No more lies (To Victory)

CHAPTER 6

••°°••

"Is this true?"

Harry looked at Draco with a face full of confusion.

"Is what true?"

"That you're taking Weaslette to the ball?"

Harry couldn't help it and snorted.

"Are you on crack, Draco? There isn't a curse strong enough in this world for me to take her . Bloody hell. I'd rather go alone or with a ghost."

"I fucking told you," Nott gritted his teeth from behind Draco, looking annoyed. "But no , you just have to believe that bint."

"What are you all on about?"

Blaise pursed his lips and turned to explain to their oblivious friend: "She's going around and telling everyone that you're taking her to the ball. So far, not many believe her, but Ronald is confirming it as well."

Harry's eyebrows shot up. "Huh. How disappointed will she be when not only will I not take her, but nobody will let her in without an older date? What a tragedy."

The slytherins snickered, easing up a bit.

"Who are you taking anyway? From what we heard, after Creevy you've been… hissing at anyone who came too close."

Harry's eyes narrowed. He was so done with people asking him that and was not too far from outright starting cursing everyone in sight, but they all could see a smug spark in his eyes. Potter clearly liked people running away from him. 

"I'll start hissing at you too if you annoy me too much."

They looked slightly shocked at the seriousness in his voice. 

"Did something happen? You look… off."

"Fine," Harry spat, still reeling about his non-convention with Tom. He wanted to curse someone.

Badly. 

Blaise whistled. "Someone's in the mood today."

Harry's eyes narrowed and not a second later Blaise jumped into the air, yelping.

"What the hell?!”

“You’re annoying me,” Harry spat and turned to leave. He needed some space, some freshair before he actually cursed someone.

Tom clearly messed with his head again.

“Where are you going?” Theo asked, hurrying after him.

Harry turned around, ready to snap at the boy when he saw a genuine worry in his eyes. He deflated a bit. “To take a walk. I need some air.”

“Want me to come with you?”

Harry shook his head. “No, Theo, but thank you. I just have a lot on my mind.”

The boy nodded, stepping back a bit.

“We’ll be there if you need us, Harry.”

Harry nodded, suddenly feeling appreciative they didn’t pry and dig and knew just when to back down.

Ron and Hermione never allowed him this courtesy. They prodded and asked until he was blue in the face, until their curiosity was fulfilled, with no regards to what he wanted.

This felt like freedom.

Merlin, he had actual friends.

He nodded to them all and walked out of the library, heading towards the lake. He knew just a place.

Harry was sitting at the lake and reading a book when he heard:

" Bonjour ," 

Harry turned to see a brown haired boy with sky blue eyes and a bright smile right next to him.

"Uh… hi?"

"Would you mind if I join you?" 

"Not at all."

They sat there for a quiet minute, Harry contemplating what the fuck was going on.

"My name iz Pierre Beaumont-LaRue. I'm from the Beauxbatons Academy, as you can see."

Harry gave the boy a small smile. "Harry Potter. But unfortunately, everyone knows that."

"Unfortunately? Ah, but nò, 'Arry Potter, for me it'z a pleasure to meet you," the boy reached out for Harry's hand and brought it to his lips, placing a chaste kiss on his knuckles.

Harry went beet red at this, eyes widening.

What the fuck was going on?!

"Ah, Beaumont, it's-"

"Call me Pierre, please."

"Pierre then- ah, what are you doing?" Harry's voice sounded rather high pitched.

This certainly has never happened before. 

"Hopefully charming you, mon joli. I'd like nothingz more than to take you to the dance, if you'd allow zat?"

Harry was at a loss of words.

This boy was asking him to the ball?

"I- I-" Harry felt as if he was crumbling. This has been happening too often lately. "Let me think about it, alright?"

The boy beamed at him - a warm, sunny smile - and nodded enthusiastically. 

"But of courze, 'Arry. I wouldn't push you."

Harry smiled gratefully at Pierre, feeling relieved.

This was all too sudden and too much.

He didn't even want to go to the ball! Merlin's pants, if he wasn't a champion…

Although it would be a wonderful opportunity to network. But gosh, at what cost...

Perhaps it wouldn’t kill him to be polite, for once. He actually needed to get the date, and if this french boy doesn’t turn out to be a complete dick, then why not? It’s not like he’s obligated to be with that person all night. He can easily slip away after one dance.

“So, Pierre, tell me. How do you like Hogwarts so far?” If he was actually going to take this Pierre Beumont-LeRue, he better know more than his name. For all Harry knew, he could be an asshole and then Harry would have to curse the living daylights out of him. 

The French beamed at him. “Ah, I’m glad you asked, ‘Arry. You see…”

Harry was… pleasantly surprised, to say the least.

This Pierre guy was actually decent.

They mostly spoke about differences in schools and what not. Apparently Beauxbatons taught Alchemy as an elective for NEWTs level students and Harry was intrigued.

And more than a little annoyed.

Why didn’t Hogwarts have any of such electives? Dumbledore, of course, was at fault, but now Harry wanted to transfer to Beauxbatons simply because they had more electives.

And they weren’t so prejudiced against the Dark Arts. 

And their uniforms were made of silk. Talk about having all the best.

Hogwarts had a lot to learn.

He and Tom had many late night conversations about things they’d like to change, to improve, one of them being Hogwarts.

Both of them loved the castle, as it was their first home, but it still needed some changes, the most prominent one being bringing back the classes.

As for Pierre, Harry learned that he was excellent at Transfiguration and thought of seeking a career down this path; perhaps do more in-depth research on permanent transfiguration, which was extremely difficult and delicate art, but his parents wanted for him to work at the French Ministry.

Pierre’s mother was a healer while his father was a high-ranking ministry official, working closely with Minister Delacour - which reminded Harry to get closer to Fleur, if possible. It would be incredibly useful to have a French Minister in his pocket. 

Harry thought it was just his luck he met Draco Malfoy 2.0

But he thought about the importance of making connections, networking, and thought about how he didn’t hate the boy's company yet , so Harry decided to just see where this… association goes.

And if Pierre becomes a problem… well. Harry can be very creative in solving them.

It was the Hogsmeade weekend and Harry had no intention of going, but certain slytherins threw a hissy fit over it.

“What do you mean, you’re not going? This is our first Hogsmeade outing together!” Draco pouted, looking highly insulted.

“Exactly! It’s like you want to hide alone in the castle or something, Harry.” Pansy gave him a very knowing look, which Harry pointedly ignored.

“Come on, you need to have some fun and relax. You’ve been in a foul mood for days.” Theo joined in, but he looked slightly worried. Harry still hasn’t spoken to any of them about what was bugging him. And something most definitely was; they weren’t stupid.

“Oh, and do you have robes for the Ball?” Blaise chimed in and they all turned to look at Harry.

“Yeah..?”

“Where did you get them?” Draco asked, looking at him suspiciously.

“Uh… Madam Malkins?” Harry’s eyes narrowed when all four of them exchanged looks.

“Harry, Harry, Harry…” Draco tutted at him disappointedly. “You can’t buy dress-robes at Madam Malkins. Everything she has is subpar and way below your standing.”

Harry gave him an incredulous look.

“What he means is, someone of your… status should be dressed in nothing but the best this world has to offer,” Blaise explained after seeing Harry’s expression. “And you’re a champion , Harry, which means you represent Hogwarts along with your house - and I mean your family name as well, not just your Hogwarts house-”

“Which will obviously be Slytherin , Potter, because Gryffindor not only doesn’t deserve you, but betrayed you-”

“And you are clearly the Heir of Slytherin, which most likely everyone knows already after your wonderful performance at the first task-”

“And you need to look your very best.”

Harry felt dazed after this… intervention? It felt awfully lot like an intervention.

All four of them were staring at him, waiting for his verdict, and Harry felt a need to run, because what the fuck.

“So, you want to do what exactly?” he asked carefully, a sense of dread overcoming him at the overexcited faces of his friends.

“We are taking you shopping, silly!” Pansy squealed.

“Or more likely, we’re getting you a tailor from Twillfitt and Tattings. They make wonderful robes and will surely make an appointment for you in such a short notice. I’ll write to my mother.” Draco announced, stomping away to write a letter without even waiting for Harry’s reply.

He blinked, shocked.

