Stronger Than You Ch. 2
Whooo! Back again with chapter two! In the last chapter, we meet Tom and find out a little bit about his background. In this chapter, Harry will confront his relatives and find a little bit more about himself. Like always, I do not own the characters or the idea of fusions. Those ideas belong to their respective owners.
3 Days Later
Harry was nursing some sore bruises on his body as he laid in the cramped cupboard. His uncle was beside himself in anger when Harry didn't show up for three days, forcing them to do the chores and cook the meals. When he finally showed up, Uncle Vernon gave him a solid thrashing then sent him straight to the cupboard. "Filthy Muggles laying a hand on one of Magic's own children." Tom had muttered as he helped Harry heal the more severe injuries. "Tom. I'm fine, I promise." Harry reassured and sent a pulse of gratitude and contentment to Tom, who was somewhat placated. At the pub, Tom explained a tiny bit of who he was and how he arrived at the pub, purposely avoiding the more morbid topics- such as him being responsible of killing his parents.
"So, if you are telling the truth, which I believe you are, all of this freaky stuff is magic and at 11, I will be going to a magical school in Scotland. My question is, if I really am a wizard, why would they put me with Muggles, especially Muggles who hate freaky stuff? Were the people who left me here not aware of the hell I might go through? Which bears the next question, who left me here 6 years ago? Tom, this might be a bit much due to your lapse in memory, but do you have an inkling on a potential suspect?" Tom was silent as he regarded the young boy and carefully weighed his options. "I… might have one idea on who could've done it. Albus Dumbledore, current Headmaster at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. If my memory serves me correctly, he was the defeater of Grindlewald, thus ending the First Wizarding War, and had a knack for… using others for his own gain, for in his mind, it is all 'for the greater good.' When we go to Diagon Alley, I am certain we can find out more and my memory might return. I apologize if I failed to give you the answer you desired."
Harry sent another wave of gratitude in Tom's direction and laid back down on the bed. "I appreciate it. Now that we have a name, we at least have a starting point." It is silent and Harry watches a spider crawl across the ceiling before talking again, this time much quieter. "TomTom? You mentioned something about…fusions? Can you please tell me more?" Another drawn-out silence stretched between the two before Tom let out a small sigh. "In all my research of Horcruxes, there have almost never been a human Horcrux made. The last record of such a phenomenon was back during the dreaded Witch Hunts. A witch split her soul twice to live forever if she was caught, one being her daughter and the other her son. Unfortunately, her children were stoned 5 days after she made them and she herself ended up on the stake not long after. From then on, the practice was only done is secret, but never on a human, until that fateful night… Anyway child, it is close to bedtime for you. You are still a growing boy and come morning, the bruises would've faded already." Harry was fixing to interject when Tom fell silent and he let out a huff before closing his eyes and soon falls asleep, lulled by the thrumming in his head, unaware of the physical changes he was going through.
The next morning, Harry woke up and let out a yawn, catching himself in the shattered mirror stashed in the corner and froze. He scooted closer, ignoring the lingering pain and ran a thin, pale hand over his face. "T-Tom? What happened?" he croaked as lithe fingers ran over his cheekbones. He still looked like himself, but there was an air of…elegance to his features that he was unsure he should like or not. "It appears that you have taken on some of my characteristics due to our bond. Why it decided to present itself now is most curious. Do not fret child. If anything, it gives you a more regal look. Now I hear those filthy Muggles coming. I'll take over the confrontation. All you need to do is give me some of your magic…" A few moments later, harsh knocking was heard before the door busted open and Dudley peeked his head in. "Uncle Vernon wants you and you're in trouble." He sang and disappeared again.
Harry slowly made his way out of his room and stood there and the 3 sets of eyes fell on his still form and he could feel anger bubbling up inside him as he glared at them and a nearby vase started the rattle quietly. "BOY! We feed you, clothes you and give you a place to stay and yet you think you can disappear to repay us for our kindness?!" Vernon yelled as Petunia looked on with disgust and Dudley was chowing down on a pastry. "You barely give me enough to begin with…" he muttered. "WHAT?! SPEAK UP BOY!" Vernon spat and lumbered closer to Harry and lifted him by his shirt. "I said… YOU BARELY GIVE ME ENOUGH TO BEGIN WITH!" he shouted as the same vase shattered. "You want to see what my freakiness can do? I'll show you!"
With a grunt, he kicked Vernon in the gut, which made him drop to the ground and Harry stood back up, emerald green and bright red flashing as a few objects started to levitate around the boy. "For starters, my name is now Hadrian. You will not call me Freak or boy ever again. Secondly, all the chores will be on you. I will do small things such as dishes or dusting to earn my keep. Thirdly, I want Dudley's second bedroom. Understand? I will not be your whipping post anymore" The Durlsey's could only stare as the objects floated downwards and Hadrian went back to his cupboard and closed the door before collapsing on his tiny bed. "Probably went too far but the look of fear on their face was worth it, wasn't it child? That raw power was… remarkable Harry and it was all you. The only thing I did was channel your magic. As you grow as a wizard, your control will be even greater and your power will even rival the Dark Lord himself. Will you let me be your teacher Harry? Together, we can shape the world in our own image…" Harry was silent before nodding. "I-I don't want to be weak anymore Tom. I want to be able to crush my bullies and rise above them. I am…better than them." Tom nearly clapped with glee as he sent a wave of pride through their bond. "Shall we begin?"
Whelp there's chapter two. So, Harry finally starts to show his true power, but it is still a long journey before he can truly master them. Tom has now taken on a more mentor-like role and will teach Harry everything he can in the next 5 years before Hogwarts.
Next chapter, we are heading to Diagon Alley and we see another aspect of fusion the duo never expected. Harry also meets a certain family and their offer leaves Harry reeling. Stay tuned.
Oh. And from now on, Harry will be called Hadrian unless he is un-fused.
