The clashing of spells filled the stone-walled dueling chamber, each crackling impact illuminating the dim space with bursts of light. Harry darted to the side, his wand moving with instinctive precision as Rodolphus sent another streak of crimson energy hurtling toward him.
โIs that the best you've got?โ he called, his voice laced with mockery. He crouched low and fired a hex that narrowly missed Rodolphus's left ear.
Rodolphus grinned, a wicked, almost feral smile that promised retaliation. โWatch your mouth, boy,โ he growled, his voice carrying both irritation and amusement. โYou're still standing because I allow it.โ
Harry smirked, his wand raised defensively as he circled his opponent. โYou mean you're still standing because I don't want to embarrass you in front of Rabastan.โ
That earned him a snarl. Rodolphus flicked his wand with practiced precision, sending a spell spiraling toward Harry like a ribbon of shadow. Harry barely deflected it, the force of the impact driving him back a step.
โFancy,โ Harry said, shaking out his wrist, though his breath was heavier now. โBut still no hit. I thought the great Rodolphus Lestrange was supposed to be terrifying?โ
Rodolphus's grin widened. โOh, I'll show you terrifying, Gaunt.โ
He stepped forward, his wand glowing with the beginnings of something darkโsomething Harry recognized but didn't flinch from. Instead, he braced himself, waiting for the perfect moment to dodge.
But before Rodolphus could release the spell, the heavy oak doors creaked open, and Rabastan stepped inside, his presence instantly drawing their attention.
โInterrupting something?โ Rabastan asked dryly, his sharp features shadowed in the low light of the chamber.
Harry lowered his wand, rolling his shoulders as if disappointed. โOnly Rodolphus's latest attempt to actually land a hit,โ he said casually.
Rodolphus shot him a glare. โI was this close, you cheeky brat.โ
Rabastan smirked faintly, but his tone was brisk as he spoke. โClose or not, you'll have to finish later. I just received a letter from Lucius. The Dark Lord wants Gaunt at Riddle Manor.โ
Harry's playful grin faltered slightly, though he quickly masked it. โWhat does he want now?โ he asked, his tone deliberately casual.
Rabastan shrugged. โDoesn't say. But Lucius was clearโit's urgent.โ
Rodolphus waved a dismissive hand. โGo, then. The Dark Lord's business is no matter for delays.โ
Harry hesitated, glancing between theย brothers and the still-glowing dueling chamber. He had been enjoying thisโsparring with Rodolphus was one of the few moments in his life where he felt some semblance of control, even if it was under the guise of training. The lessons were brutal, yes, but there was something satisfying about challenging Rodolphus and walking away unscathed.
With a dramatic sigh, Harry tucked his wand away. โFine. But I'm not letting you off the hook, Rodolphus.โ
Rodolphus raised an eyebrow. โOh?โ
โYou owe me a proper duel,โ Harry said, smirking as he stepped toward the door. โAnd if you ever manage to land that hit, I'll take you to a Muggle fast food place. My treat.โ
The Lestrange brothers stared at him, one in amused disbelief, the other mildly disgusted. โMuggle fast food?โ Rodolphus echoed, his tone laced with disdain.
Harry shrugged, his grin cheeky as always. โThink of it as a cultural experience.โ
Rodolphus snorted, shaking his head. โIf I ever land a hit, Gaunt, you're paying for something better than whatever rubbish those Muggles eat.โ
Harry waved a hand as he followed Rabastan out of the chamber. "Keep dreaming, old man. You've got a long way to go before you can keep up with me."
Rodolphus muttered something under his breath, but there was a faint smile on his face as he watched Harry leave.
Rabastan and Harry walked side by side, the silence between them comfortable but brittle, as if either of them might break it with an offhand comment. Harry glanced sideways at the other man, his sharp profile cast in the flickering light of the sconces on the walls.
