Can You Keep a Secret?

Title: Can you keep a Secret?

Authors: kusanobabe05 [kusanosakura] and socia0307

Pairing:  DracoxHarry, Theo Nott/George, Arthur/Molly, ?xCharlie, BillxFleur; implied past RonxHermione/present RonxLavender

Fandom: HP

Notes: Compatible up to the bathroom scene between Draco and Harry in Half-blood Prince- minus the Ginny interest. After that is completely AU…

Warning: drarry gets rather aggressive so be warned.

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Chapter 34

Andromeda made arrangements for Fleur and Bill to introduce Harry to his healer while she and Severus attended the meeting with the Dark Lord…

They, Severus and Andromeda portkeyed over, arriving early by ten minutes to do some final checking.

After satisfying themselves with the safety of the Folly, Severus ordered refreshments and went to meet the Dark Lord in the Atrium.

Meanwhile Andromeda made herself comfortable in the Front Parlour to wait.

Voldemort arrived via portkey with Nagini wrapped around his shoulders, he had clearly left the rest of the Death Eaters behind much to some of their confusion and others’ dismay. He had chosen to give Severus the chance to prove himself.

Severus met him with his usual stand-off nature apparent and yet he seemed nervous, “Welcome master to the least of my properties.”

Despite it’s clearly Muggle origins, curiously it seemed rather castle-like even inside. Voldemort had grown up in London and seen pictures of Buckingham Palace in the paper. So he had always wanted to live in a castle, which was one of the reasons that he had liked Hogwarts and had been loathed to leave it for the dreary orphanage.

He coughed, “Well for a Muggle place, it isn’t too terrible.”

Severus snorted, “It’s much better than the hovel I grew up in.”

Voldemort frowned, “You are a Prince, why do you not live in a fine house?”

“You are a Slytherin, why do you not live in a Slytherin property?” Severus retorted even as he led the Dark Lord deeper into the Folly.

Nagini surprised them both by laughing at them having already returned to her usual imposing size after slithering down her master to the checker marble floor.

Voldemort glared at her before he sniffed “Have you see what’s left? My lauded ancestors gambled away their fortune, only their pure blood allowed them to make proper bondings. My grandfather gambled away his bonded’s dowry and she returned to her family, the Blacks to escape the poverty. There wasn’t enough money to procure proper contracts for my mother or her brother. I have lived on the glory of my ancestor as a guest among my entourage of yearmates such as the Lestranges and the Notts though it does grow tiresome.”

                                                 

Severus frowned, “My apologies, I do stay in a Prince property during the holidays but to discourage visitors, I keep the hovel. Most would never wish to step foot in such a place; I only picked this place because it was unknown to either side and well it wasn’t an embarrassment.

They entered the parlour together and claimed their seats, across from one another curiously.

Andromeda smootherd her robe, “Lord Slytherin I presume?”

“Lady Andromeda, how are the young Lords?” Voldemort said courteously.

Andromeda sniffed, “Young Lord Potter-Black is still reeling from the most recent betrayal by the odious Headmaster. They left the castle for their own safety as you canno doubt understand. I am sure that a wizard as powerful as yourself has had more than a few unsavoury encounters with Dumbledore.”

Voldemort snorted “You sound as if you’ve had your own difficulties with the old fool.”

Andromeda shrugged, “He removed me as Head Girl during winter holidays due to my breaking a betrothal contract, nevermind that I ended up bonded to a Muggleborn and a Hufflepuff at that. He did more damage to my status within Slytherinwith that decision then my jilting of Lucius ever could. I was reinstated as a prefect while Emelia Bones was appointed Head Girl in my stead. I don’t regret my choice even now, but the man has never had my respect. I took his measure long ago and found him wanting. A second Merlin, ha! He is overreaching in many ways…”

Voldemort steepled his fingers, “I see, now I promised two gifts to prove my sincerity in reaching a peace between myself and Potter.” He paused to remove to objects from his robes, “Here are you sister and Wormtail, they may be released if one names their greatest betrayal. What he chooses to do with them is his affair.”

