As usual, pretend there's a disclaimer here.

New year, new chapter? With a lack-of-snow delay to accompany it and everything! Okay, but seriously, I know it's been a while since y'all have had an update. I'm working on some chapters, but I'm in my last semester at my university, so I've got some free time, but most of that is spent panicking about the fact that I'm graduating in a few months. Anyway, I'll try to have at least three chapters up before I actually graduate, but I can't make any promises.

Sorry about the problems updating this chapter yesterday. Hopefully that problem won't happen again.

Other than that, enjoy! - and as usual, feedback is greatly appreciated!

Chapter 9

Overall, the rest of his holidays passed uneventfully. Harry spent a great deal of time in the Common Room, making sure all his homework was done and that he was prepared for whatever Weasley could deal out to him. When Lisette was around, she'd given him a few more lessons, all of while had gone quite spectacularly after the first lesson.

Of course, most of the things that she'd taught him were pretty much illegal, and a few of her favorites had mandatory sentences in Azkaban if it could be proven that they'd been cast. When Harry had pointed that out to her, she'd spent almost two full days teaching him how to take measures to ensure that he wasn't caught.

Slytherin had been quite interested to learn about some of the spells, and he'd decided to supplement those lessons by sharing a few of his favorites. Of course, he'd made Harry promise that he'd only practice those spells on charmed dummies in the dueling room in the Chamber. Marvolo had been less than pleased about that, but a few pointed threats from Slytherin about Harry's health being jeopardized had quelled his enthusiasm, at least temporarily.

The rest of his holidays had been less than pleasant, though.

Snape had grown increasingly hostile toward both Harry and Lisette, and he'd refused to let either of them leave the Slytherin House without having either a House Elf or some of the portraits monitoring their every movement. He hadn't said anything else to Lisette, though, saving most of his insults for Harry when the older girl wasn't around to overhear.

Marvolo had been less than pleased about the new developments, but he refrained from taking control and cursing the Potions Master within an inch of his life. Instead, he entertained himself by telling Harry to ask Ajani to fetch certain items from around the castle, though he refused to tell Harry exactly why he was looking for items - particularly those that came from Snape's private potions stores.

Each time Harry asked about it, Marvolo would avoid answering him, choosing instead to mention how skilled Ajani was getting, what with his ability to take things like a vial of basilisk venom from the man's desk without him noticing.

It hadn't taken long for Harry to just stop asking questions, just telling Marvolo that he wanted to know what Marvolo was planning before he took any specific action.

...

Almost before Harry realized it, it was the morning that students would return to the school for the start of the rest of the school year.

You cannot laze about in bed all day, you know, Marvolo said about ten minutes after Harry woke up. The Nott boy is going to want answers about some of the legal aspects that his grandfather was not able to circumvent. He wasn't particularly pleased when Harry's only response was to roll over and pull his pillow over his head.

Ajani, who had adapted surprisingly well to dealing with both Marvolo and Harry, reacted with more amusement than irritation. "Try to keep your conversation to yourself, would you? Some of us don't need to argue with themselves to try and get some more sleep," he said.

"Sincerest apologies," Harry muttered insincerely. He scowled when Marvolo delivered yet another of his frighteningly creative threats but reluctantly got out of bed and stretched. "I'm not sure how the others are going to react when they find out that you showed up during holidays," he said, looking over at Ajani. "I know you're practiced at not being seen around the castle, but Theo and Blaise aren't idiots and I'm willing to bet they'll be the first two to find out about you."

"They are not as prepared as I am," Ajani said quietly. When he noticed that Harry had stood up, he quickly moved into the still-warm spot on the bed. "And I have already spoken with your ancestor in the portrait. He's already shown me a few places to hide if anyone gets too suspicious. I'm still not permitted to go into the Chamber without you accompanying me," he said. "Something about a territorial basilisk who would see me as a late night snack and nothing more."

Harry grinned down at the cobra but didn't say anything. He stretched a bit before opening the top drawer of his nightstand to pick up his wand, having kept it there after Marvolo had sounded a bit too enthusiastic to try out one of the spells that Slytherin had told them about.

You've left a letter in there, Marvolo said. Isn't that the one that your House Elf delivered after you went to your family Manor?

I think so, Harry said. But Dixie's more my grandfather's Elf than mine.