โSo,โ Harry said, breaking the quiet, โwhat have you been up to these days? I haven't seen you much.โ
Rabastan smirked faintly but didn't immediately answer. He adjusted his pace, his long strides slowing to match Harry's. โOh, the usual,โ he replied. โTasks for the Dark Lord. Keeping Rodolphus from strangling himself in his own arrogance. And, of course, waiting for you to stop running off with him long enough for us to resume our own lessons.โ
Harry snorted, shoving his hands into his robes. โYou've been avoiding me. Admit it.โ
Rabastan chuckled, the sound low and mirthless. โAvoiding you? Hardly. I've just been busy. But perhaps laterโif the Dark Lord decides not to keep you until morning. Though, knowing him, he'll likely find some way to occupy you.โ
Harry rolled his eyes, his annoyance evident. โYeah, well, let's hope it's quick. I don't need another endless lecture about 'potential' and 'loyalty.' I get enough of that from everyone else.โ
Rabastan didn't respond, though the corner of his mouth twitched. They stepped out into the biting chill of the manor grounds, the vast expanse of the Lestrange estate stretching out before them. Harry glanced up at the darkened sky, his breath misting in the cold air.
As they reached the edge of the apparition wards, Harry waved his wand lazily, his robes shifting and reforming. By the time they stopped, he was fully dressed for the occasionโdark, formal attire that fit him like a second skin.
โYou're getting better at that,โ Rabastan commented, his tone neutral.
Harry shrugged, brushing a nonexistent speck of dust from his sleeve. โI've had practice. You'd be surprised how much time you can save when you don't have to stop and change.โ
He adjusted his collar, tapped his cheeks, and tousled his hair before speaking again.
โYou know,โ he glanced over at Rabastan, โfor all his talk about efficiency, you'd think Voldemort would unlock the bloody Floo network at Riddle Manor. Would make things easier, wouldn't it?โ
Rabastan's expression didn't change, but Harry caught the faintest flicker of amusement in his eyes. โPerhaps he likes to see who's willing to make the effort to get there. Or perhaps he just enjoys inconveniencing everyone.โ
โFigures,โ Harry muttered, shifting his weight impatiently.
Rabastan extended a hand toward him. โReady?โ
Harry sighed dramatically but took Rabastan's arm. โJust don't splinch me,โ he said, smirking slightly. โI'd hate to arrive in pieces.โ
โHold on tight, then,โ Rabastan replied dryly.
The towering structure loomed before them, its dark windows like empty eyes watching their every move. Harry straightened his robes and ran a hand through his hair, his reluctance hidden beneath a practiced mask of indifference.
โWell,โ Rabastan said, brushing his sleeves as though brushing off dust, โI'd wish you luck, but you'll need more than that with him.โ
Harry snorted. โThanks for the vote of confidence.โ
Rabastan's lips quirked in the faintest semblance of a smile before he turned on his heel and disapparated, leaving Harry alone on the path to Riddle Manor.
With a casual flick of his wand, his glasses shimmered briefly before shifting into a sleek, black mask that curved smoothly around his face, obscuring his identity. Only a select few had seen Gaunt's faceโjust as only a select few knew that the boy who had once been their enemy now ranked among the Dark Lord's most trusted.
The moment he stepped inside, the familiar cold seeped into his bones. A stark contrast to the heat of his rising irritation. The corridors stretched out before him, dimly lit and lined with figures cloaked in black. Each death eater he passed bowed their head slightly in acknowledgment, some muttering brief greetings.
Harry caught the subtle differences in their responsesโsome stiff with respect, others laden with weariness or even envy. He saw it in the way their shoulders tensed, the way their gazes lingered too long or darted away too quickly. He was a reminder of their failures, a boy who had risen faster and higher than most of them could dream.
Harry offered nothing in return, his stride measured and purposeful. He had long learned to keep his emotions buried under layers of indifference. Let them envy him. Let them fear him. It was better than the alternative.
By the time he reached the Dark Lord's office, his irritation had reached its peak. He pushed the door open without hesitation, his steps deliberate as he strode inside.