“What the fuck just happened?”

Theo patted him on the back, giving a reassuring smile. “You just got out-slytherined, Harry. There’s no way on this earth either one of them will let you enter that Ball looking anything less than your best. That’s just how they are.”

“And they will grow more and more obsessed as the day grows closer,” Blaise warned. “Malfoys throw an annual Yule Ball, and it’s the most extravagant event each year. Lady Malfoy has a talent for such things, and it seems Draco is turning out just like her. He’ll be fussing over every detail, I promise you that.”

He groaned. “Great. From one dragon to another.” Harry muttered, receiving an outright laugh from the other two. “Or I can just not go. Anywhere. At all.”

“And rob us of the joy? You would really dare to hurt us as such, Harry?” Blaise put a hand over his heart. “I thought you cared about us!”

Harry rolled his eyes and smacked the boy as he walked by. “Oh, shut up. I’ll go to that damned Hogsmeade with you if you keep Draco from smothering me.”

Theo grinned.

“Deal.”

“Ah, just the person we wanted to see!”

Before Harry could say or do anything, he was squished between two tall redheads.

“Either get off of me, or I’ll curse you both," Harry grumbled, and the boys stepped back slightly, but linked their hands and continued to walk with him.

"Of course, your Majesty."

"No one shall touch the newly made Slytherin Heir!"

Harry closed his eyes and breathed deeply. Why could no one leave him be for one single day? That's all he asked.

"What do you want?" Harry asked, because there must be a reason. These two didn't do anything without an ulterior motive. Sneaky little shits.

"Ah, so glad you asked, Harry."

"You see, we heard rumours you're taking our sister to the ball-"

"-which is not something we like-"

"-simply because of reasons we'd like to keep a secret for now-"

"-but we'd still liked to-"

"Enough!" Harry snapped, having heard enough and feeling more than a little disturbed. "First of all, I'm not taking Ginny. Hell, I have no idea who I'm taking yet and quite frankly, I'm not telling, second of all, what kind of secrets? Reasons? Tell me now before I curse it out of you, and trust me, I will, because people have been bugging me nonstop this whole week and I'd like nothing more than to hurt someone!"

Twins took a cautious step back, hands up in a gesture of surrender. Harry looked slightly unhinged in their humble opinion.

"Harry, relax, we're on your side, okay?"

"No need to curse or anything."

"Especially not us."

Harry's eyes narrowed, but he nodded. He's been too snappy lately. He knew. "Then go on. Tell me these reasons of yours."

Twins shared a glance and looked around.

"Uh, not here. There's an empty classroom right there. Come on."

Harry allowed them to drag him into the room and immediately raised wards. He had a feeling they'd need it. "Talk."

"Whoa," they said in unison.

"Alright, so, we've noticed your sudden… shift in personality, per se-"

"And we’re pretty sure you've been hiding yourself all this time for one reason or another-"

"And we suspect it's Dumbledore, because we don't trust him either."

"He's been coming to our house and speaking with our mother a lot, and we happened to overhear some of it-"

"And we were going to tell you when we had a chance, we just didn't think you'd believe us."

"But with how you've been acting, we're pretty sure you've already known what Dumbledore's been doing and won't freak out-"

“-or tell anyone.”

“We’re pranksters, but we’re not unobservant, you see.”

"He spoke to our mother that they should create a marriage contract between you and Ginny."

"That you two are old enough and that Ginny should start dating you."

"And she's been… obsessed with you, if we're honest. In an unhealthy way.”

“Like, having drawings of you two together on her bedroom wall, unhealthy kind of way.”

“So we thought to warn you, because she might try something."

For a moment, everything was completely still, until Harry processed the information and his magic exploded out of him, leaving the furniture around in tatters.

"That old, senile piece of shit," Harry hissed, eyes burning with rage. "I'll strangle him with my own bare hands."

How dare he- a marriage contract? With that bint?

Harry never paid much attention to Ginny, and within a good reason.

She had moon eyes for him from the get go. Stared at him, stalked him, Harry once saw his name doodled with hearts. It was sickening.

It was nothing more than obsession on her part.

Tom revealed the things she wrote in the diary about him.

That girl needed a bloody mind healer.

Mrs Weasley allowed her to fantasize about becoming Lady Potter one day and only fed into this idea, and now was trying to make it reality.

Harry stayed away from her whenever he could, never spoke to her unless she spoke first, answered with one word sentences and yet, that was no help.

She still stalked him.

Much more this year, but Harry just chopped it off to hormones. Apparently, not so much. There was more to the story as per usual.

Why the fuck- but no , of course they would target him. Harry had no family to support him, no back up, no one to deny a marriage contract. He was an easy target.

And if not for this thrice damned tournament, if he wasn’t chosen, he would’ve never been emancipated, would still have Dumbledore parading as his magical guardian; he would’ve definitely signed a contract.

Bloody hell.

He might not kill the person who entered him, after all. Just maim.

As for Ginny…

He will kill her too if he has to. If the push comes to shove and there's no other way… she's as good as dead.

Nobody will force him into a relationship he doesn’t want.

"I take it you don't want to marry our sister?" Fred laughed nervously.

Harry glared at him. "Perish that thought, Weasley. Just how much do you know?"

They looked at him guiltily.

"A lot. We think. We know potions were involved."

Harry sighed deeply. They were observant, he’ll give them that, but which side were they on?

Why tell him now?

"And how long have you known?"

"We were suspicious for a few years now, but only managed to overhear something solid this summer."

"We overheard from the kitchen window when we were outside. Dumbledore said they'll need to control you better this year with Black influencing you."

Fuck .

Of course he wouldn’t want Harry to gain some independence. But oh, how it backfired.

No thanks to Black either. In fact, Harry hasn’t heard anything from him since October, before the tournament. A bit weird, but whatever. 

He had more things to worry about than his murderous wayward godfather.

"Thank you for telling me."

They nodded, but didn't look swayed. "You knew." It wasn't a question.

Harry snorted.

"Of course I knew, I'm not a bloody idiot. I knew from the start."

"Then why keep pretending?"

"It wasn't safe. I wasn't strong enough. If the old coot knew I was aware… he could've done much worse. But now he can't do much with so many people around and when everyone's attention is on me."

Weasleys shared a grin.

"Good to hear, Harry."

"We were a bit out of ideas on how to help you."

“We didn’t think you’d believe us, even if we did.”

Harry looked at the twins, really looked at them.

Were they actually on his side?

"You're telling me… you know who I am, truly, and you're still choosing to support me?"

"Of course, Harrykins. We're not our idiot of a brother."

"We see a real Marauder in you."

"You are a baby Marauder, after all."

"And it's our Sacred Duty to protect the son of one of our masters!" They both shouted dramatically, bowing to him, and Harry couldn't help but grin, something easing up in his chest.

Twins were awesome, even if they were annoying.

“Thank you,” he expressed genuinely. “For telling me what you know.”

“Of course, Harry. We’ll keep an eye out, just in case.”

Harry nodded again.

It made sense Dumbledore left the twins alone. They were chaotic and uncontrollable, too invested into their pranks than anything else.

In a perfect spot for spying.

"So, would you like to tell me why you've been hounding Ludo Bagman?"

The redhead's expressions immediately soured.

"Oh, that bastard owes us money."

"At the quidditch cup he paid us with leprechaun gold. It disappeared in a few hours."

"Ever since then he's been avoiding us."

Harry's expression hardened. "That bastard," he muttered angrily. And to think he’s been thinking about getting more money the last time Harry read his mind. "Don't you worry yourselves, Greg and Forge. I'll deal with your wandering gold."

"You would? For us?"

" Well, you didn't betray me like some of your family and haven't called me a traitor so far. That counts for something right? And you warned me. Consider it a thanks."

“Thanks accepted, although…” they exchanged glances.

"You see, our dear Harrykins…"

“We would’ve been on your side regardless.”

"We aren't completely light either."

Harry's eyebrows shot up.

No way.

The twins were..?

"We're grey oriented. We think. We just don't discriminate and play in the shadows."

Ah, kind of like him then.

This was wonderful news.

“Then, I think, gentleman, this is a beginning of a wonderful partnership,” Harry shot them a grin of his own. “But I would appreciate it if you kept it a secret. No need for the fool to target you as well.”

