THE DRAGON LORD
LADY SHINIGAMI
DISCLAIMER: DUH.
PART 2: DREAM
Two months had passed since the telling of Snape's Prophecy and Harry's transformation. Unfortunately, his dragon blood only made the potion very permanent. In fact, more changes occurred. Demonic horns poked through his hair, right above his lengthened ears, hid hands sharpened into claws, and from the base of his skull, a long tail of bone, resembling a spinal column grew and now trailed behind him. He looked very much like a demon, scaring the younger children.
News of Harry's transformation and of Snape's prophecy had long reached the Daily Prophet, sending most of the wizarding world into a mild panic. The Ministry had, on numerous occasions, threatened to hunt Harry like an animal if any harm came to the community, and both he and Snape received dozens of Howlers on a daily basis.
The school treated Harry like the plague. Again. He had been kicked off the Quidditch team the day after his transformation, replacing him with Ginny, who had taken the position reluctantly. The only solace he received came from Hermione, Ginny, and Neville, of the Gryffindors, and on the Slytherin side, Snape, Draco, Blaise, and Lucas Nott offered their friendship. And, of course, there was Voldemort.
The Dark Lord was the most puzzling. Often, Harry would spend the night in his dreams, listening as the older wizard talked with near abandon. Things had changed between them, but Harry wasn't sure what. After a while, it almost seemed as though Voldemort wanted to spend time with him, and he seemed... happier when Harry visited him. Not once did his scar even twitch.
It was a week before Christmas break started when Harry succumbed to a dream, slowly wandering the halls of Riddle Manor, heading for the library, as per usual. Opening the double doors, he was surprised to find Voldemort missing from his customary place. Instead, across the room, a pair of French doors stood open, leading out to a small balcony.
"I'm out here, Potter."
Harry joined Voldemort out on the balcony, taking a perch on the stone railing, using his wings to balance. Voldemort stood beside him, slender hands on the old stone.
"Christmas break should be soon. Have any plans?"
Harry shook his head, staring out at the bright stars above. "Not really. Not that I care much about Christmas. The holiday's depressing, really."
Voldemort looked him, head cocked slightly. "Oh? Why is that?"
The raven-haired teen shrugged. "Christmas is a time when one spends time with his family. I don't have a family." Voldemort looked away.
"Yes, that would be my fault."
"Why did you ask?"
"If I gave you an early Christmas gift, would you consider coming here? We're both orphans, so why not?" he said, and Harry grinned at him.
"That would depend on the gift."
"Very well then." Voldemort turned to stare out at the night sky. "Do you know why I gave you that ring?"
Harry shook his head, his hand closing around the ring that hung from around his neck.
"You will. Soon. It represents something that I am wishing... no, hoping for." A small smile graced the Dark Lord's features.
"You know, it's still kind of strange; we've been enemies my entire life. What happened?" Harry asked, changing the subject.
"One prophecy has destroyed a weaker prophecy. Power has chosen a different fate for us. That's all. You should probably go now; morning's not that far off." Voldemort said, turning around to lean against the railing.
Harry chuckled. "Yeah, maybe."
"Goodnight, Harry".
Harry sat up in bed, surprised. Had Voldemort just called him by his given name? Confused, Harry headed for the showers, knowing it would ease his growing headache. Thank Merlin it was a Saturday!
Leaving the common room completely, he went down to the Great Hall for breakfast. Ignoring the stares he got from the rest of the school, Harry took a seat beside Ginny.
"Morning, Harry! Sleep well?"
He shrugged. "Well enough. Have you seen Hermione, Gin?"
"Yeah. She's in the library, researching something. You know, she needs a life, big time!" Ginny snickered.
Harry laughed with her. "Yeah, maybe. Have you heard from Charlie yet?" He asked, thinking that the second Weasley son would be able to help him understand more about dragons, and maybe about how they fought. Ginny shook her head, frowning.
"No, but I expect he's really busy right now. It is dragon-mating season. I'll let you know as soon as I hear from him."
"Thanks, Gin." He said, grinning.
"Hey! My Lord Dragon!" With a groan, Harry turned as Draco and Blaise made their way over to Gryffindor table. With a quick goodbye to Ginny, Harry rose from his seat to meet the Slytherins half way. Draco was grinning like a fool, while Blaise remained a quiet presence. Harry had grown close to the Slytherin boys since his transformation.
"Draco, how many times have I told you not to call me that?"
"Not enough?"
Harry rolled his eyes. "Anyway, what did you want?"
