Everything is J.K. Rowlings. I only claim the plot. Everything else is hers, all the characters and the magic, all of it. Please let me know what you think though, I encourage feedback of all kinds, just be nice about it!

Thank you all for your continued reviews and support. It really means a lot. I read them when I'm needing motivation and inspiration. Now, I wrote and re-wrote a couple of parts in this chapter, actually at least every section I wrote multiple times. So I hope you enjoy it.

The next chapter will be more political stuff and Death will either make another appearance either next chapter or the one after, depends on how the political chats go.

Now, in this chapter, there is progress on the Harry/Marvolo front at least in some aspects. It appears that Marvolo might actually be realizing the reality of their situation but who can really say with the Dark Lord? I do feel that the end of the chapter is a bit fluffy so be warned.

Also, some people have asked for a Marvolo POV chapter, and trust me I would love to write it. I think it would be a lot of fun. But I'm nervous about tackling the Dark Lord Perspective. Marvolo is a bit intimidating and I want to write him right and well. So it might be a bit but I do want to.

Anyway, happy reading!

Looks Like We Might

The wind ripped through his hair and Harry laughed at the rush, pulling up from his dive at the last possible second, his toes skimming the grass. Shooting higher into the sky to the point where he felt the temperatures change. Harry flipped into a backwards loop, lazily angling the broom handle down and gracefully plummeting back towards the hard earth below. He stopped a few feet above the ground. Hooking his legs he let his arms fall, fingertips skimming the neatly trimmed grass, and steered with his knees hanging upside down.

Merlin, he loved flying.

Things just made sense in the air. In the air there wasn't the constant pressure to act a certain way, there weren't political maneuvers to consider, revenge to plan, deaths to coordinate; there was nothing but his broom and the endless sky. Pulling himself back upright on the broom, Harry pressed himself to the handle and shot off in a tight corkscrew straight across the open expanse of field.

During one of the spins, he spotted a figure standing at the edge of the field. He easily pulled out of the spiral to fly closer. It was Marvolo. Briefly, Harry wondered how long he had stood there watching. Grinning easily, Harry hopped off his broom while it hovered a few feet off the ground, landing before the Dark Lord. His cheeks flushed, heart-pounding, grin splitting his face, and hair an even greater mess; Harry felt light and buoyant.

"I see you are putting your newest purchase to use," Marvolo commented, his eyes sweeping and lingering more often than usual. Probably just making sure his ally hasn't injured himself, Harry thought with an inner eye roll.

"It feels good to fly again. It took longer than I liked but I'm glad you convinced me to write the broom makers directly instead of just using Owl Orders. Now I get the new Thunderbolt prototype. The pros don't even have it yet." It was a beautiful broom too, Harry thought, reverently running his hand over the handle as it hovered dutifully beside him ready to be mounted once more. "You want to give it a go?" Harry asked, Marvolo's eyes widened and jerked back to stare at Harry's face.

"No," he said slowly. "No, I find flying does not agree with me."

"It doesn't agree with you?" Harry snorted before giving a toothy grin. "You can't fly, can you? The Great Lord Voldemort can't fly on a broom."

"I have mastered magical feats that none in history ever dreamed of. I have no use for sullying myself astride a wooden contraption."

"Nope, just admit it. You can't fly," Harry teased. "Why? Afraid of heights? Too nervous? It's all about the confidence you know."

Marvolo looked affronted. "I do not lack confidence! I am the Dark Lord, I do not get nervous."

"Sure," Harry said with an exaggerated eye roll. "Want me to teach you?"

"Teach...me?" Marvolo repeated, brow creasing.

"Yeah, you're teaching me Dueling and Defense, let me teach you something."

"Perhaps you can provide instruction in other areas to equalize our arrangement, however flying will not be one of them."

"Well, if you aren't here to fly, why are you here?"

"I have come to remind you that your little dueling session is in an hour. And I thought you might want to clean yourself up."

"Oh, thanks," Harry said glancing at his watch. "Why did you come though? I mean you could have just sent Tobi."

Marvolo stayed silent as the two began walking back to the house, the broom hovering at waist height at Harry's side. "It is beneficial to breathe fresh air throughout the day. Taking a break allows the mind to return to planning refreshed."

"Mhm... You were bored."

"I am the Dark Lord and I am on the cusp of achieving all of my goals in bringing the Wizarding World under my control. I am not bored."

"Bored enough to be a messenger, lowering yourself to go find little old me. I feel honored," Harry laughed, hand clutching his chest and the other going to his forehead to enhance his swooning dramatics.

Marvolo huffed and rolled his eyes, lip twitching slightly and Harry grinned even more feeling warm at the sight. He doubted anyone else could claim to have amused Marvolo in such a way and claiming that position felt nice.

They fell into a peaceful silence, walking through the immense gardens that the House Elves had thankfully been able to restore after Harry killed them. "So, you OK with the Weasley twins coming here?"

