After returning to the school, Harry met up with Sirius and the rest of the Tonks family. The group separated from Fleur who had left to go to her school carriage. Not too long after Harry had been summoned up to Professor Dumbledore's office, which meant that naturally the rest wanted to come and Harry had no qualms with them doing so, even though he knew that Dumbledore was probably hoping to talk to him alone.
"Twit bars," Sirius said suddenly when they reached the gargoyle outside of Dumbledore's office. It didn't move at all. "Wait, no, not that one. It was another name, a chocolate or something, what was it?" He frowned thoughtfully.
"Do you mean 'Twix' bars?" Harry asked, the gargoyle shifted and started moving, revealing the staircase.
"Apparently so," Sirius shrugged before gesturing to the stairs. Harry walked up first, followed by the others.
"Just a warning for those who aren't familiar," Harry spoke up. "Dumbledore does this stupid little thing where he tells you to come in before you knock on the door," He told them just before he reached the door. He raised his hand to knock when all of them heard the headmaster's voice.
"Come in,"
"Told you so," Harry told them with a shrug before opening the door and walking in, followed by the rest. As expected, Dumbledore sat behind his desk, waiting calmly for everyone to enter. "Hello, Professor, no Fawkes today?" He asked, noticing that the bird was not there.
"No, I'm afraid not," Dumbledore said apologetically with a small shake of his head. "For some reason, he has been spending a lot of time away recently."
"Maybe he's got a hot date?" Tonks said with a small grin.
"Perhaps," Dumbledore agreed, a small twinkle in his eyes. "Now, forgive me if I may seem rude, but I had only requested young Harry here."
"True, but the lad's just been through a lot, I'm here to support him as his godfather," Announced Sirius.
"I am his lawyer," Ted pointed out.
"I'm here to support his lawyer and make sure his godfather behaves," Andromeda added.
"Oh, I just wanted to see what happens here," Tonks admitted honestly. Truthfully, she was half-wondering if Harry would end up arguing and bringing Venom out to meet the headmaster. That was a meeting that she would like to see. If she was being honest with herself, then she could admit that she was far from finished when it came to digesting the fact that Harry had a...well...she didn't really know what exactly Venom was, but he had him in his body. After this was all over, she was going to take a nice and long day to think about this.
"Very well," Dumbledore simply nodded, waving his wand and conjuring more chairs for everyone. A few moments later they all sat down opposite him. "Now, Harry, I dare say it would be a bit stupid to ask if you're okay, but I hope you have at least recovered somewhat."
"Ready to go and kick some more dark-lord butt," Harry confirmed.
"Hopefully it doesn't come to that so quickly," Dumbledore said calmly. "Impressive as you are, young Harry, I don't believe that you're quite ready to handle Voldemort, not at his prime anyway. The man is as fast as he is strong and knows enough magic to rival even me. It's possible that his resurrection has weakened him, trust that next time he'll be far more powerful and prepared for you."
"Of course, Sir," Harry said smoothly whilst internally forcing down the anger he felt at Dumbledore, the anger he could also feel coming from Venom. The old man had no idea how powerful they were, and he had better hope that he would never have to find out.
"I've tried my best to convince, Cornelius." Dumbledore continued. "Alas, he seems to be set in stone, determined to ignore that which he does not wish to believe."
"He needs a good kick up the arse," Sirius snorted.
"Quite," Dumbledore agreed with a small smile. "But for now, that is a future problem. The reason that I called you here today, Harry, is to discuss your summer holidays. It is my belief that Voldemort and his followers will be targeting you, especially given your miraculous escape."
'We weren't the ones that escaped,' Venom growled from within Harry.
"In the past, you would have spent the summer at the Dursleys," Dumbledore said with a deep sigh. "Though, for obvious reasons, that possibility is now forever closed."
"It wouldn't happen even if it wasn't," Harry said firmly while sending Dumbledore a warning look, one that clearly said that the man had better switch to a safer topic if he wanted this meeting to stay civil. For a moment, Dumbledore looked like he didn't know what to think, but eventually, he nodded his head and continued.
