Harry Potter and the Shadowed Light

Chapter 38

Previously

For the next few hours Harry watched in fascination as between them they mapped out his mates return. He had never known just how much sway Narcissa had in the social circles until this point. He was honestly in awe and more than slightly wary of the blonde woman. She knew gossip about everybody and had blackmail on even more, he had though Lucius was a good social manipulator yet compared to his wife he was a novice.

Seeing his face Sirius laughed.

"What did you expect from a Black?" he asked, grinning with pride at his cousin. At one point this level of manipulation would have horrified him, but now he could appreciate the delicacy of it. Why fight a war with spells when you can win it with a few well placed words?

By the end of the night they had a game plan, and Marvolo was set to slowly rejoin the world starting with the new season of the Wizengamot where he would re-claim the Slytherin Lordship and seats.

Meanwhile

August 31st, headmasters office, Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry

Albus knew something was happening, he could feel it in the air and he knew it had something to do with that damn brat. He needed Harry Potter to fight the Dark Lord, he needed that traitorous brat to come to heel and start listening to his superiors. Why the brat couldn't just follow the carefully laid out plans he didn't know, but it was infuriating... Decades of preparation would not go to waste, he refused to allow it.

To make things worse, his subtle attempts at getting his plans back on track using the Longbottoms had been shutdown with a finality that had jarred him. Neville Longbottom wasn't his first choice of friend for the brat but he was better than nobody, yet his subtle hints towards Augusta had been rejected; the proud woman flat out telling him to leave her grandson and his friends alone before unflinchingly telling him to leave and not to darken her doorstep again unless it was a matter of Neville's education, and even then to send somebody else. He had hoped she would be reasonable, that the tragedy of Frank and Alice's situation and the cause behind it would make her manageable but his clever hints and manipulations had made the bitter woman even frostier. No, he couldn't use the Longbottom boy, and the rest of Harry's friends were too dark or too protected for him to try to sway to his cause, if only the brat would see reason...

The Hogwarts express, September 1st

"Promise me you'll save a copy of Dumbledore's face when he first sees you at the autumn Wizengamot meeting," Harry begged, his reluctance to be parted from Marvolo obvious in how he hung from the man as they said their goodbyes.

"I will," he promised, smirking at the thought of the man's reaction.

Marvolo's official reintroduction into society was planned for the autumn session of the Wizengamot, however he had subtly been sending out feelers to his old contacts and solidifying his alias's background with well placed bribes to make his return as smooth as possible. Many of his old followers and sympathisers had been contacted, and his web of influence was once again being spread across the UK and into Europe. The subtle placement of documents, forged and official had been filed and delivered into the correct places and Marvolo was pleased with the deviousness that his minions had been working. He couldn't risk Dumbledore or any of his sycophants being able to poke holes in his new identity; he now had school records from the Durmstrang Institute showing and impressive but not obscene set of OWLs and NEWT scores and a Mastery in the Dark Arts and Defence against the Dark Arts from the Bulgarian Ministry Of Magic. He had photographs in old archives, news paper clippings of false achievements and even people who could and would recall a gifted but not socially exuberant young man who attended classes and a few social gatherings but overall didn't leave much of an impression.

Smiling at the promise Harry, continued to bask in Marvolo's presence, he didn't want to be away from his mate for the next four months.

"You must get going Harrison, your followers are waiting."

Scowling at the nickname he used for his friends, Harry sent a glare at the smirking man before stepping closer and allowing his magic to be free and caress his mates; Internally smirking when he saw the slight dilation in Marvolo's eyes in response to their combined magic.

"You'll not do anything to drastic while I'm away?" he questioned.

Marvolo hummed his agreement, his plans involved subtly for now, "I promise."

Nodding Harry allowed one final caress of his magic before drawing his back in and once again masking it.

"I'll miss you," he admitted quietly stepping forward so his words wouldn't be lost in the racket of the school crowd.

Marvolo stiffened slightly before pulling Harry into a slightly awkward embrace. Even with the progress he had made he still felt uncomfortable at such open affection; although he could admit hearing his Little Raven say such things made his chest feel warm, he wasn't used to such emotions, or any emotions.