"You have their allegiance and they understand the truth of things. So they have permission to enter, however, they will be limited in where they can go. I do not have their allegiance after all."

"The twins don't give allegiance freely, despite their outgoing natures. I'd advise not holding out hope of getting it."

"Yet you have it."

Harry shrugged. "Well they've seen me as a brother and teammate for five years now and I gave them the funding for their shop."

The two settled into a comfortable silence once more, Harry hadn't realized how far from the house the field was. He had flown out to it earlier but walking it now felt like an age. He was eagerly anticipating the upcoming duel though and wondered if Marvolo would watch it as well. It was his followers who were participating after all.

"Have you thought more about the ideals you plan to champion for your followers."

Harry huffed and tugged at his hair. He had been thinking a lot about it but each time he did he felt guilty like he was trying to become another Dumbledore or like he was trying to take Marvolo's place. It felt strange, embracing the power he'd been dealt with and tried to avoid all his life.

"Yes…And I actually wanted to run them by you before my Neutral Faction meeting tomorrow when I planned on proposing it." Marvolo quirked an eyebrow but didn't press. "I mean like we spoke about Women's Rights. Well, it's not just Women's Rights, more like Equality Rights? Humanity Rights? Maybe...I don't know the right word for it yet. But people should be able to do what they want, whatever they want, no matter their gender."

"Admirable and in this, you have my support. We can discuss wording legislation tonight if you wish." Harry nodded his thanks. "But that can't be your only goal."

"No. I want to focus on the unbalance between Pure Bloods and Muggleborns too. And in this, we will probably differ."

Marvolo was silent and Harry waited with bated breath. This difference in ideals could change everything. Could change the peace and comfort and happiness Harry had been feeling recently. This could be the other shoe Harry had been waiting to drop. It had been the elephant in the room throughout this entire alliance; lingering in the shadows waiting to strike.

"What in particular are you wishing to fix?"

"You'll listen to me?" Harry asked, stopping to face Marvolo properly. The undeniable joy rising quickly within him that things didn't have to be ruined just through a disagreement. "You agree there is an imbalance?" They had reached the back patio now. Harry hadn't spent much time here, preferring to head to the gardens, the pergola, or the field to fly. But it was elegant in its solid dark stained pillars and brick spiral inlay with a few pieces of outdoor seating that Harry had never seen used.

"I said I wish to hear your proposal. I did not say I agree. In fact, I find it will be amusing to hear your argument to convince me otherwise."

"But how can you not? Marvolo, we are both half-bloods from pureblood lines raised in the muggle world. You and I should understand the discrepancy more than anyone."

"Muggles are beneath us. I will not allow them to take over our whole world through the insistent pushing of those who refuse to accept what they are."

"Muggles aren't beneath us! And what are you talking about taking over the world?"

"The muggles are filth and vermin who thrive on instilling fear and cruelty. Muggleborns arrive and refuse to relinquish their lives in that world, further corrupting our society."

"That's not what they do at all," Harry seethed trying desperately not to shout. Marvolo wasn't shouting and so he refused to be the first. "Muggleborns aren't trying to take over the Wizarding World; they just want to be accepted in it. And muggles aren't cruel."

"Are you saying that your Uncle did not fit the description? What of those miscreants you kill on weekends?"

Harry growled. "Outlying examples. Do not turn my childhood and tasks against me, Marvolo. There are some pretty foul wizards too. Your minions come to mind. You can't base a whole race off of the bad ones."

"You deny that the Muggleborns aren't trying to corrupt the Wizarding World with muggle nonsense?"

Gritting his teeth, Harry pulled his hair with both hands. "No, they aren't doing that at all! And wait, wait, wait—" Harry held up his hands as if to physically pause the conversation, Marvolo's forehead was creased and there were two red splotches on his cheeks. "I feel like we are arguing two different things at the same time."

"They are one and the same."

"No, they aren't."

"Yes, they are."

"No!"

"Yes."

"Have you talked to a Muggleborn recently?"

"Muggleborns are raised on the ideals of muggles and then refuse to renounce those muggle customs when they enter the Wizarding World."

"Do you realize how hypocritical you sound right now? You were raised in the muggle world. If anything, you prove your own point. You've relied on fear and cruelty to get this far and that's what you accuse the muggles of doing. By your own words, you're no better than the muggles. Ah!" Marvolo slammed Harry into a nearby pillar. Gripping his shirt and tugging Harry to his toes, wand tip digging into Harry's throat. "The Vow, you can't harm me," Harry gasped, tugging at Marvolo's arm to release his shirt, struggling to find balance on the tips of his toes.

Marvolo growled and dug his wand harder into Harry's throat on the soft underside of his jaw. "I will not tolerate such disrespect. First a comparison to Dumbledore and now to muggles. You are walking a fine line, Harry."

