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Through the Veil and Back Again	By : SpeedyTomato Category: Harry Potter > Slash - Male/Male Views: 77508 -:- Recommendations : 3 -:- Currently Reading : 13
Disclaimer: I don't own Harry Potter (though someone could gift me a few of the men in it and I wouldn't complain) and make no money off of this.

Chapter List
- 4
- 5
- 6
Beta'd by the amazing Tenchi. Love you, woman, you're the best!

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Chapter 5

Giving a brief, quiet knock on the door to the office, Draco didn't bother to wait for an answer and opened it before sliding in. After shutting it behind him, he looked at the being seated behind the desk and smiled a little. Though wearing what he knew now was now a partial transformation that made him look the way he used to, Tom was still Tom, someone he had fallen for last summer. Since reabsorbing most of his Horcruxes, the madness as well as other things was gone, making the Dark Lord into a being that Draco didn't fear and liked, a lot.

Knowing who had come in, Tom signed his name to the parchment then tossed the quill on his desk. Leaning back in his chair, he looked at Draco, smiling. Holding out his hand, he motioned for him to come over. When the young man did, seating himself on the edge of the desk in front of him, he said, “It's good to see you, Draco. I take it things went well on the ride home and such?”

Settling into a comfortable position, Draco nodded, “It was fine, I guess. About the standard thing when it comes to that each year. The only thing off was Potter had this massive dog. I was certain it was Black again, but the animagus reveal spell showed nothing.” Stopping, he looked at Tom then asked, “Are you going drop the transformation or stay like that?”

Giving a hissy kind of laugh, Tom said, “You don't like this look?”

“It's still you, I know that, but it's creepy,” Draco shrugged, looking at him. “I like the way you normally look better.”

“I believe I can understand that,” Tom said, the transformation sliding off, revealing his normal face. “Why that is, I still don't know. I'm an old man, after all, far older than you are.”

“That doesn't matter,” Draco told him firmly with a shake of his head.

“You are an odd one, Draco,” Tom said, reaching out to let one long finger stroke down the young man's jawline. Clearing his throat, smiling slightly, he said, “I hope you didn't antagonize Mr. Potter too much on the ride. And, yes, I agree, that was probably Black as the dog with something to protect him and keep the spell from working. I'll explain that more later when your parents and Severus get here for the meeting.”

“Nothing more than normal,” Draco shrugged. Though he knew a great many things had changed in the last year when it came to the Dark Lord's plans and that he wasn't privy to some of it, he assumed that the push was still on to have Potter and Tom meet up. “What are you going to do about Black? Turn him in? Get Potter in trouble over it?”

“No,” Tom told him firmly, shaking his head. “There have been some big changes and I want both of them left alone right now, by everyone.” Arching an eyebrow, he added, “Including you, Draco. No more antagonizing him, none at all. I know there is a rivalry there, but you need to stop. I'll be explaining most of that in this meeting so you'll understand the why behind it. I also think that it's best not to antagonize Black when it comes to Mr. Potter as well. With the way I'm leaning on some things, I think there would be a viciousness in defending Mr. Potter that no one has seen before. Again, it's something I'll get into when everyone gets there.”

Though bewildered and curious about that, Draco nodded. “Alright, I'll try. It's not going to be easy though. As it probably won't be an issue until school starts back up, I don't see it as a problem. I'll have a summer to make sure I don't do it anymore.”

“It might come before that,” Tom said with a sigh, reaching out to run his fingers through Draco's hair. “It's one of those things I'm going to explain at this meeting.” Taking Draco's hand, he gave it a tug then pulled the boy into his lap and let an arm drape around his waist.

Leaning back against Tom, Draco sighed contentedly and nodded but his brow was furrowed. “Something big is coming, isn't it? I mean, bigger than what has been.”

“I believe so, yes, and many plans have to be changed. For once, I'm going to need you to help too. It's not going to be the same way most do, but your help is going to be needed, Draco.”

Nodding, Draco said nothing, wondering what was going on. He wouldn't ask though. If Tom said he would explain soon, he would. He was just going to have to wait for that.

“So, tell me about what happened at school after the whole fiasco in the Department of Mysteries.” Tom urged.

Ordering his thoughts, Draco began to explain to him what he observed and overheard.

An hour later, both of Draco's parents plus Severus were in Tom's office, seated and waiting for the Dark Lord to start, looks of anticipation on their faces. Settling back in his chair, Draco ensconced in his lap, Tom looked around then said, tone firm, “We have some big changes coming and adjustments that need made to accommodate them. There are also some things I need confirmed before we start.” Looking at Severus, he asked, “To make sure; you are firmly in my camp now, not Albus'? You realize he's doing things wrong?”

