No more lies (To Victory)

CHAPTER 16

•°•

Harry spent the days before the New Year relaxing and strengthening his mental shields.

Tom's insistence on it was borderline commanding, not that Harry minded. Much. He usually enjoyed Tom's more domineering side, but not when he was already doing what he was told to do, which in turn irritated him enough that he couldn't concentrate.

Not even a steamy kissing session could get all of the frustration Harry was feeling out, so he turned his sights elsewhere and took Tom to the Room of Requirement.

The older slytherin was lost the moment he stepped foot into the Room of Lost Things, and for the first time in days, Harry was completely alone.

For once, everything was blissfully quiet when Harry sat down to meditate, feeling like he could finally breathe.

He was feeling anxious for the last few days. Tom insisted it was due to Snape's enforced health exam, but Harry had a feeling something was about to happen. Something vital. He just couldn't for the life of him figure out what.

The raven haired boy closed his eyes and evened out his breathing, sinking into a meditative state.

Half an hour passed in a flash; already Harry felt the calming effects of meditation and his mind felt clearer. His shields stronger. Feeling his legs starting to fall asleep Harry stood up to go look for his lost boyfriend. Merlin, it was still so weird to call Tom his boyfriend, but Salazar knows it made him incredibly smug as well. Tom was a bloody catch. If only Voldemort’s reaction to it could obliviate itself from Harry’s mind, he'd die a happy man.

He wandered around, eventually he stumbling upon Tom, crouched down in front of some dusty old tome, eyes glued to the page like it held the secrets of life.

Harry sighed.

"This place is like Legoland for you."

"A what?" The older boy hissed, not even bothering to grace Harry with his attention.

Rude.

"Nevermind. What you got there?"

Tom waved him off. "Go find something to amuse yourself with, Harry, I'm busy."

With a roll of his eyes Harry complied. It was useless to argue when Tom got like this; he had a serious case of tunnel vision and Harry doubted that being his boyfriend would save him from being cursed if he continued bugging Tom.

So he wandered around.

The Room of Lost Things was a marvel. He often wondered how it came to be: certainly such rooms don't just pop into existence by themselves, but Hogwarts was always special. Imbued with magic over centuries to a point it became sentient. Or was it always like this?

Unfortunately, there was no way to find out, unless the ghosts of the founders themselves decided to speak with him directly.

But this room… what sort of magic was lost to time to make it possible? A place that grants wishes. Limited, certainly, but useful nonetheless. And this specific room was the only one that you could carry things out of. Because they were not made by the room, but were brought in.

Lost over time.

Well, their loss - Harry’s gain. He'd never say no to broadening his horizons, and with those rare tomes scattered across the room, most subjects long forbidden… no wonder Tom was consumed by it. Perhaps he should just leave the diary here instead of the Chamber so the other boy would have something to do. But the chances of other students walking in here and finding Tom were too high. What if Dumbledore wandered in? That nosy bastard would certainly become suspicious if he found a room like this one.

Too big of a risk.

Harry once again rummaged through whatever stuff he stumbled upon first. He didn't dare touch all of the trinkets, no matter how inviting they seemed: most felt cursed to hell and back. Something he'd only send to his worst enemy or- or those two-faced twats he used to call friends, if only to see what would happen. For… scientific reasons, of course.

Maybe he really should consider it if they don't cease glaring at him whenever he's in their vicinity, but Snape's ongoing detentions seemed to be doing the job just fine for now.

Harry saw a couple of quills last time that were cursed to be used until they were either broken or the inkwell was used up completely, which would take hours if not days. It was a relatively mild curse, but Harry was considering sending it to Ron - that idiot moaned about writing all the time. Perhaps it would improve his penmanship a little. Huh, Harry might even be the reason Ron's grades improve!

Hm... maybe Harry should go find them. It would probably be seen as a prank rather than something done maliciously. The twins might even take credit for it and make something of similar nature.

Before he could, something else caught his eye. Something was poking behind a dusty old lamp that still somehow emitted an eerie green hue, reminding Harry of the windows in the Slytherin Common room with the direct view into the Black Lake.

