Love and Compassion

"Don't you need to get ready for Walburga's birthday party?" Harry asked, walking into Toms room.

Tom was sat at his desk, a thick book of German for beginners in front of him, his brows furrowed in concentration. 

Tom had spent the last five months learning French and now that he had mastered it, he had recently moved onto German about a month ago.  

"We've got four hours to go, I've got plenty of time" Tom replied, his tone dismissive, not even bothering to look up from his book.

"So?" Harry sat down on Toms perfectly made bed "You took almost five hours to get ready for the Malfoys winter solstice party."

Harry found it amusing that Tom had a whole ritual when it came to getting ready for big occasions.  He would take a long and luxurious soak in his clawfoot bathtub before going off to a wizarding barber and getting his hair done in the particular manner he liked it. He would then oil and moisture himself before taking ages to find the 'perfect' outfit.

He would try on multiple different suits and robes, insisting on asking Harry for his opinion before discarding it and changing into something new anyway. It was ridiculous how concerned with his appearance he was, although it did secretly entertain Harry. 

Tom had had such a difficult life, he had nothing and Harry was glad that Tom was opening up and becoming more sanguine within himself. He was exploring his likes and dislikes and getting to know himself. It was nice to watch Tom grow, learn and to see him turn into his own little person.

Gone was the suspicious and closed off eight year old and in its place was a loving ten year old who had shed most of his insecurities and had a safe space to call his own. Harry never commented on it, but Pebbles had told him that Tom kept a secret backpack with items that Harry assumed he would need if he ever planned on running away.

It had freaked Harry out at first, giving him sleepless nights as he dreamt of waking up to Tom disappearing. But after consulting some of his muggle and wizarding parenting books, he decided that if Tom needed it to feel safe then he wouldn't meddle. 

Tom had finally gotten rid of it around six months ago and that was all the confirmation Harry needed to know that Tom finally felt safe, protected and nurtured.

Although, he still had his food stash but Harry knew it took an incredibly long time to get over food insecurity.

"I took just over three hours, don't be so dramatic" 

Harry rolled his eyes. " Don't you get bored of reading those books? You've been reading since this morning, why do you even want to learn German? You hate the country"

Ever since Harry's original incident with Klaus and the German team, Tom had come to despise everything German. He complained the entire time whenever Harry had a match there, so much so that Harry had started to force him to stay at the Potters instead of coming with him whenever he had to play in Germany. 

Tom apparently disliked the food, people, country and culture so it was beyond Harry why he was trying to learn the language. 

"Every young gentleman should know approximately three languages, that's what Mr Malfoy says" Tom explained, his tone haughty.

"Oh, who cares what that idiot thinks?" Harry scoffed, folding his arms in annoyance.

Tom had seemed to develop a great respect for Mr Malfoy, much to Harry's irritation. Tom clearly looked up to him and it grated on Harry's nerves whenever Tom would parrot what came out of the man's mouth. 

Septimus was a bigot, notorious for spewing the most hateful anti-muggle and muggleborn rhetoric that Harry had ever encountered. He was pompous, abrasive and greatly grated on Harry's nerves. Unfortunately, Abraxas had become a very close friend of Toms and Tom spent a lot of time at the Malfoy manor.

It was clear that Septimus had taken a liking to Tom, calling him a fine young man and telling him that he had a 'great mind' for politics. He was always departing his 'wisdom' about what a proper wizard should or shouldn't be doing.

He was the Chief advisor to the Minister of Magic and it was well known within the pureblood circle that the Minister was little more than Septimus's puppet. Everyone knew that it was Septimus that was really running the country.

He was also on the governors board at Hogwarts where he was trying to pass a bill to have muggleborns separated from half-bloods ( who were from 'good' pureblood families) and actual purebloods. It was barbaric and Harry couldn't stand the man.

Harry had never been around and in close proximity to people that genuinely hated muggles and mugglebornes. Obviously there was still a lot of prejudice and racism in Harry's time, but it was just so much more worse now. In Harry's time, most people, even if they did hate those who weren't 'pure' tended to at least pretend in public.

