Chapter 1
I suppose I really should have expected this, but, for some reason I never truly believed Potter was insane enough to do this. This being, chaining us together and preparing to throw us throw the veil.
I glared at him from my prone position the gag chafing the corners of my mouth. Potter had been planning this for quite awhile I realized as I watched him finish the runes around us that would chain us together completely. I must admit I'm impressed by his work, but it doesn't stop me from wanting to wrap my hands around the stupid boys neck for ruining all my plans!
He approaches me, and as he leans in close I notice how much he has changed from the idealistic little brat I first challenged. He would be around 23 now? Yes, 23 and he's finally got facial hair! Who would have thought it would ever happen, of course his hair hasn't changed too much accept he keeps it long now like Black, I suppose a form of tribute. Of course the most drastic change is his eyes. I smirk as I see those eyes because they are mine, I made those bright orbs darken into the cold gems they are now. Still green of course, I couldn't get him to steep that much into the dark arts just to challenge me.
I grimace as he takes some of my blood, my muffled voice tries to argue with what he's going to do, but he ignores me.
"It'll all be over soon." Whispers Harry.
I stare at him as he mixes my blood with his own and then traces over the runes with the combined blood. Some where between when I killed his wife and then everyone who he had ever considered a friend, he had cracked. The magical world had been aware of his insanity, but had ignored it specifically for this reason. So that he would kill me, or at least take me with him.
And he's going to do it.
The runes flair to life just as I feel our connection become complete. He looks at me and for the first time in more then a decade I FEEL. I can feel his mind numbing anguish and pain and it steals the very breath from my lungs as my chest tightens.
He comes towards me and I shake my head begging him, but he's made up his mind and nothing can change it.
I'm dragged to my feet and we are standing in front of the veil. It flutters eagerly as if it's reaching out towards us…its next meal.
He pulls out the sword of Gryffindor and I try to pull away, but he brings me in close.
His eyes are cold but so steady as they meet mine.
He plunges the sword through my belly and I gasp in the agonizing pain of it. "For my wife." He whispered in my ear and then he pulls it out, I sag and almost fall, but he's wrapped an arm around me to keep me up.
My back is now leaned up against his shoulder and side and I can see the glint of the sword as he raises it again. With a shudder he pushes it through his own body. "I'm sorry." He whispers as we begin to fall forward through the veil.
And the sword glows.
HT
I am so unbelievable cold, I cry out, but there are just more shadows and pain and then light… and then…nothing
HT
Beep…beep…beep…beep…beep…beep
Slowly I open my eyes, a tiled ceiling fills my vision.
The steady beeping to my left is growing annoying and I turn my head sluggishly to see…a machine.
I stare in confusion at the beeping box, it's monitoring my heart rate, …its muggle.
I feel fuzzy and disoriented as I glance around trying to get my bearings.
I'm in a hospital?
The curtain to the cubical is pulled open and a young man in a lab coat walks in with a plump little nurse. He smiles at me which makes me ever more confused.
"Well! You're finally awake!"
As he comes closer I notice something decidedly …off.
He's bigger then me, much bigger.
He's smiling as he looks down at me.
"How are you feeling kid?"
Kid?!
I glance down at my body, it is that of an adolescent!!
My heart beat speeds up and the doctor places a comforting hand on my arm. "Calm down son, its okay, that's it, deep breathes."
I begin to relax and I notice that the nurse had upped my drug dosage, I stare at the two muggles with drug glazed eyes.
They check the bandage surrounding my stomach then chat a bit and leave, ever so slowly I look around.
The curtain was left open and I can now tell I am in a children's ward. There are a few in the beds or loitering around with crutches.
I glance back down at my body as I begin to lose consciousness, just what exactly had happened?
HT
The next time I awaken the doctor is there waiting for me …with a police officer.
"Good morning Tom!" Said the happy doctor.
Tom's eyes narrowed, how dare he!
"This is Officer Dale, he'd like to ask you a few questions."
Tom frowned. "About what." He had to hold back a wince at how high and childish his voice sounded.
The officer gave him what he assumed was suppose to be a reassuring smile. "Perhaps how you got those wounds and disappeared for a month for starters."