"I shall miss you as well." He said after a moment of hesitation, hating how admitting such a thing felt like a weakness.

Drawing away, Harry looked around to see that everybody around them seemed to be looking away or otherwise occupying themselves in order to give them a semblance of privacy. Seeing this he smirked, he knew that any and all open affection, although it had been platonic and would remain so for some time, between himself and Marvolo made them uncomfortable.

Getting onto the train, Harry watched as Marvolo turned and walked away and felt a pang in his chest. Since his return they had been near inseparable and he was unsure if he would be able to handle the full four months between now and the Yule break.

"Smile my Lord," Luna's sweet voice, causing Harry to jump as it was surprisingly close to his ear.

Turning he saw that Luna was practically standing in his shadow.

"It will be hard being away from him," he admitted, feeling his lips pull down at the thought.

Luna hummed, "yes, but we're going to have so much fun this year," the airy blonde said, the sweet smile she wore turning malicious and causing Draco who had overheard them to shudder- Luna was easily one of the scariest people the blonde Slytherin knew.

"Oh?" the Malfoy heir questioned, drawing the attention to the others in their compartment.

The blonde Ravenclaw however didn't respond apart from giggling and skipping over to the window seat. Her reaction causing Harry to smirk and shake his head before drawing his wand and setting privacy wards around their compartment. After a moments consideration he also set a subtle repulsion ward, hoping it would keep certain ginger pests away.

"So does anybody have any news?" Blaise asked after they had finally settled and the train had pulled off, the half Italian wanting to get the latest scoops and updates.

Looking around Harry's eyes quickly locked onto Neville who twitched faintly and scowled.

"Nev?" he questioned.

"I do," he admitted.

Neville had waited until Harry had placed wards around their compartment before telling his news. He knew that they wouldn't be impressed; Dumbledore had invited himself around for afternoon tea yesterday with his grandmother in the hope that she would be able to use her 'woman's influence' on Harry and himself, and help 'steer them back to the light', something his grandmother had taken offence to. Neville knew his grandmother could and would never support the dark Lord after what had happened to his parents, her only child and son, but her opinion of Dumbledore and his pro-light agenda was also negative. His only hope was she would remain neutral and not react too badly if and when his loyalties eventually get revealed.

"He really is getting desperate isn't he?" Draco said, looking between Harry and Neville with interest.

"I thought gran was going to curse him, I've never see her so angry."

"Well at least she didn't entertain the idea," Pansy reassured the Gryffindor from her seat next to Blaise.

"Maybe this means he will leave you alone this year Harry?" Suzie said, her and Hannah had rejoined them at kings cross and tentatively made conversation while ignoring the man who Harry had been hovering about. It wasn't as easy as it had once been to be with their friends, but Harry could see they were both trying to get over their hang-ups about the Dark Lords return.

"Hopefully, though I doubt it. The man is the perfect example of insane," he said, and after seeing their confuse looks continued; "...Insanity; doing the same thing over and over again yet expecting different results."

The twins snorted at that while the others smirked and agreed.

"Think we know a few insane people Gred-"

"-I do think you're right Forge"

At that he both did a few impressions of their siblings and their mother, setting the whole carriage off into piles of laughter. Once everybody had eventually calmed down they continued.

"So little ones are you looking forward to going to your big girl and boy classes," Fred asked.

"I for one can't wait for Divination," Pansy declared, glaring at Harry when he snorted.

All of the girls would be in for a shock with Trelawney teaching.

Hearing this, the twins also snorted as like Harry they knew exactly what the girls had in stock and couldn't wait for their reactions. They personally loved Divination, it was a great class, Trelawney loved their dream diaries (the most obscured things they could think up + somebody's death or maiming = and instant EE) and thought their twin bond to be astonishing. They loved the fact they didn't do much and got an entire class to muck about in and develop new ideas for their dream joke shop. However they didn't think that the girls would see their side of things.

"What about you little Lord?" George asked, smirking at the slight scowl that appeared on Harry's face at the nickname.

"I am looking forward to ancient runes," he admitted. He had hope that Professor Babbling would be willing to let him work at his own level as long as he completed the set tasks.

"Swot," they said together, laughing when Harry sent mild stinging hexes at them both.