But in this time period? People, especially those with power and influence, were just so open and proud in their beliefs and the fact that Harry was around these people made him uncomfortable.

He tried to avoid being around them as much as he could get away with, preferring to spend time with his team mates or the Potters in his free time when he wasn't away for work. But when he didn't have work as an excuse, he had to attend the big balls and parties because he couldn't let Tom go by himself as he was far too young.

Of course, Tom was incredibly popular amongst the pureblood children so he was always invited to stuff which meant Harry, by default, had to attend.

Harry couldn't wait until Tom got to around fourteen so he no longer needed to act as a guardian and chaperone him as those parties drained him. He tried his very hardest to ignore some of the horrific things he would overhear but it didn't always work and Harry had found himself getting into heated 'debates' with one too many important people. 

Harry had assumed Tom would be furious at him as he was very open about his pro-muggleborn stance, he thought Tom would be angry that he was arguing with the important people that he wanted to impress. However, Tom had just asked him to try and reign in his 'ridiculous bleeding naïve heart' before saying that it didn't matter what these idiots thought and when he got older, they wouldn't dare argue with Harry, even if Harry was wrong because they wouldn't want to 'face his wrath'.

Tom had even admitted that Harry's arguments amused him and he liked seeing the shocked faces of the elites.

"Septimus isn't an idiot, he's a plethora of knowledge. He's really not that bad" 

"You're just saying that because you're obsessed with him. You think he's great when he's not, he's an arse" 

"I'm not obsessed with him!"

"Whatever, you know what I mean. You like him then"

Tom looked up, his face bemused. "Don't be ridiculous, I don't like anyone. Other than you and maybe Lestrange" 

Harry looked at him, confusion written on his face at Toms words, even though warmth flooded through his heart. Tom very rarely admitted how much he treasured Harry, despite the fact he always demanded Harry tell him how much he loved him every night.

Besides, he didn't have to tell Harry how he loved him because his actions made it very clear how much he did.

"You don't need to lie on my account, I know you like Septimus, you're always parroting his words" Harry replied slowly, his eyes tracking Toms expressions.

Tom smirked, closing his book. "Because more often than not, he is right and I agree with a lot of views-"

"-Like what?" Harry demanded, frowning.

Tom continued as if he hadn't been interrupted. "But I don't like him. He's a politician; they're lying conniving snakes who will smile in your face and stab you in your back. He's the one that told me that about politicians. He's greedy and arrogant, I don't like him and I don't trust him. He thinks he knows best and he doesn't, but he does know a lot. He knows things that I don't, that you don't. Things that aren't written in books and he teaches them to me and teaches me important political stuff. Things I'll need to know if I want to restore the Gaunt name."

"Tom, that's not good. You shouldn't use people for what they could do for you. I can't stand Mr Malfoy but he seems to genuinely like you"

"Don't be so silly, I'm a half blood. He doesn't mind Abraxas being my friend because he recognises that I'm smart and powerful. He also doesn't mind it because I'm the heir of slytherin, from a noble family and have an unused seat at the Wizengmot which he hopes to use when I'm either of age or my uncle dies. If I had neither of these things he wouldn't even look at me" Tom sneered, disgust and anger burning in his eyes.

Harry's face pulled down in a frown, visibly upset at his words.

"I don't like the thought of him using you, pretending to like you so he can groom you into a mini him and use your seat" Harry said, annoyed.

"Do not fear Harry, I'm always one step ahead" Tom stood up, stopping just short of Harry "He cannot manipulate me".

Despite his anger and annoyance at Septimus, Harry let out a chuckle and he pulled Tom in for a hug. "I honestly don't think there's a child like you in the world. You're ten going on twenty"

"I cannot help it if others my age are immature and childish" Tom murmured, his voice muffled as he snuggled closer in Harry's embrace.

