No more lies (To Victory)

CHAPTER 3

••°°••

Tom finally felt like himself again. He felt alive .

He couldn’t really complain about before - he had almost half of Ginevra’s lifeforce and Harry was donating magic to him, but it wasn’t the same as being truly alive.

Harry’s magic was strong. It was powerful.

It sang to him. It felt so much like his own...

Harry never seemed to feel the drain, not even after spending hours in Tom’s company. Instead, he’d pour more magic and make Tom almost alive - enough to interact with the outside world, but still not fully there.

But now Tom was. Or it felt like he was.

He breathed in the somewhat murky air of the Chamber of Secrets, feeling the chill almost instantly.

He honestly would've been fine without feeling the cold, but it was still a welcome sensation. Everything was, after fifty years of numbness. 

And then Tom seemed to remember what he’s done to become like this.

He looked back at Harry, lying on the floor, looking dead.

Tom felt unease crawling up his spine but quickly shoved it down.

He had no time for this.

He had things to do. It was Harry’s own fault for taunting him, for being whiny .

This was a consequence.

It doesn’t matter. He didn’t take Harry's whole magic, the boy wasn’t dead. He just yanked it out so viciously Harry must’ve been in agony.

Tom felt it was justified.

Harry deserved it.

So he picked up Harry’s wand and his invisibility cloak, casting a disillusionment spell on himself just in case and left the boy lying on the floor.

He had things to investigate.

No time for dilly dallying.

The night was almost over when Tom decided to come back.

He spent at least an hour just walking around the castle, reminiscing, feeling it thrumming with magic. Just touching the walls was enough to feel the spark.

He used to do that a lot while being a student here. The castle felt alive.

It was alive. Hogwarts was sentient on some level, even if not many believed that. Such a thing happens after centuries of magic used in one place constantly, feeding the castle like a hungry beast, not to mention that it was built with magic as well.

Tom visited the dragons too - it was ridiculously easy to find them and they could speak broken parseltongue, but Tom got the point across. Not to hurt Harry.

Everyone else was a fair game.

Next was spying on the traitor Karkaroff, who seemed extremely skittish as Tom followed him around. Probably felt someone watching him, which amused Tom to no end.

He wondered if the traitor could feel his Mark burning at such close proximity to him.

After some consideration Tom decided to risk apparating to the Riddle Manor.

It was risky, with magic not his own, but he managed. Somehow. 

Tom cast all anti-detection charms he knew, so no one could hear, see, smell or notice him, along the invisibility cloak. One could never be too careful, and then he sneaked inside.

Riddle was beyond appalled of what he saw.

Voldemort was possessing a child homunculus, looking pitifully weak and quite pathetic.

The thing didn’t even notice him. Never noticed a piece of his soul so close to him. He should’ve been able to feel this, and yet-

Did he really go insane?

This was the great Dark Lord? This ?!

Having a rat-man serve him food and - gracious Merlin, the humiliation -  feed him. It was beyond what his mind could comprehend. 

At first Tom wanted to speak with Voldemort, converse, find out his current plans and intentions towards Harry, and perhaps come to an agreement, but now he only wished to run. After observing for some time Tom was certain there would be nothing achieved but destruction if he approached his older counterpart at that moment.

So he did, not that he would ever admit to such a thing, and apparated back to Hogwarts, feeling shaken.

Perhaps Harry had a point and wasn’t exaggerating when saying Voldemort was out of control or insane. That thing was not him. 

Wait-

Harry .

He was so wrapped up in his findings, in his current horror at seeing his weak and pathetic future self, he completely forgot why he even went out in the first place, what he’s done to do that.

Tom concentrated on the link connecting him and Harry, feeling it pulsing weakly. As if barely there. It felt as if their link was fading .

Shit.

Was that why he was feeling less connected to the world after apparating a second time?

He hurried down to the Chamber, feeling something much like guilt clawing at him from the inside when he saw Harry lying in the exact same position he left him in.

“Harry?” Tom asked, but there was no reaction. When he knelt down next to the boy and his fingers went to push Harry on his back, when he finally saw him , Tom finally seemed to realize what he’s done.

He not only pulled out Harry’s magic, no- he left the teen on the stone cold floor for hours , unconscious.

Harry’s lips were blue and Tom wasn’t sure whether it was from his too slow breaths or lack of warmth, but for the first time in a very long time he felt panic creeping in.

If Harry dies, so will he. Or he’ll be as good as dead. Forever stuck down there, fading back into nothingness.

No one part Voldemort to access the Chamber and his counterpart would never bring him back to life, not willingly, even if he’d be able to find the diar- notebook.

He curses his impulsiveness once more.

This foolish, selfish mistake could end up ruining everything .

Tom cast a warming charm over the boy, following with a diagnostic.

He felt blood draining from his face.

Harry was practically dead. Or very close to.

No. Fuck no.

Tom Riddle was never one to give up so easily.

He will not give up now.

Harry woke up in a hospital wing.

Huh?

Wait, what?

He blinked again, his mind not catching up with what he was seeing.

Why the fuck is he in here?

And oh, fucking hell, his head hurt .

But his body felt blissfully numb.

Thank Merlin for small mercies.

"Mr Potter! Finally awake!" Madam Pomfrey shouted and came running towards him. "Oh dear, your head hurts? This is a pain reliever. Drink up. Come on," she pressed a vile to his lips and Harry gulped it down immediately, not having any other choice but to comply.

It helped with his dry throat as well.

"Why am I here?" Harry asked, his mind drawing a complete blank with… everything really. His brain just wasn't online.

"What do you remember, dear?"

"Nothing, really."

Madam Pomfrey seemed worried.

"Professor Snape brought you in. Said he found you collapsed in the hallway."

"What's wrong with me then? Was I cursed?"

"You suffered a critical magical exhaustion on top of severe hypothermia. It took you a few days to regain consciousness as your body was on the verge of collapsing. Honestly, Mr Potter, you can’t even go a semester without almost dying.”

Harry’s eyes widened.

This sounded serious.