"Well, Draco wants to annoy you, and me, I thought we could go flying, enjoy the fresh snow outside. What do you say, Potter?" Blaise said quietly, drawing a glare from the blond, and Harry grinned.
"Sure, why not? Let's go."
Harry was waiting for the two Slytherins above the Quidditch pitch, waiting as they scrambled for their brooms. Soon, the three of them were flying through the cold air enthusiastically, racing one another, both Slytherins trying desperately to beat Harry's speed.
Then a snowball fight erupted, with Draco and Blaise, joined by Ginny, Neville and Lucas, throwing enchanted snowballs at Harry as he flew away with ease, laughing.
After a fruitless hour of trying to hit Harry, his friends gave up, choosing instead to throw snowballs at each other, ignoring Harry completely.
"Hey! You can't ignore me like that! You're just jealous that I'm so bloody fast! Hey, don't ignore me!" Harry dive-bombed the group with snowballs of his own, pelting them continuously until all of them were soaked. Which was something that Draco wasn't too pleased about.
"Potter! I'm sending you the bill for my dry cleaning! You completely ruined my good clothes!" Draco started chasing Harry through the snow as the Gryffindor teased the blond. The others started laughing, falling to their knees or into the snow.
"Oh, princess! Are you a wizard or not? Use magic"!
"Potter!"
"What ever happened to calling me 'Lord Dragon'? You certainly are a moody git, aren't you, Malfoy?"
"Potter!"
Exhausted, cold and wet, Harry led his friends back into the Great Hall, grinning like fools. The four tables were mostly full as the students ate lunch, did homework, or just talked. While Draco led Blaise and Lucas over to their own table, and Ginny and Neville went to change their clothes, Harry joined Hermione at the end of the table, shoving a tiny bit of snow down the back of her robes, laughing as she emitted a squeal of surprise.
"Harry! What was that for?"
"It was just a bit of fun, Hermione! You know, you spend way too much time in the library; you should live a little."
She sniffed, displeased with the concept. "I'm perfectly fine, Harry. Anyway, you should eat; I know you haven't been eating properly. Don't make me play mother hen with you!"
Harry laughed. "Nah, that's Draco's job. But yeah, sure, I'll eat." He pulled a tray of sandwiches towards him, and filled a goblet with pumpkin juice. "So what are you researching that was so important that you had to research it on a Saturday morning?"
"Well, actually, I was trying to find some kind of reference to any other possible Dragon Lords from in the past."
"Why?"
"Harry, you are not the first Dragon Lord in existence. I refuse to believe that. There must have been others, so I thought it useful to see if I could find anything about them. What did they save the world from? How did they do it? That kind of stuff." She said, and Harry understood where she was coming from, so he smiled.
"Thanks, 'Mione."
She opened her mouth to say something, but then the doors to the Entrance Hall burst open. Standing in the open doorway was Voldemort, a coffin floating behind him. His sudden appearance had silenced the students out of fear.
Instantly, the professors were on their feet, wands at the ready, pointed at the Dark Lord. Harry got to his feet, stepping in between the professors and Voldemort.
"What is your purpose here, Voldemort?"
The Dark Lord smiled. "All I want if five minutes of your time, Potter."
"Then you have five minutes."
"Do you remember what I asked of you last night? Well, I have something for you," With a flick of his wand, he maneuvered the coffin around and set it down in front of Harry.
Slowly, Harry knelt down and he lifted the lid of the coffin. Astonished, he stared at his one-time enemy.
"This is... for real?"
Voldemort nodded.
"Potter, what is it?" Snape was suddenly directly beside Harry, keeping a wary eye on the Dark Lord.
"Voldemort has just given me Peter Pettigrew and Bellatrix Lestrange, Sirius' murderers. Peter, no, Wormtail, framed Sirius Black for my parents' deaths, and Bellatrix killed him at the end of my fifth year." Harry said, his voice ringing through the silent Hall. Voldemort nodded.
"This is my gift to you, Lord of Black Dragons. My loyalty belongs to you. Do you have an answer to my request?"
Harry nodded. "Yes. You and I are no longer enemies, and for me to succeed, I will need a lot of help. You are one of my strongest allies, my confidant," he grinned suddenly. "I will take you up on your offer."
Snape tore his gaze from Voldemort, staring at Harry, incredulous. "What are you talking about, Potter?"