"They can't be all bad, you seem to like hanging out with your friends"

"Yes, when you're busy. Whenever you're free, I spend all my time with you. You're much less annoying"

Harry rolled his eyes. "What high praise, thank you."

~~~~~~~~~

This was the first time that Tom had ever been to Grimmauld Place. Whenever he would visit the Blacks it would be to spend time with Alphard and he and his family didn't live there. 

It was Orion, Lucretia and their parents that lived in Grimmauld as their father was the head of the family and when Orion got married and became the head, it was where he would live permanently.

Which was why it was so confusing that Walburga's eleventh birthday party was being hosted here instead of at her own house like it usually was.

"Why are we here? This place gives me the creeps" Yaxley asked, eyeing the heads of dead Goblins that were on the wall. 

"My sister is engaged to Orion now so his father, Arcturus, and my father, thought it would make sense for her to have her birthday here. This will be her home once her and Orion marry after all " Alphard explained, the frustration on his face clear. 

"Walburga and Orion?" Abraxas pulled a face " How did Walburga take it? She must be angry."

"She was furious and completely blind sighted. They didn't even tell her until after they had already drew up the contract. She didn't have a choice, she threatened to run away but father said if she does, he will kill her if he finds her" Alphard admitted, his tone low.

Tom didn't understand what the big deal was.

Walburga came from an ancient pureblood family, it was expected she was going to get some sort of arranged marriage. Just like all of them would. Besides, it's not like Orion was a stranger, she knew what she would be getting into with him at least. 

She was so dramatic. 

Walburga wouldn't last two seconds running away, with no family name and money to protect her. She was fierce and strong willed but she was pampered and spoiled too. She wouldn't last out in the world by herself. 

None of them would. 

They weren't like Tom. 

They hadn't seen the things he had, they hadn't been through his experiences, they weren't cold or cut throat enough to survive by themselves. None of them were self made or self sufficient and it made Tom want to sneer at them. They were pathetic. 

"What did Orion say about it?" Abraxas asked, curious. 

"He's seven, he doesn't really care. He thinks Wally is pretty and funny"

"Well, he's going to get the shock of his life. She's a harpy" Grumbled Avery who had joined them.

Avery was a year younger than them and seemed to be sworn enemies with Walburga. 

Averys mother was the second daughter of the Chinese Emperor, making Avery a prince. Avery had lived in China for the first five years of his life before his father moved them back to England and he was used to being treated like royalty and being doted on hand and foot. He looked down his nose at most people, his personality a mix of Malfoy arrogance and Black self importance and delusion. 

Of course, Walburga fancied herself above everyone and she didn't like the fact that Avery thought so highly of himself which is why she made it her mission to be so rude to him all the time. She wanted him to know that he might have been important in China but this was England, her turf, and she was the most important. 

Moreover, Averys grandmother on his mother's side had been a half blood so Walburga was always quick to remind him that his blood was not as pure or ancient as hers.

"Watch your mouth when it comes to my sister Avery" Alphard snarled, his fist curled up into balls.

Avery rolled his eyes but wisely kept his mouth shut.

It wasn't often that Alphard lost his temper and when he did, it was best to keep out of his way.

"Are they not marrying you off?" Yaxley asked slowly, trying to defuse the tension.

Alphard pulled a face. "They wanted to wed me to Lucretia but I put my foot down at that one, she's like a sister to me, that's gross. Luckily, as Orion is the heir he's the most important so I'm hoping I have a few more years before they bother me again with it."

"It must be nice, I've been betrothed since I was three" Abraxas  grumbled, his face scrunched in disgust. 

Abraxas was engaged to marry Harper Selwyn who was three years younger than them, the same age as Orion. She was part of the Selwyn family who were in the sacred twenty eight and produced many fine artists and performers. In fact, Harpers older cousin was currently 1/3 of the biggest up and coming band in wizarding Europe. The family were also the primary financial backers of W.A.D.A.