Hot with anger, Harry drew upon the magic bubbling just beneath the surface. He focused it into the only wordless and wandless spell he knew. Marvolo's sleeve caught flame in moments. Marvolo jerked his arm back with a shout and quickly sent a jet of water at the burning sleeve.

"I am not your minion, Marvolo. Do not try to silence me."

"Watch your insolence and I won't have to."

"I was under the impression that we were allies. That you wanted me as an equal and partner. You can't have it both ways. You either hear my thoughts and ideas or you demand my submission. And let me clue you in on something," Harry panted, stepping closer so that they were inches apart. "I do not submit to anyone. If you demand it then this alliance is over."

"Master Death Master, you is needing to greet youse guard," Tobi squeaked, popping onto the patio.

"Thank you, Tobi," Harry said, not looking away from the bright red eyes. "I'll leave you to decide where we stand then, Marvolo."

Turning on his heel, Harry strode into the manor, heart thudding rapidly in his chest. He couldn't meet with his guard just yet. He vaguely remembered asking Tobi to guide those early arrivals to the Dueling Room while he rushed to his bedroom.

Slouching against his bedroom door, Harry let out a shaky breath. What in Merlin's name was that? Harry yanked at his hair as he tried to calm his racing pulse. They'd been having such a good time. Everything was going nicely. They'd been bantering and Marvolo had even agreed to listen to his idea. How did it all go south so rapidly?

Maybe he shouldn't have pushed him so hard, Harry mused as he went to the bathroom to splash his face with water. A small red spot from the wand tip was evident on his throat but he didn't think it would bruise, thankfully. That would be an awkward explanation at the Neutral Faction meeting tomorrow. But no!, he had pushed because it was the truth, he wouldn't back down from making Marvolo own up to things. He had never done so before and he refused to start now.

But what if Marvolo decided to end the alliance? What if he kicked Harry out once he got back from the dueling session? Harry's gut dropped and his chest tightened at the thought. Splashing water on his face did little to soothe his fears. He and Marvolo had grown close despite it only being a little over two months. Harry, if he was fully honest with himself, considered Marvolo a friend...maybe even a best friend. All of the progress they'd made couldn't be shattered just from one disagreement. Right? Merlin, he hoped so. He didn't know what he'd do if Marvolo kicked him out now, not now when he'd started accepting the thought of a permanent partnership. He wouldn't apologize though. Harry stood by what he said, he wouldn't go begging for forgiveness. But he didn't want to lose what he had now. Palms pressed into the cool counter, Harry struggled to take calming breaths to stop his arms from shaking at the anxiety he could feel creeping through his veins.

"Master Death Master," Tobi's voice cut through the tumultuous thoughts, and Harry jerked away from the bathroom counter to face the elf in the middle of his bedroom. "You is being needing to hurry. All of youse guard is arrived."

"Right. Right. Yeah. Thanks, Tobi." Harry clenched his fists and couldn't face his reflection in the mirror as he left the bathroom. At least the only people who would have the nerve to comment on his slightly hazard appearance would be the Weasley twins, the others wouldn't dare.

Harry still felt unbalanced and raw, his mind on the confrontation with Marvolo. When he entered the Dueling Room he saw the Weasley twins demonstrating one of their toy products yet to be released on shelves, a colorful sparking ball tossed back and forth until it exploded in a fireworks display. The twins had wrapped Flint, Montague, and Hestia into a game and Harry forced himself into the present moment and even managed a laugh when the ball exploded on Montague.

"Ah, Harrikins," Fred exclaimed, arms spread wide like a showman at the circus. "You've decided to grace us with your illustrious presence. Why we should bow in his honor, shouldn't we Gred."

"We should, indeed, Forge." The twins then commenced overly dramatic bowing, on their knees and reverent fawning noises with arms held above their heads. A mocking comparison to the rest of the guard who gave dignified bows at the waist.

Trust the Weasley twins to lighten the mood, Harry thought with a grin. "Oi, enough with that. Let's get started then, eh?"

The bows ceased and Harry witnessed the eager challenge flickering in everyone's eyes and felt himself grinning in response. He needed this distraction. Some friendly dueling was just the ticket to relieve him of his current stresses. And if he didn't feel Marvolo's magic creeping into the room, then it didn't matter. The man had an important decision to make after all. It's not like Harry needed him to watch him duel.

Harry strode to the middle of the room and waited for his first opponent. Montague came forward while George conjured a competitor's bracket to hang on the wall. Each of their names in a column and the starting bracket had the names 'Harry' and 'Graham' appear.

Harry bowed to Montague and then fell into his dueling stance with thoughtless ease. Montague fired the first spell which Harry easily dodged before firing off his own three spells wordlessly, in quick succession. Montague was not prepared for three spells at once, nor for the level of accuracy, and quickly went down.

There was momentary silence after Harry revived Montague. While the others stared in shocked silence before Pucey went to help Montague to the side of the room.