Marvolo chuckled quietly. Perhaps in terms of the length of time she's worked for him, but legally, since you're the last living member of the Potter family, Dixie belongs to you. She will be loyal to you, and when you reach the age of majority, she will be legally obligated to swear an Oath of Loyalty to you.

I don't want to force her into anything.

Marvolo laughed again. When you met her, she was excited enough that I thought she might wet herself. On top of that, you were kind to her and you took action in a way that proved you are mature beyond your years. I know you impressed our kinsman, and I would be willing to wager that you not only impressed your grandfather, but you also likely earned his approval as far as becoming the next Lord of the Potter family.

Harry frowned but didn't say anything, not entirely sure how to respond. Instead, he picked up the envelope, looking it over. The handwriting on it was completely foreign to him, and only barely legible.

"You are up rather early," Slytherin said as he walked into his portrait. "I thought you'd have rather enjoyed your last few minutes to be alone in your dorm room," he said.

"Marvolo didn't let that happen," Harry said, running a hand through his hair, still unused to the length. Lisette had spelled it long last night when she'd caught Harry unawares, and he hadn't seen her since then to ask her to lift the hex. Marvolo, who'd been thoroughly amused with Harry's frustration, had told Harry to keep it longer, even after the hex was lifted. Something about abiding by the proper customs of Pureblood society, though Harry hadn't understood all of it - he still didn't understand all the complexities of the elite culture.

"The rest of the students should be arriving shortly after breakfast," Slytherin said. "I doubt you'll be able to make it back into my Chamber for a number of months, but it should come as some consolation that it won't be as easy for the Headmaster and your Head of House to monitor your every movement."

Harry frowned slightly. He hadn't remembered telling the Founder about that.

The man is not a fool, and the two imbeciles were not being anywhere near as subtle as they thought they were, Marvolo said. I didn't mention their behavior to the Founder, though.

I didn't think you had, Harry said quietly. "How'd you know about that?" he asked, looking up at Slytherin.

"The two of them might fancy themselves powerful in this school, but I am a Founder, and as such, I will always have more power in this school than either of them," Slytherin said. "And as should be obvious in this school, the portraits have their loyalties."

Harry nodded, still slightly confused. "How did you know it was both of them?"

"Every portrait in this castle, regardless of loyalties, know better than to lie when a Founder asks them a question," Slytherin said.

"There are portraits of the other Founders?"

"I think Rowena is the only one left here. The portraits of Godric and Helga that were in the caste were taken out and they've been hung in their family Manors. They can access the castle, but they haven't done so for a number of years now."

"Why not?"

Slytherin frowned. "They've chosen to stay with their Heirs," he said. "Unfortunately, my line has all but died out. You and Marvolo are the only two left."

"Oh."

Slytherin nodded, not saying anything for a few minutes.

Harry thought about things for a minute. "If you'd like, I could talk to Charlus and I could bring one of your portraits to the Manor," he said. "You two would get along, I think."

The corners of the portrait's lips quirked up. "Try not to get into any trouble," he said.

"I didn't offend you, did I?"

"Not at all, Harrison," he said. "I just need some time to think on your suggestion."

Harry nodded and watched the man leave.

That was a generous offer, Marvolo said quietly. Though I suppose it's not too much of a surprise, coming from you.

He seemed offended, though.

Marvolo chuckled. It is not every day that one would come across an heir who makes such an offer without any prompting, he said.

Harry nodded slightly, not saying anything for a moment. Finally, he turned to Ajani. "I'm going to take a bath. If Snape comes in, hide, and please don't bite him yet."

"You're planning on killing your Head of House?" Slytherin asked. "Even for one of my own line, that is vicious."

Harry shrugged. "It's not like he doesn't deserve it."

"Has he done more than monitoring your movements?" Slytherin asked, his eyes narrowing in suspicion.

"Not really," Harry said. "It doesn't change the fact that he's a git and I want to see him bleed." Without waiting for a response, he headed into the bathroom, quickly murmuring the spell that started the bathtub faucets. He disrobed and bathed quicker than usual, feeling increasingly on edge, though he didn't know why, exactly.

Your anxiety is grating on my nerves, child. What's wrong? Marvolo asked after a moment.

I don't know for sure. As soon as I told Slytherin that I want Snape bloody, it started to feel almost like someone was watching the room, Harry said after a moment. There aren't any spells that can monitor what someone says, are there?