*W.A.D.A or The Wizarding Academy of Dramatic Arts was an independent wizarding school that provides education for young witches and wizards who seek a theatrical or performance career. As the school is specialized, it doesn't accept students until age sixteen, after they have completed at least their Fifth Year at Hogwarts or another school of wizardry. Their program is less structured, but is also limited to those that are accepted, and can afford their tuition.  Depending upon the classes taken, W.A.D.A. was usually a three to four year program.

Apparently, as part of their marriage contract, Harper wasn't even allowed to attend W.A.D.A. She was to complete her entire schooling at Hogwarts and marry Abraxas the summer she graduated. 

Tom wasn't at all surprised that Septimus had added that to the contract as he was a stern man who definitely had no patience or love for performing arts. He would probably find the prospect of a future Malfoy wife being creative completely embarrassing as he believed a woman's place was most definitely in the home.

"What about you Tom? Will your father make you get married?" Avery asked, interested. 

Tom's face scrunched up in distaste.

Harry was twenty to his ten, hardly old enough to be his father and Tom most definitely didn't see him as a father figure either. He didn't even see him as an older brother, he was just Harry. 

Tom couldn't explain it but the thought of considering Harry as his father made him feel weird, it was wrong.

"Harry is not my father, he's my guardian and no, he doesn't care about those things and neither do I. Marriage is gross and so are girls" Tom replied, his nose wrinkled. 

Tom had absolutely no interest in girls or marriage and he couldn't imagine it changing as he got older either. He knew that he was still young so it was normal to not have an interest in those things yet but he also just couldn't see himself changing his mind.

Things like feelings and love had always alluded Tom, it was something he never understood. He read about love in stories and love was meant to make you selfless but Tom wasn't selfless, he couldn't imagine putting anyone above himself or putting someone else's needs first. 

The idea sounded foolish and disgusting.

No thanks. 

"I agree, imagine having to live with them and have babies. Gross" Alphard chimed in, shuddering in revulsion.

"Well, it's important to procreate and have a son. It's how we carry on our noble lines, the world needs more purebloods" Abaraxas insisted, parroting back his fathers words.

"I'll leave breeding to the lesser wizards" Tom sneered.

"Hey!" Yaxley exclaimed as Abraxas, Avery and Alphard shot him scandalised looks. 

Tom smirked, walking inside the party room.

The room was huge and decorated well, a humongous pile of a presents in the corner and a black cake with around eleven tiers. Stood next to the table was Walburga, her curly black hair pinned back and dressed in a beautiful white and black gown with a pink diamond encrusted tiara on her head that would've cost thousands. 

Tom had to begrudgingly admit that she looked pretty.

Stood next to her was her mother, Imra Black ( formally Crabbe), who was whispering something intensely to her as Walburga stood there with a face like thunder. 

Walburga looked furious as she glared daggers around the room, clearly ignoring her pleading mother.

"If you do not cheer up then your father will notice and he will not be pleased. Please Walburga, see sense"Imra pleaded, her light green eyes frustrated. 

It was always so clear how different Imra was to her daughter whenever Tom went round their house to visit Alphard. Walburga was a Black through and through; vicious, self centred and grudgeful. It was why she was always in trouble with her father, Pollux, whom she had the same personality as. 

Pollux was old and traditional, someone who expected women and girls to be seen and most definitely not heard. Unfortunately, Walburga always made it her mission to be seen and heard.

Imra, on the other hand, was quiet, docile and always perfectly polite. She was someone that Tom couldn't even imagine speaking up for herself against her husband. 

Tom thought Alphard was much more like his mother as he was always reluctant to be mean for no reasons to some of the lesser purebloods or younger kids unlike Tom, Malfoy, Lestrange and Yaxley.

He always played the peace maker in their group, breaking it up when Malfoy and Lestrange would argue or Lestrange would pick on Avery or Yaxley when he became bored.

He had clearly inherited his empathetic kindness from his Crabbe side. 

"Happy birthday Walburga!" Lestrange exclaimed as the stony faced girl came barrelling over. 

Tom barely refrained from rolling his eyes, it was ridiculously obvious that Lestrange had a small crush on the girl. In fact, Tom knew that Mr Lestrange had tried to set up a marriage contract between Walburga and Lestrange twice but had been promptly rejected by Pollux.