โYou know,โ Harry began, his voice sharp with exasperation, โfor someone who claims to value efficiency, you've got a remarkable talent for calling me at the most inconvenient times. I was in the middle of aโโ
He stopped abruptly, his words catching in his throat as his eyes swept across the room.
Voldemort sat at the head of the room, his serpentine features impassive, though a hint of amusement flickered in his crimson eyes. But it wasn't the Dark Lord's presence that silenced Harry.
Standing off to the side, cloaked in dark robes and wearing a mask not unlike his own, was someone else. The figure stood rigidly, their posture tense but composed. Harry's eyes flicked over them briefly, taking in the way they carried themselvesโproud, deliberate, but also guarded.
His partner.
Rosier.
That's it, just Rosier. He doesn't like being called by his โfirstโ name.
Well, he doesn't like his own identity's first name either.
His partner, known as the son of Evan Rosier, who went missing during the first war.
Strange.
He could feel the shift in the air, the way the Dark Lord's gaze lingered on him for a moment longer than usual, as though silently challenging him to betray any sign of unease.
Harry straightened, forcing himself to speak again. โI see I'm interrupting something.โ
Voldemort's thin lips curled into something that might have been a smile. โHardly, my serpent. You are precisely on time. I have a task that requires the two of you.โ
Harry's jaw tightened beneath his mask, but he nodded.
โYou will work together once more. Efficiency is paramount. I trust there will be no... complications.โ
Harry forced himself to focus, but as the Dark Lord began to outline their mission, he couldn't help the faint prickle of curiosity that settled in the back of his mind.
But trust or not, it didn't matter. This was the Dark Lord's will. And Harry had long since learned that there was no room for questioning that.
The Dark Lord's words were familiar, the same directives and expectations he had heard countless times before. He could recite the spiel in his sleepโprecision, loyalty, success.
His partner stood a few feet away, rigid and silent, hands clasped loosely behind his back. Rosier's posture spoke of confidence, maybe arrogance. The way he carried himself reminded Harry of someone who had never been told "no," someone used to control. But there was a coldness to it too, a sense of detachment that Harry couldn't help but notice every time they were sent on a mission together.
Long strands of blond hair would peek out from under his hood every time.
It was impossible not to notice.
He had always been curious about him. From the very first mission, there had been something about that reserved demeanor, the calculated precision, that had drawn his attention. They worked well togetherโtoo well, sometimes. It had taken only a handful of missions for Voldemort to start pairing them exclusively, their efficiency praised and rewarded.
And yet, the irony of it all was that he didn't know who he was. Couldn't know.
Harry had found it ridiculous at first, the whole cloak-and-dagger secrecy. The Lestranges and Voldemort already knew who he truly was, what more just one guy?
He had even considered voicing his frustration to Rabastan or Rodolphus. But the logic behind it had become painfully clear soon enough. If one of them were captured, tortured, or otherwise compromised, the other's identity would remain protected. It was a precaution, a safeguard against the many enemies who would do anything to tear them apart.
Harry understood it now. Respected it, even. But that didn't make it any less maddening.
He had pieced together fragments over time, details that slipped through the cracks in their carefully guarded exterior. The slight sneer in his partner's voice when he spoke to inferiors. The way he would pause, just for a fraction of a second, before executing a curse with surgical precision. The aura of control he exuded even when things went awry.
It all painted a picture that felt achingly familiar, like a half-forgotten memory tugging at the edges of his mind.
Still, he knew better than to dwell on it too much. Curiosity was dangerous in their line of work. Too much questioning, too much wondering, and you'll start to lose your focus.
And focus was the only thing keeping him alive.
โDo I have your attention, my serpent?โ Voldemort's sharp voice cut through Harry's wandering thoughts.
Harry blinked, his gaze snapping back to the Dark Lord. He dipped his head slightly.
โOf course, my lord,โ he said smoothly.