“Aye, aye, captain!” they saluted, looking elated at the prospect of more spying.

Harry smirked. “Now if you’ll excuse me, I have a Gringotts letter to write."

Harry sent a quick missive to his Gringotts account manager, asking to check for any marriage contracts Dumbledore might’ve been trying to set up, and if there were any, take them into evidence of Dumbledore trying to force Harry into marriage.

It would most certainly cause an uproar.

Especially when it came out Harry preferred the other gender. And it will come out during Yule Ball. Harry had every intention of taking a boy; he just hadn't decided who exactly.

And if Ginny tried anything? Especially something like a love potion, Harry will do everything to get her charged for line theft.

In the magical world, it was one of the most horrible offences you could make.

Families - especially those of Ancient and Noble Houses - were extremely serious about who to bond with and have children with. Of course, most purebloods had arranged marriages and betrothal contracts, but it was done with an agreement from both parties. 

It was never sprung up out of nowhere by the guardian without the knowledge of one of the parties, like Dumbledore was trying to do.

Perhaps they were hoping to slowly manipulate Harry into liking her, either naturally or with love potions, then force him to sign something? Harry honestly had no idea.

He only had basic knowledge about these things, because he never cared for a betrothal contract and had no family to force him into one.

Thank Merlin for that.

“The nargles have told me you’d be here.”

Harry turned to see a blonde girl standing almost hidden behind an alcove.

“Uh, do I know you?” Harry wracked his brain to remember who this was, but he honestly had no idea. She was a ravenclaw - Harry never paid them any attention.

And what were nargles ?!

“Not yet, Harry. May I call you Harry?” the boy nodded numbly. “My name is Luna, Luna Lovegood, although many students call me Loony.”

Harry’s eyes narrowed. Why would they call her that? Sounded much like bullying.

Then he noticed something.

“Where are your shoes, Luna?”

The girl smiled at him. “Nargles took them. They are helpful sometimes, but they are mischievous little thieves if you don’t have protection against them. I usually wear my Butterbeer cork necklace, but I forgot this time. Don’t worry. They’ll turn up in a few days. They usually do. Did they take something of yours as well?”

Harry blinked, more confused than ever. Nargles stole her shoes?

This sounded like nonsense. 

Or perhaps she didn't want to tell him who took her shoes, and from what he gathered, it wasn’t the first time.

This was insane.

“Luna, have these… nargles been taking your things often?”

The girl shrugged. “I usually get them back.”

So, someone was definitely taking them.

Harry fumed. The witch was clearly getting bullied by someone, and Harry, for some reason, felt a need to protect this girl.

“ Accio Luna’s shoes.”

In a few moments the shoes flew into his waiting hand and he handed them to Luna. “Here.”

“Thank you. No one has ever done that before.”

Alright, that’s it.

“Luna, I think it would be best if we went to Filtwich. He needs to know your things are going missing.”

“Oh, it’s not a big deal, Harry Potter. People just think I’m weird.”

“It is a big deal. If someone took my things…” Harry didn’t finish his thought, but he would murder them. Painfully. 

“You’d curse their fingers off, slowly and painfully. I’m aware.”

Harry stopped dead, startled more than he’d ever admit.

He’d assume Luna was joking, but her face was completely serious.

Just what did she know about him?

“Relax, Harry. I would never tell your secrets to anyone. I know you’ll do great things and I wish to be there.”

Cryptic much?

It didn’t ease Harry’s worry. Was Luna observing him as well? Just like the twins were?

“Luna, what do you know?” he asked, wishing he paid more attention to other students. Tom always reprimanded him for not doing so. He said knowledge is power, but what power was it to know the gossip about students? Harry never cared enough.

Maybe he should have, so he wouldn’t feel so… inadequate at the moment.

“I know what nargles tell me, Harry Potter. I know the old goat is dangerous and his plans will hurt many people. I know there is something big coming. I know that… that you chose the right side, the one blessed by magic.”

Breath was stuck in Harry’s throat.

What did she mean?

Did she know..?

“And I know that you need to talk to your closest friend, because without him, everything falls to ruin.”

Harry’s blood ran cold.

Tom.

She was talking about Tom .

How did she know?!?

Instantly, his wand was out and pointed at the girl. “How do you know about him?!” his voice didn’t waver, but his pale face gave away his fear.

Luna Lovegood looked completely unconcerned with a wand pointed to her neck. She smiled.

“Fate works in mysterious ways, Harry Potter. Everything that happens, happens for a reason. I’m barely a messenger.”

“That doesn’t answer my questions! How. Do. You. Know. About. Him?!” 

Luna continued smiling.

“I just do. You should know, he feels deep regret and misses you.”

With that, she turned to walk away, leaving a completely stunned Harry behind, his wand still raised.

Fuck .

Double fuck.

“Luna, wait!” he ran to catch up to her. “How-”

“I’m not going to betray you, Harry. Your secrets are safe with me. I swear it.”

Harry saw magic reacting. She was serious.

Was he dreaming?

Who was she?

“So you know about me and what I do?”

She nodded, smiling gently.

“And you won’t be telling anyone?”

Luna shook her head.

“And you’re most definitely not on the old coots side?”

Her face soured, for the first time this evening. “I would never. I swear.”

That was good enough in Harry's books, even if this encounter was so completely bizarre, he wasn’t entirely certain it wasn’t a dream. “Alright. Alright. I apologize for raising my wand to you, you just… caught me off guard. Completely.” 

“I understand. It’s not something one hears daily.”

“No, it’s not. Let’s go to your head of the house now, alright? I still need some time to process everything.”

Luna smiled gently at him and took his arm, leading him towards one of the secret passageways.

“Take all the time you need, Harry Potter, just remember, that you have people you can trust now.”

After Harry explained to Flitwick what was going on and left the very angry wizard to deal with his own house issues, he felt bewildered.

What the fuck just happened today?

“Potter. Where in Merlin’s name have you been?”

Harry turned to see a very displeased Draco Malfoy peering at him.

What has he done now?

“Here and there,” Harry answered vaguely, looking at Theo in question. “Why, missed me?”

Draco scoffed. “As if.”

“He got an appointment with one of the tailors from Twillfitt and Tattings and was certain you'd miss it,” Blaise said.

“I just might,” Harry muttered. He’s been hiding out in the Room of Requirement since meeting the twins and Luna yesterday. He had too much to think about and needed to unwind. Draco should be thanking him for showing up at all.

“You most certainly will not,” Draco glared at him. “I was looking everywhere for you!”

“Clearly, not everywhere.” Harry gave him a smirk, but it somehow fell flat. Draco looked way too worked up about this. “I have more important things to do than to be at your beck and call, Draco.” Like finding out how Luna knew about Tom. “Just be grateful I showed up at all.”

Malfoy looked embarrassed and slightly hurt. Then his expression changed and he glared. “Fine! Then don’t go! See if I care!” Draco threw his hands into the air in frustration and stormed off, leaving a stunned Harry behind.

“What was that?” he asked, genuinely confused.

Theo grimaced. “He’s been stressed.”

“You could’ve been a bit more thoughtful too, Harry. He went out of his way just to get you an appointment and you were rather rude.” Blaise chided him, but Harry was having none of it.

“ You are the ones that came at me with this thing, Blaise, while I wanted nothing to do with it. Not the other way around. Ever thought that I am stressed as well, or is it just Draco and his hissy fits?” Harry shot daggers at Blaise, and the boy blanched back. “Quite frankly, I don’t have to deal with any of this.” Harry stood up to leave, earlier irritation coming back.

Can someone just grant him one day without some sort of drama? 

One?

“Harry, wait up!” Theo ran after him.

Harry sighed. “What is it, Theo?”

“I… I didn’t mean to insult you. I know you’ve been dealing with a lot lately. Blaise was being an ass and just looking out for Draco.”

Harry stopped walking and gave Theo a reassuring smile.

“I’m not mad at you, Theo. Relax.” And he really needed to relax. Harry has never seen Theo so tense, unless you’d count the time he showed them his true self and released his magic for the first time. “But I don’t have time for Draco’s dramatics either. What’s up with him anyway?”

Theo shifted around uncomfortably.