Tom placed a hand over his stomach, ah yes, the sword. He had to smirk a bit as he thought of that.
The Gryffindor sword, once it has made a cut there is no magical means of healing it, so if the veil had failed Potter was counting on the holes in each of their stomachs to kill them through blood loss, but of course he hadn't thought of muggles finding and patching them up.
A surprisingly good job for the late 1930's if Tom was accurate in guessing the era based on their clothes. Right before WWII most likely.
"I don't remember." Said Tom, looking the perfect picture of confused and abused child.
The adults looked between each other knowingly.
"It's alright Tom, you don't have to push your self but… do you think you could explain the baby you had with you?"
"Baby?"
"There was a baby found with you with similar injuries, he is …still recovering, but he doesn't match any missing children reports." Said the officer.
Tom took in the words greedily, it couldn't be…could it?
"Can I…can I go see him?"
The officer looked to the doctor who nodded.
Gently Tom was placed in a wheel chair and taken to the IIC (infantile intensive care) wing.
He was taken over to a cradle encased in a plastic bubble where oxygen was being pumped in. He looked into the cradle.
The baby couldn't be more then a year at the most, he was pale, thin, and tiny while engulfed in the mass of blankets surrounding him to keep him warm. He certainly resembled potter, but not the 1 year old Potter he remembered.
The baby was sleeping and seemed discontent.
"Can I hold him?" Asked Tom quietly.
The doctor considered it for a bit, then shook his head. "His injuries are still healing, and he needs all the rest he can get."
Tom nodded and scrutinized the baby's face, his eyes narrowed as he spotted a jagged mark on the babe's forehead half concealed by the nest of black hair.
It was Potter.
But whether he remembered he was Potter would remain to be seen.
The doctor returned Tom to his bed with strict orders to rest and then Tom was alone.
He felt weak and exhausted, but his mind was still whirling at the new possibilities.
A smirk crept over his face.
And Potter couldn't stop him this time, because Potter was now a defenseless little baby!
Elation and pure joyous bliss shot through his body as he thought of all that he could change in the years to come, but as he was thinking a twinge of fear, not his own shot through his mind.
Potter was awake.
Tom leaned back into the fluffy pillows thinking carefully, they were still connected.
It made sense now why baby Potter had survived, because Tom had, if one died then the other would as well. The connection that Potter had created had made sure that had a shared life source…and power.
He felt it.
The sheer burning of the magic combined within the two of them was phenomenal! He firmly pulled himself away from using it as he desired to, first he would have to test it in a more secure location.
The twinge of fear came again, but now in stead throbs.
Tom sighed, the boy was going to cause problems just like he always did. Forcefully he shot a mental hammer to the boy and knocked him out. It would be best for now if baby Potter remained unaware.
As he drifted off Tom couldn't help but smirk, the wizarding world wouldn't know what hit it!
HT
The mental hammer Tom realized had been a little too powerful as Potter was in a light coma, but it made things easier during the remainder of the week while they were recovering.
Tom, through a bit of childish charming had gained access to the baby ward when ever he wanted to visit Potter, thankfully it was during one of these visits that Potter finally woke up.
Green eyes blinked open sleepily, Tom smirked, they were his green eyes. He moved in close and tilted his head to accompany Potter's position. "Morning Potter."
Eyes widened and Potter tried to say something, but all that came out was an infants terrified cry.
Tom's hand covered his mouth quickly, and he glanced at the door, but the patter of nurses shoes didn't come. He looked down at the terrified baby restrained by his hand.
"I know what you're thinking, and you're right. It didn't work."
Tom pulled his hand away as he saw Potter's eyes narrow, his fingers just barely missed getting nipped by jagged baby teeth. He smirked and then reached back into the crib easily wrapping a hand around Potters neck.
"Now you're going to be a good little baby and listen, we are back in my time, and I'm the one in control here! So don't go getting any ideas, this is the age were if you start acting odd they will exorcise you. From now on you're Harrison Riddle, my dear baby brother."
Tom released Harry's neck as his eyes began to fill with tears.
