

Narcissa eyes Harry for a moment, "Ah yes, that reminds me you lost us our past house elf did you not?"

Flustering a bit He coughs into his hand, "I…well Dobby really was a special case to be honest…I never really wanted to free him…it urm just sort of well happened that way?"

Rolling his eyes Draco sips some water, "Potter is just a walking disaster ready to happen mother. He's very used to breaking rules and not getting in trouble for it."

Frowning Harry glares heatedly across the table at Draco, "Odd that kinda sounds like you Malfoy, what with Snape eating out of the palm of your hand at school."

Glaring back with just as much heat Draco nearly snarls before his mother clears her throat giving him a warning look.

Looking a bit flustered and ashamed of his actions in front of his mother Draco attempts to straight out his shoulders and calm down before eying Harry, "Why is he even here? Why are we pretending that this is normal?"

Snorting Harry lets out a soft laugh, "Well when you figure out why I'm here and still alive, do share it with me 'cause I'm kinda curious as to why I'm not dead as well."

Draco gives him an odd look at his words before sharing a look with his mother.

Their food suddenly appears on the table before them without warning almost making Harry jerk back in surprise. He mentally berates himself, it's not like he's unused to food suddenly magicking itself in front of him! I mean the great hall's tables did that all the bloody time.

Attentively he picked up a slice of his roast beef sandwich and sighed in pure happiness, it had been weeks since he'd actually had more than the few mere measly scraps after the Dursley's dinner and he was going to enjoy it.

Again the youngest Malfoy was watching him strangely.

He tried to ignore it as he silently tucked into his food.

"Make sure to eat every bit of food on your plate Mister Potter." Narcissa spoke crisply.

Between a few mouthfuls of food he responded, "Yes Ma'am."

Grimacing at his manners she merely shook her head and began eating her own food.

Soft footsteps echoed in hallway adjourning the dining room before stopping in the doorway.

By the look of Draco's sudden paper white paleness Harry could only assume who was now currently standing there.

Narcissa stood from her seat her leaving her lunch barely touched, she bowed deeply, "My Lord, what can I do for you?"

Chuckling silkily Voldemort eyed Harry who was now sitting ridged in his chair as Draco was, "Do no fret Narcissa, I was merely wondering where the boy's whereabouts had gotten to. Seeing as he is here and not elsewhere away from the manor as first thought my mood has shifted toward the better in would seem."

Draco then stood shakily and bowed mechanically like a broken toy soldier on a wilting puppeteer strings, "My Lord."

Sweeping into the room Voldemort wraps a long pale hand around the back of Harry's neck, "Do calm down Potter, if I wished for you to be dead you would be so. Now finish your food like a good boy."

Bringing his hand to the top of Harry's hair he carded his fingers through it slowly.

Harry's pupils dilated some in fear and shock before a shiver runs down his spine, "I…um…."

Voldemort lifts an eyebrow at Harry before withdrawing his hand from the teenager's hair, "Eat, or would you rather I force fed you?"

Shaking his head Harry manages to get a hold of his emotions and picks up the remaining piece of his roast beef sandwich.

The dark lord then surprises everyone by taking a seat directly next to Harry.

Narcissa and Draco share a nervous look before seating themselves again.

"My lord….? Might I ask a q-question?" Draco mumbles out boldly.

Crimson eyes dart to the blonde teenager, "I doubt I could stop you from doing so even if declined young Draco. For it would seem your grandfather's curiosity has taken root in his grandson as well."

Pink flushes Draco's cheeks briefly, "Why, my Lord is…Potter here exactly..and not…." He trailed off confused as how to continue or articulate his words properly.

"I asked him that already, he's a right pain in the arse about explaining it too." Harry finally speaks up finding his courage yet again.

Both Draco and his mother pale at the raven's words not knowing how the Dark Lord would react.

Voldemort's crimson eyes flashed dangerously gleaming in the light of the room like fire glinting from twin candle lights.

His magic in the room was almost choking for a moment as it surged up around them all wrapping possessively around Harry causing the teen to squeak.

And suddenly as if someone suddenly opened a window the magic eased out and collected back into the dark lord's core.

Rich laughter rang throughout the room.

Three sets of identical shocked faced eyed Voldemort, for it was him who had laughed.

And not the maniacal insane laughter that haunted most of their dreams, but a normal genuinely nice sounding mirth filled booms of laughter.

Seemingly catching himself finally Voldemort calmed and smirked, "Harry Potter is here for my entertainment and my entertainment alone. His life belongs to me, therefore he is mine."

"I don't belong to anyone but myself thanks." Harry sassed back.

"Oh, it is so endearing that you think so Harry Potter. Unfortunately for you much fun is to be had I would think."

Standing the dark lord's gaze lingers on Harry briefly before looking to Narcissa, "Send he boy back to my rooms after he finishes. I will not tolerate his absence for longer than that."

Blanching some Narcissa nods, "Yes my Lord, shall I send for Severus? I think he has several new potions for the boy to take."

Mulling it over for a moment Voldemort nods with a flick of wrist bidding her to do so, "I shall be in my study should you have any need of me."

Nodding to him again Narcissa bows stiffly, "Yes my Lord, of course."

"Oh and Young Draco…." Voldemort turns toward the door but his head is tilted back toward Draco's direction, "Do keep poor Potter company I fear he'll wander into trouble if left unattended to."

"Yes my lord, I will do as you request."

"Good; and Potter try not to cause too much trouble whilst I am gone. Or there will be consequences." With a swish of his robes Voldemort was gone from the dining room.

The temperature in the room seemed to steadily rise back to normal again.

Letting out a breath he didn't know he'd been holding Draco sighs in relief, "Well that could have been worse…he seemed relatively in a good mood….?"

Narcissa shook her head for a moment, "One can only tell for how long though."

"He's gone from murderous to clingy ex-girlfriend in the span of second…." Mutters Harry.

Gawking at Harry, Draco snort, "Do you have a death wish? Talking to him like that? I mean I knew you were a stupid Gryffindor but seriously! I almost pissed myself on your behalf!"

Snickering Harry shrugged, "I dunno for some odd reason he doesn't scare me so much anymore."

"He doesn't scare you….? Are you that bloody insane?" Draco barked out.

"Heh I really don't know whats up or down anymore, I mean I just had lunch with my arch rival so that kinda puts everything oddly into perspective." Harry mused blinking.

Rubbing a hand over his face Draco sighs, "Potter you will be the death of me, I can just see it now."

Narcissa sighs, "Draco bring him back to our Lord's chambers, and perhaps keep him company until Severus returns."

Frowning slightly Draco looks about to argue but decides against it, "Yes mother." Looking back at Harry he sneers, "Come on Potter, wouldn't want you to get lost would I?"

"Fuck you Malfoy."

"I'm not sure you're worth the effort or time Potter."

Turning scarlet Harry growled, "Oi, that's not what I meant you bloody well know th—"

"Shut it scarhead and follow me."

Glaring at the silvery blonde teen's back he followed rather reluctantly.

Perhaps he could ditch Malfoy along the way and perhaps finally get some answers as to why he was really here.