“He’s… he’s trying to please you. He’s still unsure of what you like and don’t, and doesn’t want to make a mistake. You being so… flippant, is making him nervous and feeling unappreciated. He’s not used to that. He’s a Malfoy and most people just fall over themselves to get even a speck of attention from him, but not you. You are making him work for it, and he’s stressed over it. Overly so.”

Harry nodded, processing the information.

He could understand some of it, but not to the extent Draco was reacting.

“We’ve been on good terms for some time now, though. Hell, we are friends. I don‘t see why he‘s so nervous. And he doesn‘t need to please me, for Merlin‘s sake. I have no need for someone who would suck up to me just to have my favour.“

Theo still looked nervous and Harry felt as if he was missing something.

“Is there something else?“

Theo shook his head. “You are coming to the fitting, right? It‘s late into the evening anyways, so we‘ll have plenty of free time, no rush. And you need robes.“

“Do I, though?“

“You most certainly do,“ Theo said firmly. “And Draco actually asked his mother to get an appointment for you.“ Theo looked at Harry intently. “He‘s trying , Harry.“

Harry took a deep breath. Compromises, right?

“Fine,“ he agreed. “I‘ll go to that damn thing if it‘s so important to you all.“ Theo continued to stare at him and Harry rolled his eyes. “I‘ll speak to Draco as well. We can all go somewhere and... relax. Or something.“

Theo beamed at him.

“Knew you had it in you, Potter. Now I just have to find Draco, in case he committed suicide.“

“If he did, tell him I‘ll bring him back. If I‘m not getting out of this ridiculous deal, neither is he.“

Theo grinned. “Aw, already practicing necromancy? They grow up so fast.“

Harry grinned at Theo‘s teasing tone, but in reality, he was curious about necromancy. Who knows, it might come in handy one day.

He was certain Voldemort knew about it. You don’t become a Dark Lord by not knowing dark magic, and necromancy was one of the darkest things out there, apparently.

If he manages to sway that lunatic to his side, maybe he’ll be willing to share?

“Practicing necromancy already, aren‘t we, Mr Potter?“ drawled a voice behind them, and Harry mentally cursed.

“I wouldn‘t dare, professor,“ Harry declared in a tone that clearly stated he most certainly would. “Unless, of course, you are in need of some sort of inferi bodyguard, then perhaps we could arrange something.“ Perhaps Harry should get one to keep people from approaching him.

“Cheeky brat,“ Severus grumbled, looking him over. Harry struggled not to squirm under that clinical gaze. “I was under the impression you are going to Hogsmeade, no? What are you two scheming while loitering the hallways?“

“Nothing bad, professor, I promise. Will just be getting Draco and get going.“ Theodore replied, his tone much more polite than Harry‘s.

“Very well. Mr Potter, I‘d wish to speak with you later-“

“No,“ Harry cut him off immediately, his temper flaring. He had no intention of continuing their conversation from before. He already said too much, and Snape only wanted to dig up more.

Well, Harry wasn‘t in the giving mood.

Or in one to relive his life‘s traumas.

Snape looked startled. “No?“

“I‘ve had enough of people digging into my life. I‘ve already said enough, no? Or do you need to hear more shit to hold over my head just to make yourself feel better? Poor Harry Potter, right?“ Harry sneered at Snape, his tone threading on mocking, unable to hold it in anymore. It was only morning, and everyone was already getting on his already frayed nerves. He exploded: “Why can‘t everyone just leave me the fuck alone?!“

With the last glare Harry stomped off, leaving stunned Snape and slightly fearful Theo in his wake.

What was that?

“Well, that was…“ was all Severus could muster as he watched his student marching away from him. “-not something that happens every day.“

Theo looked at the professor nervously.

“Ah, you must forgive him, professor. He‘s been extremely stressed this past week.“

“Is something else going on, Mr Nott? Quite frankly, Mr Potter has way better control over his temper. I‘ve never seen him explode this fast.“ And he was damn worried about it too.

It looked like the stress was finally getting to the teenager and not in a good way.

“He‘s... well, he‘s beyond annoyed that he can‘t get any peace. People don‘t leave him alone, keep following him to a point he started skipping meals, or maybe eating elsewhere, I‘m not sure. He‘s been snappy and in a horrible mood all week, nothing really seems to help.“ Theo was worried about Harry as well. He was certain something else was going on, something the boy wasn‘t telling them. Perhaps one day he will, but their friendship was still new. There was a lot of trust to be earned. “Just had a fight with Draco too.“

Severus sighed loudly and pinched the bridge of his nose. “Do not tell me they went back to their ridiculous rivalry. I just might quit.“

Theo snorted. “No, nothing of that sort, sir. Draco just threw a fit when Harry didn‘t want to show up to a robe fitting appointment he made. Both are stressed for different reasons and just snapped, I suppose.“

“Merlin help us,“ Snape muttered, looking up at the ceiling. “Can you handle those two, or should I speak with my godson?”

Theo shrugged. “I mean, it‘s not necessary, but it wouldn't hurt. Perhaps this weekend is exactly what they both need.“

Severus sincerely hoped so.

He knew Draco had a tendency to throw a fit when things didn‘t go his way, so, it wasn‘t that surprising to hear he was upset.

It was Harry‘s reaction he was worried about.

After their last talk, the boy avoided him like a plague.

Didn‘t look at him, was gone the second lesson ended, walked the other way if he saw Severus approaching and then would just disappear.

It was infuriating and concerning at the same time.

And it couldn‘t go on.

For all he knew, he caused this.

“I‘d advise you all to relax as much as possible today. I will speak to both, Draco and Harry later, when they‘re both calm…er.“

“Yes, sir. Have a nice day.“ Theo said and rushed away, leaving an exasperated Severus behind.

Teenagers.

Harry smashed his fist against the wall the second he locked the door of the abandoned classroom.

Fuck everything and everyone.

Especially Snape.

He might not be nasty to Harry this year, but he was still a complete bastard that wouldn‘t leave him alone.

What did he want? To hear more about Harry‘s crappy upbringing?

Must‘ve been so much fun the last time.

Harry inhaled deeply, closing his eyes and concentrating on the pain in his hand. It grounded him somewhat.

Right.

So, he basically told Snape off, cursed and ran off.

He‘ll probably be in detention for the rest of the school year.

And now Hogsmeade! Harry lost his will to go. Quite frankly, he wanted to go back to sleep and hopefully wake up not feeling so damn irritated.

He spent half the night awake, going over Luna‘s words.

Tom regrets deeply and misses you.

It sounded like bullshit, at least that‘s what he wanted to believe, but his heart wasn‘t in it.

Because he missed Tom too.

It was a hard pill to swallow, but he missed his best friend.

Slapping him felt good, for a while, but it didn‘t diminish the need for an actual explanation.

And Luna.

What a mystery.

She knew things she shouldn't. She spoke in riddles. Harry would think she was insane, if her words didn‘t hold truth in them.

She spoke of nargles, something he‘s never heard before. Were they real or did she make them up?

Harry had no idea.

She seems to be in another world half the time, looking at something that wasn‘t there.

Perhaps she was seeing something, or hearing something.

He thought he was insane when he was hearing voices in his second year, but it was a basilisk roaming in the walls.

And he was the only one with the ability to hear it.

Perhaps this was something similar? Something was granting Luna knowledge?

He‘ll figure it out. Later. Much, much later.

She swore to keep his secrets, which he thought was incredibly stupid, but Harry would‘ve cursed her if she didn‘t. Dumbledore can never know about Tom; it was too dangerous.

Everything and everyone was stressing Harry out.

This Ball, Dumbledore, Weasleys, now Snape and Luna, and bloody Draco with his dramatics... the whole student body.

Quite frankly, they all should be incredibly thankful Harry hasn‘t snapped and killed them all just yet.

It felt like it was just a matter of time.

Despite wanting to hide in the castle, Harry begrudgingly went off to find his wayward slytherins. If they were around, and if not…

To be honest, for all he knew they won’t want to go with him at all. Ron certainly wouldn’t have after an argument with him.

Harry had no idea how this kind of friendship worked.

Everyone believed that the Golden Trio was an example of great friendship, but it was all a lie anyway. Those two might’ve been friends, but schemed together against him with Dumbledore.

