Chapter Text
Harry spent all the time until he fell asleep on the 21st telling his parents about the first three months of school. People he'd met, what he'd learned, quidditch matches. Everything. Harry finally fell asleep around 10:00 pm, his body already on the curfew at Hogwarts to usually knock out by 10:30 pm, sometimes 11 pm. But It had been a busy day of packing, plus being up all that time on the train too. Harry ended up leaning on his father's shoulder and with a little readjusting, Tom was able to carry Harry to his room and lay him down. Bellatrix covered him, and both left the room quietly after that.
It wasn't long until Bellatrix and Tom both went to sleep as well. The last few days had been spent buying gifts and getting ready for Christmas, Tom took his family into Diagon Alley to shop, the Malfoy's did the same. Severus had been there too, but not with them. Everyone grabbed lunch together and went about their day. Currently, it was the 24th as Bellatrix and Tom were putting on a little Christmas Eve get together with the Malfoy's and Tom's followers, who were under the guise of work friends, but not the parents of Gregory, Blaise, Vincent, Pansy, or Theodore.
All of them were home with their families. Most of the death eaters were still, despite how long it had been since learning the truth, trying to process how their dark lord ended up adopting the child he said he would kill, and also marrying one of his followers who also partook in the adopting of the child. At the same time, they all knew not to cross the man; he could still end them and his goals hadn't changed. Voldemort wanted to deal with all the manipulation and corruption.
"I think we should tell Harry tonight," Tom told Bellatrix while they were sitting together in the main room.
"I thought we said tomorrow?" Bellatrix questioned.
"Yes, but he's been so down since that day at King's Cross. I know he told that Weasley child off, but I feel like it's bothering him. How many people only see him as the boy who lived, or just Harry Potter. Like they refuse to accept the life he has now as a Gaunt." Tom stated.
"He seems fine, though. All smiles." Bellatrix countered.
"I think it's just a mask, Bella. Harry and I formed a link that night I went to kill him…It's how I learned where he was originally. I feel what he feels…And I feel like he's actually down in the dumps, as they say, about what took place." Tom informed.
"I trust your word in it, Tom. I don't mind revealing it tonight…Sticking to the original idea?" Bellatrix inquired.
"No reason to change it." Tom nodded. "I think it'll make his whole night."
"When is everyone coming?" Bellatrix wondered.
"Should be here any time." Tom stated. No sooner than the words left his mouth, there was a knock at the door. "See?"
Bellatrix giggled as she got up and went over to answer the door, finding it to be a couple of the followers, including her ex-husband. Right behind them was Severus, then the Malfoy's. When everyone was inside, Bellatrix closed the door and stood with Tom.
"Hi, Uncle Tom and Aunt Bella," Draco greeted.
"Hello, nephew," Bellatrix kissed his forehead.
"Where's Harry?" Draco asked lightly.
"Probably in his room if you want to go get him." Tom chuckled. Draco rushed off in a fast walk to get to Harry's room and drag the boy away from studying or reading, which he was always doing to pass the time. "Welcome, all of you. Happy Christmas Eve."
"Same to you, my lord," Corban replied.
"None of that now. This isn't a meeting, just a get together for the holiday. You can call me Tom," The dark lord instructed.
"Rodolphus, is this your little one?" Bellatrix questioned lightly. "Well, not so little anymore. Almost two, right?"
"Yes, in January on the 16th." Rodolphus's wife, Malorie, nodded.
"A handsome boy," Bellatrix smiled. "You named him Cyfrin?" Rodolphus nodded. "I'm so happy for you."
"Thank you, Bella. I'm happy for you as well." Rodolphus replied. "How are you and Tom?"
"Wonderful. Life is perfect," Bellatrix answered. "Come, come. Everyone have a seat, dinner will be ready soon." She invited the guests to come into the main room.
"Come on, Harry!" Draco urged, attempting to drag his brother out of his room and into the main space.
"Draco, don't tear your cousin's arm off!" Lucius scolded.
"It's fine, Uncle Lucy," Harry rubbed his eyes.
"It's Christmas Eve! Why were you sleeping?" Draco asked.
"It wasn't intentional!" Harry grumbled.
"You were sleeping at this hour?" Tom inquired.
"I fell asleep reading, Dad," Harry replied calmly. "Not that long, though. Last time I looked at the clock, it was only 4:00…"
"It's just about 5:30 pm now. Try not to sleep midday, son. You'll never go to bed." Bellatrix told him.