Voldemort's eyes lingered on him for a moment longer, as if sensing his distraction, but he said nothing. Instead, he turned his attention back to the both of them, continuing to outline the mission.
Harry let his gaze flicker briefly to his partner once more. Rosier hadn't moved, hadn't spoken. But Harry could feel his presence as surely as if he was standing right next to him.
It doesn't matter who he truly is, Harry reminded himself. All that matters is the task.
Out here, with his partner beside him, the world seemed sharper, clearerโas though the mask stripped away the constraints of who he was supposed to be. He felt alive in the cold air, more himself than he ever did inside the stifling confines of Grimmauld Place.
The night was damp and heavy with fog, the moonlight a dim haze that barely illuminated the empty alley. Harry adjusted his mask, the blackened glass over his eyes gleaming faintly in the mist.
His wand twirled lazily between his fingers as they walked in sync, boots crunching softly on the wet cobblestones. The target's house was ahead, decrepit and unassuming, though the horrors within it were well-documented by Voldemortโs spies. The thought of someone experimenting on magical children made Harryโs stomach churn, anger bubbling low in his chest. He kept his steps light, his demeanor easy, though his fingers itched to act.
โYou were distracted earlier,โ his partner remarked, voice cool and dispassionate, cutting through the fog like a blade.
Harry turned his head slightly, the faintest grin pulling at his lips beneath the mask. โOh, you noticed?โ he teased, his voice laced with amusement. โYouโve been watching me that closely, then? Iโm flattered.โ
His partner made a sound that might have been a scoff. โYouโre reckless when youโre not focused. Iโd rather not die because youโre daydreaming.โ
Harry laughed, the sound soft and unguarded. โDonโt worry about me. I always pull through, donโt I? Besides, youโd miss me if I wasnโt around.โ
His partner said nothing, though Harry swore he caught the faintest tilt of a head, as though he was rolling his eyes. The silence didnโt bother him. If anything, he enjoyed the contrast between themโthe way his playful, teasing energy clashed against his cold, calculated demeanor. It was a game he never grew tired of, seeing how far he could push before he bit back.
โYouโre in a good mood,โ his partner observed, tone neutral but edged with something that might have been curiosity.
Harry shrugged, the motion casual. โWhat can I say? I like our little field trips. Itโs nice to get away from all the... formalities.โ He spread his arms wide, his grin audible in his voice. โJust you, me, and the occasional degenerate who deserves whatโs coming to them. What more could a guy want?โ
His partner didnโt respond immediately, the silence stretching just long enough for Harry to feel the faintest flicker of self-consciousness. He wasnโt sure why he cared so much about his partner's opinionโwhy he felt the need to fill the void of their quiet with his words.
โIโm surprised youโre not more focused, given the target,โ they said finally, their tone measured.
Harryโs grin faltered, replaced by a sharper edge of determination. โOh, Iโm focused. Trust me.โ His grip on his wand tightened. โNo one experiments on kids and gets away with it.โ
They reached the house, its sagging structure looming over them like a rotting corpse. Harry paused, his eyes scanning the windows for any sign of movement. The anger simmering inside him threatened to spill over, but he forced himself to take a breath, his mask grounding him.
His partner spoke again, voice low but firm. โDonโt let your emotions cloud your judgment. We need precision.โ
Harry tilted his head, glancing at them with a mischievous glint in his eyes. โYouโre such a killjoy, you know that? But fine. Precision it is.โ
They didnโt respond, merely gesturing toward the door. Harry took the lead, his playful demeanor slipping just slightly as the reality of their mission settled over him.
And yet, despite the seriousness of their task, he couldnโt help but feel a strange sense of freedom. Out here, with the mask hiding his face and his partner at his side, he felt untethered. No expectations, no burdensโjust the mission and the thrill of the unknown.
As they moved into the house, Harryโs grin returned, sharp and dangerous. Whatever lay ahead, he would face it with the same reckless abandon that had always driven him. And he knew, without a doubt, that his partner would be right there beside him, steady and unyielding as ever.