Harry was always ordered around, demanded to explain every single thing he did and berated for almost everything, especially by Hermione. She was extremely bossy and not in a good way.

And now Harry will not put up with anyone walking all over him.

It’s a miracle his psyche hasn’t cracked by now.

“Where oh where are you going, Harry? Shouldn’t you be in Hogsmeade with everyone?”

Harry turned to see Cassius smirking at him. So far, he was his most liked seventh year slytherin.

“Shouldn’t you be?”

“Nah, I have to study. NEWTs year and all. I might slip out later or tomorrow, if I finish McGonagall’s essay in time.”

“Ah. Makes sense.”

“So, why aren’t you with your fan club?”

“Draco threw a hissy fit and at this point, I might as well go alone.”

Cassius winced. “Sounds like Malfoy. Dramatic, that one,” his eyes suddenly widened and he looked around. “I never said that though.”

Harry snorted. “It’s not a secret.”

“Still. What have you done to earn his ire?”

“Why does it have to be me who did something?” Harry asked in a clipped tone.

“Knowing Malfoy, you probably did something he didn’t… appreciate. Or something. And you have a tendency to blow up.” Cassius lifted his hands in surrender, when Harry glared. “Don’t look at me like that. Just tell me what happened. I might be able to help.”

Harry did, still slightly annoyed.

“Are you still going to that appointment?”

“Probably.” 

“Good. He’d be beyond insulted if you didn’t and would make everyone’s lives hell.”

“I can just steer away from Slytherin and avoid all the drama, Cassius,” Harry grinned at him with a mischievous glint in his eyes. “Leave it all for you lot to deal with.”

“You can, but please don’t. It would be a nightmare. And Malfoy must actually care for you if he got you that appointment.”

“Ugh. Fine. I have some books to pick up anyway.”

Harry knew he was being slightly unreasonable with this.

He was used to doing things on his own and second guessing everyone’s reasons for everything. And this month seemed incredibly stressful. 

He should probably go and find out if he had any friends left.

If not? 

He can do it on his own. Just like he always has.

Harry just left the bookstore with his shrunken package, feeling exceptionally pleased, when he heard Theo speaking rather loudly from not too far away.

“...no! I’ll check there, if you can keep yourself in check. Merlin, Draco. You’re acting like Weasley right now.”

Harry leaned against the wall, waiting for them to show up.

They must be looking for him.

Oh, this was amusing.

Harry couldn’t find them before and decided to just go to Hogsmeade alone. Now it seems they were looking for him as well. Rather frantically. 

Theo ran past him into the store, without even looking around.

“Looking for someone?” Harry drawled, smirking when the boy stumbled and almost crashed into the door. 

“Harry!” Theo’s eyes lit up, but Harry could see worry behind them. “Yes, I uh- we were looking for you. Cassius said you might be here.”

“Oh, did he?”

Theo shifted uncomfortably.

“He… he didn’t snitch on you, I swear. I think he just-”

“For the love of Salazar, Theo, calm down.” Harry frowned when he saw a spike of fear in his eyes, the stuttering, the shaking hands- fuck . Did they think he’d curse them or something? “Let’s go find others, hm?”

Harry instantly knew that all of them were terrified.

Blaise, Pansy and Draco were rigid, slightly pale and their gazes instantly lowered as they met Harry's.

Why?

Was this purely because of the heir of Slytherin thing, or were they truly terrified he would do something to them?

“So. I might’ve been an arse earlier,” Harry stated, thoroughly enjoying the startled looks. He’d rather have them at ease with him, than too afraid to speak up. This was the best way to do it.

“What?” Blaise squeaked. “No, Harry, we were- I was- I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to insult you or-”

“What are you sorry for?” Harry asked. “Let’s face it, we’re all a tad bit stressed and have been slightly unreasonable, yes?” all four of them nodded, looking like children who got caught stealing cookies. “So, unless you want to fight, I suggest we get past this so we can get to that ridiculous appointment and get some drinks and stuff. You know, to unwind. ”

“You’ll go to the appointment?” Draco perked up, his voice hopeful.

Harry sighed deeply, but nodded. “Yes. Merlin forbid I come wearing wrong robes.”

Draco instantly straightened, smirk adoring his face. “That’s right. It would be a shame and we could never be seen together again, anywhere.”

Harry grinned, feeling their tension easing. He gave Draco a nod and received one in return. It was as good of an apology as any.

“Well then? Let’s go.”

Harry will deny this on the pain of death, but it wasn’t that bad. At first. 

The lady was acting professional, and didn’t gush around him like Madam Malkins did.

Draco, on the other hand…

“I believe dark forest green would suit him best, silver lining, of course, with a detailed-”

“Are you sure you want to go work in the Ministry, Draco? You seem to know your way around this.” Harry teased, as the boy spluttered.

“I just know what is best, Potter. Clearly, you have no taste, so someone has to step in before you emerge in something as ridiculous as red robes.”

And Harry would, just to annoy Draco, but in all honesty, Gryffindor didn’t deserve such a boost.

And red truly wasn’t his colour.

“By all means,” Harry gave up, not really listening to the boy’s blabbering.

He shot a glare at Theo though. They said they’ll save him from this.

Nott dared to shrug and smirk at him. That bastard.

“-and I think a few casual robes would be in order as well, same as mine, just three black, one dark blue, green and-”

“Aren’t you getting a bit ahead of yourself?” Harry asked, as he finally zoomed in on what was being said around him. 

“No. You need a new wardrobe. Just be thankful my mother isn’t here.”

Harry frowned, confused what Draco’s mother had to do with anything, but the rest of the slytherins were nodding along.

What was that all about?

Wait. Did they manipulate him into getting even more clothes? Surely, his weren’t that bad?

He’s been wearing his casual robes since his ‘coming out’, none of the hand me downs. They may not have been as fancy as Draco’s, but they were fancy enough.

Slytherins were a nightmare on appearances, it seemed.

They’ll never leave him alone until he wears robes fit for his standing.

Bloody hell.

“That would be all, I believe. You’ll receive the package in the next few days. Now, for the payment-”

“I’ll pay,” Draco said immediately.

“Absolutely not. I’m not a bloody charity case, Draco, and can pay for my own stuff.” Harry jumped off the pedestal surprisingly gracefully, and walked up to the lady. “I’ll pay with my ring.”

“Oh, just a moment. We have different payment forms for Heir rings-”

Harry stiffened slightly.

Not this.

It seemed that high-end stores had extra precautions for more expensive purchases, as they didn’t tend to refund anything. Too many spoiled children went off buying ludicrously expensive things with their heir rings, leading up to many unhappy parents berating sales people for letting children purchase hundreds of galleons worth of stuff without a guardian present. Thus slightly different payment forms.

Harry only knew this because the goblins warned him when they gave out his rings. They were quite unhappy with this stipulation, as it meant extra work, but paying in cash didn’t count, and Harry happily used that loophole. Although he mostly found stuff he needed in shady Knockturn alley stores that didn’t care how you paid, as long as you did.

But that’s why he was unhappy now.

He no longer had Heir rings, except for the Slytherin one. He had Lord rings.

And so far Harry was keeping it a secret. Perhaps he should’ve just let Malfoy deal with this.

“Actually, I’ll pay with my Lord ring,” Harry announced, pretending not to notice the spluttering or stunned faces of everyone.

This is exactly what he was trying to avoid.

“L-lord? But you’re only-”

Harry looked at her coldly. “Madam, my personal dealings are quite frankly, none of your business. And if this gets spread around, I’ll know exactly who to blame.” He gave her a small twisted smile and let his magic reach out towards her. She paled. “And we don’t want that now, do we?”

She was shaking her head frantically. “No- no, of course. I won’t tell anyone, I swear.”

“Good. Now, how about that payment?”

She scrambled to get the needed parchment - Harry only needed to press his ring against it, and it would automatically draw from his vault. It was kind of like muggle bank cards and convenient as fuck.

“Pleasure doing business with you. Have a wonderful day.” Harry smiled pleasantly at the young lady he just terrified to hell and back, and swiftly left the store.

He had to wait a bit for his slytherins to come out. It seems they needed some time to process it all.

“Potter. You are a Lord ?!” Draco stormed up to him, and quite literally hissed. “And didn’t see it fit to tell us?!”