“I am,” Severus said with a firm nod. “My vow was to protect Potter the best I can. With what Dumbledore is doing, I can't do that. Since you're made your promise to me on the topic and as it aligns with what I vowed, I am firmly in your camp on the matter.”

“Very good,” Tom nodded. Looking at Lucius, he asked, “Now, once more, I want some clarification on what happened. When Mr. Potter dropped the prophecy, it shattered, correct?”

“When it was dropped, it shattered on the ground.” Lucius nodded, stiffening slightly. After all, that would normally be seen as a failure on his part, something that would get him trouble. Though Tom was no longer as psychotic as he had been in the past, one still didn't cross the man or fail in something you were assigned or you ended up on the wrong end of his wand. Quickly, he added, “I didn't hear anything it said though.”

Waving a dismissive hand, Tom said, “I don't need to hear it. Whatever it said is moot anyway.” Smirking, he looked around then said, tone now something that was meant to school beings with, “The fact that the prophecy broke is telling. They are made not to break. Sure, only the ones that the prophecy involves can pick it up, but if they are dropped by them, they can't break. That's a safeguard put on the jars so something important isn't lost if they are dropped or bumped wrong. The only time a prophecy can break is if it's been superseded by something else or made irrelevant. That prophecy broke because something happened to make it irrelevant. And I believe most who were there witnessed what did it because I found this--” Stopping, he pulled another prophecy jar out of his desk and sat it on top. Turning the label to where everyone could see it, he said, “I believe this is the real prophecy that is meant to take place. The other was something that may have been manipulated into coming to pass, be it by someone doing it on purpose or unwittingly, setting Mr. Potter and myself up on a path to face each other.” With his wand, he tapped the label on it. Three names and a blank space showed up on it. There was, of course, the name Lord Voldemort on it. Below that was Harry's name and that of Sirius Black. Under that was a blank space with a question mark. “I do believe it's waiting to find the fourth name on it. Nor do I have any idea who it might be.”

Looking at the jar, Severus' brow furrowed. As he was the one that heard, partially, the first prophecy, he asked, “How different is it?”

“Extremely, Severus, extremely.” Tom told him with a firm nod. Quickly, he rattled off what he knew of the old prophecy then said, waving a dismissive hand, “I know I didn't hear all of it and that it was initially imparted by Trelawney, however, I no longer care to learn the rest. This one was recorded years earlier by someone named Yves de Nostredame, one of the few direct descendents of the famous Muggle seer Michel de Nostredame, known as Nostradamus. It was made in the very early part of the century, before I was born. It's sat on the shelves in the Hall of Prophecy since then with no names on it. From what a source tells me, just the day before the whole fiasco took place it still had none. This was one on a shelf in the very front row that were checked regularly as they were known to be true prophecies but had no names yet attached to them. Now, I want you to listen to what it has to say.” Tapping the lid of the jar with his wand three times, he leaned back and waited.

A small misty male figure in an old fashioned suit emerged through the top of the jar then held still and began to recite, “In the time of great strife, when our world appears on the brink of war once more, a descendant of Merlin arises.

Marked, the serpentine seer grows through turmoil. The signs unclear, he is falsely led.

Power emerges then will manifest with the artifact applied, the seer having defied death twice.

Born to light, he will become grey, meeting the protection of darkness' heir in the center.

Two will join with him as he will lead the land of Merlin into what saves us all from the return of the burning times with the visions that come from his ancestor.”

Stopping, the small misty figure was silent for a few moments before starting to repeat it once more.

Tapping the jar with his wand again, the misty figure sank back into it and Tom leaned back in his chair. “That's the prophecy, the real prophecy.”

“And, as always with prophecies, about as clear as a cauldron bottom,” Lucius sighed, shaking his head.

“Well, yes,” Tom chuckled. “However, there is enough there to explain some of it. Twice defying death is Potter, no doubt. The killing curse then the veil is a pretty spectacular showing of that part with no one being able to quibble that's what it was the way you could with other things. He was also born to those that were firmly on the light side. The rest is where the problem comes in. However, a serpentine seer is something I've heard of. It's been a long time since I did and I'm still looking into that part, though.”