Entering the Great Hall Harry allowed his eyes to roam the head table, this year the Defense teacher would be different from his first life's as he knew Remus wouldn't be teaching. The werewolf had laughed at the idea when Harry had brought it up questioningly. He idly wondered what impact this would have as his eyes ran over the familiar faces of his teachers until they finally stopped on somebody unexpected, not unknown but defiantly unexpected, Elphias Doge.

Harry didn't know why he was so surprised, the man was one of Dumbledore's most devoted followers but still he hadn't expected him. He didn't know the man even had a Defense against the Dark Arts mastery and wondered if he even did or if Dumbledore had used one of his few remaining favors up to get his follower into the position.

After the sorting finally ended, Harry waited for Doge's introduction.

"…and finally an introduction is needed for everyone not just our new first years. This year we at Hogwarts are blessed with a new Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher, and not a moment too soon as I fear that the darkness in our world is once again on the rise…"

Harry rolled his eyes at Dumbledore's dramatics. The man had no reason for saying such things other than to cause unfounded fear and to manipulate the young minds of Harry's fellow students. Harry also delighted in seeing the shocked and in some cases annoyed expressions on the other teachers faces at Dumbledore's blatant and baseless fear mongering.

"…to many of us he will be a new face, but to me he is an old and very dear friend. Please give a warm welcome to the newly appointed Professor Doge, who has kindly agreed to step in for a year to share with us some of his unquestionable skill; Agreeing to take a short leave from his vey important position as a ministry advisor as a personal favor to me and help impart some of his vast knowledge onto us. I for one envy you this opportunity and hope you all make the most of it…"

Harry clapped politely alongside his fellow students once the overly flowery introduction was completed, curiously wondering how this new development would play out and what impact it would have on the game he and Dumbledore were playing.

Hogwarts, Harry found was one of his favorite places in theory, the castle was full of complex and intriguing magic, woven into the very foundations making it genuinely one of the most beautiful buildings he had ever seen, However, in practicality after just three days he was ready to burn the building to the ground and dance on the still smoldering ruins.

How this opinion came about was down to one Albus goat fucking life ruining soul mate killing Dumbledore... or whatever his middle names are.

After the overly exuberate welcoming speech Harry had been pleasantly surprised, there were no notes to see him in his office, no potions in his food and not attempts to breach his mind with Legilimency. Even the Weasley trio of fools had left him alone for the entirety of the trip to Hogwarts. Yes his evening had gone very well, up until they had gone to their common room.

"My Lord," Luna said as they approached the eagle statute guarding the stairway to Ravenclaw tower.

Turing to her Harry titled his head.

"The goat is making his first play."

Nodding slightly to show he had understood Harry listened to the riddle and snorted, it wasn't obvious just bad.

'What is the only escape from the Dark?'

"Light," he answered, not bothered by the subtle ploy as for a first move it was tame.

Next came his class schedule; he had signed up for ancient runes and Arithmancy. Yet when Flitwick gave out his timetable he had Divination and the Care of Magical Creatures on there, not the classes he had picked.

"Excuse me professor," he said, annoyed at the changes, "there seems to be a problem with my timetable. I didn't sign up for either of these classes."

Filius paused when he heard Harry's voice. He had been thinking about the boy more and more over the holiday, especially after spending time with his Goblin family. Harry Potter was an enigma, a mystery and like all good Ravenclaw's he would admit to loving a good mystery. He wanted to know more about his most troublesome student, especially with how obsessed Dumbledore was with him. Therefore hearing the words he wasn't surprised, annoyed and put out, yes, but not surprised.

"I see," he said, "for now follow the timetable but feel free to ignore the subjects you didn't sign up for. I shall have you placed in the correct classes by tomorrow; hopefully you won't miss anything to important today."

Harry nodded, liking the flash of annoyance that appear on his head of houses face, he honestly respected the half goblin and his dedication to his students.

It was after his final class of the day ended, which happened to be charms when Harry's annoyance grew.

"Mr. Potter, stay behind please," Flitwick requested.

Finishing packing his stuff up he indicated for his friends to go on without him and not to wait.

"Professor?" he questioned.