"Maybe we should change up this pairing scheme," George said, turning to frown at the competition bracket he'd conjured. "Maybe, we should make it pairs against Harry? You know, add some higher risks."

"I think you might be right. So...Flint, Warrington? You want to have a go?" Fred asked, flicking his wand to change the brackets to have two versus one. Flint and Warrington nodded and went to face Harry wordlessly.

"You rely too much on blunt force," Harry couldn't help but say to Montague as he leaned against the wall. "Being a wall is a good technique in some cases, but the movement will keep you more formidable." Montague stared at Harry with a passive face before finally giving a short nod.

Feeling slightly foolish over giving dueling advice to someone older than himself, Harry bowed to Flint and Warrington before falling into the ready stance. Flint and Warrington fired simultaneously and Harry dropped the floor to dodge them, rolling and firing off a spell for each of them. They dodged and the duel continued. Sadly, the duel only lasted three minutes before Harry had both men disarmed and stunned.

"Work together, you're a team," Harry said as the two men slouched off the dueling area.

Hestia and Flora were next and Harry felt a stirring of excitement. Everyone had said how skilled the Carrow twins were and now he'd get to experience it. And they proved the challenge. Harry did more dodging and ducking then he had done so far. Hestia and Flora paired off perfectly. One twin would send a series of spells and then the other would pick up immediately after the other leaving no pause or gap. Harry relied on his accuracy over his power and consistency. He knew once he got one twin down, he could take the other. They relied too much on their partnership to be a serious threat individually. The moment came about seven minutes in and Flora went down followed by Hestia less than a minute later.

"Merlin that was great," Harry said, panting slightly. "I like the team mentality you have. You work flawlessly together. But that's also your downfall."

Fred and George skipped up to face him next and Harry couldn't stop the chuckle. "Are you ready, dearest Chosen One?" Fred asked as the twins dipped into an extravagant bow

"Our deathly brother."

Harry grinned and whipped out some silent stupefies and rictusempras as soon as the bow finished.

"Ooh, Gred, Harrikins is speedy."

"Like lightning," George agreed. "Maybe he's trying to mimic his little scar?"

Harry had thought their banter would cease once the spellfire began but it didn't. The twins didn't stop. Harry wasn't sure if it was a distraction technique or if they just didn't feel the need to focus all their attention on dueling. Fred and George worked seamlessly together, much like Hestia and Flora. However, instead of coordinating to never leave a pause, picking up as the other dropped off, Fred and George attacked randomly. Sometimes together, sometimes coordinated, and others dancing around the room sending tickling hexes. Twice Harry had been doused with a conjured bucket of water over his head. In the end, Harry did bring them both down after eight minutes.

"That was brilliant," Harry grinned. "Your unpredictability is your greatest asset. And while your talking is a distraction to your opponent, it also gives away your position. If you hadn't been talking when you sent that smokescreen at me I wouldn't have known where you were to properly duck."

Fred and George saluted him before turning to their competitor's bracket and frowning. "Maybe we should do more against Harry?" Fred said. Harry took this moment to cast a drying and warming charm on himself. He'd have to keep the idea of utilizing the harmless prank spells. It had definitely thrown him off his game a few times.

"Well, Pucey hasn't had a go yet," George pointed out.

"You can't send me by myself. The rest of you got a partner," Pucey griped.

"Alright. Pucey, Warrington, Flint, and Montague. Four against one, that should bring him down," Fred relented.

Harry grinned as the four men came up to face him. Adrenaline pounded in his veins and he shifted to balance on the balls of his feet during the bow. Luckily too, because before the bow was even finished Pucey was firing. Harry dodged and fell into the familiar rhythm. It worked in his favor that none of his four components were used to dueling with each other and so they didn't work together. After ten minutes and a few cuts and bruised limbs, Harry brought all four down.

"Twins against Harry!" George shouted as he and Fred rushed up with Flora and Hestia in tow. Harry swallowed, panting harder now. He pushed his hair out of his eyes, his sweat holding it down.

Harry lasted five minutes before the combined forces of both twins brought him down. "Again," he panted. Sharp grin stretching his face as he pushed himself off the floor.

In the following hour, Harry fell seven more times. His guard began having fun with swapping up their pairings. Harry gave advice after each round as best he could and as a result, he stopped lasting as long each duel. By the end of the hour, his guard was taking him down consistently after only a few minutes in pairs of three or more. He'd even forced the twins apart to strengthen their individual fighting.

However, instead of bitterness over being knocked out without much chance towards the end, Harry felt thrilled. He was witnessing their progress as duelers over a mere hour and it was empowering and encouraging. No matter what happened, Harry felt confident that all eight of them had become worthier opponents and hopefully would last longer in an actual duel. Harry felt like a proud teacher as he waved goodbye to them all as they vanished into green flames in the Floo room.