"So, that leaves the matter of where you will be staying," Dumbledore said. "Perhaps you will be joining the Weasleys this summer? I understand that you and Ronald have become friends once more," He said with a questioning look.
"We have, not as close as we once were, I don't think we'll ever be like that again," Harry confirmed. "But no, I don't currently have any plans to stay with the Weasley family."
"Ah, well, if I may ask, who do you intend to stay with this summer?" Dumbledore asked curiously. For a moment, Harry was tempted to tell the man to sod off and point out that it wasn't any of his business where Harry stayed, but he knew the man was too stubborn to listen and that not telling him would just be an unnecessary headache.
"He's staying with me," Sirius said firmly. "I am his godfather if you remember."
"And our house is always open to you, Harry. Come over if you ever get tired of listening to Sirius snore," Andromeda added.
"Sirius Black does not snore!" Sirius said in an offended voice.
"Sirius Black seriously does," Andromeda disagreed.
"Will you be moving into your old family home in London?" Dumbledore asked with a frown.
"Yeah, until I can get something better, what of it?" Sirius asked with a frown of his own.
"It's hardly an ideal place for a young man to live," Dumbledore said slowly.
"I have no problem with helping him fix it up," Harry cut in.
"Harry, I am not just referring to its physical condition, but also the dark magic that has been festering there for over a decade," Dumbledore replied. "No offence to yourself, Sirius, but the Black family were not exactly the most stable of individuals."
"We're both aware of that," Andromeda said with an irritated sigh.
"I've had it mostly cleaned up already," Grunted Sirius. "Just needs a bit of work to make it habitable."
"And as I said, I've no problem with helping," Harry added.
That's not your job, Harry," Dumbledore pointed out.
"True, but checking where I live in the summer isn't yours," Harry shot back.
"Harry, if you recall, Sirius hasn't yet been authorised to look after children,"
"I'm not a child," Harry shrugged. "Not anymore."
"Being a teenager doesn't mean that-"
"Actually, Professor," Ted cut in. "Young Harry has filed for emancipation, the Triwizard tournament is specifically for adults only, and yet Harry was forced to compete."
"That's why you didn't leave the tournament," Dumbledore seemed to freeze as realisation hit him.
"Yep," Harry said, popping the 'p'. "I'm legally an adult. I'll live where I want. If I want to spend the summer at a beach or in Azkaban prison itself is nobody's business except mine and/or whoever I'm staying with."
"Harry, I am acting out of concern for you," Dumbledore replied. "Voldemort is no mere, common wizard. He is a darkness that has loomed over the magical world for far too long. He will be coming for you, I only intend to see you safe until you come back to Hogwarts."
"Like I've been safe in Hogwarts?" Asked Harry with a humourless chuckle. "This castle is under your rule, Dumbledore, it's also the place where I've had more near-death experiences in one year than my entire life in the muggle world combined. Trolls, three-headed dogs, dragons and dark lords just to name a few of the things that have tried to do me in. Tell me, how does someone let someone nearly die for years and still believe that they're one who should be in charge of that person's safety?"
"I am not omniscient or omnipotent, Harry," Dumbledore said, sending Harry a disappointed look. "Need I also remind you that many of those incidents only occurred because you were in places you shouldn't have been?"
"If I wasn't then those situations would have resulted in the dead bodies of other students," Harry reminded him. "Maybe if you could look after all of your students without my help then I wouldn't have to be in those places so I could do your job."
'The balls on this guy,' Tonks couldn't help but think as she stared at Harry. She didn't know how much of his bravery came from having Venom with him, but she wouldn't deny that Harry was a true Gryffindor when he wanted to be.
"Those incidents were rare and most of which lead back to Voldemort," Dumbledore replied after taking a deep breath. "He will be coming for you. When? I do not know, perhaps this summer. I doubt it, he'll likely be gathering his forces and planning his future attacks. But it will be coming, sooner or later. We cannot take any risks, Harry. I know that you and I haven't always seen eye to eye, but this is the time for us to put our differences to the side."