Not taking his eyes from Voldemort, Harry smiled. "You remember the black Basilisk with the crimson crest from your Vision, sir? Well, that Basilisk is standing right in front of you," his voice was low, and only Snape could hear him. "He has offered to take me in for the holidays." He looked at Snape, and the Potions Master recognized several emotions flickering in Harry's green eyes, emotions Harry probably wasn't even aware of. Snape nodded slowly.
"You must do what you think is right, regardless of anyone else," he said, reaching into his pocket. "But do me a favor and give me a fire call every now and then. There are those who care about you and your safety, so don't make us worry." He gave Harry a necklace with a silver snake pendant. "This pendant allows you to know where I am at all times, so that you can come to me should you ever need me. I give one to all my Slytherins. You should probably go now, and don't worry; I can deal with Dumbledore."
Harry smiled, grateful of the older wizard's help and support. "Thank you. This means a lot." He turned to Voldemort, as the Dark Lord waited patiently. "Let's go. I don't wanna wait for break to start. Thank you for the gift."
"I must thank you for this second chance."
"Harry, what are you doing?" Harry turned, finding all his friends standing behind him.
"I'm leaving at little early, that's all. I'll be fine." Suddenly, he grinned at Voldemort. "Hey, Voldie! Wanna fly?"
"Sure, why not?"
Draco laughed. "Oh, you have no idea what you just agreed to!"
Wings spread out, Harry circled the coffin, and wrapping his arms around Voldemort's waist, he flew from the castle and both wizards were gone from sight almost instantly.
"Severus, what just happened?"
"Quite frankly, Albus, that is not of your concern. Voldemort is no longer a threat, and it is obvious that he is not the Lord of Darkness that my prophecy spoke of. He is no longer a threat. This is not your war, Albus. Stop interfering."
Dumbledore was less than amused. "Then just whose war is it?"
"This war belongs to the Dragon Lord. Not you. You had your wars and it's time for you to back off!" Quickly, Severus ushered Harry's friends from the Great Hall, leading them to his private labs.
Once there, he focused on the teenagers. "Did any of you notice anything odd about the interaction between Harry and the Dark Lord? Anything at all?"
"They fancy each other. Harry just doesn't realize it yet. He's not very perceptive to how others view him, so he hasn't realized yet that he definitely has strong feelings for Voldemort. Voldemort's feelings for Harry are much more evident." Draco said, surprising Snape. Ginny agreed with the blond.
"Yeah, I noticed that, too. He looks different, but the Dark Lord does have intensely strong feelings for Harry. I get the feeling that they've been corresponding for some time now."
"They have been. Harry talks in his sleep, so they probably talk to one another in their dreams. Harry does deserve happiness, and love. What if V-Voldemort can give that to him?" Neville asked, surprising Snape with his insight.
"Then we should let Harry enjoy it," Blaise said, leaning against one of the desks. "It shouldn't matter who Harry loves, because he has done so much for our world, that we should give him almost anything in return for his sacrifices without consideration. It is our obligation to do so." Snape nodded, pleased with the Slytherin, and the others.
"You, Mr. Zambini, are wise beyond your years. Now, as Harry's companions and friends, we must think of ways to protect Harry and Voldemort should Dumbledore decide to antagonize Harry. We must be quick, and we must have a good defense for anything that Dumbledore might try, if and when he decides to act the hero again. He will act very quickly. Are we all in agreement?" The teens nodded, and only Neville appeared at a loss. Snape sighed; he was working with Longbottom!
"Let's get started!" Lucas said.
Slowly, Harry landed on the same balcony he had visited in Voldemort's dreams, releasing the Dark Lord gingerly. He stepped back, folding his wings closed, not meeting the other wizard's gaze.
"Thank you. For your gift."
Voldemort smiled. "No need to thank me. I'm just trying to atone for my past crimes. Now, come, let me show you around. We have the Manor to ourselves; there's no one else around."
"There's no one?" Harry smiled. "That's good. It'll be very quiet. Very peaceful. I think this will be a good Christmas for once."
Voldemort moved forward, gently caressing Harry's face, staring into his slitted emerald eyes. He leaned in and softly kissed Harry. Pulling away, he smiled tenderly at Harry's wide-eyed look of surprise. "Yes, this will definitely be a good and memorable Christmas." He led Harry into the Manor, and out of the cold and snow.
"I hope you don't mind, but I think your room will be next to mine," Voldemort said, opening a door at the end of the corridor leading away from the library, away from the stairs leading to the second and first floors. "I don't think we should be too far away from one another, as we are the only wizards in the Manor. I have two house elves to keep charge of the house, but they prefer to live in the cellars. Since we left the castle so abruptly, I will lend to you everything you need until you retrieve your things."