The icy chill of Riddle Manorโs grounds bit at Harryโs skin as they landed, the rush of apparition fading away. He stumbled slightly, still humming with the adrenaline that coursed through his veins. His mask was still firmly in place, but beneath it, he could feel the sticky warmth of blood drying on his skin. His robes were splattered, the evidence of their mission stark against the black fabric.
His partner stood a few feet away, their composure untouched by the carnage. Even covered in blood, they looked unbothered, as though slaughter and secrecy were nothing more than routine. Harry envied that calm, even as he felt a sharp thrill from the chaos theyโd just wrought.
โThat,โ Harry said, his voice breathless and sharp with excitement, โwas brilliant. Did you see the look on his face whenโโ
โStop.โ
The word was firm but quiet, cutting through Harryโs rambling like a blade. He turned toward his partner, his grin faltering slightly as he caught the edge in their tone.
โYou need to calm down,โ they said, their voice steady. They stepped closer, their movements deliberate, and reached out to touch his arm. It wasnโt muchโa faint brush of gloved fingers against his sleeveโbut it was grounding in a way Harry couldnโt quite explain.
โI am calm,โ Harry argued, though the manic energy in his voice betrayed him. His hands twitched at his sides, his fingers still tingling from the curses heโd cast. โIโm just... buzzing. You know how it gets.โ
โI know,โ his partner replied, their voice softer now, almost understanding. Their hand lingered on his arm for a moment before they pressed down slightly, forcing him to stay still. โBut you need to come back. Focus.โ
Harry laughed, the sound hollow. โCome on, donโt tell me you donโt feel it. That rush, that freedom. Itโs likeโlike weโre unstoppable, yeah?โ He turned to them fully, his grin back in place, wide and sharp beneath his mask. โItโs like nothing else matters out there.โ
His partner didnโt move, their mask concealing whatever expression might have been there. But their silence carried weight, a gravity that slowly began to pull Harry back down to earth.
โYouโre going to burn yourself out if you keep this up,โ they said after a moment, their tone low and measured. โThis isnโt a game.โ
Harry opened his mouth to respond, but the words caught in his throat. He felt their hand move, their palm resting briefly against his shoulder. The gesture was subtle, almost hesitant, but it was enough to still the wild energy surging inside him.
For reasons he couldnโt quite explain, his partner had always been able to do thisโcalm him, steady him when his emotions threatened to spiral out of control. It annoyed him sometimes, how easily they could pull him back, but tonight he was almost grateful for it.
โI know itโs not a game,โ he said finally, his voice quieter now. He tilted his head, looking at them curiously. โBut itโs the only time I feel like myself, you know?โ
They didnโt respond, but the faint pressure of their hand on his shoulder lingered a moment longer before they stepped back.
โGet cleaned up,โ they said, their tone back to its usual coolness. โThe Dark Lord will want a report soon.โ
Harry watched as they turned away, their movements precise and deliberate as always. He let out a shaky breath, running a hand through his hair beneath the mask. The blood on his robes felt heavier now, the thrill of the mission fading into something darker.
He didnโt know why his partner's touch had such an effect on him, or why their words seemed to stick with him long after they were spoken. But as he followed them toward the manor, the lingering warmth of their hand on his shoulder was the only thing keeping the cold at bay.
The familiar dimness of his old room at Riddle Manor wrapped around Harry like a shroud as he shut the door behind him. It had been months since he last stayed here, but everything remained untouched, preserved in eerie stillness. The heavy curtains blocked out the pale moonlight, leaving the faint glow of a single lamp to cast long shadows across the room.
Harry leaned against the door for a moment, letting out a slow breath. The adrenaline from the mission had dulled, replaced by an odd, buzzing emptiness that lingered in his chest. He raised a hand to his mask, hesitating for just a second before pulling it free.
The cool air brushed against his flushed skin, and he tossed the mask onto the bed without much thought. His reflection in the cracked mirror by the dresser caught his attention, and he froze, staring.