“I do believe, if I remember a small blurb I read about it long ago right, it means that he's a descendant of Merlin, gifted with prophecy. Though there are many descendants from that line, and even more that proclaim such, the seer part is rare. It only manifests once every several hundred years. Then it's only in times where guidance is needed in Britain when it's apparent something huge is happening that can swing things in our world one way or another. It's not happened often, so there isn't much written on the topic that's not cryptic.” Opening a drawer in his desk, he bumped it as he was pulling the old tome out. Eyes drawn to the jar that was sitting close to, but not on, the edge of it, he was mystified as it seemed to dance to the edge then dump itself off on its own. As he wasn't worried about it breaking, he wasn't panicked over it, more confused than anything else.

Seeing the jar tumble off the desk, Lucius acted out of reflex and put out his hand. Catching it before it hit the carpeted floor, he looked at it, confused when it started to feel like it was throbbing in his hand. Eyes widening, he watched his name start to scrawl across the blank space in gold lettering, the question mark vanishing. Staring at it, he blinked, then looked back up at the Dark Lord, confusion easily visible on his face.

“You can touch it,” Tom said, voice soft, staring at the elder Malfoy.

“My name is on it,” Lucius told him, bewildered. “It just appeared there.”

“Let me see,” Tom told him, holding out his hand for it.

Passing it over, still confused, Lucius looked at him and waited.

Looking at the jar, Tom nodded then sat it down and turned it so everyone could see the label. “I do believe that signifies the prophecy is being fulfilled as all parties to it have been found.”

“How? How am I part of it?” The older Malfoy asked, bewildered, looking around.

Shaking his head, Tom shrugged then said, tone thoughtful, “I don't know. Part I think I get, the bit about the 'protection of the darkness' heir'. That, I believe, is me. The only other thing I can think of is the part of about two joining him. Black, I'm sure, is one of them since Potter brought him back through the veil. Perhaps you are as well. I don't know.” Stopping, he drummed his fingers on the desk, thinking. After a minute or so, he shook his head then said, “Right now, that's not the concern. If it's true or how it relates will become known with time. Right now, we have another area to worry about. That's what we need to deal with.”

Pushing on, the Dark Lord said, “Alright, after talking with Severus, I've realized we have a problem. From what I'm gathering, Dumbledore's thinking Mr. Potter was actually made into a Horcrux by me accidentally that night in Godric's Hollow. With him being a Parselmouth and the connection with me, it would normally fit what could be read as signs of it. However, between going through the veil and this prophecy, I realize it doesn't. Being a Parselmouth comes from being the serpentine seer. That fits with what they were. They spoke Parseltongue and that was translated by others from what I remember of things I read.”

“The connection part is coming from the prophecy as well. Though Mr. Potter is unaware, as is Albus, that connection is still there and just as strong. Not only that, as he went through that veil and was considered dead, any Horcrux would have been destroyed. That would have killed the connection. As it's still there, I would bet anything he's still a Parselmouth. On that front, Severus fed Albus a line about me blocking the link from my end but that hasn't happened. In fact, I can't. No matter how hard I try, I’m not able to. That tells me it's more than just a normal connection. I do believe that it's only Severus that knows about these details as the old coot is keeping them to himself, planning to ensure that Mr. Potter sacrifices himself so that he can kill me.” Looking at the Potions Master, he saw the man nod. “It's also what drove Severus away from him. That works well for us.”

Looking at Severus, he asked, “I'm gathering things aren't going well in Albus' camp for him?”

“No,” Severus said with a shake of his head. “Normally, everyone takes his word on what needs to be done and doesn't argue then does it the way he dictates. The last meeting that didn't happen. There was a conflict about Potter returning to his relatives. Black actually argued with him about it and, in the end, won. Others backed what he wanted as well. Albus wasn't pleased with that.”

“Very good,” Tom nodded. “Black is feeling whatever connection is there is my thought. It will drive him to protect Potter at all costs, from everything. Caution should be exercised when dealing with him. It's my feeling that even so much as irritating Mr. Potter will bring out something akin to the behavior of a mother dragon defending her eggs.” Glancing over at Severus, he said, softly, “On your end, make certain. The relationship you have with Potter is contentious at best. I know you feel you can defend against Black and come out on top, but this time don't chance it. My suggestion would be to make it look good but don't step too far.”

“I will modify accordingly,” Severus said, though not liking that thought. However, he didn't want to see if this was the case either and end up hexed within an inch of his life by someone feeling they were defending Potter. Black could be vicious on a good day, he didn't want to see if it could get any worse then be on the receiving end of such a thing.