Loud cry's and infantile sobs filled the room. Tom looked over at the door warily before turning back to the baby. "Shut up Potter!" But his cry's only got louder.
Tom scowled and reached into the crib, Potters screams escalated.
Tom shot a look at the door, but no one was coming.
Hurting him wasn't going to work and his magic was still too temperamental.
Harry screamed, everything was too much! Everything hurt and every emotion was screaming at him! So he cried, he cried for his wife, for his friends, for his family, for every pain that he had felt through his miserably years, he even cried for his lost sanity…and …what the?
He was being…held?
"Just…shhhh…just, stop…shhhh… Oh bloody hell.." Hissed Tom as he felt Potter's tears soak through his shirt.
Harry had stopped crying, and he let out a giggle.
Silence….
Both stared at each other with wide eyes.
"Oh-no! This is not happening Potter!" Said Tom as he lifted him away from his shoulder, the tears began to gather again and Potters bottom lip started to tremble.
Instantly he was tucked back into a shoulder. "Good God Potter! What is wrong with you!"
Hiccups were his only reply.
There was suddenly a bustling at the door and a nurse came in. "Oh dear! You've been alone here the whole time! There was an emergency down the hall." She suddenly drew in close and smiled a disgustingly sweet smile. "oooooh!! You two are such an adorably picture!"
Tom grimaced internally, but gave a weak smile. "He was crying."
The nurse quickly took Potter who squirmed and whimpered in her arms.
"Oh dear, he seems to want you!"
Tom stared in surprise at the whimpering baby, what was wrong with Potter?
What is wrong with me! I can't,…I don't!
Harry looked around in confusion, he couldn't understand what was going on, his brain was throbbing!...then suddenly, it was gone….what was gone? What?tired….comfort?why?want!want!...want…
Tom stared in shock as Potter was suddenly reaching out his arms…for him!?
Carefully, almost cautiously he took him back into his arms and stared into his eyes.
"Potter?" He whispered.
Intelligent curiosity filled eyes stared back at him and blinked drowsily before he snuggled his head under Tom's chin.
Tom stood stiff and stock still while the nurse gibbered on about how cute they looked.
HT
Potter was a baby
It was undeniable, he looked for the darkness, but it was gone. Hidden away.
There was a childish giggle from the floor as Potter played with the toys the nurses had brought him, Tom grimaced. It was pitiful to see him lowered to this state, although….
There was another giggle and the nurses gathered around him cooed and talked to him in gibberish.
Potter was less of a problem like this.
Tom sighed from his wheel chair and glanced back at the door, he sat up straighter as he noticed a new face. A man in a suit.
A…what was modernly called a social worker, but in this time and age. The man who sticks children in a filth hole called an orphanage.
He was watching Potter avidly
A fierce possessiveness welled up in my chest and I scowled at this man who could only mean trouble for me.
He approached one of the nurses and chatted with her for a while before stepping in our direction.
"Harry." I spoke firmly, the confirmed one year old looked away from his admires and smiled at me happily before shakily getting to his feet and walking over.
I pulled him into my lap where he happily started spouting off something I suppose could be English while I glared at the man. He stopped, and for the first time since he entered the room he considered me.
"Oh this is Tom, the other boy Mr. Withers, he's practically adopted little Harry here, gave him his name to!" piped up one of the nurses.
"I see." Said Mr. Withers.
The man plastered on one of those fake overly happy smiles that most adults put on for children and then sauntered over to them.
"Hello Tom! You're a strong lad aren't you!"
Tom stared at him blankly
Mr. Withers coughed into his hand. "Well… I see you are quite attached to little Harry here."
Silence
Another cough. "Of course you know, well…you see…there are…wealthy families who would be very interested in adopting such a pleasant baby as him."
Tom's face was impassive and cold. "Just you try taking him."
Mr. Withers stilled at the threat and his eyes narrowed at the young boy.
"You are feeling better Tom? The nurse was telling me that you could be released any day now, I am sure you are looking forward to getting back home."
Home…
Tom's lip curled, he remembered that place, and he remembered how he burnt it to the ground shortly after he left…with the owner inside.
Oh how he screamed.
"Well, I'm off!" Said Mr. Withers slightly disturbed by the boys expression.