Harry wandered around the bedchamber, awed by the exquisite craftsmanship of the antique furniture, and he felt nearly overwhelmed at the size of the large four-poster Victorian bed.
"By the way, what did Severus give you?"
"Oh, just a pendant that allows me to know exactly where he is at all times inside the castle, so that if I ever need him, for anything, I can find him. He is worried about me, I think. It's a nice feeling, though." Harry said with a smile.
Voldemort shrugged. "So long as you are happy, then. You are free to wander as you wish, but please, don't leave the grounds. Is there anything that you wish to do"
"You are my ally, my friend, and my confidant. I am pleased to remain in your company, Voldemort."
"Please, call me Tom. I am no longer the Flight of Death, as that is what Voldemort means. I will always be a Dark Lord, because I am more than comfortable to use my Dark magic. I have become Tom Riddle once again."
Harry smiled. "Good. Tom suits you better, and I like it. Let's go back to the library, and just talk." Together, they spent the rest of that day and all night, talking of everything and nothing. At one point, a small house elf brought them dinner, but neither wizard noticed much outside of their conversation.
Then, in the early morning hours, Harry yawned. Tom frowned.
"Are you tired?"
Harry nodded. "Yeah, just a little. It's no big deal, though."
"You should go to bed, Harry. It is very early in the morning, and you're tired. It's not healthy." Tom said, rising to his feet and holding a helping hand out to Harry.
The draconian teen rolled his eyes. "Yes, mother," he said with a grin. "Fine, I'll go to bed." He allowed Tom to help him to his feet. Back in his room, and acting on impulse, he pulled Tom into his embrace, his spinal bone tail encircling the older wizard. He buried his face into Tom's chest. Startled, Tom hesitantly wrapped his arms around Harry's shoulders, greatly confused.
"What's wrong?"
"Nothing. Just... stay here a while." Tom nodded, and soon only the soft sounds of Harry's breathing, and the feel of the teen in his arms registered in his mind.
Soon, Harry fell asleep in his arms, his tail loosening and falling back to rest against the boy's spine. Tom caught him before he could fall and carried him to the four-poster canopy bed. With gentle care, he tucked Harry beneath the quilt and gently brushed the messy black hair away from his closed eyes.
Slowly, he took in all the physical changes the teen had endured. He was impressed and astonished with how Harry had dealt with all the hardships in his young life. Becoming the Dragon Lord was the third time Harry's life had been turned upside down, but the teen had dealt with everything with infinite wisdom, hope, and compassion.
It was of little wonder that Tom was falling.
Tom smiled softly. "Sleep well, my Lord. My love."
A flick of his wand extinguished the candles in the room, and he was gone.
Opening his eyes, Harry saw sunlight dancing through the windows. He sat up, and wondered when he had gone to bed. Then he remembered, he remembered embracing Tom. Why the hell had he done that?
Going over to the cold fireplace, he lit it, and with a bit of Floo powder from the mantle, he called, "Severus Snape's private office."
Snape looked up from his desk in his office, as Harry poked his head through the fire. The boy grinned, looking like a fool and an idiot as his head, ears and horns floated in the green flames.
"Good morning, professor!"
"Good morning, Harry. What brings you to my fire?"
"Well, I was wondering if you could arrange to get my things together, so I can pick them up or something," he said. "And, uh, I have something I think I should tell you about."
Snape raised an eyebrow in curiosity. "Oh?"
"Yeah," Harry seemed confused, unsure of himself. "Um, last night, as I was going to bed, I hugged Tom. No reason; I just wrapped my arms and my tail around him and just held him. I it was... nice, though. I felt safe, warm, and content. I have no idea what it meant, though, why I did what I did." Snape was grinning inwardly, but he kept his features controlled. "I'll be blunt; you fancy him. It has been clearly evident to those who know you that you have developed incredibly strong feelings for him. So, it's 'Tom' now, hmm, and not 'Voldemort'?" he smirked at Harry's slight blush. "But as to your feelings, you just haven't realized it for yourself yet."
Harry was shocked; Severus could see that clearly in the teen's face. "You're kidding, right?"
Severus shook his head. "No, and I have an ultimatum. You will tell the Dark Lord how you feel about him, or I will send Miss Weasley over there to do it for you."
"What?"
"You heard me."
"You wouldn't dare!"
"I would dare, and you know it, Potter."