As Pucey vanished into the fireplace, Harry felt the quiet creep closer. The silence pressing down on him and all of his worries that he'd managed to push aside during the duels rushed back at him in full force. He made it through his shower before the dread took hold of his bones.

He stared at his room. It was early October, he had a meeting with Death in two nights time. So he hadn't even been living in it for a full three months yet but the dark blue covers of the four-poster bed and the soft grey walls felt like home. The armchairs facing the fireplace that he only used occasionally since he and Marvolo had started their unspoken tradition of meeting in the library post-dinner for relaxing. The bookshelf now filled with the new books he'd been requested to read from his tutors as well as the political and law-making books he'd purchased with his trunk of Necromancer texts stationed at the foot of the bookshelf, opened and ready for him to grab his next guidebook.

Maybe he was being dramatic, feeling more maudlin then necessary but the possibility of Marvolo ending their alliance had Harry feeling despondent. He hadn't realized how drastically this alliance had shaped his life and his plans for the future. In a few hours he may be choosing a new bedroom to live in and what would that do for his future plans? For his current plans? He'd relied so heavily on Marvolo and his assistance, where would he be without it?

Chest tight and breathing coming in shorter pants, Harry staggered to the nearest armchair. Hedwig hooted from her perch near the window, her feathers ruffling and Harry shakily held his arm out for her. He needed something to ground him and Hedwig was his constant companion. The feel of her talons gripping his forearm centered him slightly.

"I know you've got me, girl," he whispered, stroking her soft chest feathers. "What if he ends everything?" He whispered into the stillness of his room, finally speaking his fears. It didn't provide any beneficial reaction, if anything it made his chest twinge more painfully. Harry allowed Hedwig to soothe him as she ran her beak through his hair, nipping occasionally at the tip of his ear. The tightness eased slightly. It was an hour until dinner and Harry wasn't sure if he should even go. Would that be too presumptuous?

Harry wasn't able to start over-analyzing that train of thought because Mimsy popped into his room. "Great Master is being requesting Master Death Master to be going to Great Masters study."

"Thank you Mimsy," Harry said, his voice tight but he managed a weak smile to the little elf who curtsied and disappeared with a crack. Hedwig fluttered back to her perch and Harry walked to the bathroom.

He surveyed himself in the large mirror. His hair was more of a mess now thanks to Hedwig but he had appreciated her gesture. He got his hands wet and attempted to comb it into some semblance of order. It didn't do much but it was something. He shrugged on a dark green open robe over dark jeans and a white button-up. He thought he looked quite nice, handsome almost. Suddenly he scowled at his reflection in horrified realization. Why the bloody hell was he trying to look nice for Marvolo when the man could kick him out in the next few minutes. Out of spite, he messed his hair up again. Drawing up some indignant and righteous anger, he stalked out of his room to Marvolo's study.

Standing outside the door, Harry took a few more breaths, his fists tight. If he went in angry then he wouldn't be nervous but then he wouldn't be able to argue efficiently either. So he had to balance his emotions and thoughts. He would not let Marvolo have the upper hand with his cool demeanor and silver tongue.

Finally, Harry rolled his eyes at himself, he was over-stressing things. If Marvolo kicked him out then fine. The alliance would be over but Harry was the Lord of three Most Ancient and Most Noble Houses, he was a Necromancer, he was a powerful damn wizard. He was not dependent upon Marvolo. They were a partnership, sure. But Harry could function on his own. He had always relied on himself first and foremost.

Nodding to himself at his mini pep talk, Harry pushed the door open not bothering to knock. Sadly Marvolo didn't even seem to notice his confident entrance. The man was standing at the window, his back to the door, hands clasped behind his back. Harry shut the door, eyes not leaving Marvolo's figure. He tried not to shift too much but the lack of acknowledgment was discomforting. Was he supposed to speak first? No, Harry refused to speak first. Marvolo was the one with the problem. Marvolo was the one who summoned him. Marvolo could speak first.

His certainty began to waver after two minutes of silence. Thankfully Marvolo did finally break the silence another minute later. "Do you recall our deal, Harry? That day when you convinced the little Malfoy to bring you to me. When you declared your wish for an alliance?"

Marvolo still hadn't turned from the window and Harry hated how the late afternoon sun highlighted the man's profile and silhouetted his dark hair like a halo, an odd sight for the Dark Lord.

"Yes," Harry said, trying to keep his confusion contained and keep his tone neutral.

"You refused outright to be one of my followers. As you refused when I offered you in your First Year when I was a wraith attached to Quirrell."

Harry shifted, clenching and unclenching his fists. Where was this going? He stayed silent.

"You've never feared denying me." Now, Marvolo turned to face him, his red eyes staring at him as though wishing to solve a great puzzle. "It is something that both infuriates me and instills tremendous admiration. Anyone else would be dead at my feet after hours of torture and begging."