Marvolo was silent for a moment. None that are easily administered without the use of blood, and I very much doubt anyone's kept a supply of yours. Unless the Headmaster is hiding a Dark orientation, and I will promise you now that the Lord of Light wouldn't be able to conjure such powerful Dark magic.

Harry frowned and closed his eyes. What about Snape? If the Headmaster was keeping my blood, he could have given it to Snape, and we've both agreed that he's got the right orientation for that, he said.

It's possible. When you're finished bathing, tell Ajani what you're thinking. He'll take the message back to our kin and he'll look into things.

As much as I agree with you, Marvolo, that still doesn't really comfort me, he said. It's not going to change things at the moment, he said.

No, Marvolo said quietly. No, I know that, but once the Dark Lord is told about this possible new development, he will put into motion a plan that will keep you safe. I've told you before that you've become precious to him, and he will not like someone taking action to try and steal you away from him. Even if it's just a tracking spell.

Harry stayed silent, knowing better than to argue with Marvolo on that matter.

You will tell Ajani, I trust? He will relay the message to the Dark Lord when it's safe.

Harry nodded. It does sound like the smart thing to do, and you've never led me wrong before. I just don't want to be pulled out of school. I like it here.

Marvolo sent him a wave of warmth, enveloping him in as much a hug as he was able. If he makes that request, I will do what I can to ensure you are allowed to stay. He trusts us, but that doesn't mean he's willing to risk your safety and your life just to indulge your preferences, he said.

Harry smiled slightly, not entirely pleased about the statement. Still, it was better than nothing. He closed his eyes again and dunked himself under the bathtub one last time, waiting there for a moment before surfacing and getting out of the bath.

As soon as he walked out of the bathroom, wrapped up in a towel, he found Ajani waiting for him. "Is everything alright?" he asked quietly, casting a look around the room to see if anything had been changed while he was in the bathroom. He was only slightly mollified to find that everything was the same. "Did something happen?"

"The Head of your House came in and inspected the room," the cobra said, following Harry back to his bed. He watched as Harry pulled a pair of black trousers and a green cashmere sweater. "He didn't search through your things, but he did something to the portrait frame. The Speaker hasn't been back since," he said.

Odds are that he's done something to try and spy on you, Marvolo said, an irritated edge to his voice. Put up a privacy shield now.

Harry frowned but did as told.

Ajani moved into a striking position, looking around. "Is there a threat?" he asked.

"The Head of House might be spying on me. It won't be safe for us to talk without a privacy charm for now," Harry said. "I'll talk to Slytherin in the hall later today and see if he knows anything," he said.

Ajani relaxed slightly but didn't say anything else. Instead, he moved off the bed and inspected the room for any signs that things had changed while Harry got dressed for the day. "I don't think anything has changed," he said once he was back on the bed.

Harry nodded. "Will you be joining me in classes today?" he asked.

"I will be more occupied by searching through the castle for any possible escapes," the cobra said.

"There should be a way out in the dungeons," Harry said absently as he laced up his leather boots. He really did have to thank Theo for everything he'd done for him. "The Headmaster believed me when I told him I'd accidentally found a way off school grounds while I was exploring the dungeons, so either he was indulging me or there really is a way out through there."

Marvolo chuckled. There is a way out in the dungeons. Slytherin crafted something of an emergency exit that is attached to his chambers. It was meant to ensure that he and his heirs would be able to safely leave the castle should it ever come under attack, he said. The next time you've got the chance to speak with Slytherin in his Chambers, ask him if he'll let Ophion show you where it is.

Harry nodded, looking over at Ajani. "Don't get caught," he said. "And don't bite anyone unless you've got no other option."

"I'll return well before your curfew this evening. Now, if you would be so kind as to let me out of this room, I'll start my search for a way out," he said. At Harry's nod, Ajani waited almost patiently for Harry to open the door to the dorm room before making his way out.

Only after the cobra was out of his sight did Harry shut the door and cancel the Privacy Charm around himself.

The two of you get along surprisingly well, considering the stress you're both under, Marvolo said.

Is he reporting back to the Dark Lord? Harry asked.

Marvolo made a sound that seemed to be one of approval. It wouldn't surprise me, he said. Don't forget to read that letter before you leave the room.