"I'm fine with that as long as you remember that you're just my headmaster, nothing more," Harry said, feeling somewhat pleased when he saw Dumbledore look slightly hurt at that. "I will be staying where I wish to. End of discussion."
Severus Snape took in a small breath as he mentally prepared himself after apparating to just outside of Malfoy Manor. He rather enjoyed visiting the place on most days. Lucius had been a few years older than him when he came to Hogwarts and the man had offered Lucius some invaluable advice over the years, not to mention he had helped him out with various things from simply acquiring potion ingredients to avoiding detentions and even learning the odd forbidden spell or two. Lucius was a man who had lived a grand life among wizards, far away from the wretched filth of the muggle world, something that Snape had always been envious of. It was part of why he had been so easily swayed into joining the dark lord's side when he was younger. The promise of a time when he could live a lifestyle like Lucius's while also being able to spend a lifetime with the one woman he loved had been more than enough to sway him over.
It was just a shame that it took him far too long to realise that that promise was bullshit.
The golden gates opened for him on their own as normal, he walked at a calm pace and entered the manor. Having visited many times, he didn't need long to find Lucius sitting in his office, dressed still in his Death Eater robes and currently necking a large bottle of alcohol. The blonde-haired man stopped and roughly slammed the bottle down onto his own desk, spilling a bit over his pristine, overpriced furniture.
"Severus," Lucius glared deeply at him, surprising Snape. He thought that he had always been on good terms with Lucius, he was the godfather to Lucius's one and only son and heir, after all. Why did the man look so pissed off with him?
"Lucius," Snape said slowly. "Forgive me, but you're looking a little upset, to say the least."
"Upset?" Lucius snarled before a burst of hysterical laughter escaped from him. "To say I'm upset is to say that Albus Dumbledore's fashion choice is mildly odd. My son and heir had been sent to the hospital not long ago by some beast that had attacked him not once, but twice if the aurors are right. The damage is severe, Severus. My wife is upset with me and blames me, to add more to an already irritating situation. Then, suddenly, the dark lord returns out of the blue and is defeated promptly by a child."
"Ah yes," Snape's lips curled into a deep frown. "It's a shame to hear that the patented Potter luck runs true,"
"Luck?" Lucius laughed in an amused voice, he was incredibly tempted to take his bottle and smash it over Snape's head. For years he had heard Snape proclaim that Harry Potter was nothing but a talentless hack, just as Draco had done. But Lucius was far more pissed off with Snape about it. Draco is an idiotic child, if he wasn't already so damaged from his attacks then Lucius would have probably introduced the boy to some real punishments for letting his stupidity blind him to reality. As for Snape, the man had no excuse. Lucius was well aware of the man's hatred for James Potter, but to let that hatred blind him to such a dangerous threat made Lucius pissed off, to say the least. Resisting the urge to hex the man or beat him black and blue with a shoe was actually quite easy for Lucius as he was well aware that Snape's hatred would pretty soon get him in trouble with the dark lord who could punish Snape far better than Lucius ever could. "Ah, Severus, the things you don't know." He let out a small giggle before straightening up, looking horrified. "Before...before he left, the dark lord...he...he trusted me with...in the mood he's in, he'll never forgive me for..."
"Yes?" Severus prompted when Lucius trailed off, leaning forward slightly. For a moment or two, it looked like Lucius was about to answer. Suddenly, the man let out a deep snort and waved his hand dismissively.
"Matters not, Severus," Lucius sighed deeply. "Head straight to Draco's room. Our beloved master has decided to make it his temporary accommodation since my son 'obviously won't need it for some time'."
Snape masterfully hid whatever disappointment he felt at Lucius restraining himself before revealing something that was obviously quite important. The man nodded before turning and walking out of the room, he knew that he had plenty of time to pry the information out of Lucius, though he already suspected that it likely had something to do with the events of the chamber of secrets a few years ago. Once he reached Draco's room, he raised his hand and knocked on the door. A moment later, the door opened by itself, allowing Severus to look into the room.