Marvolo strode closer and Harry didn't drop his gaze. He wasn't sure what was happening right now. He still wasn't sure if he was about to start house hunting at the end of the night but he did know that this moment, this moment locked within their shared gaze, had the power to alter his entire life. So he refused to look away.

"Your defiance provides amusement on most occasions, now that we share an alliance. But there are moments when it still enrages me. You, Harry, my little lion, have the unique and innate ability to cause me to lose myself completely. I, the Great Lord Voldemort, the Greatest Dark Lord in Wizarding History, who has constant and complete control at all times. You disrupt it all."

Harry swallowed hard. Unsure if the heat rising in his cheeks was from embarrassment or anger or in reaction to the fond tone Marvolo used to speak his name. Maybe in reaction to all of it. Licking his lip, he felt his heart racing, but he had no idea why.

This whole situation was confusing him. Was Marvolo complimenting him and about to renew their alliance or was he detailing the reasons he was about to torture and kick him out. Marvolo seemed to have said his piece now and Harry could no longer get by with silence. The Dark Lord observed him, his crimson eyes critical and not missing a single detail.

"So does that mean you've made a decision?" Harry finally asked, throat tight. It was his main thought. He didn't think he could parry words about when he was still uncertain about where they stood.

"Yes," Marvolo said simply. "Against my better judgment at least." Harry's brow creased in confusion. What the hell! Why couldn't the man give him a straight answer? "You see, Harry, your ability to stir up this unrest, this lack of control, this complete loss of thought, is a weakness. It is a weakness strictly tied to you and your closeness to myself."

Harry felt like his chest was being stabbed with a basilisk fang. Marvolo was kicking him out. It was all over. He had pushed things too far. He'd ruined the best thing to ever happen to him. Marvolo would never tolerate a known weakness.

"As I've said before, knowing and understanding one's mind and desires is necessary for identifying and dealing with weaknesses or else you will be killed by them." Harry wanted to protest that he didn't want to kill Marvolo but he couldn't speak. "You are my weakness, Harry. I acknowledge and am aware of this fact. However, I am a selfish man. Prone to desiring things which prove fatal to others."

Harry felt hot under the intensity of Marvolo's gaze. He was afraid to blink. His heart beat faster.

"Since the moment you and I entered into this alliance, you have shifted the very foundation of my plans. All plans rewritten, focuses redirected, and goals rethought." Marvolo paused for a moment as though gathering himself for his next statement. "I apologize for my actions this afternoon, Harry." Harry's eyes widened. "You are my ally. I wish you to be my partner-" Marvolo's gaze flickered "-in overturning the Wizarding World. I should not be so quick to mock or dismiss your ideas and plans as I, in turn, do not wish you to respond likewise to mine."

Harry nodded, feeling numb and his head fuzzy. "So does this mean you wish me to stay?" His voice sounded hoarse and quiet.

"Yes, Harry," Marvolo responded. "I wish you to stay."

Relief swept through Harry so fast and potent that he couldn't stop the smile splitting his face. Marvolo looked dazed at his response, his arm jerking oddly before he spun on his heel to face the window once more, hands tightly clasped once more.

"Thank you, Marvolo." The man stiffened and turned to face him once again but stayed near the window. "I appreciate your willingness to keep me around despite the havoc I cause you." Harry tugged at his hair. He thought now would be a good time to bring up making their alliance permanent. He lost his nerve as he opened his mouth though.

"Come," Marvolo said, breaking Harry's cowardly silence. "Let us have dinner and then you can tell me about your plans to fix this Pureblood-Muggleborn discord."

Shoulders relaxing, Harry nodded, hope swelling in his chest once more at the chance to convince Marvolo of his ideas.

Marvolo walked beside him through the halls and the silence was comforting. They entered the smaller dining room, the one they shared when it was just the two of them. Marvolo took his seat at the head of the table and Harry hesitated. The table, despite it being in the small dining room was still large with enough seats for ten people. Nervously, Harry brought out his wand and shrunk the table by two seats on each side, making it an elegant and quaint yet smaller table. The table now resembled a standard six-seater.

Marvolo raised an eyebrow as Harry took his seat directly across from him, though much closer now. "It's just the two of us. I don't see the need for the table to be so big," Harry shrugged. Nothing more was said as dinner arrived: roasted chicken and rice with a savory sauce.

Over dinner, Harry told Marvolo about the dueling session. It was strange sitting so much closer to him. He sat right next to him when they entertained his minions but that wasn't head-on and Harry was normally focused on the other occupants. Now that the table was smaller and he sat directly in front of him, everything felt different. Harry talked about the strengths and weaknesses of each of his guards and his pride in how well they had improved over the hour session.

"I'm excited to try dueling them all again in a few weeks," Harry said. "They all improved really well. And I want to help my friends still in Hogwarts too. I'm thinking that when they come home for the holidays I might host a few dueling sessions in addition to some defense instruction."