The teen grabbed the nearest stick-like thing he could find to move the lamp a little - he wasn't about to touch something that looked radioactive, thankyouverymuch.

Harry’s eyes zoomed in on a dusty, small book with a burgundy cover. It was very obviously shoved - or hidden, more likely - behind that creepy lamp. Harry was instantly intrigued: hidden things held the best secrets.

The boy eagerly checked it for curses and was delighted when none were detected. Now brimming with curiosity at a potential discovery he was about to make, Harry carefully opened the book and sought out the title page.

Then frowned.

Bending the shadows

by

Orpheus Black

Harry dropped the book as if scalded after he felt something licking at his fingertips.

This was no ordinary book. It felt like it could consume your own very soul and drag you into the darkness never to be seen again if you slipped up and showed any weakness. If you were weak.

Thankfully, Harry was none of those things and carefully picked it up again, constantly checking and making sure that something wasn’t trying to latch onto him. That would be a disaster, especially since he knew nothing on what ‘bending the shadows’ entailed. You can’t fight against something you know nothing about.

He checked to see the release date, eyes bulging out at the year of 1676. The book was a manuscript, too.

Merlin’s saggy balls. This thing must be priceless and very, veryillegal. Why was it even here and not hidden in one of the Black properties? Or even the Gringotts vault where it would be extremely secure?

He should ask Sirius if he knew anything about Orpheus Black. He sounded vaguely familiar, but after reading quite a few books about magical families and their family trees, anyone would sound familiar, Harry guessed. Purebloods tended to reuse names of their ancestors.

Maybe Draco would know something. He was part Black, after all, and Narcissa never shied away from her roots; he was certain she raised Draco with stories about her family.

Now though, he desperately needed to see what was inside the ancient manuscript.

It felt like hours had passed with Harry slowly detangling words of Old English before he closed the book, unable to concentrate despite the incredibly engrossing material. Something was nagging at him to move and look somewhere else. Somewhere further into the room.

Harry frowned and stood up, cursing slightly at the prickling feeling in his legs. He quickly pushed the manuscript into his pocket, unwilling to leave it there and most likely lose it later, and walked forward, straining his magic to feel whatever that was calling to him. 

It felt strange.

There was something in here. Something incredibly… familiar, although Harry couldn't place it.

The teenager looked around, unsure of where the feeling was coming from exactly, but he could tell it wasn't far away. Something cursed, trying to ensnare him? A compulsion? 

"Closssser…"

Harry froze. Did he imagine it or was there someone in here?

The sound was kind of hissy, so… maybe some snake ornament? Wouldn't be the first time it happened; even the stone ornaments of snakes hissed at him in the castle, not to mention the few snake paintings hung aroundthe castle. And there were so many of them in the Slytherin Common room… Harry was one hundred percent certain Tom used to intimidate his followers with them back in the day. They were incredibly responsive to a parselmouth despite not being alive.

As if in daze the dark haired boy continued on, hoping to catch the whispers again, feeling oddly detached. He just had to-

"Harrrryy-"

"Harry!" A hand grabbed his shoulder and pulled. He flinched back and instinctively ducked, wand already in hand and pointing at Tom's chest. The taller boy looked mildly concerned despite the obvious annoyance curling at his lip. "What's going on? I've called you half a dozen times. Rude, by the way."

"You did?" Harry blinked. "I- I didn't notice."

"Clearly." Tom's eyes narrowed. "What were you doing? What's going on?"

Harry shook his head, trying to shake the odd feeling. He was missing something. "Nothing, probably spent too much time around cursed stuff."

"Oh?"

"It's fine, I haven't touched anything." And yet, he still felt the need to walk somewhere. It felt like something was beckoning him closer or was Harry just imagining things?

"If you're certain." Slytherin regarded Harry carefully before nodding. "Come. I found something you'll find interesting."

Harry shot one last sorrowful look behind him, feeling like he was walking away from something life-changing, but Tom's hand was unrelenting in dragging him forwards.

No matter. Harry can always come back to check it out later - he just needs to remember his way back into this alcove.

Maybe he'll stumble upon another ancient text next time he ventures here? He certainly wouldn’t be opposed.