He had been in Draco's room a few times, the last time he had seen the boy had plenty of books, toys and well-made, expensive furniture, as every young boy should have. Though now, the room was drastically different. There seemed to be a small bonfire in the corner of the room, he just about noticed one of Draco's books in said fire, judging by the size of it he assumed that all of Draco's things had been placed in the fire, furniture included. In the centre of the room, sitting on a dark throne with a massive snake curled up in front of him, was Walden MacNair, who somehow looked uglier than before as his face had thinned out and grown more pale while his dull eyes were now replaced with furious red orbs.
"My lord?" Snape asked hesitantly as he entered the room.
"Severus," Voldemort's voice came out of MacNair's mouth. "It's good to see you again, my old friend." He said silkily. Snape moved forward at a respectable pace and lowered himself to his knees before bowing his head down and kissing Voldemort's robes. "Rise, Severus," Voldemort ordered, Snape obeyed and stood up.
"My Lord, I have been working as you had instructed," Snape started. "I have been gathering information on Albus Dumbledore ever since your disappearance, not only that, I have gained his full and absolute trust."
"That is good, Severus, but not what I wish to speak with you about," Voldemort said, his red eyes boring into Snape's dull black ones. Snape kept his mind barriers prepared and ready, he knew that Voldemort didn't typically use legilimency but he was smart enough to never dismiss the possibility. "Tell me what you know of Harry Potter, tell me what you think of him. Be honest with me, Severus."
"Potter?" Snape asked while a wave of irritation washed over him as he wondered if he would ever be able to have a week without that brat doing something to cause problems. "The boy is nothing more than a spoilt, arrogant toe-rag. An abysmal wizard that-aaaargghhh!" Snape screamed as the cruciatus curse smashed into him hard enough to toss him off of his feet and onto his back, he writhed in agony for several seconds before the curse was released, leaving Snape gasping and shaking in pain. He knew that while Voldemort was no stranger to torturing his followers, he had very rarely done that with himself. The last time Snape had been tortured was six months into joining the Death Eaters, he hadn't been tortured once since, clearly, Voldemort was angrier than normal.
"You disappoint me, Severus," Voldemort said, his voice tight with anger. "I chose you to be my spy at Hogwarts because I believed that you were the only one intelligent enough to do the job. I had thought that you would have used the mind you are so proud of to observe. A spy needs to be objective, yet you've allowed your hatred for the boy's father to blind you to what he is."
"My...Master, I..." Snape coughed violently as he struggled to get up. "I...I only..."
"Do you think me a fool?!" Voldemort was suddenly in front of him, one hand around his neck and another pointing a wand between his eyes. "The boy was dead meat! He was brought into a graveyard with me and all of my followers and yet he lives?! He destroyed my body and killed one of my men! No ordinary fourth-year can do this! Do you think I am so weak that I will lose to an abysmal fourth year?! I know you know important information, now you will tell me such information without prompting or I will express my fury in such a way that even Lucius's dipshit son could understand! Once done, I will then rip through your mind barriers and find the information myself!" Voldemort roared before tossing Snape to the floor, Snape couldn't stop the groan that escaped him. He looked up and saw Voldemort sitting on his throne, looking all prim and proper like he hadn't just tortured a man. "Shall we try again, Severus?" Voldemort suggested.
"The...the boy," Snape coughed hard before forcing himself to stand up once more. "The boy is...talented," Snape said, not sure if admitting that was slightly better or worse than the cruciatus curse. "At least according to his other teachers. He's performed several impressive feats during the Triwizard tournament, beating the other champions easily. I had...at first...believed that the boy had help or was cheating somehow."
"Evidently not," Voldemort hissed.
"There seems to be a noticeable increase in his performance since his second year, according to the other teachers," Snape said, struggling to stay standing and not just fall onto the floor and curl into a ball. "He and Dumbledore's relationship has also soured somewhat, though Dumbledore still firmly believes that the boy is on his side."
"Dumbledore is a fool," Voldemort snarled. "One who has no idea what he is messing with."