"I look forward to seeing your guards progress during the next session," Marvolo said. "Now, I've mentioned this in the past but how would you feel about teaching more of my followers. Your dueling prowess is becoming widespread within my ranks and I can attest to your skill."

"Why don't you teach them? I mean you teach me and I've learned a lot."

"I am their Lord and Master. In my quest for power, I set myself apart from them and so now am unable to lower myself to a humble instructor without disrupting the image I have formed in their eyes and minds. You, however, have a history of instructing others. I find you also hold a greater ability for patience when dealing with the simple-minded."

Harry snorted. "Thanks, I think. But I don't think many of yours would want to be taught by me. I mean my guard maybe because we are similar enough in age and even still I think they only allowed it because they are under orders from you to listen to me. I doubt the likes of the Rookwood or Travers will accept being trained by a teenager."

Marvolo tilted his head conceding the point. "I suppose. However, my younger generation members can be taught. You've already started, it would just be adding to the numbers."

"I suppose I wouldn't be against teaching more people," Harry shrugged. In honesty the idea excited him beyond belief but it also sent a wave of anxiety at the thought of teaching others older than him.

Dinner finished soon after and they walked to the library in silence. Once there they settled in their preferred armchairs, Marvolo lit the fireplace and Mimsy appeared with their post-dinner tea tray while Tobi appeared with Harry's stack of notes.

"You're prepared," Marvolo commented. Harry glanced at the man and noticed a small amount of surprise and shock on the normally masked face.

"Well yeah. It's like you said, if I'm going to have followers I want to be fully informed on what I want to champion. Going half-assed won't work."

"Well then, sway me," Marvolo said leaning farther back into his chair, fingers steepled in front of his face, his eyes intently locked on Harry.

Harry took a deep breath. This was it. He could shift Marvolo's whole perception. He could change the war entirely. No pressure, he thought. His heart racing, he swallowed hard and resorted his notes once again.

"Right, okay. So, there is a discrepancy between Muggleborns and Purebloods. That can't be denied. The Purebloods hate Muggleborns out of some belief of dirty blood and stealing magic. Muggleborns hate Purebloods in reaction to the received hate and because of the unfair advantage Purebloods have growing up around magic all their lives. With me?"

Marvolo's eyes were narrow and critical but he did nod.

"So, the main goal is to just get rid of the prejudice. Purebloods, Muggleborns, Halfbloods, it shouldn't matter. We have magic that should unify us not divide us. Admittedly just getting rid of prejudice is pretty naive and juvenile."

"I would agree with that sentiment. And how do you determine there is no difference between the three deviations?"

"Because your parents and upbringing don't determine your magical ability," Harry said firmly. "You and I, for example, are Half-bloods but we are pretty powerful in our own right, but neither of us knew of the Wizarding World until we were eleven."

Harry refrained from tugging his hair nervously while he watched Marvolo. The only indication that the man was reacting at all was the brightness of his eyes.

"Our lineage delineates from vastly powerful Pureblood families. Myself, the noble Slytherin line itself. Yours, Potter and Peverell."

"Fine. Well, what about Hermione? She is a muggleborn and is the best witch of my year, possibly the school. She has no wizard ancestry. Or my mother, I've heard she was a pretty extraordinary witch and she was muggleborn."

"Outliers," Marvolo dismissed.

"We will come back to that," Harry sighed in annoyance, not wanting to start another argument. "There is still hostility between the groups and we can't move forward as a society if we can't work together. Do you agree with that?"

Marvolo tapped his chin but nodded. "Yes. When I finally take over I don't wish to deal with the petty squabbling nor do I want to rule a divided nation."

Harry rolled his eyes. "Great. So, I say that the way to combat this issue is to start at a young age. The older generations will be pretty hard to sway, they are pretty set in their ways. But the younger kids are still moldable and they can even help influence their parents. So, we create a school, like a pre-Hogwarts school. All magical children attend. This way Purebloods, Muggleborns, and Half-bloods all get the same foundation of magical education. And those raised in the Muggle world are introduced to the magical one at a younger age and have more exposure to it. Plus, it will help kids make friends before they are divided into Houses. It might help with the animosity between the houses if you get a chance to be friends beforehand."

"What would be taught? Would this be the equivalent of Muggle primary school?"

"Yeah," Harry said eagerly. "So writing with a quill, basic math, wand mechanics, a bit of grammar and essay writing instruction, maybe a bit of history and a customs and courtesies lesson. You know so that Muggleborns know why we wear robes and about our government and stuff. You know?"

"I see the merits of having a magical primary school. However, you need more reasons to start one than to just fix the prejudice in the Wizarding World. People who disagree over the presence of prejudice won't support that reason."

"Well, I'll use the whole making friends pre-Hogwarts for future inter-House unity. And I'll say that it will benefit everyone starting Hogwarts on a level playing field so that Professors can get straight to teaching and not worry about people not understanding."