“Now,” Tom started, looking back at the Malfoy's, “there is something I need you three to do. I want Potter out, either from under Albus' thumb or before Black does something and they vanish. I think the latter might already be in the planning stages. Though I have no information on that, it would fit with the protection part. That veil is a mysterious thing that no one knows much about. However, despite what is said, there have been a couple ancient documented instances of someone passing back through. Whoever comes back through tends to have knowledge about things that have happened they don't have any practical way of knowing. I believe Black may have come back with some. Again, it's just a supposition on my part but my gut tells me it's right. With the prophecy telling that Potter is stepping into the grey to be shielded by the dark then Lucius' name being added in there, he needs to be out and come under my protection. That's where I want you to come in.”

Looking at Lucius and Narcissa, he said, “I'm going to have Severus set it up so you go to Albus and ask for protection from me. The best we could come up with for that is you can make it clear to him that I'm upset over what happened and you want Draco protected because I’m threatening him in some way. Severus has agreed to vouch for you. Even if he asks for confirmation from Veritaserum, it can be managed. Again, Severus has come up with something for you to take where it will neutralize it. As Albus still believes Severus is fully in his camp and trusts him, he's going to put a bug in the old coot's ear about sticking you at Grimmauld Place, where Potter and Black are, for the summer. You would be, after all, high ranking defections that will need more protection than most. This would provide that. While there, I want you to work on Black and Potter to get them to come to me. I can give whatever is needed as proof that I'll protect him and wish him no harm.” Stopping, he waited and looked at the two.

Looking at Lucius wide-eyed, Narcissa then looked back at Tom, confused.

“I know this isn't what you want and the relationship there is bad at best, however, you are the best I have to do this. Albus would believe it, for starters. In fact, he would love it. You are a big catch for him to get and he would jump at it, thinking he would be able to get all the information about me you could hand over. He would all but kill for that. Then, besides passing things along to Severus, you have the means to keep in contact with me. Your house elves will be perfect messengers. As you, Narcissa, are a Black, the elf that is resident at Grimmauld Place will also listen to you. On top of all that, I trust you both to do what is needed. Not only do I know you won't betray me, you're both smart enough to think on your feet where it's needed and can formulate any plan that might have to be thought up on the fly. You're the only ones I have in a position that can do something like this and pull it off.”

Looking down, Lucius thought it over the nodded, “Alright. We'll do it. How long do we have before we have to start?”

“I would say within the week. I'm going to go over the basics of this with everyone for the next couple of days to ensure we're on the same page and you know what to pass or not to give Albus what he wants out of it. Tomorrow, Severus is going to go to Albus and start feeding him the story. I'm hoping that within the week you will be at Grimmauld Place. I know this won't be nice and the company less so, but we need this. Change is coming and we can't let Albus throw a spanner into the works or have Black do something we have no way of anticipating, thus making what is needed harder to accomplish.” Tom told them seriously.

Nodding slowly, Narcissa sighed, “Alright, I'll do it. I just don't know how we're going to pull this off with what's gone on between everyone. Sirius isn't going to trust me or Lucius. Potter and Draco-- well, that relationship is well known. Combine the two? I don't know that we can manage to do this.”

“I know, it's going to be rough,” Tom told them, nodding. “That's why I'm going to let the two of you decide how best to go about this. I can give hints, of course, from things I know or advice if you run into an issue, but I'll leave most of it up to you. Somehow, I think this will work itself out. You're both good at following something that's presented to you. I would suggest that might be the best way to go about doing this.” Stopping, Tom looked down at Draco, who was staring at the floor, scowl in place, “Draco, I know you and Potter don't get along, but you need to drop the rivalry. If you keep it up, everything your mother and father will be trying work towards is going to fail.”

Looking petulant about that, Draco just nodded but said nothing, hating the very idea. This was the first time Tom had asked him to help, so he would. Plus, if he got in that house, he might be able to find something that he had been trying to get his hands on for quite some time. That was at least a little bit of an upside to it, though not much of one.

Giving Draco's shoulder a squeeze, he looked back at the two seated before his desk, “I know this is a lot to ask of you two, but it's needed. We are in a war and sometimes have to do something unpleasant to come out on top. This is going to be one of those things. In the end, it will be best for all of us. Just go with your instinct and yell for help if you need it. We'll work something out to make sure you can do that.”

“We can do that,” Lucius said with a nod and a sigh. “However, can we get some background on what Potter's life is like? Black we know, Potter is just tidbits.”

Looking at Severus, he asked, “How much do you have? I don't have a lot, honestly, just that it's not been as people thought.”

Sighing, Severus looked down then scowled. Softly, he said, “His life isn't as people have been led to believe. He's not the pampered prince that has a family that fawns over him. In fact, it's about the direct opposite.” Slowly, the Potions Master began to walk him through all he knew about the young man.

Thanks to Rogue for helping me with the prophecy and how to word it!

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Through the Veil and Back Again