Harry gaped at him, speechless. "Um, uh, wha... just give me a few days then! I, I need to think."
Severus smirked. "I cannot give you any promises. Thank you for the fire call."
Harry pouted. "Fine, but I will get you back. You can be sure of that, you greasy git!" Then he was gone from the fireplace. Severus chuckled at the Gryffindor's last words. It had sort of become a small joke between them. That boy would never change.
With a grimace, Harry spelled the soot away and he stood from the fireplace, dusting himself off. Briefly, he wondered where his host had gone.
"Probably in the library," Harry grinned at the thought as he left his rather luxurious room, spelling away the wrinkles from his clothes, adding a cleaning charm for good measure.
"Oh, Tommy! Where are you?" he felt playful, despite the embarrassing conversation with the Potions Master, and this fairly dangerous route of making fun of Tom seemed like an excellent choice. He grinned, climbing up the walls and onto the ceiling as Tom predictably poked his head through the library doors, wand out and scowl plastered on his face.
"I know you're out here, Potter! No one calls me 'Tommy' without paying a very steep price!" he stepped out into the hallway, away from the safety of the door and Harry pounced. They toppled to the floor, Tom's cry of surprise turning into laughter as the older wizard realized what was happening. They wrestled on the floor together, laughing all the while until Tom pinned Harry beneath him, both of them breathless.
Harry was content; he had his fun. His emerald eyes were dancing, his cheeks slightly flushed, and his hair was a mess. He was perfectly at ease, despite the fact that Tom was straddling him, or that his wrists were securely captured in Tom's strong grip above his head. He grinned at the Dark Lord, staring up into clouded crimson eyes.
"That was naughty of you, Harry," Tom's voice was low, husky, sending shivers down Harry's spine.
"But it was fun. You enjoyed it too, don't deny it." He grinned, still a little breathless.
Tom leaned down, his face a scant few inches away from Harry's. He brushed his lips against Harry's, hearing the boy's breathing hitch slightly. With a smile, he kissed Harry, running his tongue along pliant lips. He moved Harry's wrists, holding both in one hand, leaving the other free to gently caress the teen's face and neck, his long tapered fingers leaving trails of fire on Harry's skin, and sending shivers down his spine.
Tom moved on, latching onto Harry's neck with a vengeance, sucking gently on the smooth, flawless skin, listening as Harry gasped with pleasure.
Tom bit down with long canines, breaking the skin a little, but Harry didn't notice as a wave of power and pleasure washed over his. Tom felt the surge of power as he lapped up the single drop of blood from Harry's bitten and now bruised neck. He pulled away a little, flushed.
"Your magic is enjoying this, Harry. Your magic wants this. What about you? Do you have any objections to this?"
"... No."
Tom smiled. "Good, because I find myself falling for you, Harry. I need you to be with me."
"Stop talking and kiss me, Tom." The Dark Lord grinned and smothered Harry with a smoldering kiss, full of passion and desire.
Tom unbuttoned and opened Harry's shirt, his free hand trailing down the teen's well-defined chest. Idly, he traced the contours of the leathery skin of Harry's wings before moving down.
Harry moaned into Tom's mouth as he allowed Tom to do whatever he wished, reveling in the feel of Tom's hand as it traveled further down, sliding across his stomach. His breathing hitched, and he arched his back.
Tom broke the kiss and stared at him. Harry blinked, confused. Tom reached up and tweaked his nose, sitting up, and getting off of Harry.
Harry sat up quickly. "Why the hell did you stop?"
Tom quirked his eyebrow and smirked. "If I hadn't stopped, I might have gone all the way, and I don't think you're quite ready for that yet." Harry stared at him.
"All the way?"
Tom hung his head and sighed. "Guess you hadn't even thought of going all the way yet, huh? Merlin, you let me get away with way too much." He sighed and stood up. "Come on, let's go outside."
That night as Harry went to bed, he couldn't shake the feeling that he was in for a long night. He folded his clothes, setting them on top of his trunk, and he lit the fireplace and put out the candles before crawling into bed in nothing more than a pair of boxers. He curled up against his pillows and was asleep in moments.
Everything around him was burning and the skies above him were a rolling mass of black and red clouds, crimson lightning flashing down. People he knew and complete strangers were dead at his feet, blood forming small rivers that circled his claws.
Amidst the horror around him, Harry noticed briefly that he wore a long blood red trench coat, and his leather pants were covered in blood and gore. The sword in his hand was also slick with fresh-spilt blood.