"Adequate starters but I would recommend fleshing them out. Do you have any more ideas to champion?"

"Um….not right yet. I mean how many do I need? I think the Equal Rights and the Primary School will take a lot of focus already."

"Perhaps another one or two strong foundations to reach a larger following, but those two should be a good start."

"Ok," Harry said with a frown trying to think of what else he felt strongly about. "What about you? How many do you have? Actually, what are your foundations?"

"First, the unification of the magical society to stand in defense against the rising Muggle population. They outnumber us and sooner or later we will be discovered. We must be ready for this eventuality and be prepared to subdue them."

"How do you plan to subdue them?"

"Through any means necessary."

Harry swallowed hard at that. "Wouldn't it be better to attempt peaceful negotiations first?"

"Desirable, but not anticipated." Harry didn't necessarily agree but he didn't have a strong argument against it yet and so nodded for Marvolo to continue. "Second, the reintegration of the old customs and traditions that Muggleborns have stamped out. Christmas and Halloween instead of Yule and Samhain. Wizards used to perform rituals and sacred rites throughout the year and now nothing, except by the more devout and traditional Pureblood families. Muggleborns enter our world and they try to manipulate it and change it to be like the Muggle world. Muggleborns must understand that they don't belong to the Muggle world any longer. They must renounce all ties and fully accept the Wizarding World, this means accepting and practicing our traditions and beliefs."

Harry shifted and thought that over. "I suppose I agree with the traditions and stuff. It makes sense. The Wizarding World has customs and traditions just like all other cultures, those shouldn't just disappear. Maybe they can be taught at the Primary School, get people informed early. I don't think Muggleborns should have to totally renounce the Muggle world though. What about their parents? Not everyone wants to be separated from their family and it shouldn't be fair for children to have to choose between family and some strange new world."

"There is validity in that statement. However, I refuse to accept them trapezing back and forth. The Statue of Secrecy is compromised every time a witch or wizard interacts with the Muggle world."

"Well, give them a choice when they are older," Harry suggested, feeling bad at voicing it. "Maybe when they graduate Hogwarts, they choose which world they want to stay with. I still don't think it's fair to separate families like that though." Harry trailed off, he tried picturing Hermione choosing between her parents and her friends. It wasn't fair. "What if we just strengthen the security measures in place for Muggle family members? Like secrecy charms or something that makes them unable to speak about the magical world even by accident. So that way muggle raised people can still have their Muggle family in their lives. I think that will go over better than complete separation."

"They would have to be reached immediately in order for that to work. It's not as common, but Muggles are still likely to seek religious help or gossip with neighbors over the oddities of their children."

"Well, as soon as children display accidental magic, someone can approach them. Again, it can be tied in with the Primary School, maybe have a designated Muggleborn Approach Squad or something."

Marvolo sat silently, his gaze distant though his eyes rested on Harry. Knowing that it was useless to continue talking while Marvolo was so deep in thought, he took a few sips of his tea, enjoying the warmth radiating from the porcelain cup into his fingers.

"Yes, we shall pursue this thought process in greater detail later. And now, my last major foundation: the betterment of the Dark Creature society. They are shunned, segregated, feared, and restricted, a perfect foundation for establishing a loyal following. However, they deserve to live in their world unhindered."

"What falls under your Dark Creature classification?"

"Werewolves, Vampires, Veelas, Goblins, Giants and Dementors, are the most commonly thought of. Technically speaking, you also fall under the classification of Dark Creature."

Harry nodded, he had gathered as much from his reading and through the specialized laws regarding Necromancy and other creatures. It was strange to consider but really it was just an obscure classification designed by the Ministry to label and keep tabs on people. "Well technically Dementors fall under my control, being creatures of Death," Harry said thoughtfully. "Actually, I feel like Vampires should too but I don't know for certain, I'll have to look into that. But if they do, then that will gain their loyalty. It will also make things smoother when trying to set up negotiations for acceptance of their kind, at least with the Vampires. I don't know if Dementors will ever be accepted by normal society. I don't think they are supposed to be either. But, I mean, I agree with the Werewolf thing too and the Veelas and Goblins, I've never understood why they've been ostracized by society."

Marvolo's eyes glittered in the reflected firelight and Harry felt his breath catch. "It is heartening to hear that you are in alignment with these ideations. This, at least, is a goal we can share and strive towards."

"Yeah," Harry agreed softly, looking down to watch his fingertips tracing nonsensical patterns into the armrest. "Strange, we'll actually have more than just Dumbledore's demise as a common goal." Harry took a breath and looked back up to catch Marvolo's eye, a hesitant yet hopeful smile on his lips. "Looks like we might have to work together for even longer."

"Yes," Marvolo whispered, his gaze intense yet oddly soft. "Looks like we might."