Chapter 2
Tom was freaking out. How could he not? He went to bed the night before like every other night. Soulmateeless and alone. He wakes up this morning, starts his routine and as he is brushing his teeth he sees it. A name on his wrist. A wrist that has been empty for as long as he could remember.
Tom was currently pacing in his room. How could this happen? This means his soulmate is young. 8 at the earliest, 12 at the latest. And either way, YOUNG! He was freaking out. But he also held a child-like excitement. He had been alone for so long. Sure he had his death eaters and friends, but it's not the same as a soulmate. That feeling of never-ending love that was always out of reach is now right in front of him.
Tom looked at the name one more time before making a decision. He walked over to his desk and pulled out a clean sheet of parchment and ink. He started to write to the one person who may be able to sort this situation out.
Dear Sirius Black….
***
Harry was walking through the halls of the Potter manor, following him was a large cat, almost to the boy's waist. When Harry stopped hearing the soft pad of paws behind him he turned around. The cat was looking at something off to the side, down an alcove. Harry walked over and petted her head. “You okay Noir”? The cat looked up at him and then back to the alcove. Harry softly padded down the dark hall, his socked feet barely making a sound.
Once he reached the middle of the hall he saw what Noir was looking at. “Really Sirius”? The man was tangled up in a long dress, 2 belts, and… was that a wig? “A little help here would be nice Hades.” Harry startled and quickly went about untangling his godfather. Once he was done he stood there with his hands on his hips. “Really Sirius? How did this even happen? And how did you get here? Last I heard you were banned 'cause you said something, and I quote, unsavory, to Lily.”
Sirius rubbed the back of his neck and smiled. He wore a black vest, buttoned up but no undershirt, and a set of dress pants. “Well, I wouldn’t have to say unsavory things if she would lighten up. The woman is so tightly bound. But anyway. I’m here for you pup!” Harry stared at the man for a few seconds before sighing. “What now Paddy? I can’t just up and leave because you want to prank Remus or something. Plus I’m grounded 'cause I didn’t play with Vicky this morning.”
His sister had begged him to play dolls with her but Harry was currently reading a book that only opened for 20 minutes a day. He couldn’t give up that precious time for a game that would end in 15 minutes. Dolls never lasted long. Not with Harry anyway. Victoria would get upset and kick him out before anything fun happened anyway. He refused and his dad took that as a personal hit apparently cause Harry was grounded for 3 weeks. Not the longest time but inconvenient nonetheless.
“This isn’t about Remus or pranks Hadrien. This is about,” Sirius looked around before whispering, “Soulmates.” Harry stared at him with wide eyes before he whipped around and ran. “Harry!” Sirius called out to him but he just kept running. Harry didn’t look back. Just ran to his room, making sure Noir was inside before shutting the door and locking it.
Sirius couldn't know. It was impossible. How would the man have found out? Harry wore long-sleeved shirts everywhere, most being thick oversized sweaters. No way to see through it and no chance of it riding up his wrist. Harry placed a hand on his chest, directly over his heart, and breathed. He felt his heart and tried to slow it. Noir noticed his panic right away and layed his body over Harry’s legs, grounding him. Eventually, he was calm enough that he could think clearly.
Just because Sirius wanted to talk about soulmates doesn't mean he knows. He probably just wanted to tease him. Right? That had to be it. Harry looked up when there was a knock on the door. “Pup? Hey, I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to startle you. We don’t have to talk about anything you don’t want to. But I do have something I wanna say. Can I come in?” Harry looked at the door for a moment and breathed. He then walked over and opened it.
The second the door was open Harry was being hugged by Sirius. Softly, so soft Harry almost didn’t hear it, Sirius said, “I’m sorry Pup. I’m so very sorry. I wanted this to go better. I wanted you to feel safe.” Harry just shook his head and hugged the man harder. “I’m sorry. I've been keeping things from you. I didn’t want you to hate me.” Sirius pulls back, his face set in an incredulous expression.
“Hate you? Hadrian James Potter! You are my pup. I love you like my own. And if I could I would take you away from here. But I can’t. And that thought alone haunts me. You are so smart and so kind. I love you with all my heart. The way this family treats you, the way they dismiss you and your feelings makes me want to scream. But I could never hate you, Harry. No matter who you love, what you do, or who your soulmate is, I will always love you.”
Harry was crying. He leaned forward and hugged Sirius as hard as he could. He gripped the man’s shirt in his hands and just, simply, cried. He was so glad Sirius was with him. He doesn’t know what he would do without the man. Harry pulled back and sniffed. “My soulmate is Tom Slytherin.” Sirius just smiled and nodded.
“I know Harry. He mailed me when his soulmark appeared not so long ago. He’s very excited to meet you. That's why I wanted to talk to you.” Harry pulled away from their embrace and looked at him shocked. “He wants to meet me? Really?!” Sirius just laughed and nodded. “Yes, pup. He’s very excited to get to know you. Which reminds me!” Sirius dug in his pocket, most likely charmed to hold more items, and pulled out a notebook. He smiles and hands it to Harry.
“This is from Tom. It’s charmed so that you guys can communicate. He thought this would be an easier way to get to know you before you guys can meet in person.” Harry nodded along as he ran his fingers over the soft leather. Light as a feather he touched each grove until he made his way towards the engravement at the bottom. He smiles as he sees the initials and opens it up.
On the inside is a sentence. One that makes Harry’s heart bloom. The letters are long and elegant. The I’s perfectly dotted and T’s elegantly crossed.
Hadrien,
When you are ready, when your heart and brain may allow you to respond to my plea, write on these pages. Call out to me and I shall answer. I look forward to hearing your voice my soul.
Forever yours, Tom