"Right," Harry murmured to himself. He walked over to his nightstand, thinking over the numerous locking spells that Marvolo had taught him. If this letter was as important as Marvolo thought it was, no doubt there would be a need to ensure no one else could get to it without him knowing about it.

Put up a Privacy Charm before you read the letter, and keep it up until after you've put it back and locked the drawer, Marvolo said before Harry opened the letter. Until we know for sure what's been done to the portrait frame, it would be best for you to keep a similar charm up whenever you're in the room.

I'll tell the others the same thing once they all get back, Harry said as he did as told. I won't let them get into trouble because of me.

Wise thinking, Marvolo said. It would also be wise for you to take measures to ensure that you cannot be followed or monitored from any sort of distance, and if you or I notice any more extensive tracking, I expect you to tell the Dark Lord without delay.

Harry nodded. I will, he said. And I'll tell Ajani about the possible tracking spells once he gets back from whatever he's doing. He sat on the bed, unconsciously strengthening the Privacy Charm as he sat on his bed and opened his nightstand drawer. The envelope hadn't changed from when he'd first put it in there, though he hadn't particularly expected it to change.

I can't feel any magic on the envelope or on the letter, Marvolo said quietly. It seems safe enough, and I doubt your grandfather would knowingly attempt to harm you. Stop with the suspense and open the bloody letter, he said when Harry hesitated at the mention of potential spell work being attached to the letter.

Grinning to himself, Harry opened the envelope and right away, a simple black ring fell out of the envelope and landed on the floor by his feet. Harry frowned and picked the thing up. It was rather nondescript, appearing to be just a simple black band. Marvolo, what do you think about this? he asked, looking for something unique about the ring. At the very least, he knew it wasn't an official ring, since each of those would have had the Potter family crest engraved on them.

It doesn't seem to be cursed, and I doubt your grandfather would allow Dixie to pass along something that would harm you, he said. Read the letter. There may be an explanation about the ring in there.

Harry didn't say anything as he continued inspecting the ring, still not finding anything. Finally, he looked back up at the letter. What if it doesn't say anything about the ring, though?" he asked.

Then write a letter of your own and ask your grandfather for an explanation, Marvolo said, sounding increasingly impatient. Though there is no way to know until you actually read the letter.

Harry smirked. Of course.

Marvolo scoffed quietly. About damn time, child, and you should take better care to mind your cheek around me, he said.

At that, Harry just laughed and sat back on the bed, setting the ring on the nightstand and making himself more comfortable as he unfolded the letter and started reading it.

...

Dear Harrison,

Before I start discussing the particularly important matters that I feel must be settled before our next meeting, I must make it clear, and apologize, perhaps. With my death, I lost my magic, and I have yet to find a way for a non-corporeal form as is my current state to physically hold a quill - or any other sort of writing instrument. So, therefore, I've asked Dixie to dictate for me. She is unused to this sort of thing, and her handwriting may not be entirely legible. For that, I apologize. I will look into finding a simpler way of communicating with you, though I can make no promises. There isn't much of a market for conversing with a ghost by letters.

Now, onto the important things.

I realize that we only met this morning and you may be unused to this familiarity so soon after meeting, but I find I cannot allow myself to maintain proper decorum with you. You are, after all, the last person alive with Potter blood in your veins. You are also, and more importantly, my grandson. I cannot understand what an unexpected pleasure it was to finally meet you. My son was always a fool, and while you were still an infant and he still alive, he and Lily both seemed to take pleasure in withholding you from me in some sort of punishment for my refusal to declare an open side in the war they were so eager to fight.

It pains me to know that I cannot apologize enough for my absence in your life before this morning, and the abuse you suffered because you were not within my care. Rest assured that I will do everything within my admittedly limited scope of power to ensure that you are not returned to the care of your mother's Muggles. From what you have told me about them, they deserve Azkaban, at the very least. I find myself wondering how to ensure they suffer such a fate, of Azkaban and so much worse.

I owe you so much for my neglect, unintentional though it may have been. Please, if there is anything I can do for you, ask. I fear it will not be enough to make even your suffering, but it is the only start I can offer at the moment.

I also find myself in debt to you for your actions in respect to Evan's unexpected appearance this afternoon. I firmly believe that your quick thinking, and your connections, prevented his death today. He will not be keen to admit as much to you in person, but Evan does owe you a life debt for your actions today. Two, in truth, since you chose not to report his presence to any MInistry officials when you had the chance.