Andromeda held out her hand and the vaguely familiar objects soared to land on her palm, she frowned and then sniggered, “A Nimue Air Crystal Prison? How apropos…”

Voldemort shrugged, “It seemed fitting but I altered the lock to suit myself. It is amazing the tomes that the Bulstrodes possess is it not?”

“Indeed, it makes the Restricted Section look paltry. There is a reason that they are rivals with the Fortescues.” Andromeda said pointedly.

Voldemort raised an eyebrow, “Then you know of the disappearance of Florien Fortescue?”

Andromeda sniffed, “Doesn’t everyone? My daughter claims that your people are responsible.”

Voldemort shrugged, “Yes he is a guest, reluctant but I heard that Dumbledore was bothering him. Considered him the weak link in the family and I thought he was more protected at the Villa. The debates between Malcolm and Florien are quite informative to say the least.”

“I should think so, after all they may have different methods but they agree that certain books and artefacts don’t belong in Ministry hands. It is difficult to trust the Unspeakables, the Fortescues are different if anyone has the plausibility to raise up the next Merlin, it’s the Fortescues not the Dumbledores.” Andromeda agreed.

“Excuse me, as enlightening as this is, what does it have to do with our purpose here?” Severus grumbled interrupting them.

Voldemort coughed, “Yes of course, my apologies. Turning my followers’ anger towards Dumbledore instead of Potter will be difficult but not impossible. I don’t want to appear weak but this orchestrated feud between Potter and I has gone on far too long. In fact it has annoyed Nagini and she has complained often about it. It is curious just how stubborn snakes can be and how opinionated.”

Nagini preened before laying her head in his lap, “Nagini knows Master’s true nature as well as all of his secrets. I only want what is best for master.”

 

To the wizards’ and the serpent familiar’s surprise, Andromeda covered her mouth as if to surpress a chuckle and her dark eyes narrowed, “I see, this meeting was your idea wasn’t it Nagini?”

The Dark Lord’s snake nodded, “Well of course, out of everyone I have always had his best interests in mind. Our bond much to his discomfort goes far beyond what a normal master-familiar bond does. It exceeds even that of his previous bond with a serpent, you might call me his magical version of Jiminy Cricket.”

Severus gaped at her while Andromeda snickered.

“I always forget that he would have grown up with the early Disney classics…” the imperious witch intoned.

Severus frowned, “How do you know about Disney movies?”

Andromeda snorted, “I did bond to a Muggleborn, you really think that he wouldn’t have introduced me to Muggle Movies? He would take Nymphadora to the cinema all the time growing up.”

Meanwhile, the Dark Lord was muttering under his breath.

“Jiminy Cricket? Really? Where does she get these ideas?”

“From your head master.” Nagini retorted. “Besides its far past time for you to be twitter-pated.”

This time it was Voldemort’s turn to be stunned…

Severus was confused while Adnromeda couldn’t resist snickering again, she stared at Nagini who seemed to meet her gaze without flinching.

“How is it Lady Andromeda that you understand Parseltongue?” The Dark Lord said in a failed attempt to change the subject.

Andromeda snorted, “You really think that I would attend a meeting with a known parseltongue and not cast some sort of translation or comprehension charm? I may not have Founder blood as pure as yours but I do trace my ancestry back to Morganna Le Faye who joined the Grimaldi family.”

“A Grimaldi was bonded to Lady Rowena if I remember my Founder history correctly…” Voldemort said dryly.

“An Aurelia Kastra if I remember my Family history correctly.” Andromeda shrugged.

“I believe that Morganna bonded to a nephew…”

 

“I suppose it makes sense that Morganna would have joined such a powerful Dark Family…” Voldemort mused.

“What true Dark Witch or Wizard wouldn’t have some understanding of parseltongue. After all, many of the best were parseltongues and it was a fine way to record their secrets.” Andromeda sniffed.

“So besides these ‘gifts’,” Severus gestured at the air crystal prisons, “what other assurances can you offer Harry?”