It sounded deadly .

Magical exhaustion could very well kill you or put you in a coma. No wonder he’s been out and felt like shit.

“But I’ll be alright, right? Right ?!”

She huffed. “Of course you will, Mr Potter, you’re under my care. Now, do you feel like eating anything?”

As if on cue, Harry’s stomach grumbled and he blushed slightly.

“I’ll take that as a yes. I’ll be right back with the food.”

As Harry was eating a delicious chicken soup the door opened and Snape walked in, his eyes zeroing in on Harry immediately.

Bollocks.

Seems like Snape finally caught him.

“Mr Potter. How are you feeling? Poppy informed me that you’re finally awake.”

“I’m fine, professor,” Harry said, but it sounded so fake even to his own ears that he winced.

Snape’s eyebrows shot up. “I’m sure. You’re a picture of health.” 

Harry narrowed his eyes but didn’t have any energy for a snarky reply and it seemed that Snape sensed this, as he sat down next to his bed, observing with a critical eye.

“Would you like to tell me what happened, Mr Potter? Did someone attack you?”

“I don’t remember,” Harry muttered.

“I find that hard to believe-”

“Well, it’s not my problem then, is it?” Harry snapped back, blinking in surprise at his short temper. Snape seemed to be taken aback as well. “Sorry, I’m a bit out of sorts.”

Surprisingly, Snape didn’t take any points or say anything nasty. He simply observed Harry closely. Maybe too closely.

“Madam Pomfrey said you found me. Where?” Harry asked, desperate to break the silence. He wanted to squirm under the Potion Master’s gaze, but he didn’t want to look any more vulnerable than he already was, or Merlin forbid - guilty.

Snape pulled out his wand, eyeing Harry when the boy froze for a second, and set up privacy wards.

“A student came to my office, saying they found you in the hallway.”

“Why not go to the hospital wing?”

“I don’t know,” Snape frowned at this. He’s been wondering the same thing. “Perhaps because it was much closer. You looked like you were dead, Harry. At that point your magical core was practically depleted, you were hypothermic and your body was in shock. You were barely breathing." 

It finally dawned on Harry that Snape was shaken. Truly shaken.

But why would he care what happens to Harry?

For all accounts he should be gleeful. Mocking, that someone got the better of the golden boy. But Snape only sounded desperate, his voice edging on hysterical as he recalled how he found Harry, as if to make him understand just how bad it actually was.

But it did sound grim.

"I stabilized you somewhat until Poppy could get down there. If nobody’s found you, Harry, it could’ve ended really really bad.”

Yeah, no shit.

“I still have no idea what happened, professor. And thank you.” He’s going to have to send the man a gift or something. It seems like Snape keeps saving him in one way or another. And he looked slightly traumatized over finding Harry’s almost-corpse. Shit. He’s really going to have to do it, won’t he?

Snape bowed his head in affirmation, his eyes seemingly softer.

Wait, was he calling Harry by his name? His first name? Without sneering? Or bursting into flames?

Perhaps Harry was actually in a coma and making this up.

There was no other explanation.

“What day is it?”

“Monday.”

Harry’s eyes widened. The task was this Thursday. He’s been out for over two days?!

“Yes, it’s concerning that this happened so close to the first task. How are you faring on preparing for it?”

Was Harry dreaming? Snape asking not only about his health, but actually being concerned about what he’s going to do?

Harry should look into parallel universes and magical exhaustion onset delusions.

“I have it under control, professor.”

Snape looked like he wanted to argue, when hissing distracted him.

“Master! You’re awake! I was so worried when you didn’t wake up and were so cold!”

“Loki. I’m fine, I was just… sick.”

"I'm glad you're awake, Master. I was truly worried. The dungeon man is worried too, I can tell."

"By the dark, Harry," Snape was looking at him in something akin to horror, mouth agape. "You have a snake ?"

"Why is everyone so surprised? I'm a parselmouth, why wouldn't I?" 

"Well, generally because snakes are associated with-"

"Slytherin? The Dark Lord? I'm well aware, professor. That doesn't deter me. I'm taking advantage of a rare ability I've been blessed with. Just because some prejudiced assholes think it's dark or evil, it doesn’t mean it is or that I’m going to stop using it out of fear of being seen as dark."

Snape looked genuinely surprised to be hearing this.

"Not something I expected to hear from you, that's for certain," the Potions Master drawled. "Although I'm glad you're not hiding your ability, you should still be careful.”

“I think it’s the opposite, professor,” Harry said in a voice that made the other wizard both cautious and incredibly intrigued. Especially when Harry’s eyes twinkled with something dangerous in them. “Others should be careful because they are at a terrible disadvantage because of my parseltongue ability.”

Snape seemed unbelievably proud before he snapped out of it.

“Be that as it may, I advertise caution, especially with this trice damned tournament, Mr Potter. We still don’t know what happened to you and for all we do know, it may have been someone trying to get rid of the competition.”

“I doubt that. I’m the youngest and I’m certain if their goal was to truly maim me, I would've been found with more than a magical exhaustion and hypothermia.”

Snape was nodding. “Your logic is sound. Now that I confirmed with my own eyes that you are alive and well, I will be going.” Snape stood up, eyes falling on the nightstand, full of gifts, small sneer befalling his lips. “I’m sure your newest... fanclub will be most happy to hear you’re awake. If you remember anything, I’d appreciate it if you'd contact me immediately.”

Harry barely had time to nod his head in confirmation before Snape was speeding out of the infirmary, his robes billowing dramatically after him.

“Oh, and Potter? No more heroics. Ten points from Gryffindor.” Then he was gone.

Harry snorted at professor's antics.

Huh.

Out of all people Harry never expected it to be Snape who’d come to personally check on him.

Perhaps someone cursed the man? 

It was worth checking out.

After he checks out his theory about this being a delusion or another universe.

It would only make sense that something like that would happen to him.

After all, he’s Harry Potter. Fate’s favorite chew-toy.

Harry was absolutely furious when he remembered what happened.

Tom .

