Change is Coming
Tom
He wasn't sure how much time had passed. All he knew was that for a time, turning pages was much easier- holding objects was much easier.
But then the ability faded and he had to begin learning anew.
He had initially refused to consider the possibility that her presence had such an effect on him. But as time seemed to drag on, with the years of change becoming evident on Hogwarts and the sporadic feel of her presence within its walls, he began to put more thought to the theory.
Had she done it on purpose? Made him stronger in her presence so as to make him inevitably relient on her?
Or was this just a sick coincidence?
Either way as time passed and even practice and learned skill could not get him to pick up a book, he began to see the validity in this theory- no matter what it’s cause.
A traitorous part of him yearned to see her again, if only for the little power she gave him. But the boredom took a toll on him as well.
He couldn’t do anything.
He could go anywhere he pleased and still, nothing would be achieved.
He could not grasp or manipulate items in the living plane, he could not use magic… he wouldn't even entertain the notion that his horcruxes had effectively made him a… “useless” ghost. And even if he did… he wasn’t in a position to do anything about it.
He propped his cheek on his fist.
He was never really bored when he was alive, not like this at least. If he was bored, the feeling was quickly quelled by anyone of his academic pursuits or the torment and torture of any annoyance around him.
But now?
Now was mind numbing.
His eye twitched involuntarily.
He was furious with himself but it was true. With Death, at least he could be angry, with her at least he wouldn’t be bored.
He hated her, but one didn't need to love entertainment to be entertained.
And it wouldn't hurt to gain more strength either.
Death
“What do you aim to prove, dear Sister?”
They walked side by side at a languid pace.
“Is it bad that I'm not exactly sure?”
He stopped in his tracks, Death following shortly after. “Is he another experiment of yours?”
Her eyebrows furrowed, “It seems so, doesn’t it? I am quite fascinated with him…” she shook her head, “but I wouldn’t say the fascination is of the strictly scientific sort.”
“Then what is it?”
“I- I don't know.”
Dream looked at her in a new light. “Has my big sister finally fallen for a mortal?”
“Finally?”
“You have never- not once been quite so infatuated with a single soul-“
“-Infatuated?-”
“And you are the only one of us not bound by the ancient laws. You can do as you please with him, sweet sister.”
She slapped his arm playfully, a smirk threatening to spill from her lips, “Is that how you think of Love, brother?” Her eyebrow raised to tease him.
“To take? To control?”
His face stayed stoic though his eyes remained light, “We are Endless… and they are human.”
“Do you still not understand, brother?”
“No, I just desire to see my sister happy.”
“I am happy.”
“Happier, then.” She rolled her eyes.
“I'm even happier now that I’m with my brother,” she laced her arm around Dream’s and led them further down the path.
“And besides, it would never work.”
She smiled up at Dream, “He hates me.”
“Oh?”
“Mm,” she hummed.
“And you’re particularly displeased about this one, I take it.”
“Well-“
“Whatever will you do?” He said in a light, playful tone.
She smiled sadly but truthfully, “Do as I've always done… my job in due time.”
He sighed, “Very well, sister.”
She nodded back and while both were deep in thought they continued on their path.