“I don’t tell you a lot of things, Draco, this is one of them.”

“But how can you be? You need to be of age.” Blaise asked, looking confused instead of angry.

Theo had a calculating gleam in his eyes. “Not unless he got emancipated. You did, didn’t you?”

Harry grinned at the boy, neither agreeing nor denying, but it was enough of an answer. “Is that why you suddenly stopped pretending being goodie-two-shoes gryffindor and started spreading terror in Hogwarts's halls? Or was it actually you having had enough?”

“Don’t be ridiculous, Theo, I don’t spread terror.” Harry looked carefully at the slytherin. Theo was perceptive and smart as fuck. It would make sense he put two and two together.

Harry was genuinely curious about what else he had figured out.

“And-” he looked pointedly at Draco. “It’s not a personal attack against you, as you probably feel like. There are things I will tell you and there are things I will not. And this isn’t something I want known, so you better keep it quiet. And if you can’t-” he let his magic flare a bit. “I can use the same spell as before.”

“No need, Harry. We’ll keep your secrets.” Theo’s tone was earnest. “Although I am still curious on how everything came to be.”

“I’ll let you figure it out,” Harry smirked, because he had no intention of telling them everything. Not yet, anyway. “How about some drinks?”

Harry felt great.

He felt relaxed .

Finally. 

The slytherins were a surprisingly good company.

They were snarky, kept his mind occupied away from things he didn’t want to think about, and had very valuable knowledge about pretty much everything and everyone.

Harry raised some privacy wards around their booth and was passively observing other tables, students who came in and out of the Three Broomsticks. He didn’t want anyone to notice him being out and about. Just a matter of time before he’s ambushed again.

He saw his traitor ex-friends sitting in the far corner, just having come in, muttering angrily amongst themselves. Probably came today, because Harry was pretty sure Snape gave them both detention tomorrow.

But his eyes were glued to another booth, halfway hidden under a column. In the booth sat Ludo Bagman, Crouch, Madam Maxime and Karkaroff. Only Dumbledore was missing, but the bastard was probably being ‘fashionably late’, as he liked to do or was hiding out in his brother’s pub. 

The public wasn’t very happy with him at the moment, Harry thought viciously.

However, his thoughts were on Bagman. 

Why would he try to scam Weasley twins out of money? Surely, he had money as a department head. 

At least it made sense why he kept looking around, as if waiting to be ambushed.

“Harry, if you glare any stronger, you’ll smash through your own wards,” Theo looked at him knowingly, his gaze landing on the judges. “Who earned your ire this time? Or are you still trying to off Karkaroff with look alone?”

“Wouldn’t be a bad thing if he just dropped dead. However, terrorizing him is much more fun.” His smile turned bloodthirsty for a just moment -blink and you'll miss it.

He had many ideas on how to do just that. And why not? He needed an outlet for his irritation.

“You know, I never thought I’d ever hear Harry Potter admit he likes to terrorize the headmaster of Dursmtrang.” Blaise shook his head. 

“No one would believe you. Or him, for that matter.” That was the point.

 If Karkaroff told anyone that the Boy-Who-Lived was terrorizing him, he’d be written off as delusional and that was just the way Harry liked it.

“What do you know of Bagman?” he asked, ignoring the shared looks.

“Well, he’s the Head of-”

“I mean anything suspicious? Off? I know exactly what he does, just curious to see if you have any dirt on him.”

Theo snorted. “Of course. Why didn’t I think of that.”

“Not really, but he liked to suck up to people who he thinks would benefit him the most and I’ve heard rumors that he’s at odds with goblins,” Draco said.

Blaise winced. “Yeah, you don’t want to anger those. What has he done?”

“No clue. Nobody really cares about him. For all we know, he stole something.”

That wasn’t much at all.

“Why, Harry, did he do something to you?”

Harry pursed his lips. “Not to me," he muttered and almost smiled when the said man stood up to use the loo. “Ah, excuse me. I’ll be right back.”

“-you think he’s going to murder him?” Harry heard Blaise ask the rest of the group as he walked after Bagman.

Once inside the restroom, he pulled his wand out, locking the door and waited for the wizard to come out. It didn’t take long.

“Oh, Harry! What a surprise-”

“Cut the crap, Bagman.” Harry cut him off coldly. “I don’t want to hear your useless ramblings. What I do want to hear, however, is why you don’t pay up your debts.”

The man paled slightly.

“Ah, Harry, this must be a misunderstanding, you’re confused-”

“ Don’t lie to me ,” Harry snapped, his magic surging towards the wizard.

Bagman most certainly felt the malicious, powerful magic slowly suffocating the air around him, as his eyes widened impossibly and he took a step back from Harry. 

“I-I’m not lying-”

Harry almost growled, his eyes glinting with malice, finally having found an outlet for his frustrations.

His magic snapped against the wizard like a whip, making him yelp.

“You owe money to Fred and George Weasley. You paid with leprechaun gold, you slimy little thief. And don’t you dare lie, for I was there for this endeavour. And you’ve been avoiding them ever since.”

“Please, I don’t-”

Harry whipped out his wand, pushing the tip under the man’s chin, ignoring the pitiful whines as the tip heated up enough to leave a mark.

“I don’t care for your excuses, Ludo Bagman.” Harry stared into the man’s eyes, scanning the surface thoughts.

Get help - scream - tell others of Harry Potter attacking him - I’m a ministry official, they’ll arrest-

Harry gave him a nasty little smile. He leaned in and whispered: “You scream and I will rip out your tongue.”

The man went white. He must’ve finally understood Harry wasn’t messing around. His magic might’ve helped to get the point across a little too.

“H-how… how..?”

“Now, you will tell me how much you owe them. The truth , Bagman, or you will regret it.”

“328 galleons and- and 18 sickles.”

“Splendid. You will round it up to 400 galleons - interest - you see, and for being an absolute, disgusting coward, who cheated teenagers out of money. Just imagine the headlines. Head of the Department of Magical Games and Sports steals money from Hogwarts children. Would be so tragic, don’t you think?”

Bagman was nodding frantically, seemingly unable to form words. His eyes shone with terror and Harry found himself thoroughly enjoying this experience.

“I’m glad we found an understanding, Bagman. Now, if you tell anyone about this-” Harry unleashed his magic and wizard fell to his knees, gasping. “-I will personally ensure you suffer before departing from this world. Is that understood?” Bagman was nodding frantically. “Swear on it.” Harry spat.

“I swear I won’t tell anyone!”

The magic reacted, accepting his claim.

Harry smiled and drew his magic back into himself.

“Now, you have one week exactly to refund the Weasleys. I don’t care how you do it, who you have to kill to achieve it, but you will do it. Understood? ”

“Yes, yes, I will, please, no more -”

“You’re pathetic ,” Harry spat as he turned to leave the restroom. “Clean up a bit, will you? What kind of wizard are you?”

Harry removed the lock, venturing outside, glad to see no one noticed anything.

“Everything alright?” asked Theo, as he sat down and took a long gulp of his butterbeer. “You seem… lighter.”

Harry shrugged. “I guess I feel less… tense. That’s all.”

Neither of them bought it, Harry could tell, but he didn’t care. He did feel lighter. Less likely to snap.

Perhaps he needed to start dueling to relieve the tension. This certainly helped, but he can’t just go around threatening Ministry officials.

A few minutes later, Bagman burst through the door, looking pale and terrified out of his mind.

He walked to his booth, muttered something to his colleagues, who looked sympathetic, took his jacket and clearly was about to leave this place.

As he walked past Harry’s booth and his eyes landed on the boy, Bagman flinched back, his face becoming even paler than before, and he ran.

Harry smiled as if his birthday came early.

“What in Salazar’s name was that?” asked Draco.

“What did you do to him, Harry?” Theo was looking at him with wide eyes. “He’s terrified of you and looked about to pass out.”

Harry shrugged.

“Gave him some friendly advice concerning matters you are not a part of.”

Blaise snorted. “Friendly advice, huh? Moving on to terrifying Ministry’s personnel?”

“He is moving quickly,” Pansy added.

“Who’s next on your list, Potter? The Minister?” Draco asked pompously, hiding his own excitement and awe.