Realizing this may be an inappropriate request, given Evan's status as a wanted man, and the fact that we have only recently met each other, I fear offending you, but I will take the risk and request that you consider meeting Evan in person once his health returns to him. This is a purely sentimental request on my part - I merely hope that the two of you will get along, as you two are all the family I have left in this world.

Regardless of your decision about my request, I want you to know that the Potter Manor is always open to you. I hope, in time, you will come to regard it as a proper home, unlike the hovel belonging to your mother's relatives. (I assure you I have never seen their house, but in my lifetime there have been perhaps two other places that have felt as much like home as the Manor.)

If you would be amenable to such, I would be more than willing - almost overeager, I fear - to start the process of legally naming you Heir to the Potter Lordship. If you allow me to do so, the title will offer you a greater degree of freedom in the circles of our society that still abide by the traditional way of doing things. Naming you as the Heir will also allow you to spend your holidays in the Potter Manor, or in any of the other Potter family estates should the Manor not meet with your approval, rather than forcing you to return to your late mother's unfortunate relatives.

In what I hope will be interpreted as a show of good faith, I have included a Portkey ring with this letter. It is a simple black ring, which is an easier thing to keep track of than having a marble in your pocket all the time, though you are certainly welcome to keep the emergency Portkey if you'd like. In order to activate this Portkey, merely state the name 'Ignotus' while you're holding or wearing the ring and it will bring you to the Master Suite in the Manor.

If there's anything you need while you're still at school, the delivery of this letter serves as the proof that Dixie can come to you. However, if you do call her while you're still at school, I would request that you be discreet - the majority of our society is unaware that the Potter family still has a house elf, and I suspect much of our world thinks you completely ignorant of proper society and your heritage. Shameful assumptions, true, but it may be better kept that way, at least for the time being.

Dixie can also serve as a messenger if you'd like to send letters to someone outside of the school without risking interception. The owls are safe enough, I suppose, but Dixie has never allowed a witch or wizard to read a letter that was not addressed directly to them. She is one of the most trustworthy House Elves I've ever come across, and I very much doubt she will change, unless you deliberately mistreat her.

My final point, Harrison, is one that I cannot stress enough. Be safe. Please, above all else, keep yourself safe. I find myself already growing fond of you, and I would not like to learn that you've been hurt or killed at such a young age.

Not only is this a dangerous time in our world, as I fear another war, worse than the previous one, will break out, likely before you graduate. It is unfortunate, but I cannot bring you home and keep you sequestered away until I feel it is safe for you to be out in the world.

Your association with the current Dark Lord is something that worries me, though I cannot honestly say that it is completely surprising, given that when he and I were in school together, I frequently sought to share his company. He is an amazing man, with an almost frightening intelligence. You seem to be in his favor, at least for the time being, but I have seen the man's temper change on a moment's notice.

Keep your association with the Dark Lord to yourself. If that becomes public knowledge, you will find yourself in increased danger. The war will be made so much more dangerous for you if your alliances become public knowledge, with or without your consent.

I already dread having to see your corpse buried in the family graveyard. I fear your death will break me.

Be very careful, Harrison. If you are only willing to grant me one favor, let it be that.

The Manor will always be open to you, should you wish to take shelter here, and I truly hope to see you again soon.

Yours,

Charlus Orien Potter

Former Lord of the Potter Estate

...

That was rather enlightening, Marvolo said once Harry had read through the letter for a second time. What are you going to do with the ring?

I'll keep it with me, Harry said. That way, if Snape and the Headmaster are really following me, and if it gets any worse than it already is, I'll be able to get out of the castle without having to risk anyone else getting hurt in the process.

Marvolo was silent for a moment. Smart thinking, he said after a moment.

Harry smiled slightly and picked up the ring, once again turning it over in his palm. You don't like that idea, do you?

It is a wise idea, child. The fact that you have a need to carry around such an escape from the men who are meant to teach you does not sit well with me, he said after a moment. Do not wear it on your hand. I have a feeling that Snape will get suspicious about the sudden appearance of jewelry like that.

Harry nodded. I think I've got a leather cord in my trunk, he said, making his way over to his trunk. Without waiting for Marvolo's response, he murmured the counter to the locking spell that Lisette had taught him when he'd shown it to her. He sorted through his things, once again reminded just how grateful he was for Theo's friendship, until he found the length of cord that he'd been looking for. It didn't take him too long to find it.