Whatever came over the wizard - be that the insanity or some sort of murderous rage, it didn’t change the fact that Tom hurt him.

Harry remembered thinking he was being burned from the inside out, something being ripped away from him, his body going numb. He remembered Tom pulling . Saying he shouldn't have made a deal with Harry.

It hurt .

It felt like betrayal. 

Harry trusted Tom more than he’s ever trusted anyone. The boy was funny and insightful and a bloody genius to boot - slight insanity and arrogance aside. Gorgeous as well, as his traitorous mind suggested, and Harry honestly considered Tom his best friend.

What a foolish mistake.

Tom didn’t care.

Harry either passed out or escaped, after Tom almost killed him.

He had no idea what happened after. Perhaps Tom left him to die in the hallway?

But no, Tom would have a body if that happened.

The betrayal burned him in a similar way the dying did. Piercing and unrelenting. 

Harry won’t go down to the Chamber. He won’t visit Tom. He won’t talk to him if he regrets their partnership so much.

Harry can do it alone.

Even if he wished desperately he didn’t have to.

He was forced to stay in bed for the remainder of the day, so Harry opted out for reading Daily Prophet, where the picture of him sitting regally surrounded by other champions was plastered on the first page.

Of course.

He completely forgot.

Unsurprisingly, Skeeter didn’t post any of her Quick Quill Quotes nonsense nor anything incriminating or even suggestive about him.

Who knew a few threats and shifting her focus onto someone else would be so effective? Not that he cared. Skeeter can dig her claws into Dumbledore as viciously as she likes. More fun for Harry.

Harry sighed as he looked at a pile of notes, letters and get-well cards, along with an enormous amount of chocolate on his nightstand.

You’d think nobody would notice his absence during the bloody weekend, but no. His fanclub was going strong.

Harry was only half surprised to find gifts from his Slytherin yearmates.

Draco - the bloody ‘ Malfoy’s only get the best ’ bastard - has sent him a box of clearly expensive box of chocolate from Switzerland .

Merlin.

Ass-kissing much?

They tasted divine though. He could get used to this.

Harry thanked Merlin that everything was already checked for any tampering. He knew Pomfrey cast some wards for this kind of thing and Snape casting his own detection charms wasn’t as subtle as the professor might’ve believed. 

Because Harry couldn’t cast any magic. In fact, Pomfrey was reluctant to let him do the first task and she wouldn’t if it wasn’t mandatory. If Harry didn’t show up he’d lose his magic. Yes, Harry heard the witch arguing on his behalf with pretty much everyone, including the Minister.

His magical core had a nasty shock. Harry knew well enough and now he’ll have to refrain from casting anything until the bloody first task. If he wasn’t so powerful he’d be in trouble, but he’ll be fine. Worst case scenario he could just step into the arena, wait a few minutes and step out without fulfilling the task. 

But Harry wanted to win.

If he was forced to compete you can bet your every single galleon he will try his best and come out on top.

The question was, how?

He and Tom were supposed to come with a solution, and now-

And now he was alone.

There was no way he could sneak away to check if dragons could understand parseltongue. Not while unable to perform magic or without- his cloak. Merlin and Morgana, his cloak must still be down in the Chamber - Harry certainly didn’t have it with him.

He didn’t want to go down there to retrieve it either.

It would mean facing Tom. And Harry didn’t have enough self control at the moment not to strangle the bastard on the spot.

Harry pouted.

That was the only thing left for him to do in this damned place, on the bed rest like a child.

Ridiculous.

His life was completely and utterly ridiculous. 

The next day Harry was annoyed when he was forbidden from leaving the bed yet again.

"I need to prepare for the tournament. I'll just be in the library, Madam Pomfrey. No casting. I promise."

"Fine. But only for a few hours and you will come back here so I can check you. You may bring books if you so wish, Mr Potter, but if you do not show up I will come hunt you down and you do not want that"

“That’s fine-”

“And you will not be going alone. I’ll arrange you an escort.”

“An escort?!”  

“Yes, Mr Potter. In case you’ve forgotten, you were attacked days ago by Merlin knows what or who. It’s unsafe for you to be wandering on your own while unable to cast.”

“Well, since I don’t remember, Madam Pomfrey, it’s safe to say I forgot,” Harry pointed out her flawed wording, getting only a strict glare from the medi-witch.

“No more smart remarks, Mr Potter. I’ll go call one of your friends to escort you out.”

She was gone before Harry could ask who.

He shouldn’t have been surprised when Pomfrey came back with Granger in tow.

“Hell no,” Harry said immediately, shooting daggers at the witch.

“Excuse me, Mr Potter?”

“I said hell no, Madam Pomfrey. You may not know but Granger here is not my friend. Ever since I got picked by the Goblet, she did everything from accusing me of cheating to outright attacking me multiple times. If you have a hard time believing my word, ask professor Snape or any slytherin, as they witnessed Granger assaulting me, and professor Snape gave her three weeks worth of detention for that.”

The medi-witch looked appalled.

“I apologize, Mr Potter, I didn’t know. Miss Granger, you’re no longer needed here,” she said to Hermione in a much colder tone.

“But-”

“Out of my infirmary!”

Granger scowled and left without another word, while Harry suppressed a snicker. She clearly wasn’t told why she was needed.

“I suppose Mr Weasley is out of the question too?”

Harry pursed his lips. “He’s even worse.”

“Then who would you like to be escorted by? I don’t have time to be hunting down every student, Mr Potter.”

“Someone from Slytherin?”

The witch looked surprised, but nodded, not asking any questions and left to find one of the snakes.

Harry wondered who she’d come back with.

Merlin, he hoped it wasn’t Crabbe or Goyle. They were good as bodyguards but not much else. Harry hasn’t spoken to them more than to trade insults and wasn’t keen to learn just how incompetent they were.

Maybe he should’ve asked for Neville.

After another twenty minutes Madam Pomfrey finally returned.

“Your escort is waiting outside, Mr Potter. And don’t forget what I told you before, or you’ll be very sorry.”