"There's nothing happy about today, I'm engaged to that little annoying pipsqueak" Walburga snapped, crossing her arms.

"Why does it matter? It'll be ages until you marry and at least you know him, it could be worse" Yaxley pointed out.

This time Tom did roll his eyes. 

Orion was younger and it was clear he looked up to and adored Walburga, he was much closer to her than his actual sister. He was one of the few people that Walburga wasn't unnecessarily mean too, she enjoyed the adoration of her younger cousin. Plus, she liked playing pretend and she'd always get Orion to play the brave knight to rescue her from her tower. 

Sometimes she'd even dress him up. 

"I wanted a love match! Like in my books!" Walburga insisted.

"Love doesn't exist" Tom said, unable to keep the sneer off his face. 

A love match? Really?

It was pathetic and reinforced the fact that even those who were deemed 'important' were just as pitiful and embarrassing as the children at Wools. Tom knew from a very early age that love didn't exist, how could it when his own mother gave up on him and his father abandoned him? 

Tom frowned at his train of thought because whilst he stood by it, he remembered Harry and all the times Harry told him that he loved Tom. But it was different with Harry.

When Harry said it, he meant it. He always had an open and honest look in his eye and Tom could feel how much Harry loved him by how much he did for him and how he always prioritised Tom.

Harry was home.

Harry was warmth, comfort and devotion.

Harry was his world.

So maybe love did exist but it wasn't the same silly, childish love Walburga spoke about it.

It was all consuming and commanding. Something that these mere mortals couldn't even begin to understand or process. 

They didn't know what real love was because they didn't have Harry.

Orion came bounding over, a toothy grin on his face, showcasing his two missing front teeth.

"Wally, come dance with me. The band is coming on, I can twirl you how you like" Orion demanded, eyes on the sulking girl.

"Don't be ridiculous, why would I want to dance with you? You're a baby" Walburga sneered. 

"I'm not a baby, I'm seven! I'll be eight in less than a year" Orion retorted, his voice unsure.

"Seven is a baby and you've managed to ruin my life so go away!"

"I-"

However, before Orion could finish his sentence, Walburga pushed him so hard that he fell backwards with a heavy thud.

"I get my wand tomorrow and if you come near me again, I'll curse your stupid face" She snarled, glaring down at him.

Unfortunately for Walburga, Lucretia was very close by and she was in her first year of Hogwarts which meant she did have a wand.

Once she saw her brother on the floor, she whipped her wand out, cursing Walburga with a jinx that made her face erupt in pussing, painful boils.

Chaos quickly erupted as Walburga let out a horrified scream and then launched herself at Lucretia as Alphard attempted to break them apart. Pollux and Arcturus swiftly made their way over, Pollux dragging Walburga by her hair and Arcturus gently removing Lucretia out the way. 

Both of the men started shouting at Walburga whose eyes swam with tears, her face covered in boils.

"Well, it's not a Black party unless there's chaos I suppose" Abraxas muttered wryly, watching as Orion got himself involved attempting to defend Walburga.

"Well she got what she deserved, she's mean and miserable" Avery grinned, positively lit up with glee.

Lestrange elbowed him harshly. "Shut up! Don't talk about her like that."

In no mood for the drama and dramatics of his friends, Tom decided to slink off and go and find Harry.

Harry looked incredibly uncomfortable in his fancy form fitting dark green suit and cloak as he sat at a table talking to Mr Nott and Mr Crabbe.

Mr Crabbe, who was the deputy of the Department of Magical Games and Sports seemed to be talking Harry's ear off. His large sweaty face lit up in excitement, his greedy eyes wide with awe. 

He was clearly delighted to be in the presence of wizarding Britains biggest and most famous seeker.

It was almost humorous when Tom remembered that Mr Crabbe, Patrick, was Imra's brother. This was Walburgas uncle. An absolute Buffon.

"Oh gentlemen! Tom is signalling me, we'll catch up later sorry " Harry lied, scrambling up as soon as Tom caught his eye.

"I thought you said it was bad to lie" Tom smirked as Harry came to his side.

Harry rolled his eyes, pushing Tom further away from the table.

"Get that smirk off your face before I ground you" Harry chided, although he was unable to hide his smile.

As Harry lay his warm hand on Toms shoulder, Tom allowed himself to briefly close his eyes and bask in Harry's closeness.

It was perfect.

Harrys hand on him felt right, they should never be apart. In fact, they should always be touching.

This was how it was meant to be, Tom decided.