---

It's a different sort of freedom, Harry thinks as he attaches a shrunken package to Hedwig's leg with a shit eating grin and manic gleam in his eyes, while instructing her to leave immediately upon delivery.

Not everyone would be brave or suicidal enough to do what he just did, but he's Harry Potter - he has an honour bound duty to live up to his name.

"Fly safe, Hedwig. And seriously, don't linger and if anyone points anything at you, scratch their eyes out."

His darling owl hoots as if saying duh, I'm not an idiot, and takes off into the night.

One thing taken care of, Harry heads down to the second floor lavatory.

Someone special is waiting for him.

---

Tom Riddle cursed his predisposition often enough, cursing his older self for not making more research into horcruxes and just what kind of existence he was cursing upon himself, but seeing Harry Potter waltzing at him with a wide grin on his face almost made it worth it.

Almost.

The boy was beautiful. Anyone could see that, could feel his power, and to his ever growing jealousy, people were starting to notice. Especially that Malfoy brat, staring at his Harry with starry eyes that Harry, thankfully, was oblivious to.

He couldn't wait to have a body and make sure everyone knows that Harry isn't to be touched, or ogled.

Oh, how much he wished he could just sneak out and place a few, well deserved curses on some people, but he wasn’t willing to hurt Harry in order to enact revenge on his behalf. Plus, Harry would never forgive him after the last time and their relationship wasn’t something he was willing to lose.

Ever.

But all of these thoughts were for later. Now-

"You look like you've done something you shouldn't have, darling. Should I be worried?"

Harry grinned. "Absolutely," he said, before slamming into Tom and wrapping his arms around his neck, pulling him closer. The very next moment, Tom was being kissed within an inch of his life.

He really wasn't about to complain and reciprocated eagerly, wrapping his arms around Harry's waist to pull him impossibly closer, wishing to just merge their bodies so neither of them could distinguish where one ended and another began.

It made him feel like one of those silly couples he'd sneer at and give detentions to for snogging in the broom closets, but really, he had no idea what kind of bliss it actually was. How complete it made him feel. Or maybe it was because of Harry. Harry and his soft, soft lips and his-

Tom blinked, confused for a moment, only to see Harry snickering. At him.

They were no longer kissing either.

He pinched Harry without an ounce of remorse.

"Ouch! What was that?!"

"Punishment," Tom said and pulled the boy back into a kiss, this time sucking Harry’s lip between his own teeth and biting down, swallowing Harry’s gasp with relish.

This was addictive, he thought absentmindedly before continuing his ministrations.

He never wanted this to end.

"To what do I owe such a passionate greeting, darlin'?" Tom asked when he finally managed to separate himself from Harry, pleased with himself at just how debauched he made the other teenager look. How dazed.

"Yourself," Harry poked him in the chest and grinned. He leaned over to peck his cheek, then pulled something out and slammed it into his chest. "Happy birthday, Tom."

His-

Oh.

Considering he only vaguely was aware of time passing and only due to Harry himself, Tom didn't realize the day had even come.

But ever since finding out, Harry never forgot his birthday despite Tom not giving the day any significance: why would he, when he stayed the same? Unaging. Unchanging.

Stuck in time.

And yet, Harry insisted it was an important day to celebrate all the same.

And this year he already seemed to have received the best gift of all: Harry himself.

"Why, I thought you're my present, darling, no? Your messy hair could certainly be mistaken for a lumpy bow."

"Piss off," Harry hit him even if his cheeks flushed with embarrassment. What an endearing sight.

Tom couldn't believe he wanted to murder Harry in the beginning; his life would've been so unbearably dull if he'd stuck to his original plan. Harry’s inane ability to attract trouble was incredibly entertaining at times when it didn’t affect him. This year was exceptiopnally amusing. 

"Don't be a tease, darling. It's my birthday. Shouldn't I get whatever my heart desires?"

"It's also New Year’s Eve," Harry pointed out.

"Ah, a double gift, then?"

Harry flushed again, earning himself a grin from Tom.

Harry was so easily flustered since they started their… relationship. The smallest innuendos could make him blush and Tom couldn't get enough of it.