Blood streaked his face and neck, vivid and glistening under the faint light. It had splattered in arcs across his cheeks and tangled in his dark hair, curling against his skin like an artistโs cruel brushstrokes. For a moment, he didnโt move, his green eyes wide as they followed the crimson trails.
There was something hypnotic about the sight. The way it clung to him, marked him, like a part of himself he couldnโt wash away. His hands were worse, caked with drying blood that cracked at his knuckles when he flexed them.
Harry swallowed hard, breaking the spell. He turned away from the mirror, tearing his gaze from the accusing reflection, and moved to the basin in the corner of the room. The water in the jug was ice-cold as he poured it into the bowl, but he barely noticed.
He scrubbed at his hands first, the water turning a sickly red as the blood loosened and swirled away. His movements were mechanical, practiced, but his mind drifted, caught between the thrill of the hunt and the uneasy weight that always followed.
Is this what itโs come to?
The question drifted unbidden through his thoughts, but he shoved it aside. He had no space for doubts, no patience for introspection.
By the time he moved to clean his face, the water in the basin had turned a murky pink, the surface rippling faintly with each splash. He pressed the cloth to his skin, letting the cold seep in and chase away the lingering warmth of blood.
But no matter how much he scrubbed, the faint traces of red seemed to linger, ghostly and stubborn.
Harry leaned over the basin, his hands gripping the edges tightly as he let out a shaky breath. His heart was still racing, his mind a storm of chaos and calm, the two fighting for dominance. He could still feel the weight of his partnerโs hand on his shoulder, the steadying presence that had pulled him back from the brink earlier.
But now he was alone. And the mask was off.
The blood had always been a part of itโpart of himโand yet it still caught him off guard every time. As if seeing it on his skin made it real in a way the mask never could.
โFocus,โ he muttered to himself, his voice harsh in the silence of the room. โItโs done. Itโs over.โ
The words felt hollow, but he repeated them anyway, scrubbing harder at the last remnants of red as though trying to erase more than just the blood.
The sudden knocking at the door was firm but not impatient, a sound that jarred Harry out of his thoughts. He straightened instinctively, gripping the edge of the basin as his heartbeat quickened.
โGaunt.โ
The voice on the other side was unmistakableโcalm, composed, with that ever-present edge of cool authority.
Harry blinked, then quickly reached for his mask where it lay discarded on the bed. His movements were smooth despite the tension in his chest, practiced from years of slipping into identities that werenโt entirely his own. He pulled the mask over his face, feeling it settle into place as easily as a second skin.
โCome in,โ he called, his voice low but steady.
The door opened, and his partner stepped inside with that usual poise. Their robes had been cleaned of most of the blood, but faint traces of red still clung to the edges, a subtle reminder of what theyโd just done. The mask covered their face, save for the pale blond hair that always managed to catch Harryโs attention.
โRosier,โ Harry greeted smoothly, leaning back against the basin and crossing his arms. The surname rolled off his tongue with a practiced ease, though part of him wonderedโagainโif it was even real.
It was common knowledge in their side that his partner had been introduced as Evan Rosierโs son, but Harry had never cared enough to dig deeper.
If it was an alias, it didnโt matter.
After all, Gaunt wasnโt exactly his birthright either.
โGaunt,โ his partner replied, nodding slightly as he closed the door behind them. His tone was clipped, businesslike, though Harry thought he caught a flicker of something elseโcuriosity, maybe, or concern.
Harry pushed off the basin and took a step closer, his arms dropping to his sides. โWhat brings you to my humble corner of this dreadful manor?โ he asked, a teasing lilt in his voice.
His partner tilted their head slightly, the movement measured. โYou were taking too long. The Dark Lord doesnโt like delays.โ
Harry huffed a soft laugh. โIโm sure heโll survive without me for a few more minutes. I was cleaning up, as you can see.โ He gestured to the faint pink water still swirling in the basin.