It was Harry's turn to snort. “Are you kidding? That fool is incredibly easy to manipulate. You should know, Draco, your father does an excellent job of that.”

The boy pinkened slightly. “I don’t know what you mean.”

Harry gave him a knowing look, then cast tempus. “Would you look at that. Say, should we go back?” Harry had places to be and it was rather late.

“Sure. I want to finish my homework. I’m not doing a thing tomorrow, not even if someone curses me.”

“Even if it’s Harry?”

Blaise looked wearily at the still smiling boy, but shrugged.

“Not tomorrow. Besides, he won’t be able to get into our dorms if you don’t let him in. He doesn’t know the password, does he?”

“I think you know well enough Harry doesn’t need one,” Theo pointed out swiftly.

Blaise groaned. “We need to do something about that.”

“Oh, please, I have better things to do than to waste my time getting you out of bed during the weekend. Not even I’m that cruel.”

“Is that where you draw the line?” Theo arched his brow. “Waking up early during weekends?”

“Most certainly. I heard it’s good for one’s continued sanity.”

That’s all it took for the slytherins to burst into laughter.

“No offence, Harry, but sanity isn’t something you have.” Theo bumped his shoulder teasingly, but Harry still zapped him, just because.

Sanity was overrated anyway.

Tom was… relieved when Harry came back.

It felt like years without him here. Long, terrible empty years he spent in the diary and would do anything to never experience again.

For all he knew, he will be left there forever; no one else speaking parseltongue or knowing where the entry is, forever forgotten.

Forever alone.

And then Harry came .

It felt like the sun finally rose after decades of cold winter. 

And then he was slapped .

This was the first time since he was a child that someone slapped him.

Tom reeled back in shock, noticing Harry's rigid expression and eyes burning with righteous anger.

And yet, he couldn’t bring himself to feel angry or betrayed, because at that moment, there was only one thing his mind could think of:

Harry looked divine .

When Harry left, Tom panicked that Harry would never return.

But he did, of course he did, because Harry doesn't leave things unfinished. 

Tom missed Harry. 

In those long hours he missed the boy's company, his spark, his wonderful witted comments and- 

He regretted .

Tom felt regret for hurting Harry the way he did, but not for what he achieved while doing it. He learned invaluable information that could help them immensely, but for that he needed to speak with Harry.

But the boy didn't seem to want to speak with him. He just came for his things.

And that stung .

Perhaps more than a slap he received, because Harry always wanted to speak with him, always valued his opinion, and now it was as if Tom didn't matter.

You brought this on yourself.

Tom had no idea how long it's been since the… the incident. 

Time passed differently when he was in the diary. It felt like eternity of nothingness stretched forever, blank pages filled with magic and words long forgotten…

It was eternity and a blink of an eye.

Not dead, but not alive either.

But Harry… his wonderful, sweet Harry brought the light, the life back into him.

Harry voluntarily fed him his magic, kept him here and present and spent time with him. Harry brought him outside, allowed him to come out and gaze at the stars with him. Harry gave him enough energy to taste and to touch and-

He was grateful, Tom realized.

And he ruined it.

Who else would've done what Harry did? Unpressured, without blackmail and threats?

Sure, this… alliance was beneficial for them both, but Tom was certain that Harry could do it all by himself. He could find someone else, anyone else - alive , and not a diary - to help if he needed it. 

But he didn't.

Harry stayed with him .

It made something inside him roar with pride and glee, that he was the one the boy chose. Him.  

Riddle has to admit though, they fit together. 

It was a hard thought to process at first, that someone out there could be his… equal . He's never met someone during his time as a student who would defy him so fiercely, stand with him and by him, look him in the eye and not quiver in fear- no, the boy was special. Precious .

And Tom will not be losing him.

Not over something so… impulsive.

He has to know what happened after he left Harry in the hallway.

He needed Harry to speak with him.

He needed Harry to come back.

Harry wanted to talk with Tom and give him a chance to explain.

Something happened during that time and he needed to find out what.

He'd think it was malicious if not for Tom speaking with dragons on his behalf. This was one thing that was Tom's saving grace and didn't add up.

He needed an explanation. 

It took time for Harry to gather the nerve to actually do the deed. But he knew he'll have to sooner or later, so he decided to just get it over with. 

He went down to the Chamber after the curfew just in case this took longer than expected, so no one would notice his absence.

For the first time since the beginning Harry felt cautious around Tom.

He touched the diary and sent a powerful pulse of magic towards it.

Tom materialized not a second later.

"Harry, please, let me explain-"

"Fine. Explain."

Tom looked startled. "What? Huh, I thought I'll have to persuade you to even listen to me."

Harry stared at Tom blankly.

"No. Honestly, I would've let you to rot down here for what you did, but something didn't add up. In fact, your only saving grace is a dragon, who told me someone came to speak to them for and about me. That's you." Harry bit his lip, nervous. "And I still have some faith in you, that you wouldn't attack me out of the blue after everything. So, Riddle, this is your chance to redeem yourself."

Tom's eyebrows shot up, but he looked slightly relieved. "You spoke to the dragon? Already?"

"Yes. The first task was weeks ago."

"And how did you do, Harry dear?" Smirk appeared on Tom's lips, mischievousness overtaking his expression. "Did you win? Of course you did, it's you. "

Harry tried not to feel flattered, but his cheeks pinkened slightly anyway.

"You'll get your answers when you answer mine. Tell me, Tom dear, why the fuck you did what you did and then left me in the bloody hallway?! What the fuck happened?!"

Tom hesitated for a moment.

"I was overtaken by rage. Slight insanity, if you will. I- I wanted you to hurt . Somehow I managed to grasp your magic and pull. And then suddenly you passed out and I- I was completely corporeal. It was like I was a human once more, alive. I took your cloak and left the Chamber." Tom stopped for a minute. "I walked around the castle for a while, feeling it's magic. It felt so… so much like home . And then I went to look for the dragons. My theory was correct and they could speak parseltongue. It was so wonderful to speak with such beings! I had no idea we could communicate with dragons as well. I've never even seen a dragon in my time; it never even crossed my mind if I'm honest... I asked them not to hurt you, to allow you to take the egg without causing any harm. They agreed after I told them it was a trick. They felt angered to be used for wizarding entertainment purposes." Tom started to pace a bit then. "And then I-"

Harry crossed his arms. "Go on. Don't be shy now." 

"I apparated to Voldemort's hideout."

Harry's eyes widened and his face paled. "Y-you what?! Are you completely mad?! How the fuck did he let you come back?!"

"I didn't even speak with him." Tom rolled his eyes at Harry's disbelieving stare, but he could understand some of the boy's panic. "I didn't! I concealed myself and snooped around and- Merlin, I…" Tom looked like he had a hard time controlling his emotions and started to gesture with his hands. "He was possessing a child homunculus ! He was weak and insane and I-"

"Had a horrible realization that your counterpart is not as great as you thought he'd be?" Harry's interpreted.

"Yes!" Tom looked slightly hysterical. "I wished to converse with him and make a deal, but he- Merlin , Harry, he's… I don't think he even realizes how far off he's fallen. He was pathetic, relying on a bloody rat for support and- that's not someone I want to be, ever . I'm not insane !" Tom shouted, looking at Harry with wide eyes, as if trying to convince them both of his last statement. "I'm not!"

Harry's eyes softened.

He could see a genuine fear shining in Tom's eyes. Fear that he too was going insane and couldn't see it. 

Tom needed Harry to tell him the truth, to reassure him… and Harry can do that, but he still needed answers.

But this was Tom . Tom, who always was there for Harry when he needed it. He could at least return the favour.

"I know you're not, Tom. You possess rational thought and, well, you're more human than Voldemort, that's for sure, but… but you hurt me. And for what?"

Harry hated how his voice cracked at the end. He felt raw.

Tom's composure cracked.

"I don't know," he admitted quietly. "It was like… I was just so annoyed with you that day and you refused to train more for the task and for some reason it put me on edge, scared me , because… Merlin, Harry, you were supposed to go against a dragon and it felt as if you didn't even want to protect yourself! I was terrified, okay?! What if something happened and-"

"And I didn't come back?"

" Yes !!"" Tom looked unhinged. "You know I'm not great with emotions. I felt terrified and mad and it just toppled me over, I… I exploded. This… insanity took over, and I hurt you in the process. I can never apologize enough for that."