He looped the cord around the ring, making sure there was no way for it to come loose, before he wrapped the cord around his neck and knotted it. Once that was done, he tugged on the cord to make sure it wouldn't come loose. He frowned. Would the locking spell keep the necklace from coming loose? he asked.

I suppose so, Marvolo said. Though I can't be certain. I've never held any interest in cosmetic applications for spells like that. You might try asking the Rookwood girl about that, he said.

Harry nodded. He hesitated for a moment before taking hold of the knot in the necklace and thinking over the locking spells he knew. Finally, he settled on one of the Parseltongue charms that Marvolo had taught him. He strengthened his Privacy Charm before quietly uttering the spell.

Nothing drastic happened, though the cord momentarily grew warm to the touch.

It seems to have worked, Marvolo said after a few minutes. Your spellwork is still rather remarkable for your age.

Thanks, Harry said, blushing. It wasn't often than Marvolo complimented him like that. Hopefully I don't have to use the Portkey.

Marvolo made a sound that Harry supposed signified his agreement. As loathe as I am to admit it, that ring may well end up saving your life one day. And you have to take care to keep both your ring and the fang hidden, he said.

At the mention of it, Harry's hands strayed to the fang, which he wore just about every day. I know. They're both secrets that only you and me can know about, he said.

Marvolo chuckled. Very much so.

Can I tell the Dark Lord about the ring when I see him again? Harry asked almost hesitantly.

I encourage you to do so, actually, he said. It may end up helping the two of you formulate an escape plan in case that ever becomes necessary.

I'm not too worried about it right now, Harry said. No one's made any serious threats against me yet, and besides, I don't think Snape or the Headmaster really have any legal grounds to keep following me.

They don't, but matters of legality have never been too important to either of them. Someone will notice your necklaces eventually, Marvolo said, sounding more amused than concerned, though they both knew that this was a serious conversation. Hopefully he was doing his best to put his irritation out of his mind, even if only for a short while.

Harry grinned. Probably, he said. But no one's noticed the fang yet, and there have been a few times that I've forgotten to tuck it under my shirt in the Common Room. Besides, if anyone starts asking too many questions, I can just use the Portkey and hide out with Charlus until it's safe to come back.

Marvolo was silent for a long moment. And what if it doesn't become safe for you to come back?

I'll find someone to tutor me, Harry said, thinking about it quickly.

In about a week, if nothing's changed, write a letter to your grandfather and tell him about everything that's going on around the castle, Marvolo said quietly. Don't leave anything out. If he knows about the situation, it will be much easier to handle a sudden withdrawal from the school.

Harry nodded. He stood up and straightened his clothes, already thinking about what to put in that letter. Before he got too involved with that line of thought, his stomach growled loudly.

At the sound, Marvolo laughed outright. Focus on things like that later, he said, still chuckling. For now, get some breakfast and try not to act like too much has changed since you last saw your classmates, he said.

Harry nodded again, blushing bright red. He glanced down at his clothes, making sure that he didn't look too disheveled. In what was quickly becoming a habit of his, he smoothed down his shirt and made sure that his boots were laced properly. He put the letter back into the nightstand drawer and locked it with another Parseltongue spell.

Don't forget your wand, Marvolo said as Harry stood up and cancelled the Privacy Charm around himself.

Right, thanks, Harry said, grabbing the wand and making sure that it was fastened in the holster that had been a late Yule gift from Daphne. Once all that was done, he headed out into the Common Room, wondering if he would see Lisette before he made his way to the Great Hall.

As he'd hoped, he found her sitting on the couch that she'd seemed to have claimed as her own over the winter break. This time, though, there wasn't a book in her lap, and Harry didn't see her wand in either of her hands or in her lap, but that didn't mean much. She'd been almost frighteningly enthusiastic about making sure that Harry learned that a well-hidden wand was key to survival, whether the battle was obvious or not.

"Hey kiddo," she said, looking over at him as soon as he shut the door to his dorm room. "I thought you might be waking up soon."

"So you decided to wait for me?" he asked.