Rosierโs gaze flickered to the basin, then back to Harry. Even behind the mask, his scrutiny was palpable.
โYouโre distracted,โ he said simply.
Harryโs grin sharpened beneath his mask, though his voice was light when he replied. โYou sound like you care, Rosier. How touching.โ
Rosier didnโt rise to the bait, his posture remaining as steady as ever. โYouโll get yourself killed if you let your thoughts wander at the wrong moment,โ he said, his tone cool but edged with something that almost sounded like caution.
Harry shrugged, his playful demeanor unshaken. โIf I do, it wonโt be your problem, will it?โ
There was a pause, the silence stretching between them like a taut string. Then Rosier stepped closer, his movements slow and deliberate.
โIt will be if I have to clean up the mess,โ he said, voice soft but pointed.
For a moment, Harry said nothing, their gazes locked together. There was something about the way his partner spoke, the way he carried himself, that always left Harry off balance. It was infuriating and fascinating all at once.
Finally, he chuckled, breaking the tension. โWell, arenโt you a ray of sunshine,โ he quipped, stepping back toward the bed.
Rosier didnโt respond, his attention shifting briefly to the room around them. When his gaze returned to Harry, it lingered for a moment longer than usual.
โYouโre sure youโre ready for whatever the Dark Lord has planned next?โ he asked, voice quieter now.
Harry tilted his head, his grin fading slightly. โIโm always ready,โ he said, though the words sounded more like a challenge than a reassurance.
Rosier studied him for a moment longer before nodding. โGood.โ
With that, he turned and headed for the door, his movements as precise as ever.
Harry watched him go, his mind buzzing with unspoken questions. He let out a breath he hadnโt realized heโd been holding, the mask on his face suddenly feeling heavier than before.
โRosier,โ he muttered under his breath as the door clicked shut behind the figure. The name still felt like a puzzle he didnโt have the pieces for.
But then again, so did everything else in his life.
Harry finished cleaning himself, though the process felt mechanical. His hands moved with purpose as he washed away the last traces of blood, the dark stains swirling into the basin like smoke dissipating in water. His reflection in the cracked mirror was sharper now, his mask in place and his long hair tied neatly back, save for a few rogue strands that framed his face. It gave him an edge heโd grown accustomed toโa shadowy version of himself he had come to both resent and rely on.
Adjusting his robes, he straightened his posture, slipping fully into the role of a descendant of the Gaunt name before stepping out of his room and making his way toward Voldemortโs office.
When he arrived, the heavy door was slightly ajar, the faint sound of voices drifting from within. Harry pushed the door open without hesitation, his boots silent against the cold stone floor.
His partner, Rosier, was already there, standing with the same unnerving poise that always seemed to set them apart. His mask glinted faintly in the dim light, and Harry couldnโt help but wonderโfor the hundredth timeโwhat kind of face lay hidden behind it.
โGaunt,โ Voldemortโs voice drew his attention, smooth and venomous.
Harry inclined his head in greeting, his demeanor calm but watchful. โMy Lord.โ
Voldemortโs crimson gaze flicked between the two of them, a hint of satisfaction curling his lips into what might have passed for a smile.
โYou continue to exceed my expectations,โ he said, his tone almost mocking despite the praise. โYour execution tonight was... precise. Efficient.โ
Harry fought the urge to roll his eyes beneath his mask, though his lips twitched into a faint grin. โWe aim to please.โ
Beside him, Rosier remained silent, his posture unyielding. Harry glanced at him briefly, noting the way his head tilted slightly, a silent acknowledgment of the Dark Lordโs words.
Voldemortโs gaze lingered on them both, a flicker of something unreadable crossing his features before he leaned back in his chair.
โYour next task will be more delicate,โ he began, his voice a low hiss that sent a chill down Harryโs spine. โIt requires subtlety, discretion, and unwavering loyalty.โ
Harryโs grin faded slightly, replaced by a focused intensity. He could feel the tension in the room shift, a heaviness settling over them as Voldemortโs words hung in the air.