Harry felt his eyes water. He didn't expect this .

And he knew exactly what kind of insanity Tom was talking about. He had those kinds of moments as well.

It felt a lot like losing control of the steering wheel, and toppling into oncoming traffic.

"Tom, I…" Harry had a hard time forming words.

"Harry, please," the boy stepped closer, reaching out for Harry's hand, waiting until a clearly hesitant boy put his hand into the slytherin's. "I know it's not that easy, and I know I don't deserve your forgiveness for this, but… could you please try to forgive me?" Tom brought Harry's hand to his lips and pressed a small kiss to his knuckles, then pressed Harry’s hand to his forehead as a gesture of regret. " Please ."

Harry felt raw.

His eyes stung and he couldn't handle this. It was too much.

He heard everything Tom said and what he didn't .

I can't lose you. You're the only one I have. I don't want to be alone.

He knew Tom felt that way, because he did too.

Deep inside he was terrified that if he lost Tom, he'd be all alone again.

The boy was the only one who knew the real Harry. Knew his secrets and his past and didn't judge him - he stayed. And in return Harry knew Tom's. 

They were tied by secrets, their schemes and plans, their magic. Fate.

There is no way in hell Harry is losing that, but there is no way he can do this if he can't trust Tom.

"I believe that you are sorry, Tom. But it will take time and effort for me to trust you like before."

Tom looked like he was stabbed, but nodded. "Of course. I don't expect anything less."

Harry gave him a small, fragile small.

"Now finish your story. I know that's not all that happened."

Tom nodded and stepped back, releasing Harry's hand.

"I was horrified and apparated back. I felt magic becoming weaker and decided to head back to the Chamber. Walked behind Karkaroff for a bit, scared him shitless. Then I came back and saw- and then I saw you." Tom swallowed, feeling jittery. "Merlin, Harry, you looked dead. I didn't think you were breathing, you- you were so cold and unresponsive… I thought I had killed you."

Tom's voice cracked as he whispered the last part and Harry swore he saw his eyes become teary.

This was the first time ever he saw Tom like this.

"I grabbed you and carried you down into the dungeons, not too far from Snape's office. I cast a parseltongue glamour charm that would make everyone forget my appearance along with a notice-me-not and banged on his door, telling him you were there. He barely paid me any attention. He went to save you, which was my point. I didn't stick around and released the rest of the magic I had, appearing back in the diary." Tom stopped for a moment. "I don't know how long it was or what happened. You didn't show up for what felt like months and I couldn't feel you… I feared the worst." Tom looked at him intently. "What happened after that? Don't hold it back, please."

Harry swallowed shakily, Tom's intense emotions affecting him as well.

He could see the fear and desperation, the remorse , which was something extremely rare, and he couldn't help but forgive Tom a little.

"I almost died." He said quietly, ignoring Tom's sharp gasp. "I was in… coma for days. When I woke up I was… confused and couldn't remember anything. They said I had a severe hypothermia and… critical magical exhaustion."

Tom took a horrified step back.

"...I almost killed you. Good God, I actually-"

"Yes, you did. So next time, try to control your hormones. I mean, I know you're trapped in your sixteen year old body and all, but-"

"Harry. It's not funny."

Harry cracked a small teary grin. "It's a little funny."

Tom snorted, but it sounded more like a sob. 

"It took a few days for me to recuperate, but I was fine. I am fine. They believed it to be an attack on my person, and let me tell you, rumours were absolutely insane, but I told Snape and Pomfrey and everyone I couldn't remember anything. It worked."

Harry turned around so he wouldn't be able to see Tom's expression. It was a tad bit too much for him.

He expected a different kind of story.

He wanted to be angry at Tom, because otherwise he'd have to deal with all of this and it was much easier to be angry, than to be hurt.

And it turned out that Tom tried to help him, help them , and- something inside of his chest eased up a bit. This was still Tom .

His friend, his mentor; an absolute immoral bastard, but still him.

Perhaps in some other universe Harry would hate him and wouldn't be able to be anywhere near him, but right here and now? Tom was exactly what he needed.

Merlin knows where he'd be right now if not for that damned diary .

"But I need you to promise me, Tom, that you will never do that again. I will never be able to trust you if I'm always second guessing whether you'll just decide to pluck my magic out again and leave me for dead for good."

Harry looked at the other boy, gouging out his reaction. Both of them knew it was a make or break moment.

Tom inclined his head, stepping closer to Harry, reaching out for his hand again.

"I swear I will never hurt you like that again, Harry Potter, unless you ask it of me," Tom's eyes never left Harry's as he places a chaste kiss on his knuckles once more.

Harry couldn't help but notice how pretty Tom's eyes looked. Such mesmerizing blue. Harry felt as if he could sink into them, like into an ocean, and never return to shore. The fact they were still teary and Toms eyelashes clung together only sold his point that-

Harry blinked.

What was he thinking?

His cheeks flushed crimson and Harry stepped back, averting his gaze.

He suddenly felt very naked.

What was going on? !

"Thank you," he muttered, sounding rather breathless and missed an amused look that crossed Tom's face.

"Of course, Harry. You're not going to slap me again, are you?"

Harry glared. "You totally deserved it. And probably enjoyed it too."

"What's that supposed to mean?"

Harry's eyes widened when he realized what he just said and his face turned scarlet once more. "Nothing! Ugh! Why are you so bloody annoying!"

Tom continued smirking, thoroughly enjoying Harry's little crisis. 

"I didn't say anything, dear. You're the one implying-"

"Shut up!"

Tom smiled teasingly at him. He missed this.

"Relax, dear. You seem awfully wound up, and I don't mean only from this conversation. Is something else going on?"

Harry froze, startled.

How the fuck did he- was he so obvious Tom picked up on it so quickly? But the bastard was always so perceptive, especially with Harry's moods , however annoying it may be.

"Maybe," he answered vaguely.

Tom's eyes glinted excitedly. "Don't be a tease, Harry. Tell me what has you so stressed. Maybe I can help?"

Harry crossed his arms and flopped down on the sofa, pout appearing on his face.

Tom couldn't help but feel a rush of fondness from this.

Harry stayed.

"Unless you have a genius idea on how to evade the Yule Ball, which apparently is mandatory for me, and the entirety of the student body, because they are nothing but harpies hounding me to take them as my date, then yes, Tom, you can help."

Tom's expression hardened.

"They are doing what? " His tone was clipped.

"Pestering me, stalking me, not leaving me alone even during meal times, which I usually go to the kitchens for, and constantly staring, not to mention people actually daring to ask me out! I'm going insane!"

Tom's eye twitched.

"You're the champion, Harry. Everyone wants a piece of you, hm, darling?"

Harry pouted even more.

"At this rate I'll curse them all and be done with it."

"Tempting. I might just help." Tom looked at him, contemplating. "Or you could announce your date and it would most certainly determine them."

"Or make them more vicious," Harry muttered.

Tom hummed. He wasn't wrong.

"Do you have a date?"

Harry closed his eyes. "No. Maybe. I might as well take Pierre."

He didn't see Tom's expression exploding into fury and jealousy for one brief moment, before he got a hold of himself.

"And who is this Pierre ?" Riddle asked dangerously, his fists clenched.

"Beauxbatons student."

"I got that, but who is he to you?"

Harry opened his eyes, frowning once he saw Tom's stony expression. Then a smirk curled his lips.

Ah.

"Jealous, Tommy boy?"

"Do not call me that. And I'm not jealous."

Harry's smile widened, eyes glinting in victory.

Tom was jealous.

Riddle huffed, throwing his hands into the air.

"I don't care. Take whomever you wish."

Harry grinned, seeing a perfect opportunity to rile Riddle up the most.

"Even if it's Ginevra Weasley?"

Tom's head snapped to him so fast, Harry thought he was lucky he wasn't truly alive, or that might as well have snapped his neck. But he wasn't done.

"After all, her mummy wants a marriage contract between us. Imagine that."

Tom's face exploded with righteous fury and Harry couldn't help but admire the fact that Tom looked like a vengeful angel.

All for him too, a selfish part of him supplied.

"You will tell me everything ," Tom demanded, pointing a finger at Harry.

Harry just smiled.