She shrugged. "I saw Snape lurking around here somewhere and I don't want him trying to give you detention for some bullshit reason. Once the other students get back he'll lay off a bit because there will be more witnesses around to prevent him from acting like a git, but until the two of us are sitting in the Great Hall together, you're going to be just like my little brother," she said.

Harry frowned. "I thought you were an only child."

"I am," she said with a smirk. As she stood up, she tugged on his hair, which he'd left loose. "You look rather good with long hair, though it might be easier to work with if you tie it back."

"I don't have anything to tie it back with," he said.

Lisette nodded and quickly tapped her wand against his head.

Harry held still as his hair was quickly spun into a braid that reached to the middle of his back. Once it was finished, he reached back to touch the braid. "It's shorter," he said, surprised.

"Only a little bit," she said. "Don't try to cut it short when you think I'm not looking, otherwise I'll spell it floor-length and bright green."

"Wasn't even thinking about it, actually," Harry said.

Liar, Marvolo said suddenly, chuckling.

Shove it, Harry said half-heartedly.

Don't get irritated with me because she's prepared her threats before administering them, he said. Play nice, Marvolo added quickly before receding back a bit.

"Are you ready, kid?" Lisette asked.

Harry nodded, offering her a slight smile.

She grinned down at him, her expression almost sharklike. "Then let's go get some breakfast and make your Head of House nervous about you being corrupted by the daughter of a man loyal to the allegedly dead Dark Lord."

"Allegedly dead?" Harry asked quietly.

Her smile disappeared, quickly replaced with a warning look. She motioned toward his room, shaking her head when Harry opened his mouth to say something. Only when the door was shut and locked behind them, and after she'd put up some of the strongest Privacy Charms that she'd taught Harry, did she speak.

"Listen to me very carefully," she said.

Harry nodded, closing his mouth with an audible click.

Lisette was silent for a moment, eyeing Harry, the warning look still in her eyes. "There was a battle just a few years after you were born, and everyone in the school apart from you, me and half a dozen others, are under the impression that the Dark Lord was struck with a curse that was later proven fatal," she said. "If anyone else tries to say anything else, deny it. You're clearly an important figure already, in spite of your age, so you've got more at stake than a number of people."

"But won't he get mad if I deny his existence?"

She offered him a small, almost nervous smile. "He's been laying low for close to a decade now, Harry, and his army is just as strong, if not stronger, than before he supposedly fell," she said. "He's been going about things in a more subtle manner, and when he chooses to make it his presence known to our world again, he will make that announcement himself."

Harry nodded.

"Besides, our world is still not friendly toward Dark wizards," Lisette said quietly. "If anyone so much as makes an inference about being in the same circle as the Dark Lord or his allies, there's a mandatory sentence in Azkaban," she said. "So deny it."

Harry thought about what she'd just said. "I haven't been in this world for very long," he said slowly, thinking about how to put into words what he was thinking. "And I've spent most of my life with Muggles. I've never heard anything about a Dark Lord before," he said.

Lisette nodded. "Good. Put some emotion into that and you might actually be believable," she said.

Harry smiled slightly. "What do you say when people ask you about things like this?"

"My father was a barmy git who liked to fuck the people he killed," she said with a slight grimace. "He left when I was still a little kid to chase after the ghost of his beloved Lord, and he left me to live with my cousins because some inane cause was more important to him than his daughter," she said.

Convincing, Marvolo said. Though I can't say how much of that disgust is real and how much is falsified. Rookwood was neither mentally stable nor a pleasant man to be around, as I recall.

"And that works?" Harry asked.

Lisette shrugged. "My cousins have a small farm in Scotland and they made it a point to abstain from taking sides in the war. So people either think they did a good job raising me or they think that I think my father's truly an asshole."

"Is he dead? Your father?"

"Not as much as some people would hope," she said, the corners of her lips quirking up into a slight smirk. "He's always been a hardy sort of jackass."

At that, Harry laughed quietly.

"You've got everything straightened out now, I hope?" Lisette asked.

Harry nodded. "I know nothing," he said, frowning. "And the inference otherwise is entirely inappropriate."

"I'm so glad you pick up on things as quickly as you do," she said, canceling the Charms and walking with him out of the dorm room. "Now, if we get to the Great Hall quick enough, we might be able to get the best of the French toast and Belgian waffles before the gamekeeper eats the kitchen empty."

Harry laughed again and followed the sixth year out of the Slytherin Nest.