"Yes, Mum," Harry replied. "When's dinner? I'm starving."
"In a bit, son. How about you and Draco both open one gift early?" Tom suggested. "If that's alright with you two?" He looked at Lucius and Narcissa.
"That's fine with us." Narcissa nodded with her husband.
"Can I open the one I got from school?" Harry wondered.
"Who gave you a gift at school?" Draco blinked.
"Um…The giant…Mr. Hagrid!" Harry responded.
"Where is it?" Bellatrix asked.
"In my room, in the trunk." Harry stated.
"Bring it out here first, my boy. You know Dad likes to check over things you get from others he doesn't know." Tom told his son. Harry nodded and went to get the wrapped gift, then bring it to his father, who took it and inspected it closely. "Severus, you detect anything worrisome?" Tom handed the present over to Severus.
The potions master held the gift in his hands and checked over it, then ran his wand over it before giving it over to Bellatrix. "It's safe, Tom." Severus assured.
"Thank you," Tom nodded. "Yes, you may open it, Harry."
Harry took the gift from his mother lightly and sat on the floor. "Dray can go first." Harry smiled at his brother.
Draco was next to Harry and sitting down as Bellatrix levitated a gift over to her nephew. "It's from your uncle and I," She said.
Draco tore the paper carefully and then opened the box to see a Dragon statue with green eyes and black wand holder. "Woah…" Draco exclaimed. "These are so cool!"
"That holder can go on your arm, belt, or ankle, Draco." Tom informed.
"And the statue can hold your wand when you remove it from your person at night to sleep." Bellatrix added.
"I love it. Thank you, Auntie and Uncle." Draco went over to hug them both.
"You're welcome," Tom and Bellatrix said together. Draco went over to his parents to get help with the holder.
"What did you get, Harry?" Severus inquired to the boy sitting on the floor still.
Harry shrugged before he started to tear the paper off and find a red photo album with the Hogwarts symbol on it. Harry inspected the album all around first, then opened it up to the first page to find a picture of a red haired woman who had green eyes and a male with dark hair wearing glasses. Harry saw them holding a baby. "Are these my birth parents, Dad?" Harry got up and brought the album over to his father. Tom held the book in his lap and looked at the photo.
"They are, Harry and this is you with them." Tom confirmed. "This is James and Lily Potter."
"I see why so many people say I look like my dad with the glasses on…" Harry mentioned.
"And your mother's eyes." Severus remarked.
Harry kept looking through the album until he came across a photo with a young woman, presumably his mother, and another boy, but not his father. Harry eyed it and then looked at Severus. "Is this you, Severus? With my mum?" Harry went over to him to show the picture.
"It is." Severus told him. "That was taken when your mother and I started at Hogwarts, our first year. We always worked together in potions, she was brilliant at them. A lot like you, in fact."
"I see your style hasn't changed much," Harry teased, referring to the fact Severus was only wearing black pants and a white button down shirt and it's basically the same outfit in the picture. "Merlin, even your hair hasn't changed. It's just longer…"
"Watch it, brat," Severus joked. It was all in good fun, Tom and Bellatrix knew that or Severus wouldn't be allowed to call Harry that nickname.
Harry giggled as he kept flipping through the album until he came to a larger photo. "Was this their wedding?" Harry asked Severus as the man looked.
"Indeed." Severus replied calmly. "Hagrid obviously wanted you to have some memories since you were too young to remember your parents."
"Yeah, he said he was happy to see me again. He's the one who took me from my parents' house to my aunt and uncle's after they died. Or so he says." Harry shrugged.
"That's very much true." Severus admitted. "I was there before Hagrid was…" He informed.
"You were? Why?" Harry inquired.
"I'd heard your family got attacked and went to help…I…Arrived too late. I stayed with you until Hagrid came." Severus informed.
Harry stared at the man for a moment, then Harry closed his eyes as if he were remembering something. "Harry? Sweetie, what's wrong?" Bellatrix asked.
Harry finally opened his eyes and blinked a few times. "I…Remember you being there." Severus's eyes widened a little. "I was in the crib, in the nursery…You were holding my mother's body, and crying."
Harry wasn't even a year and a half old when his birth parents died, but he remembered Severus being there and cradling Lily's body, crying over losing her. "We were best friends, me and your mother. I was very upset when I learned she'd passed." Severus stated. How could he lie to the boy? To anyone? Tom knew how much Severus cared for Lily considering he begged his lord to spare her. "How do you remember that far back, Harry?"
