Master of Death

We Fight

~ *~* ~ *~* ~ *~* ~ *~* ~ *~* CHAPTER VIII *~* ~ *~* ~ *~* ~ *~* ~ *~* ~

Harry did not sleep that night, something was bothering him, he could not place his finger on it. It was like an itch under his skin that did not leave him alone no matter how he tried to be rid of it. He had wandered outside and was sitting on the landing of the stairs, looking at the sky when the soft rasp of scales came to his ears. He looked to see Voldemort in his Naga form slithering his way up the stairs, the man having gone out for a late night stroll it seems.

“What has you awake so late, Hadrian?” He wondered, his sibilant tones caressing his ears like a playful wind.

“I cannot sleep, but that is not what is bothering me.” He admitted, looking to the stars. “We never did talk about what the old fool had done to annoy you so...”

“Ah, yes...” Voldemort smiled as he moved and coiled himself around Harry. “Perhaps your shadows should join us... Severus should be here soon enough as well, he wanted to stock pile the battle potions you will be needing soon enough.”

“Thank you... and yes, Aragorn, Legolas, come out.” Harry called and smiled as the pair slipped from their hiding spots. “Most impressive, but you are trying to sneak upon a Naga King and a Devi, both of whom who have very strong senses.”

Legolas smiled as he moved to sit beside Harry, looking to the stars, but his smile dimmed and fell away as he noted how dim they looked. Aragorn had leaned on a torch stake close by. Severus didn't take long to join them and once he was comfy on his mate's coils they began to talk.

“Griphook's work has been infallible since he took over as the Potter Accountant. He's taken back every Knut that has been taken from your vaults, every tome and relic has been returned as well, hefty fees and interest rates have all but ruined Dumbledore and his precious Order of Fried Chicken.” Voldemort began, chuckling at his little joke, which earned him a halfhearted swat form his husband. “Fine, the Order of the Phoenix, happy now?”

“Immensely.” Severus drawled.

“Poor Fawkes, having his kind used as a symbol for a group that is either firmly on Dumbledore's side or witless idiots who are too blind to see the truth.” Harry sighed, a little callous toward those he normally held sympathy and understanding for.

“And how do you know the Headmaster's familiar's name?” Severus asked.

“He's been with me since I began this journey, him, Aldeztaile and Hedwig, though I've had Hedwig longer.” Harry told him, blinking as if that was obvious. “Fawkes it doing me a favor by keeping my friends Frodo and Sam safe while they make their way to Mordor. We got separated when an Uruk-hai attack separated us. Not long after we left Lothlorien.”

“I see.” Severus smiled secretively. “Anyway, the Order is viewed as the Heroes of our tale, fighting back the Dark and Death Eaters, all the while scouring the earth looking for you. They were hit the most with the fines and interest rates to the point that they have lost a lot of their good standing in the public's eye. Even the Headmaster, practically untouchable what with his fame for his defeat of Grindelwald, being the Chief Warlock of the Wizengamont, and the Supreme Mugwump of the ICW, has taken a serious blow, even if just barely.”

“And it doesn't help that many are starting to believe that you had died that night or the following days after my defeat.” Voldemort smirked. “It will be quite hilarious to see how they will react to you coming back from the 'dead.' However, that is not what has us worried or annoyed. Dumbles, even with the blow to his reputation, still holds his positions, if only by the skin of his teeth, and still has sway over public opinion. He's playing on everyone's fears. Laws have been passed that enslave most creatures, sanction the hunting and killing of others!”