“Of course, Madam Pomfrey,” Harry shot her a charming smile that clearly didn’t fool her in the slightest and stood up, heading for the door.

“Finally, Potter. I’ve been waiting here forever,” an arrogant voice reached Harry before he could step outside the infirmary.

Bloody hell. It was Malfoy.

“You’ve been here for a minute tops and besides, nobody forced you to come. You may leave.” Actually, Harry would prefer not having to deal with him right now.

Without looking back he started heading towards the library.

Not a second later he heard Draco running to catch up. Ha!

“Bloody hell, would you slow down? Aren’t you supposed to be an invalid of sorts? Didn’t you like, almost died? People say that someone found you in the dungeons, bled dry by a vampire and-”

“Merlin, Draco, would you shut up?” Harry stopped to face the other boy, very quickly becoming sick of his constant annoying blabbering. He wouldn’t mind, usually, but he was a tad bit stressed today. “If you’re going to continue to gossip like a first year hufflepuff with a crush, you might as well leave. You’re giving me a headache.”

Malfoy’s face reddened.

“If you want to know something, then fucking ask and cease this insolent blabbering before I curse you.”

“Madam Pomfrey said you can’t use magic-”

“I most certainly won’t let that stop me and I don’t need magic to shut someone up.”

That must’ve came out wrong because Malfoy reddened even more. At least that shut him up.

Harry turned around to walk again, not hearing any footsteps. Huh, perhaps Malfoy decided to ditch him, after all.

Only after Harry entered the library, heading straight for the Restricted section, did Malfoy show up, completely out of breath.

“Don’t disappear like that!” he hissed, after receiving a nasty glare from Madam Pince for running. "The Matron will kill me!"

“I didn’t. I walked away. Didn’t realize you’re so slow, Draco dear, next time I’ll crawl so you can keep up.”

It was fun to see Malfoy gaping at him like that.

“Potter-”

“I believe I asked you to call me Harry.”

“Harry then, what’s going on with you?”

“Whatever do you mean? I feel perfectly fine if a bit annoyed. I don’t believe I asked for an adviser. Or a therapist.”

He tuned out Malfoy’s ' I’m insulted' muttering and pulled out a tome on curses and counter-curses.

He was glad to have a free pass to roam the restricted section as he wished as a champion. At least he didn’t have to dismantle the wards when he wanted entrance. Much more convenient this way.

Harry continued walking down, his finger brushing against the book covers to get a general feel of them. 

But nothing he needed was in the library.

It’s not like there were books on how to tame a dragon - oh, pardon me, steal an egg from a nesting mother without getting killed. No, Hogwarts library was pretty useless.

He was dealing with dragons who were breathing deadly fire.

He needed something just as strong to counter them if the parseltongue thing didn’t work.

Harry could use fiendfyre, but not only was it dangerous with his recently depleted core, but it would cause a lot of questions from everyone. A fourth year student being able to cast and control cursed fire? And that’s another thing. It was a dark spell, a cursed fire spell that may or may not get him into trouble.

It’s best if Harry didn’t cast it unless absolutely necessary. And he didn't know if he could control the amount needed to deal with a dragon.

That would leave elemental magic, which… he stopped practicing.

Fuck.

With enough emotion and discipline of mind Harry could certainly pull it off, but he wasn’t sure it’d be enough.

He doubted small fire balls would do much against a dragon. And water really wasn’t his thing. Now air… it wouldn’t be all that helpful other than redirecting fire from him in case being flayed alive.

Parselmagic?

It was wondrous and none of them would know what Harry was doing.

Yes, that sounded perfect.

“Potter! Are you even listening?!”

“Hmm… what? No. I came here to read a few things, Draco, and am not in the mood to chatter. When did Pomfrey ordered you to bring me back?”

“In two hours. Three at most and if you weren’t there on time she’ll find us both and it won’t be pretty.”

“Then why do you keep interrupting me?”

Malfoy pouted.

“You promised answers.”

“I did no such thing. I said you may ask, but I don’t recall saying I will answer,” Harry smirked at the indignant look on the boy’s face. He got played and he knew it.

“A slytherin, Potter. A damn bloody slytherin.”

Harry didn’t give him any answer apart from another smirk. Draco will have to work for it.

Either way, there was nothing for Harry in the library.

He checked out the book about curses, promising to bring it back tomorrow.

“Madam Pomfrey ordered, Madam Pince. She wouldn’t even let me leave without an escort and she’s adamant I come back to the infirmary.”

The librarian pursed her lips but eventually relented, unable to resist the pleading look in Harry’s eyes along his tragic story.

“That was-”

“Slytherin. Yes, Draco, I know. You’ve only told me about a million times,” Harry said, turning to walk upstairs.

“Where are you going? The hospital wing is on the other side!”

Harry stopped for a moment and gave Draco a gentle smile.

“I’m going where I need to, Draco, and you can either stay here or come with. I’m going with or without you.”

Of course, the boy was too curious not to follow Harry to a… blank wall.

“Is this a joke?”

Harry didn’t grace him with an answer and walked three times past the tapestry until a door appeared.

“What in Merlin’s name is this?”

Harry turned to stare into Malfoy’s wide eyes, colder than Draco’s ever seen them. “Something I hope you won’t be repeating to anyone else, Malfoy, less you wish to find out what I’m capable of when the trust said trust is broken. Understood?"

Malfoy was nodding frantically, looking excited and terrified at the same time.

Hm, perhaps he'll actually won't be so bad. They were trying to sick up to him, after all. Even send chocolates which Harry is yet to thank him for.

Harry opened the door, rushing Malfoy inside and completely ignored the boy's gaping at the sight.

Yes, he knew it was more than magnificent. The Room of Hidden Things. Everything the students hid or discarded over centuries, which included pretty disturbing and dark books that were lost to time.

Harry found it in his first year when he was wandering the castle after getting his cloak. But the first time it showed up as a room with loads of pillows and blankets, fire crackling and provided Harry comfort he then needed. But when he looked for it next time it wasn't there.