“I will forbid my followers to attack him or any who defect Albus’ inner circle to join him. I can make some snide remark about them coming to realise that Dumbledore really is a rotting disease in our world, one that I finally defeated through Slytherin cunning after all.”

The Dark Lord was quite different from how he had been described to her, personality wise anyway. In appearance, he was indeed pale, red-eyed and had an unfortunate nose.

Voldemort scowled, “You’re staring Lady.”

Andromeda dipped her head in apology, “My apologies, I am just intrigued. It was once the opinion of much of Slytherin that I was best suited to be either your consort or your equal.”

“You are a raven.” Nagini hissed.

Andromeda sighed, “I have followed my ancestress’ path but I prefer to intimidate with what I could do rather than what I have done.”

Voldemort frowned, “Are you implying what I think you are?”

Andromeda shrugged, “If you mean can I unmake werewolves then yes. Before I was disowned, I made a study of Dark Lady Morganna’s experiments and accomplishments.”

“Interesting, that is unexpected. Would you be willing to prove it? My control over a certain werewolf is less then I wish.”

“That would be Greyback would it not?” Severus snorted, “I say we finally allow the Department of Magical Creatures to hunt him. You can see to it that they send their best hunter,”

“That would be Lupin,” Voldemort interrupted.

Andromeda frowned, “Remus? He hasn’t the testicular fortitude for it.”

Voldemort shook his head, “No, Lyall. He has quite the reputation. I believe that Lyall is that Lupin’s grandfather. I know that Greyback had a run-in with a Marrok Lupin and that’s why he turned your Lupin.”

Andromeda sniffed, “How tawdry.”

Voldemort shrugged, “He did it on his own, rest assured I crucioed him soundly for it. I would be interested if you used Greyback as a test subject to prove that you can unmake them but first we need to plot up how we shall expose Dumbledore.”

“Perhaps a Slytherin elf can retrieve his memory vials. I am sure that they would be of some use to a certain viper-quilled reporter who has no love for the Headmaster.” Severus smirked.

Voldemort chuckled dryly, “I like the way that you think, I can make such arrangements I believe. While stolen memories cannot be used to try Dumbledore legally, we can crucify him in the court of public opinion. Are there any who can testify to Potter’s mistreatment?”

Andromeda nodded, “I believe that Mary Prewett would be willing to discuss his weight at the platform before summer holidays as well as when he arrived at her home before term began. She is furious and wants Dumbledore as well as those nasty Muggles punished.”

“There is also an Order member, a witness from Harry’s Wizengamot trial, a squib named Arabella Figg who is a neighbour of his Muggle relations. I am unsure if she would be willing. Dumbledore has a sordid history of collecting misfits to create an aura of benevolence.”

“Poppy is a decent medi-witch but she is getting on in years and Hogwarts ought to have a proper healer; someone who can to more and has better training.” Andromeda sniffed.

“What about you Lady?” Voldemort asked amiably.

Andromeda coughed, “While I am flattered, I am afraid I must decline. I specialise in witch ailments and pregnancy, not adolescent health. While I do not blame you entirely for the incidents at Hogwarts in recent years, I am aghast that a mind healer is not on staff.”

Severus made a sour face.

Before he could speak, Andromeda glowered.

“Don’t you say anything against it. Think of them as an adult under an Unbreakable Vow to listen and guide troubled students. They would be a second line of defence when it comes to protecting students from abusive home situations like Harry and yourselves suffered.”

Severus flinched predictably but he seemed surprised when the Dark Lord glared at her.

“It is past.” He said sternly.

Andromeda snarled, “Are you seriously implying that having Dumbledore muck about in your mind that you don’t need healing? You were a child during the London Blitz , were you not? That is traumatic and you know it!”

The Dark Lord scowled, “You have a point…”

Andromeda smirked, “Soon you’ll learn.”

Voldemort raised an eyebrow, “Learn what?”