It was amusing annoying the boy and pushing him to his limits before, but it was for completely different reasons than Tom had now. He still couldn't believe that he landed himself a partner. An equal, almost.

If only he had a body.

Perhaps he could talk Harry into allowing him to drain someone. That bint Ginevra for example. She was making herself a nuisance and kept trying to steal what was his.

It was already a death sentence in Tom's mind: the girl will die one way or the other. Why not make it meaningful?

"What are you scheming again in that brilliant mind of yours?" Harry poked him. "Don't you even dare to lie, mister; we both know that innocent expression is nothing but a facade."

"My apologies, darling, it seems you've enthralled me." Really, Tom couldn't distract Harry like this before; he’d pout, poke and prod him at every turn, push Tom to the edge of his sanity until he got his answers, refusing to be denied. Refusing to stay ignorant, and while frustrating, Tom respected that. He was the same.

But now Harry would turn into a blubbering mess after a simple endearment or a heated look from Tom. That didn’t make Harry any less of a danger, but Tom wasn’t about to give up such an advantage. He was a slytherin, after all.

Tom sighed. "You should get going."

"What?" Harry startled. "Go where? I just got here!"

“You can’t miss the feast. People will notice.”

“Sure I can. I've done it before. Or do you wanna come with?”

“Harry…” Tom warned. “It was dangerous enough last time we ventured out.”

“No one noticed! No one even remembered you were there or asked me about it.”

“You are still not at your full capacity with your mental shields," Tom hissed angrily, unsure of why Harry was developing such a flippant personality when just months before he spent hours harping on about staying careful and safe. "Don't give me that look - it is too risky. If Dumbledore notices anything? If he starts investigating? You wouldn’t be able to sneak down here at all. It would ruin most of our plans. Be reasonable.”

Harry pouted. “Not even for a bit?”

“You want Snape to notice you’re magically exhausted at your health exam?”

“Oh, please, we’ve done it numerous times and I was fine.” The younger teen rolled his eyes. “It wouldn’t even be for that long - most students will be having parties in their common rooms afterwards.”

“You must attend.”

“Tom-”

“We can spend time together any time, Harry. Have you forgotten I do not feel nor care for the passing of time? I’m beyond pleased you choose to spend your time with me and wish to celebrate my birthday, but with where you are now - you must contain your image and your allies. Especially when all eyes are on you as a champion. Especially with all of the disturbances you’ve caused to the old goat. You must be seen as someone reliable and strong, so no one would question you or even your emancipation. It would take the old goat claiming you’re mentally unstable and someone supporting him for it to be called into question. Do not ruin it all for your own whims.”

Harry stayed quiet for a long time, contemplating his words. Eventually, he sighed deeply and agreed.

“Fine. I guess I’ll kiss someone else when the clock strikes midnight.”

Rage like never before darkened Tom’s vision and he grabbed Harry by his shoulders, most likely bruising them, and pulled the other into him. “Don’t you even dare,” he growled, pressing his lips against Harry’s and biting, swallowing Harry’s gasp with pleasure. “You’re mine.”

When they parted Tom was pleased to see a slightly dazed look on the raven’s face and his lips bruised and slightly bloody. He couldn’t help himself and leaned down to lick them again. This was addicting.

“Well,” Harry rasped out, still a little out of it; one would be after such a breathtaking snogging. “You’re one possessive bastard, aren’t you?” Harry chuckled, shakily touching his own lips as if he couldn’t believe what just happened. He couldn't believe he liked it.

“Only figured that out now, darling?” Tom purred. “I’m afraid you’re a little too late and have been caught in my trap.” And I'm never letting you go.

This time Harry laughed out loud and shot Tom a wide, bright grin, eyes glinting with something mischievous. “Well, it’s not like I oppose the rough treatment,” he whispered, stepping closer to Tom, who, suddenly, felt like he couldn’t breathe. “Come on, Dark Lord.” Harry grabbed the hems of Tom’s robes and pulled him closer, and a little down, since he decided to be so bloody tall. He brushed his against Tom’s jaw and whispered: “Do it again.”