The nurses ushered him out
Tom glanced down at the oblivious baby in his lap. "Well, it'll be a little early, but I suppose we could visit my home."
Tom had estimated that he was probably 9 or 10 if his guess of the date was accurate. But knowing his own age didn't really help him when he was still most definitely a child.
It was midnight and practically everyone was sleeping.
Tom slipped out of his bed and quietly slipped on the clothes left for him when he was to leave, he stole a bag and headed for the nursery where Potter was being kept.
Thankfully the baby stayed asleep as he dressed him and carefully tied him to his back, ever so quietly they slipped out of the hospital and into the dark streets of London.
HT
London was the same as he remembered. Dark, dirty, and filled with scum. No one took notice in all of the depravity of one little boy making his way through the infested streets with a strange bundle on his back.
Tom carefully avoided the darkened allies and ruckus pubs, his goal was to reach the market place and hopefully find a farmer in the morning who would take him out to the country.
The market was practically deserted when he reached it, but he knew it wouldn't remain that way. With a disgusted sneer he took refuge from the cold night air behind some barrels and gently took Potter from his back and laid him down. The baby had stayed asleep and continued to sleep, but was lightly shivering.
Tom took two blankets he had filched and stuffed in his stolen bag and wrapped them around the two of them.
Cautiously he took Potter in his arms and held him for warmth while a permanent scowl set on his face. "I swear Potter, if you remember any of this…"
He finally drifted off as the familiar city sounds of London filled his mind.
Tom awoke to the beginning sounds of the market opening, horses and different animals could be heard as well as the morning salutations of the merchants greeting each other.
After changing Potter and feeding him he strapped the baby to his back and crept out from the barrels, he spied a wagon having its contents removed and headed for it. As the driver clicked his tongue for the horse to move Tom slipped on to the wagon and hid under the canvas.
They were headed for the country.
HT
The manor was different from how he remembered it. There were flowers and the grass was cut, it didn't look run down as it had the day he burned it to the ground. Tom frowned and slowly walked up to the gate, what had changed in 7 years that would make such a difference in the manor.
"Why hello there!"
Tom turned quickly surprised by the voice and his eyes widened, it was his grandmother. He had never met the women because she had died before he had come back for his visit.
Her eyes widened as well and she dropped the bag in her hands. "Saints above!" He hand went to her mouth in horror as if staring at a ghost.
"You're Tom's!" She gasped.
"Yes." Said Tom seeing no reason to hide the truth.
Harry suddenly stirred on his back and his grandmothers eyes widened as she saw the baby and also noted the resemblance.
Her eyes became slightly teary and before Tom could pull away she had him in a tight hug. "I never thought I would live to see my grandchild, and now I have two!!" Her laugh startled Tom somewhat.
Did she not know of what his mother had done to her son?
"You two must me freezing! Well come along, best get you warmed up with some hot coco." She deftly removed Harry from his back and held him on her hip while she took Tom's hand in hers and began at a steady pace towards the house.
Tom stumbled a bit before gaining his footing and quickly matching her pace while a sense of trepidation grew in his mind.
Mrs. Riddle was all smiles though as she bustled them into the kitchen where an equally motherly women immediately went to work putting a bowl of steaming soup and warm crisp bread in front of him and then a portion of warm porridge for Harry.
As Tom eagerly, but politely dug in to his meal his grandmother took a seat and watched him while feeding Harry.
"Tom? What happened?"
Tom's spoon stilled as he looked at her. "What do you mean?"
"Well your father told as that you were staying with your mother from now on, that they had divorced and he was sending her money to support you, but…" She looked at Harry who was happily opening his mouth for another spoonful of porridge.
"Mothers dead, she died when Harrison was born, father didn't come to get us so I came here." Said Tom quietly acting the part of scared young child.
Mrs. Riddle had tears in her eyes and she reached over giving him a reassuring hug.
"Well you made it, and now you having nothing to worry about!"
The door to the kitchen banged open.
"Mother!"
MMMMMMMMMMMMMM
Well I finally started again!
Hope you like it!
Please review, I always love comments even if its just to say you like it!! Also suggestions are nice!