"I have your new timetable sorted," the part-goblin said, "however the headmaster has requested a meeting with you tonight before dinner."

Hearing this Harry thought to keep from rolling his eyes and thanked his head of house, "thank you sir. However, if it's not too much of an inconvenience, might I request your presence during this meeting?"

"Of course mister Potter," the professor agreed.

Meanwhile in the headmasters office

Albus stood in one of the small side rooms just off from his office and examined the small African looking charm currently sitting in a recently completed ritual circle, in his hand a pipet containing a single drop of blood. He had been reluctant to use such means, but for the greater good he knew he must. Dropping the blood onto the charm he chanted the incantation and watched as the charm glowed before turning black, indicating the ritual had worked. Blood magic was barbaric in his mind, but he knew he wouldn't be contaminated by using it, he was a great wizard after all, the paragon of all that is good, light and just in the world.

Entering the office Harry looked around and noted a few small changes but nothing drastic, seeing the portrait of Phineas, Harry snorted lightly when the former Black family headmaster winked at him before reassuming the serious expression he wore for the majority of his time.

"Ah, thank you for joining me my dear boy," the headmaster said entering the room from a side door, "Filius, you can leave now. Thank you for escorting Harry here."

"My presence has been requested headmaster," the part goblin said, shocked at the other mans naivety. He had been present at Harry's request for the entirety of his school career and knew of the strained relationship between the two.

"I see," Albus said, annoyed that Potter was holding onto his petty grudge.

"Is there a reason you have requested me sir?" Harry said, uncaring for social niceties.

"I noted that you didn't attend your divination class today and wanted to ask why."

"I never signed up for that elective."

Albus soured, "Divination is a fine art, and one that is very important; especially for you my dear boy, fate you will find has a very firm hand in your life."

Harry rolled his eyes, "I respect those with the sight and recognize divination as an important branch of magic, however I hold no ounce of seer blood or talent and personally do not think the class holds any value for me."

"I understand my boy yet I simply must insist you take the class." He said, pushing a sliver of magic into the blood covered charm he had just moments ago finished making.

"That is not your decision headmaster."

"Mr. Potter, I put up with a lot from you last year, with your unwillingness to attend classes to your unruly behavior and attitude. I will not have a repeat this year. You will attend all the classes on your timetable and that is final!" mentally he chanted the incantation and sent the magic out.

Harry listened to the words and thought about it, he could understand the headmaster's point of view, prophesy was very important to him after all… realizing his train of thoughts Harry slammed all his power into his occulmency shields before realizing what he was feeling, the compulsion was subtle. Harry couldn't help but glare, he was shocked as it had almost ensnared him, shaking slightly he felt his own magic convulse at it thought the hooks still trying to lodge themselves into him.

"I will attend the electives I selected and my core classes, excluding history of magic which I will once again study on my own as per the school rules."

Seeing the headmaster bolstering himself up Filius quickly intervened. "I have had Mr. Potters timetable changed so his chosen electives are scheduled; hopefully this oversight hasn't affected too many students." Knowing full well only Harry's timetable would have been changed.

Seeing that his compulsion hadn't worked, he cut his mental chanting. "If you're sure," he said, before standing and indicating for them to leave.

Once alone, Albus pulled out the small charm he had in his hand. He had felt how close he had come to ensnaring his prize; he just needed more blood and an even more subtle compulsion. Once it took, he would have his way into Harry's mind and therefore the foundation to lay his plans so he can finally claim his hero.

Entering the Great Hall, Harry saw that everybody had congregated at the Ravenclaw table. Striding over to them he saw his friends practically do double takes as they took in the look on his face and felt his magic, all of them sharing weary looks with one another expect Luna who looked at Harry with her usually serene smile.

"What's wrong Harry?" Neville asked, feeling how Harry's magic was lashing out.

"He almost got me," he snarled.

"Who?" Blaise asked

"Dumbledore!"

"How?" simultaneous voices asked.

"I don't know," Harry admitted. He hadn't seen anything out of the ordinary, nor heard any incantations. He didn't know how Dumbledore had almost managed to ensnare him and that made him uneasy, his heir rings should protect him as well as his occulmency…

"Do you think you should tell your father and-" Pansy cut herself off before whispering, "-you know who?"