It took some time for Harry to figure out how the room worked, but it was an absolute blessing and a place to retreat to when he couldn't deal with his traitor friends or even Gryffindor anymore.

Tom was the one to tell him to wish for this room. Room of Lost and Hidden things, and Harry rarely summoned any other kind of room anymore. This one had everything he needed, you just had to be careful not to touch anything cursed, which was a feat of it's own.

At least Harry will never run out of cursed things to send to his enemies.

"Do not touch anything, Draco. There are more cursed things than you imagine and if something calls to you, run the other way. Or just stay here, hm? I don’t fancy explaining to Pomfrey or Snape how you got cursed on the way to the library."

"I'm not stupid, Potter. I know how things work."

"Hm, I suppose so, but you were trying to touch everything in Borgin and Burkes a year or so back. Pretty stupid, wouldn't you say? "

Draco spluttered, eyes wide. "I- I've never-"

"Oh please, don't even deny it, you were there with your father."

"How do you know?!" the boy screeched. First their common room, now this?!

Harry elegantly raised his brow.

"It's not important, but what is that you don't touch things you shouldn't. Now, I will be off. Be a good boy and wait here. This place is huge, you might get lost."

With that, Harry turned around and walked his usual path. Unfortunately, he didn't have time to sit down and read what he needed here; he'll just take the book on warding and go, before Pomfrey could start his search.

Harry eyed the ritualistic books and the ones he gathered on blood magic with longing. It was so stupid all of it was outlawed. It won't stop Harry from practicing of course, but it was blasphemy. This was their legacy , a very powerful and useful legacy that is now illegal because it requires blood or sacrifice. Outrageous. 

He'd be dead if his mother never dabbled in blood and sacrificial magic.

What would the world do if this situation got out? Dumbledore preached it was love that saved him, when in reality it was a ritualistic blood magic ritual with a willing human sacrifice.

Love.

How dense were they?

If love could save anyone from the killing curse, a lot more people would be alive today.

Ridiculous. 

Harry grabbed the book he came here for and shrank it to fit in his pocket, then went to find his wayward slytherin.

It was amusing to see them scrambling for any sort of information from him, ever since his… turn. Reveal? Heh.

They got a glimpse at Harry Potter and they wanted more. All of them did, bloody power hungry slytherins. At least they weren’t loud and annoying.

Tom was amused at his expense- no , Harry will not think about that bastard and whether he was amused or not.

"Where have you been?"

Harry looked at the awed blond, smirking slightly.

"Picking something up. We can go now."

"What is this room? I've never heard of it before, I-"

"It's a room you will be keeping a secret, Draco," Harry said lowly, letting his magic touch the boy just a bit to get the point across. It worked, if the paling face was any indicator.

"Of- of course m-my- ah, of course, Harry," Malfoy was stuttering, frozen in place. He couldn’t wrap his head around how Harry Potter’s magic could feel so dark.

Harry smiled gently, tapping the boy’s arm as if to unfreeze him. "Good. Now let's go back."

Draco scrambled after him again.

"Can you tell me what happened? Are the rumors true?"

Harry pondered whether to indulge Draco or not. It's not like he could release the truth.

"No. There was no vampire. Honestly, I have no idea where that came from."

"Then- then what?"

Harry was taken aback to see actual concern shining through. 

Was it possible that slytherins actually cared?

"Nothing I can disclose. I honestly don't recall how I ended up in the hallway, just remember waking up in the hospital wing after a critical magical exhaustion."

Draco paled drastically. 

"That's- Merlin, Pott- Harry, it could kill you!"

"It didn't." Harry gritted his teeth. If it did, he'd come back as a ghost to personally haunt Riddle. Bloody sodding prick.

"Who did this to you? How?"

"That's not something I will be revealing, Draco. I'll just let the rumor mill do it's thing. It's kind of amusing, actually."

Harry wondered what other ludicrous ideas there were about the incident.

They were quiet the rest of the time.

"Oh, you're back! Did he do anything nefarious, Mr Malfoy?" Pomfrey asked.

Harry glared at the medi-witch. 

"No, Madam. Just to the library and back."

"Good, good. I'll come back later to check on you, Mr Potter. You better be in bed!"

Harry was tempted to just curse the witch. Merlin, she was overbearing. Kind of reminded him of Molly Weasley. 

Draco looked unsure of whether to stay or go, so Harry took mercy on him.

"Sit down, Draco. Eat some chocolate. I have plenty," he motioned to his nightstand. "Thank you for yours as well, they were delicious.

Almost instantly Draco’s posture straightened and he preened like a peacock under the praise, Harry noted amusingly. Learned behavior indeed. He wondered if Lucius did the same thing. Perhaps Harry should get an invitation to Malfoy’s Yule Ball to see for himself.

"I'm glad you approve, Harry."

Fucking hell, the blond was actually itching for Harry's approval. The new dynamic threw him off a bit. He was usually the one haunding for other people’s approval.

Were they actually trying to be his friends? More? Followers?(don't let Tom hear him say this)

Harry was curious to see how this is going to turn out.

There’s no way he’s getting back with his ex-friends, so some new allies… dark allies? It wasn't a horrible idea.

As if on queue the door opened and Theodore Nott walked in with Pansy Parkinson in tow.

"There you are, Draco. You've been gone for ages."

"Yeah, Vincent said Madam Pomfrey came to get you for something, but I see you're more than fine."

Harry noted teasing grins and Draco's reddening face curiously. His eyes narrowed. What was this about?

"How have you been, Harry? The rumors are going wild. Latest is that Karkaroff tried to kill off Krum’s competition or that there is a beast preying on handsome young boys in the dungeons and you fell prey to it. Which one is it?" Pansy asked, blinking at him through her lashes.

Draco glared at her for some reason.

"I'm great, Pansy, thank you for asking, but Madam Pomfrey is keeping me prisoner. Neither of those are true though. What else have they been saying?"

"Oh, someone is completely convinced that the Chamber of Secrets opened again and you are petrified."

Harry scoffed. "Please, that's ridiculous. Basilisk would never attack another parselmouth."

