The Darkness Within

Chapter Seven - A Father and his Son

Chapter Seven

Harry walked silently through the grounds, heading back indoors. He had spent five hours training in his personal grounds and by now, he was completely exhausted. He tiredly made his way back to Riddle manor. He glanced at the skies, dusk had already fallen, so the Death Eater meeting was probably over. Just as a precaution, Harry kept a hold on his silver mask, in case he needed it.

Harry stifled a yawn, he was beyond tired. He never usually spent so many hours training but lately it was all he wanted to do. He knew it was the pent up frustration inside him that wanted out and this was his only outlet. Well, this and going on assignments.

Harry continued walking through the woodland area that separated his training grounds from the main manor. He had a short distance left to go when he heard it, a slight rustling of leaves, faint footsteps coming behind him. Harry didn't stop walking but was instantly on alert. His wand was safely tucked in the upholster on his arm. He continued walking, making no indication of the fact that he knew he was being followed. The footsteps behind him got louder.

It all happened in an instant.

In one swift move, Harry threw on his mask before reaching for his wand. He turned around on the spot and blindly grabbed the person that was sneaking up on him. His hand was wrapped around the person's neck before he even saw who it was. Harry slammed the body into the nearest tree before aiming his wand at their throat.

"Ow! Paranoid much, Harry?!"

Harry was surprised to see the blond boy in his grip, groaning at the pain of being slammed against a tree. He smirked behind his mask and released him before reaching over to remove his mask. He didn't need it.

"Draco, why were you sneaking up on me?" Harry asked his friend.

Draco Malfoy was rubbing the back of his head and shot Harry an angry look.

"I wasn't sneaking anywhere! I was just being stealthy, that's all." He answered.

Harry smirked in response.

"Afraid father would catch you?" Harry asked.

It was no secret the Lord Voldemort didn't have much patience when it came to Draco Malfoy. He blamed the boy for distracting Harry from his training and his lessons.

Draco cast a wary glance around him.

"See, this is why you should come over to my house." he said in a quiet whisper.

Harry sniggered in response. They started walking towards the manor together. Draco was a lot more relaxed now. If he was with Harry, then he was safe. Even facing Lord Voldemort was possible if Harry was by his side. If he was alone, then there was the chance that he wouldn't make it back home.

As they approached the impressive castle that was Riddle manor, Harry took out his silver mask and put it on, hiding his face. Draco watched the familiar action but didn't say anything. The two boys approached the doors and Harry gestured to the two Death Eaters stationed at the entrance. The men quickly dropped to their knees, foreheads pressed against the ground as they greeted their Dark Prince.

Harry barely gave them a glance while Draco openly smirked and purposefully slowed down so the two men would be forced to stay in their current uncomfortable and degrading positions.

“Draco!” Harry growled at him, prompting him to hurry up.

As soon as the doors closed, Harry strode to one side of the foyer, heading towards a large portrait of a serpent. A hissed incantation and the portrait swung open to give access to the part of the castle that was designated as his.