“That I am always right. Now that we have the traitors dealt with, as well as plans for ruining the old fool, what we need to decide is how to handle a Post-Dumbledore world and how your alliance with Harry is to be fixed.” Andromeda said snidely.

Voldemort sighed, “To be honest, I hadn’t thought that far ahead. After all, I was unsure that Potter would accept an olive branch given our previous interactions. I will order him left alone and likely imply that young Lord Malfoy had a second mission to alienate Potter from Dumbledore. What their relationship is now, I can only guess but if Potter has woken up from Dumbledore’s machinations it is alright. I am uncertain what happened that Samhain but if I do bear any real responsibility for the deaths of his parents, I will find some way of making reparations. How much I do not know as of yet because I am unsure of my culpability.”

“I know that you have little use or trust of Muggleborns but my Ted is the best.” Andromeda began and then sighed due to the expression of distaste on Voldemort’s face, “However, Princes have long been held to be excellent as Mental Magic as well as brewing. Perhaps, you would prefer Severus to be the one to sift through your memories.”

Severus blushed, “If he needs the assistance, then I would agree. I could not seek mental healing of my own due Dumbledore. He all but forbid it due to his insistence on the ‘Greater Good’.”

“A more self-serving ideology if I ever heard one.” Andromeda sneered.

“If the people weren’t such sheep,” Voldemort muttered.

“We created the problem” Andromeda retorted.

The two wizards blinked at her.

She guffed, “Do not give me such owlish looks, it is the truth. Why else did my generation of Slytherins join your cause without complain? Why were Arcturus, Mary, Sirius and I shamed so publically for disobeying our families’ expectations? Why have so many died since our graduation Severus? Simple we were taught blind obedience. Age brings wisdom, but so does life and maturity. We ought to be teaching our children to think. I may not always agree with Nymphadora but she is capable of knowing her own mind and defending it.”

Severus sighed, “When you put it that way, I would have to agree with you. Potter always did follow the likes of McGonagall and Dumbledore blindly despite his prankster bullying personality. Lily was one of the few in Gryffindor who could think for themselves, for a long time I presumed that Arthur and Molly were just a fluke. Now I suppose they are proving that they are more than just reckless and thinking with their hormones. Lupin preferred to be a follower and the only person that Black could defy was his mother.”

“We’ve seen what happens when my followers attempt to think on their own. Quirrell was defeated by your persistence Severus, Bella ended up with herself and three others imprisoned, Lucius ended up demoted from Head of the Board of Governors and Pettigrew nearly ended up canine food.” Voldemort shrugged, “The little worm ended up blabbing everything, if they can’t think for themselves then we will have to direct them properly.”

“The Head of a family is its Head yet a consort has the ability to guide them if they use it properly. We just have to apply the right pressure or assurances to do so. First we will have to find a way of distracting Scrimgour, which is no easy task of course. If we blow up the Potter-Dumbledore scandal enough, we can slowly begin making changes under his nose. McGonagall can’t be trusted with Hogwarts since she’s been in the Headmaster’s pocket for so long and Severus needs more time. If any current professor deserves the Headship, its Filius Flitwick. After all, he has the most seniority and would strive to undo the damage that Dumbledore has done to our Educational system.”

Severus shrugged, “Filius would be a fine choice. He is respected by parent, professor and student alike.”

“I suppose he is a fine professor, he reacted the best after that whingy Ravenclaw perished. He grew up and it was the making of him, he began taking his duties seriously. While I have no love for Muggles, I had more in common with Muggleborns than purebloods while in school. It is only my ancestry that allowed me to enter your world Lady.”

“Severus acquired Lucius’ attention during his First Year and I am sure that  is how he came to yours. I remember that Abraxus was an ardent follower even if  he was as poor of a parent as my aunt.” Andromeda said as she reached for a wine goblet and summarily an elf appeared to pour.

Likewise Severus and the Dark Lord acquired drinks.

After quenching themselves, they returned to plotting like the Slytherins that they were…

 

 

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What do you think? Outstanding? Exceeds expectations? Acceptable? Poor? Dreadful? Troll?