Harry paused, he would need to tell them but he loathed to do so, Marvolo had been uneasy about his return to school however he saw the practicality of the action. Harry couldn't change his routine too much and draw attention to them prematurely, therefore he had had to return, even if it went against everything that Marvolo wanted.

"I will write to them," he promised, seeing the relief on their faces

Marvolo knew he wasn't a temperate man; his temper was legendary therefore when he read the letter from his Little Raven he acted accordingly and cursed the hell out of the room. He had known Dumbledore wouldn't be passive but to make his move this early didn't bode well. Contrary to popular belief he wasn't afraid of the old man, he was however cautious and would acknowledge he was a strong opponent not just magically but politically. The old man had worked for years to develop and maintain a grandfatherly image of benevolence and had followers in every area of the ministry and beyond. His magical prowess also couldn't be dismissed, the man was, and Marvolo was reluctant to admit this, a great wizard, who had decade's worth of experience and knowledge.

"I take it Harry wrote to you as well?" The cautious voice of Sirius Black called out, as he hesitantly poked his head into the room and took in the destruction.

"Yes," Marvolo hissed out.

Their relationship wasn't the easiest with their shared history however the man was willing to let bygones be bygones. It was his perpetual insistence of not being afraid of him that drove Marvolo to annoyance. The animagus didn't know how to show respect or even caution and his seemingly over abundance of Gryffindor tendencies got old quickly.

"So..." the animagus drew the word out, "any ideas about how Dumbledore's upped his game?"

Marvolo sighed and straightened the room out with a few flicks of his wand.

"Numerous but which method he used I don't know, they all have drawn backs and limitations."

Sirius stepped into the room and whistled at the destruction not yet removed by the dark Lord. "Can't you just kill the man?"

Marvolo glared at the animagus, it wasn't that he didn't want the old fool dead but his little Raven wanted the man destroyed. A goal he could understand as with Dumbledore destroyed and his reputation in ruin, the mindless drones known as his fellow witches and wizards will be easier to sway to his side and his takeover will be that much smoother. They won't even fight him; no they'll welcome him with open arms.

"My, my, Black, advocating mindless murder now are we?"

Sirius shrugged and grinned darkly, "what can I say; the Black madness finally caught up to me when the old fool had me locked away in Azkaban."

"Quite," Marvolo agreed, he'd always enjoyed the Black family and that his little raven was part Black, even if it was just 1/3rd, was something he looked forward to.

The first session of the new Wizengamot season was always tedious, something Lucius had always believed. Yet today he was finding it hard to contain his excitement, it was only thanks years of training and strict pureblood upbringing that he was able to appear calm and slightly disinterested. Usually the first yearly session was long and full of people throwing old agendas dressed in new coats about, hardly anything new is ever brought up and the sessions usually always runs over as everybody tries to prove themselves to be superior.

"This way my lord," he mumbled as he led his lord through the halls.

"Lucius simply call me Marvolo when in public," Marvolo said quietly, loving the slight look of panic that entered the blonde mans eyes.

"Yeah Lucy, call him Marvolo," came a voice that Marvolo could do without, and judging by the quick flashing of anger on his face, Lucius agreed.

"Black, I have told you numerous times refrain from using that insipid nickname for me or I swear-"

"Both of you contain yourselves before you draw a crowd." Marvolo interrupted, the command given in a soft tone but the look in his eyes promising retribution if not followed.

Entering the halls, Lucius lead his lord to the front and waited for the few remaining stragglers to enter after them. His lord would have to announce himself and claim his seats at the start. Already Lucius could hear the whispers about who the stranger next to him was, the light magic inclined Lords suspicious and the neutrals intrigued; most of the darker Lords already knew or had an inkling as to the newcomers identity as his lord had been reaching out to his old contacts.

Hearing a slight commotion Lucius looked up and caught a flash of bright magenta and knew that Dumbledore had finally arrived; only he would wear such garish robes.

The first session of the year was always one of Albus' favorites. The summer weeks that all of the lords had off gave him the perfect chance to look over and suggest improvements to the laws proposed by his faithful followers. After all, he only had the world's best interests at heart and only he really knew what was needed. Looking around as he entered he was pleased to see that his robes caused everybody to look away in envy or stare in admiration.