~~~~~~~~~~~

"You need to teach me how to play Quidditch" Tom demanded, barging outside to the garden where Harry was currently sat on their outdoor table, sipping hot chocolate and snacking on some muggle crisp and chocolate.

It was a Friday and Tom had spent a few hours over at the Lestrange mansion as Harry had training earlier in the morning. Harry had expected Tom to come back much later as Tom would usually have his dinner before he would floo back home on Harry's training days.

As Harry hadn't been expecting Tom home, he had invited over Venice Weasley after their training session. Venice had become a close friend of Harry's over the years and a part of her reminded Harry so much of Ginny.

She was an excellent Keeper and exceptionally talented on her broom. She was brave, outspoken, funny, stubborn and kind. She was one of the few people that Harry felt he could trust. 

Tom stopped abruptly, taking in the scene of Venice and Harry sat out in the garden with a warming charm surrounding them as they watched the sunset.

Tom wasn't used to Harry having guests round so Harry figured Tom was just surprised.

"What is she doing here?" Tom asked, his eyes narrowed in contempt.

"Tom!" Harry stood up, his lips thinned in annoyance "That is not how you speak to people. What do you say?"

Tom had a tendency to be rude and with the more time he spent around Malfoy, Lestrange and co, Harry noted that he was getting exceptionally ruder. He could only imagine it was the influence of people like Septimus, drumming it into his head that people like the Weasley's were lesser because they weren't as rich or influential.

Tom gritted his teeth before looking back over to Venice. "My apologies Miss Weasley, I was just surprised."

Venice looked genuinely shocked and Harry couldn't blame her, she hadn't seen this side of Tom before. Tom was usually very respectful and polite towards his teammates, they all adored Tom. 

"It's okay kid , don't worry about it" Venice let out a wry smile "I've not seen you in ages! You've grown so much, you'll be towering over Harry in no time."

Harry shot the girl a playful glare but she was right, Tom was getting taller. The two years he had spent with Harry had done wonders for Tom and Harry got a warm feeling whenever he noticed how tall Tom had grown, how much fuller his face was and how his face had much more of a healthy glow.

He was no longer a skinny little bean pole with clear signs of malnutrition.

"Well, it's not harder to be taller than Harry" Tom said, his smile much more sincere. "Harry is tiny"

"I'm 5'8, it's not my fault that everyone else seems to be freakishly tall. Now what's all this about wanting to learn how to play quidditch? I thought it was a useless hobby?"

"Useless hobby? What?!" Venice gasped, incredulous. "What on earth are you teaching the boy here, Potter?"

"Don't blame me! I've tried to show him the beauty of the game but he's not interested"

Venice turned to Tom. "Yet you always come to Harry's games and cheer him on, the loudest in the stand. How does that make sense?"

Tom came and stood beside Harry, standing impossibly close as he threaded their fingers together. "Anything Harry does, it is my responsibility to be there to watch over him and protect him."

Toms voice was strong, holding truthful conviction and Harry couldn't help but squeeze his hand as his own heart squeezed tightly with affection for the boy. Tom was far too serious for a ten year old and Harry couldn't help but smile at his words, he was so dramatic at times, it really was sweet. 

"Responsibility? Protect him? You do know you're ten and not forty? You really are a peculiar little boy" Venice teased.

Harry looked down wryly at Tom, knowing he didn't take too kindly to teasing from anyone but Harry.

"I'm not a little boy" Tom frowned, his tone tight. 

"Oh?" Venice raised a brow "And what would you call a ten year old?"

"Venice-" Harry started, wry.