"I dunno. It's fast images, and somewhat blurred…But you were wearing what you do at school, so you're recognizable." Harry admitted gently.
"Fascinating." Tom stated, surprised that Harry could recall so many years ago.
"Up for chess, Sev?" Harry inquired. "I have my set here."
"Wouldn't miss weekly chess night for anything, Harry." Severus smiled.
Harry went to his room to put the album away on his shelf, then grabbed his chess set and pieces.
"Weekly chess night?" Tom questioned.
"Harry and I always play a couple rounds of chess on the weekends in my office or room. Not that he's beaten me so far." Severus stated.
Harry came back with the board and pieces. "Not yet! But I will!" Harry challenged.
"We shall see," Severus smirked.
Harry pulled over the folding table and set the board on top as Severus waved his wand to set the pieces, letting Harry have the green ones while he kept silver. The two started their game while others talked quietly and watched.
Harry and Severus were quiet, focusing on their moves. This showed Harry was quite strategic, a thinker, like Severus. As dinner was just about ready, the game was nearly over and it looked like Severus was going to win. Harry had no way to move without getting checkmated.
"It's alright to admit defeat, Harry. We can always play again after dinner…" Severus offered.
Harry grumbled and sighed. "Alright, fine…I give…But only because I'm hungry!"
"Oh, of course. Can't think properly when hungry." Severus laughed a little. "Don't fret, you're getting better every time we play."
"Can we go eat now, Mum and Dad?" Harry asked.
"Yes, my son," Tom nodded. "Come, everyone," He invited.
The group walked to the large dining room and everyone took a seat as a couple elves brought out the food and set it on the table. When everything had been put down, Tom motioned for everyone to get food and enjoy. Draco and Harry chatted about the fact Lucius and Narcissa allowed him to throw a New Year's party, and all the fun they would have during the celebration.
The death eaters talked among themselves about how life had been while Tom and Bellatrix talked to Lucius and Narcissa on plans for tomorrow. Severus also joined in that conversation as he'd be attending too. As the meal ended, elves were coming to take the food away and store it for leftovers and everyone returned to the main room.
"Harry, want to play a round?" Draco asked his brother, motioning to the chess board.
"Sure," Harry agreed as Severus reset it for them and put his wand away. Just as they were about to start the match, Harry's owl, Hedwig, flew in holding a package and dropped it in Harry's lap. "Huh?" Harry lifted it up and inspected it. "Weird."
"What is, sweetie?" Bellatrix questioned.
"I sent Hedwig back here right before the train ride home. And who would send me something when everyone I see I'm with? Except me and Dray's friends in Slytherin, but Hedwig was already here, or…Should have been." Harry informed as he plucked the card off the top. "Your father left this in my possession before he died. It's time it was returned to you. Use it well." He read off.
"Harry, give me that card…" Severus held out his hand.
"Something wrong, Severus?" Tom questioned, seeing that Severus felt like something was up with this package.
Harry gave the card to Severus, who inspected it closely. "This is Albus's handwriting…" Severus stated.
"Do you wanna check this over then?" Harry held up the paper-wrapped present.
"Only if your parents want me to." Severus stated.
"Can I open it, Mum and Dad?" Harry requested.
"Is it safe, Severus?" Bellatrix asked.
Severus waved his wand over the package, and finally nodded to her. "Go ahead, Harry," Tom approved.
Harry tore the paper and pulled out a cloak that was dark with some orange and white splotches on it. "A cloak?" Harry stood to lift it up.
"It's ghastly…" Draco snorted. "Well, go on…Let's see it on you."
Harry rolled his eyes at Draco before wrapping it around himself and disappearing from sight. "Harry?!" Bellatrix stood quickly. "Where'd he go?"
"Blimey, it's James's invisibility cloak!" Peter informed quickly.
"What?" Tom asked.
"James inherited from his own father, it's been passed down through the Potter line dating back to the 12th Century, sir," Peter explained.
"Interesting…" Narcissa observed.
"Harry, pull it off your head a bit." Severus said calmly. Harry poked his head out, but the rest of him was still unseen.
"Why would Albus give it to him?" Lucius wondered.
"Why did Albus have it if it's James's?" Severus questioned.
"James trusted him to hold onto it when they went into hiding, and ensure that if anything happened to them, Harry would eventually get it back. It's always gone to the firstborn, James said that was tradition." Peter explained.
"But why would Albus give it back to an eleven year old?" Bellatrix inquired as Harry pulled the object off fully and folded it over his arm.