Their faces were priceless. 

"I-I heard a hufflepuff whisper that professor Snape attacked you," Pansy continued her rumor mill. Harry had no idea the girl was such a gossiper. She was probably just as bad as Levander.

"Bloody hell, where do they come up with these things?" Harry was truly flabbergasted. Students were ridiculous.

If they could believe such nonsense then why couldn’t they believe he didn’t want to participate in this stupid tournament?

"No clue. Will you tell us what happened?"

The slytherins were looking at him, eyes glinting in excitement. They looked like excited puppies.

Harry sighed.

"Sit down. Eat some chocolate," he motioned to the nightstand. 

They hurried to comply, each taking a seat on Draco's sides.

Oh Merlin, they were eager.

"You're actually going to tell them what happened and not me?!" Draco looked highly insulted, but the pout on his lips gave him away.

Merlin. Draco was pouting .

This was hilarious. 

Harry’s theory of alternative dimension was becoming more real by the second.

"Nope," Harry said offhandedly. "What happened is for me to know and for you to guess."

"Then what will you tell us?" Pansy asked curiously, unwrapping one of the chocolate frogs. "And what's wrong with you?"

"I'm fine. Madam Pomfrey is just…" Harry looked around to see if she was anywhere near. "Overbearing and ridiculous."

Nott snorted. "Isn't that right"

"So… why are you here?"

"Critical magical exhaustion apparently."

Theo and Pansy paled. 

“You don’t do things by half, do you? Merlin, Potter."

"That's what Draco said," Harry said casually. "That's all you're getting."

"What?! You're not going to tell me any more information? You're the direct source, I-"

Harry glared at the witch. "You already got more than most without me asking for anything back."

"What's your price then?" Pansy asked, determined glint in her eyes.

Oh, the poor girl was about to be let down in the worst way possible. She was fierce though, Harry will admit to that. 

"Pansy dear, if I told you, I would have to kill you."

The slytherins were about to laugh, but they noticed a completely serious expression on Harry's face. Harry noticed a glint of fear in Pansy's eyes.

Good. They remembered what they spoke about the time they ambushed him after Potions. They knew what he was capable of.

Sort of.

"So, are you ready for the first task?" Theo asked.

"Yep," Harry grinned, knowing it was making them uncomfortable. He didn't offer any more information, and it was worth it if only to see frustration in their eyes. He wasn’t about to share his life story with them. This was more fun.

" Massster, I want a juicy rabbit. And a warming charm. It's cold."

All three slytherins jumped into the air as Loki slithered on Harry's bed.

" Are they yours, Massster? They smell of fear."

"They came to check on me, Loki. Don't touch them."

"The blond one smells of summer, Massster. May I lay on him?"

"I don't see why not, Loki," Harry grinned.

"Merlin and Morgana" Nott whispered, while Pansy was clutching her chest.

Draco went deathly pale as the snake slithered towards him.

"Potter! Potte- Harry! What is it doing?! Stop it!"

"He wants to lay on you. Said you smell of summer and such."

Draco froze completely as the serpent coiled on his lap.

Harry rolled his eyes. "Just pet him. He likes attention. Probably as much as you do.” Which was a funny thought. His snake did have a similar personality to Draco’s in a way.

" And a warming charm! I'm cold."

Harry sighed, waving his hand towards his familiar. 

Draco narrowed his eyes. "Pomfrey told you not to use magic." 

"I'm fine. If she had her way, she'd keep me here for another week. Completely ridiculous."

“It’s not a bloody joke and is dangerou-”

"Mr Pot- oh, there's four of you now. Enough bothering my patient! He needs to rest! Out of here! Shoo!"

Harry gave them an 'I told you so' look when the Matron left to fetch some potions for him.

''Uhh, Harry?" Draco didn't dare to move.

" Loki? Would you care to move?"

"No. I like the blond, I want to go with him. Can I, Master?"

"Fine. Come back later though. Loki wants to come with you."

Draco gaped at him. "W-what?"

"He likes you and wants to come with. Oh, don't look so shocked. Just shoot a warming charm on him and give him a few rats, or even better- a rabbit, and he'll come back to me later on."

Draco was speechless, but didn't know how to refuse or if he should. He nodded, eventually. 

"Great! Loki, curl on his shoulders. He doesn't know how to carry you and listen to what they're saying."

"Yes, Master."

The snake slithered up, curling around Draco's neck.

"Well, no one is going to mess with you now, Dray," Theo snorted but kept his distance. 

"Dray?" Harry's eyes glinted mischievously.

"Don't you even dare, Potter"

"I wouldn't dream of it, Dray. Now get out before Madam Pomfrey notices you're still here. Shoo!"

Harry was released from the hospital the next morning and headed down for some breakfast. He didn't want to stay in the hospital wing any longer so he chose to have it downstairs.

"Oh, you're finally out!" Pansy squeaked from behind him. Harry turned to see all the slytherins coming towards the Great Hall for breakfast. 

"Yes. I told you I'm fine. Where's Loki?"

Draco parted his robes and the snake's head peaked out. "He just climbed onto me and wouldn't move, so I figured I'd bring him with."

" Into my shirt, Loki. Now. Do not show yourself."

"Yes, Master."

"Bloody hell, Harry," Blaise stared at him wide eyed, as the snake wriggled under Harry's shirt.

"What? I don't want anyone to see. Did they say anything about me?"

"The blond one was very proud you liked the chocolates, Master." Harry shot Draco a look. " The Zabi boy was jealous because he didn't get to talk to you, and others were curious about were you and my blond were, but he didn't reveal. Said he wasn't going to betray your trust."

"Do you think him trustworthy, Loki?"

"Yes, Master. He gave me a fat rabbit and lots of attention."

" My snake likes you, because you spoiled him," Harry said to Draco, who beamed proudly. Bloody hell, he hoped the snake won’t bother him too much about that. "He also says you boasted around that I liked the chocolate you sent." The boy's cheeks reddened slightly.

"I'm just glad you approved."