"-I won't be ten forever" Tom interrupted, his tone cold. 

~~~~~~

"I don't like Venice, she's far too familiar" Tom complained once Venice had left. 

"Well she's not wrong, you are peculiar. What sort of 10 year-old talks like you?" Harry grinned, laying down on the sofa as he tossed his snitch up and continued to catch it.

Tom suddenly appeared above Harry, his little body looming over him, his face pinched a frown.

"I don't care, I don't like her. I don't like the way she talks to me or how she talks to you. I don't like the way she sits close to you either, how she rests her hand on you or slaps your knee when she laughs. I don't like it" Tom insisted.

Harry sat up, gently tugging Tom down next to him.

Tom curled into Harry's side, his face buried in his neck.

"You're far too serious for your age Tom. There's nothing wrong with just being a kid, Venice was just teasing you. She adores you" Harry assured him, gently kissing the top of his head.

Tom took a large breath in, tickling Harry's neck as he did so, his hands circling Harry's wrist tightly, his nails sharp against Harry's skin. "She adores you too and I do not like it. She should count herself lucky that I am only ten because if I was older I'd-"

"- You'd what?" Harry interrupted, his tone sharp. 

Tom removed his face from Harry's neck, his brown eyes intense as he cradled Harry's face in his small hands. 

"I don't share Harry."

A shiver made its way through Harry's spine, the room taking an unnatural cold hue. Whenever Tom felt too much or his emotions were too overwhelming, his magic tended to burst outward.

Toms face and eyes were dark, deadly serious and the room was cold and agitated, reflecting his mood.

"You can't keep me to yourself forever Tom, you have to learn to share. There's nothing wrong with me having friends, you have friends" Harry pointed out, his tone soft, his own hand coming up to Toms face and stroking it gently.

"I have no friends"

"Malfoy, Lestrange, Yax-"

"-All acquaintances, idiots who will further my ability to restore my family name. They're nothing to me Harry and you are everything to me, it's us against everyone else. There's no room for anyone else."

Harry sighed, his shoulder slumping.

He thought he was doing so well with Tom and there were times when he would show compassion, love and kindness and then there were times like this. When his voice was sharp, his eyes dark and greedy. 

Times when he would remind Harry of a very different Tom Riddle.

He spent hours with these boys and yet he didn't care or respect them, Harry didn't understand it. 

"Sometimes I feel like I failed you and then sometimes I feel like I've done a good job of raising you so far. You can show loyalty and care but only to me and I don't understand why. Where have I gone wrong? Will you develop those traits to others as you grow older or is it too late?" Harry murmured, looking at Tom in wonder.

Had Harry coddled Tom too much? Doted on him too much? 

Where had he gone wrong?

Toms hand tightened on Harry's face, the grip becoming almost painful as Tom leaned forward.

"You are my saviour Harry, I owe you my life. You rescued me from somewhere I would've died in and now our lives will always be connected. There is no me without you, there is only us now."

~~~~~~~

That night as Harry slept, Tom crept into his room, standing at the door and blending in seamlessly with the shadows.

His brown eyes glinted greedily over Harry's face, watching his chest rise and fall.

He was perfect. 

Harry had saved him from Wools and whilst Tom didn't believe in goodness, he believed in Harry.

It was Harry that had answered Toms prayers.

Harry that had stopped his suffering and anguish.

It was Harry that belonged to Tom.

Tom may be only ten now but one day he wouldn't be. 

One day he would be the most powerful being on the planet and if anyone dared to even look at Harry, he would have their eyes removed and give them a slow and painful death. 

Tom did not share and he would not allow Harry to have friends.

Tom saw the way Venice looked at Harry and it made him burn with fury and anger, he wouldn't allow it.

Just like the German quidditch player and Maisie's father, Venice had found herself on Toms list of enemies.

He was too young to do anything now but he would kill them eventually.

Tom could be patient when he needed to be, he could wait and he would wait until he had punished them.

He would kill the whole world if he had too, if that's what it took for people to understand that Tom Gaunt did not share.