โYou will be going to Hogwarts,โ Voldemort continued, his tone sharpening as he watched their reactions.
Harry stiffened, his mind racing with questions. Hogwarts? He hadnโt set foot there in a while, not since heโd been pulled into this life.
Rosierโs head tilted ever so slightly, a sign of his own surprise, though he remained otherwise unreadable.
Voldemortโs lips curled into something resembling amusement as he observed them. โYou have questions,โ he said, almost mockingly. โGood. You will receive your instructions when the time comes. For now, prepare yourselves.โ
Harry exchanged a brief glance with Rosier, the weight of the unspoken hanging heavy between them.
โYes, my Lord,โ Harry said finally, his voice steady despite the unease curling in his chest.
Voldemort waved a hand dismissively, his attention already shifting to something else. Harry turned to leave, his steps echoing faintly as he walked beside Rosier.
The mask on his face felt heavier with each step, his thoughts spiraling as he tried to piece together what the Dark Lord had planned. Hogwarts. It felt like a lifetime ago, and yet the thought of returning sent a flicker of somethingโfear? Nostalgia?โcoursing through him.
As they walked side by side, Harry couldnโt resist breaking the silence. โWell,โ he said lightly, his voice laced with sarcasm, โthat sounds like itโll be fun.โ
Rosier glanced at him briefly, his mask giving nothing away. โFocus, Gaunt,โ he said, tone cool and clipped.
Harry huffed a quiet laugh. โOh, Iโm focused,โ he said, though the grin beneath his mask was bitter. โI just hope the castle hasnโt changed too much. Wouldnโt want to get lost.โ
Rosier didnโt respond, his attention already elsewhere, but Harry couldnโt shake the feeling that this mission was going to be different.
Dangerous.
And deeply personal.
The chill of the manorโs dim corridors followed them as Harry and Rosier walked side by side, their steps synchronized but steeped in a silence neither seemed in a hurry to break. The tension from Voldemortโs briefing still lingered, the weight of the unexpected mission at Hogwarts pressing against Harryโs thoughts. Yet, he couldnโt stop himself from stealing occasional glances at his partner.
โDo you think heโll actually tell us the plan before we arrive?โ Harry quipped, his tone light but carrying an edge of dry humor.
Rosier didnโt answer immediately, his focus seemingly fixed ahead. Then, just as they neared the boundary of the manor grounds, Rosier abruptly stopped.
Harry raised an eyebrow beneath his mask, turning to face him. โWhatโs this? Deciding to take in the scenery?โ he teased, spreading his arms to gesture at the desolate, fog-laden grounds around them. โRomantic spot for a heart-to-heart, Rosier.โ
Rosier didnโt rise to the bait. Instead, he reached into his robes and pulled out a small, intricately carved wooden box.
Harry tilted his head, his curiosity piqued. โWhatโs that?โ
Without a word, Rosier extended the box toward him, his gloved hand steady. Harry hesitated, his playful demeanor faltering for a moment as he eyed the object suspiciously.
โItโs a protective artifact,โ Rosier said finally, his tone as cold and matter-of-fact as ever. โDonโt lose it.โ
Harry blinked, caught off guard by both the gesture and the curt explanation. โA gift, Rosier? I didnโt know you cared,โ he drawled, his grin returning as he took the box.
Rosier didnโt respond. He turned away sharply, wand already in hand.
โWaitโโ Harry started, but the sharp crack of apparition cut him off.
He stood there for a moment, staring at the empty spot where his partner had just been. The box in his hands felt heavier than it looked, its intricate carvings glinting faintly in the moonlight.
โWell, that was unexpected,โ he muttered to himself, a bemused grin spreading across his face. โProtective artifact, huh? Youโve got a strange way of showing affection, Rosier.โ
Still shaking his head, Harry pocketed the box and stepped past the manorโs apparition wards. The Lestrange Manor was only a thought away, and with a faint pop, he was gone.