Walking with purpose he quickly called the first session into order.

"Now before we begin have we anything that needs addressing?" he called out once everybody had taken their seats- the dark side he noted seemed to have gained a few more followers, something he knew he would have to keep an eye on.

"Yes." Lucius called out, his voice coming out smooth and clear

Dumbledore frowned, especially when he saw the smirk Sirius black was wearing- Oh how he loathed that mutt of a man.

"My colleague wishes to claim his family seats."

"So be it," he replied begrudgingly.

Any colleague of Malfoy was bound to dark, however even he couldn't deny people the right to claim their seats. If the person claiming them was indeed entitled then they would be accepted, impersonators or people falsely claiming titles would automatically be ejected due to the ancient enchantments placed on the halls.

"I, Marvolo Gaunt, herby claim the Slytherin seats and all those that fall under them," a strong honeyed voice called out.

Dumbledore felt himself freeze, his blood run cold as adrenalin suddenly flooded his body. He knew that voice. He couldn't believe his eyes, standing just a few feet behind the blonde Malfoy lord was Tom Marvolo Riddle, a face he would never forget. But how? He knew the potter brat was safe at school and his spy hadn't said anything about his return... it didn't make sense, how had he done it without anybody finding out?

While Dumbledore was trapped in his thoughts, his face place and hands trembling slightly, a white light quickly enveloped then new Slytherin lord, showing those that magic had accepted his claim to the family seats.

Marvolo smirked when he saw the reaction his presence had on the old fool.

"How?" the old man finally bit out, his voice carrying even though it lacked the strength it usually had.

The question caused the room to grow confused. The newly named Lord Gaunt wasn't recognised by anybody and had so far attracted very little attention towards himself, therefore Dumbledore's sudden hostility caused many to frown, especially with the recent articles and revelations about the old head teacher still fresh in everybody's minds.

"I'm sorry?" Marvolo said, playing up his confusion.

"How have you done this?"

"I don't understand."

Dumbledore looked around and saw the confused faces of the light and neutral parties, but he could help himself. His enemy, their enemy, the man who had hunted and killed hundreds was standing before them and they didn't even realise.

"Don't play dumb with me Tom." He thundered, pulling out his wand, much to the shock of nearly everybody.

Marvolo thought to keep his mirth hidden and instead put on a shocked facade, "I believe you have me confused with somebody else, Mr. Dumbledore. My name is Marvolo."

"I know who you are- Voldemort."

The shockwave such a statement made ripped through the crowds, many people going white before chaos erupted.

Marvolo smirked inwardly as he saw the hostility directed at Dumbledore, the man himself blind to it.

"I am sorry but you are mistaken, my name is Marvolo. I am not nor would I ever associate with you-know-who." He said, using the silly moniker to further push the old man's buttons.

"Voldemort, Tom. A name you came up with."

The name once again set people off and Marvolo watched as Fudge seemingly exploded.

"Enough of this Albus! How dare you?" the portly minister shouted, genuinely shocking Marvolo as he knew the man was a spineless coward.

Albus stood with his wand still fixed on his enemy and realised that he was trapped, magic had accepted him. Yet he couldn't just give up, tom was in front of him. How couldn't they see it?

"Expelliarmus!" he shouted out when he caught sight of the man's infuriating smirk.

Marvolo couldn't believe the old man's gall; attacking anybody in these halls was a crime. Pulling his wand he set a shield in front of him and watched gleefully as the aurors rushed in and surrounded the old man, what an unexpected turn of events.

/

Headmaster tossed out of court

You heard it heard first, our esteemed headmaster Albus Dumbledore was seen being escorted out of the first Wizengamot session of the season by armed aurors after attacking new member of the court Lord Marvolo Gaunt. The elderly wizard was claiming the new lord was none other than You-Know-Who. The new lord Gaunt denied these ludicrous claims and had this to say, 'clearly the man is troubled, his advanced age has obviously caught up with him'. More on page 3.

Harry read the front page with poorly hid glee, it was starting and he couldn't wait. Looking up he saw that everybody in the hall was reading the article, whispering about the still absent Head teacher.