Harry shot him a smirk. He wasn’t going to complain, really. Draco had a good taste.

“Let’s go before we miss breakfast. Would you like to join us, Harry?” Pansy asked, her eyes shooting between Draco and Harry for some reason.

“Sure. it’s not like I’ve got something better to do.”

“Are you not going to classes?”

“I’ve been excused.”

And thank Merlin for that. The task was tomorrow and Harry didn’t have any energy to deal with classes as well, especially since he was forbidden from using magic.

The hall fell dead silent as Harry walked in, before erupting into cheers and soon after, whispers and looks and Merlin- Harry was about to turn around and go back before he was grabbed by Pansy and Blaise from each side and led to the table.

More whispers followed as he sat down at the Slytherin table between Draco and Blaise.

“You looked ready to bolt, Potter. I thought you liked the attention?” Malfoy teased him, ignoring Harry’s death stare. “Oh look how disappointed Karkaroff looks. You sure he’s not the one who tried to get rid of you?”

Harry’s head instantly snapped to the traitor and indeed, he was staring at Harry. Bloody bastard, Harry thought as he glared at the man.

“Did he actually do something?” Theo asked, looking unsure. “If looks could kill…”

“I’m not overly fond of traitors, Theo,” Harry muttered.

“But he hasn’t betrayed anyone close to you!”

Harry turned back to see his yearmate waiting for some big reveal, to hear his personal vendetta against Karkaroff, but they were about to receive something else entirely.

“Karkaroff chose a side. He took the Dark Lord’s mark and wore it proudly until the moment it suited him. Once To- Voldemort fell, Karkaroff turned against his mates, against those he fought alongside and betrayed everyone he could just to gain his own freedom. A complete turncoat.” Harry bristled. How could the man live with himself he’ll never know. “He’ll pay for his crimes one way or another. I’m surprised he dared to step foot in Britain again at all.”

Not that it would help him.

Harry was certain Voldemort didn’t care about crossing borders just to catch a traitor.

“You think Karkaroff will be… punished ?” Blaise whispered, as everyone leaned in closer to hear what Harry was going to say.

He smiled.

“I have no doubt in my mind. I think you can imagine what the Dark Lord does to traitors, Blaise.”

His yearmates paled while Harry offered a toothy grin and took a bite of his sandwich.

Merlin, slytherins were fun. If he said anything even remotely close to anyone in Gryffindor, he’d be accused of being dark, a traitor, the next Dark Lord and then would have to endure a lecture and a guilt trip.

It was surprising he was still sane.

…remotely.

Harry’s spider senses were tickling.

“ Loki, who's staring at me?”

Harry felt his snake slithering under his robes. 

“ The one with a weird eye, Master. And the old coot along with the one who stays in the dungeons.”

Huh.

Dumbledore, he could understand, but why those two?

Snape was way too curious about him this semester and it didn’t seem to be waning. Surprisingly, their last encounter was weirdly… cordial and Harry could admit he enjoyed the professor’s snarkiness. He wondered just how much Snape has figured out on his own already.

He was certain that Snape will try to corner him again, now that he didn’t look like death warmed over and was out of the hospital, and will demand answers.

But Moody…

Harry is still yet to find out why the man was so interested in him.

Each year the DADA professor paid him too much attention and so far neither one of those times their encounters ended up in Harry’s favor. He was always attacked.

Should he expect to be attacked by Moody?

The man was an ex-Auror. 

Surely he won’t- eh, who was Harry kidding, he would. It was just his luck to be attacked by a professor. A bloody trend by now.

He wondered how Dumbledore even found those people. Did he hang around posters, saying ‘ DADA professor, willing to attack Harry Potter at least once, needed’ . Wouldn’t surprise him one bit.

Shame Loki couldn’t spy on Moody though.

Perhaps Harry could find a way to steal the man’s eye? Would make his life much easier.

“Which one of you is up to taking a walk?” he turned to look back at his yearmates with a smile, noting unnerved expressions.

“I have a free period,” Draco said meekly.

“Perfect.”

Fates must really really hate him, because Ronald decided to ambush them.

“I- I need to talk to you,” Ron looked to be nervous, but Harry didn’t buy that for a second. There was something the boy was hiding. Trying to gain his favor? Has Dumbledore ordered this?

“I have nothing to say to you,” Harry spat coldly, already turning to walk away when the boy spoke again.

“It’s important!”

Harry stopped, pursing his lips in a sign of displeasure and his patience waning. Something he unconsciously copied from Tom.

“Well? Then say it.”

“I’m not saying it in front of him ,” Weasley sneered at Draco. “Come with me, alone.”

Harry snorted.

Was he barking mad?

“I’m not going anywhere alone with you-” ”He’s not going alone with you anywhere-” Harry and Draco spoke simultaneously, giving each other a surprised look.

“You don’t order him around, Malfoy!” Ronald shouted, his hand going for his wand.

“You’re stupid to think I’d let you lure him somewhere alone where you can ambush him, Weasel. The whole school knows how you turned traitor.”

The boy went beet red and pulled out his wand, but Harry was faster - he shot an expelliarmus - Merlin, what a wonderful spell -   before anyone could do any harm.

“How dare you?!” Ronald screeched at Harry, all earlier worry forgotten, but he didn’t dare to attack once Draco pointed his own wand at him. “I came here to warn you and you defend a baby Death Eater! You’re a filthy traitor, Potter!”

Harry’s expression turned to ice.

“I haven’t betrayed anyone, Weasley.” Draco shivered at Harry’s tone and was surprised to see that Weasel still hasn’t run away after hearing it. Couldn't the fool feel Harry’s magic? “ You betrayed me because you were a jealous little bitch with no talent of your own. You want glory and fame and yet, nobody even glances at your direction, because who would to such a weak, pathetic bottomfeeder like you, Ronald? You’ve done nothing so far. I’m sure Filch has more achievements than you at this point. Nobody even knows your name without me around and even then it's Harry Potter’s ex-friend who turned into a traitor because he was jealous.”

Harry could see steam coming out of Ron’s ears after his merciless dressing down.