"Harry, why don't you put that away in your room for safe keeping. Draco can help you," Severus smiled. The two boys rushed off to Harry's room. "And as for why Albus would give it back to Harry…Albus has the Sorcerer's Stone hidden in the school. I think he wants Harry to go after it and gave him the cloak to sneak around the school."
"Why would he want Harry to go after it?" Tom inquired.
"Assumingly, he probably thinks you're after it…Albus told me after I confronted him about promising to keep Lily safe and hidden that the dark lord would return. He knows you're not gone, Tom." Severus informed calmly. "I know where it is and that it's very well protected by other teachers."
"Sadly…I think Harry's smart enough to pass those protections. One of them is mine, a potions riddle. I don't know the rest." The man paused. "The other reason Albus might have given it to Harry is because it was spelled over to compel him. I don't know for what exactly, but I saw the weaving of compulsion magic. I hid it from being visible to Harry when I checked it over. I broke everything on it before I said it was safe."
"Divert him being pressured, Severus." Tom ordered. "I don't want my boy mixed up in Albus's schemes. If what you say is true, Albus seems likely to be trying to get Harry to face Voldemort because of that prophecy you overheard. That a boy born at the end of July would have the power to destroy the dark lord."
"Harry's not one for breaking the rules, Tom," Severus assured. "I don't think there will be any temptation. You taught him well and his instincts are spot on when something isn't right. He knows to avoid danger. If anything, this was to be a test for Harry…Albus wants to find out how strong he is, likely to gauge when the final battle will be."
"I wouldn't be surprised if Albus has traps and tests planned out for every year Harry is at school." Lucius commented.
"Regardless, watch over him, Severus. I don't trust Albus." Tom said firmly.
"Of course, Tom." Severus bowed his head.
Harry and Draco returned, instantly going to their chess game as if the cloak wasn't a big deal. The two played silently and after about fifteen minutes, Harry checkmated Draco.
"Good game, Harry," Draco said as they shook hands. "You're good at it. I can't wait for the day you beat Uncle Sev."
Bellatrix looked at Tom, wondering if they should tell Harry the news yet and he nodded. "Harry, sweetie…Dad and I have decided that because you've been such a good boy the first part of the school year and keeping your grades up…You can open one more gift tonight."
"A little one, though." Tom added. "How about this one?" He used his wand to bring it over to Harry.
"Okay, Dad," Harry held the gift in his hands.
"Come open it next to us. Mummy misses her cuddles," Bellatrix smiled.
Harry went over and sat between his parents with the gift in his lap. Harry tore the paper and saw a green shirt with silver words. Harry started to read it over, but couldn't see everything so he lifted it up and unfolded it to see everything. Harry's eyes widened as he looked to both his parents quickly.
"Really?!" Harry gasped. Tom and Bellatrix nodded to him. "Really, you mean it?!"
"Yes, my son." Tom patted his back.
"When!?" Harry demanded.
"Right after your own," Bellatrix smiled.
Harry looked like he might cry as he hugged his father first, then his mother. "Why is Harry about to cry?" Draco inquired.
"Why don't you show them, son?" Tom suggested, patting Harry's back.
Harry grabbed the shirt and turned it around to reveal the words; New Big Brother. Est. August 1992.
The reality hit everyone of what it meant. "Oh my Merlin…Bella, are you pregnant?!" Narcissa said quickly.
"I am," Bellatrix leaned her head against Tom's shoulder. "We're having a baby."
"I'm so happy for you, big sister," Narcissa went over to hug Bellatrix.
"Congratulations, Tom," Lucius and Severus said together as the other death eaters were nodding and saying the same.
"When is the little one due?" Malorie inquired.
"August 10th, 1992." Tom replied. "We found out the day Severus reported Harry finally feeling better when Bella missed her cycle."
"I can't wait!" Harry sat back between his parents. "I'm gonna be a big brother!"
"We're excited too, sweetie," Bellatrix hugged her son and kissed his cheek.
"Hey, no fair! I want a little brother or sister…" Draco pouted. "Can I have one too?" He looked at his parents.
Lucius and Narcissa stiffened in shock, paling at the thought of having another child while everyone else just laughed at their faces.
"You already have a little brother," Harry teased. "Me. But don't worry, Dray," Harry told his cousin. "I'll share my brother or sister with you and we can both be big brothers." Draco beamed and nodded. "This is the best Christmas ever!" Harry cheered.