He didn’t regret a single thing.

“You’re nothing but a fraud, Potter. Everyone will see what a fucking traitor you are, hanging around with Death Eaters and not listening to Dumbledore! I knew you’ll turn out to be a slimy snake, I should’ve known ever since I found out you’re a parselmouth, just like You-Know-Who! Your parents would be ashamed of you. They would hate you.”

Harry froze.

“I think my parents would be proud of me for staying alive,” he answered, ignoring the chill he felt. “Unlike yours. It’s a wonder how they remember your name when your brothers outshine you at everything.”

It was a bit too much because the next moment Ronald lunged at him.

Harry barely got out of the way, still feeling a bit stiff after his stay in the hospital wing.

Draco shot a stunner and missed, and then Ronald got up to his feet and lunged for Harry again and it looked like he was going for Harry's neck. To strangle him, Harry supposed.

However, Weasley didn’t get the chance to as another stunner came from behind the boys.

“Not so fast, Weasley,” a voice barked from the distance and Harry turned to see Moody heading towards them, wand pointed at Ron. “What do you think you’re doing?”

Weasley almost fell to the floor when the spell was released.

“Potter has my wand and he has turned traitor!”

“Why do you have his wand, Potter?”

“Because he tried to attack us earlier,” Harry answered cordially. It’s not like he was lying.

Moody turned to glare at Ron, taking his wand from Harry’s hand. “So when your initial attack failed, you decided to use physical force? Are you that stupid, boy?!”

“Potter is a traitor!”

“You’re the only traitor around, Weasley, as everyone knows you turned your back on your friend!” Moody hollered, and Harry was very pleased to see a horrified look on Weasley’s face once he realized he would get no support from the professor. “And forty points from Gryffindor for attacking Potter and a detention with Snape.”

“What?! I haven’t done anything!”

“You attacked a student twice! Need I remind you that Potter just got out of the hospital wing an hour ago, boy? For all we know you’re the one who attacked him and now are trying to finish your job!”

Ronald went pale.

Harry almost laughed at the ridiculous theory. As if Ronald could do such a thing to him. He didn’t have brains nor enough magical talent to pull something on the same level as Tom- nope. Not going there.

“As if someone like him would be capable of harming me in such a way, professor. That’s just insulting,” Harry drawled, hearing snickers coming from Draco.

“Oh, I’ll show you-”

“Are you threatening again, Weasley? ! Another detention!”

Harry couldn’t hold in his snort at the expression of pure outrage on his ex-friend’s face. This was hilarious.

No wonder Draco and his goons constantly teased him. There certainly was an appeal.

“Get out of my sight, Weasley. Here’s your wand. If I see you pointing it at another student, I’ll assign a month's worth of detention with Snape. Understood?”

Ron just nodded quickly, seemingly realizing that he lost and ran away.

“As for you, Potter-” Moody turned to him and Harry held an urge to run away as well. “I believe you were told not to use any magic today.”

“I’m fine,” he said for a millionth time this week and got the same disbelieving look he always got from everyone. “Madam Pomfrey is just paranoid and exaggerating. It’s not like I’m going around and casting unforgivables. It was just an expelliarmus.”

He may have suffered a magical exhaustion, but his magic has been fine ever since he woke up. His core was way above average and he wouldn’t cast if it would pose a risk to himself - honestly, if anything, if not hypothermia he would’ve been out of the hospital wing much quicker.

And he hasn’t been feeding his magic into the diary. He was completely fine. Every day spells didn’t even register.

“So you say. You will come with me to have a chat, Potter. Malfoy, I suggest you go to your next class. You’re not the one excused from lessons today.”

“Yes, sir. I’ll- I’ll see you later, Harry,” Draco shot him a hopeful look, waiting until Harry sighed and nodded in agreement before walking away.

“Made new friends, eh, Potter?”

Harry shrugged.

“They’re not as annoying. Change of scenery and all that.”

“Indeed. Let’s walk to my office.”

Harry followed the ex-Auror, a bit surprised how he could walk this fast without one leg.

As the doors shut behind him, he felt privacy wards flare. Ah. He didn’t want anyone hearing their conversation.

Interesting.

“Do you know what happened to you, Potter?”

“It’s not of consequence, professor, and I’m pretty sure the incident isn’t why you called me here.”

Moody eyed him for a minute, before snorting.

“Isn’t that right. You’re more perceptive than people give you credit for.”

Harry shrugged.

“The first task is tomorrow. I want to know your strategy.”

Harry blinked.

“Why?”

“Because you’re the youngest and need help. Do you know what the task is?”

Harry’s eyes narrowed.

Why was Moody so insistent on helping?

“I’ll ask again. Why aren’t you helping Diggory with this?” he insisted instead.

“He entered willingly, did he not? And he’s of age.”

“True. Some would say you’re biased, professor.”

“Who cares what they say? I’m called Mad Eyed Moody, boy. It comes with the title.”

Harry snorted. He could relate.

“Well, in that case, professor, I’ll let you know that this strategy of mine is completely mad as well. Should fit right into your category.”

Moody barked out a laugh.

“So you know what the first task is.”

It wasn’t a question.

“Yes.”

“And you have a plan?”

“Yes.” Kind of.

“And you’re not going to tell me?”

“Why ruin a surprise? Please.” 

Moody stared at him for a long while, but Harry could see he was fighting a smirk.

“I’m a bit impressed, I won't lie, Potter. I thought you’d be petrified.”

Harry shrugged. Sure, he was panicking at first, but now he had a few ideas and backup plans in case things didn’t go his way. Besides, it can’t be worse than facing a basilisk at twelve.

Then he smirked at the wording.

“Oh, no, professor. Dragons don’t petrify students, basilisks do. And I should know.”

Moody looked completely stunned at his proclamation, and Harry could tell he was even impressed.

Harry stood up.

“I’ll leave you to your classes, professor. And see you at the first task.”

“Cheeky brat,” Harry heard Moody mutter as he was walking through the door.

What could he say?

Harry liked to tempt fate.