A great thunderous roar caused him to look up. In the burning sky, a battled was being waged. A great black dragon, three times the size of a Hungarian Horntail, swirled and fought with an enormous shadow, and a small silver dragon fought its own battle as well, against a black phoenix. Directly beneath the aerial battles, a giant Basilisk with a crimson crest fought against a Pyromancer, the pyro's body aflame.
"Pitiful fool..."
Harry turned at the sound of a voice he knew all too well.
"You really think you can avert and win this battle? My rule will prevail, and you, Dragon Lord, will die," Harry stared as Dumbledore stepped forward. "You cannot defeat me, boy! I made you, and I can unmake you just as easily! I will win this war!"
Harry sneered at the ancient wizard. "So, you are the Lord of Darkness, my greatest enemy. Never would have figured, but I can see it. How does it feel, old man, to have your own puppet, your only weapon, turn against you? Are you truly so confident in your victory? This war is only just beginning."
"You won't win, Potter. You can't win!"
"And why is that?"
Without a word, Dumbledore stepped aside, and approaching him was a hooded figure, just a little taller than Harry. The figure reached up and lowered his hood.
Shocked, Harry stepped back. The wizard standing before him could have been his twin, if not for the hazel eyes. "But you're dead!"
"Not anymore, demon. Now you will pay for killing everyone I ever cared about and loved!" The wizard raised and pointed his wand at Harry.
Harry shook his head, tears welling in his eyes. "No! Don't do this! You don't know what mistake you're about to make! Please!"
"Avada Kedavra."
The killing curse hit him dead on and Harry woke up with a scream, sitting up and into Tom's arms. "Father!"
"Harry! It's just a dream! You're safe now, you're awake!" Tom said shakily as Harry sobbed into his shoulders.
"No, no it wasn't a dream... it was some kind of prediction! He killed him, thinking I was a demon."
"Who? Who killed you?"
"My father, James Potter."
A stunned silence fell between them as Tom held Harry to him, listening as the boy continued to sob. He absently noted that the younger wizard cried tears of blood.
"Tell me everything you saw, Harry. We will have to let Severus know," Tom said, tightening his grip on Harry. "But we'll discuss this tomorrow, in the morning. You need to rest." He pulled away, smiling as he wiped at Harry's face. "Let's get you cleaned up. The blood's everywhere. I'll send a house elf to clean up here."
Harry looked up, startled and still trembling. "Blood?"
"Well, since you haven't noticed, you cry tears of blood."
"What?" he looked away, ashamed. "I hate crying..."
Tom smiled. "Come on. You'll spend the night with me tonight." He got off the bed, crossed the room to open the wardrobe and offered Harry a floor-length black silk robe. With a slight blush, Harry accepted the robe, tying it around his waist with the emerald green sash. Absently, he noticed that Tom was only wearing a pair of black cotton slacks, and that the older wizard's chest was covered in blood; his tears.
"I'm sorry."
Tom waved the apology aside. "Don't be. It's not your fault, and I don't mind, really. Now, come on!" taking hold of Harry's hand, he pulled the teen from the room and into his own room. It was furnished exactly like Harry's room, just a little more lived in, and it had an adjoining bathroom. Motioning for Harry to sit on the edge of the large bathtub, Tom started filling the tub with hot water and bubble bath. Harry giggled.
"What? Can't I have bubble bath?" Tom asked, a little indignant.
"I never imagined that you would have bubble bath. It's kind of funny." Harry smiled.
"At least you're smiling. Now get in." Tom grinned, pointing to the tub, turning around as Harry blushed. Making sure that Tom wasn't going to peek, Harry quickly striped out of his boxers, folding them on the edge of the bathtub before taking off the black robe. Getting into the water, he squeaked when Tom turned around, a grin on his face.
"Tom!"
"Wow, Harry; you have such a white ass!"
"Not as white as yours, I'm sure!"
"Want to compare?"
"Tom!"
The Dark Lord laughed as he knelt on a towel in front of the tub, crimson eyes sparkling with mirth. "All right, I'll behave... for now." He grinned wickedly, reveling in the blush his words caused. Harry sank deeper into the water.
Chuckling, Tom grabbed a washcloth, lathered it up and moved towards Harry, but the draconian teen wasn't having it. He brought his wings around, glaring at his friend.
"Tom, I'm not a child. Please don't treat me like one."
"I only want you to relax, Harry. I would never treat you like a child. I haven't before, so why would I start now? Just relax and trust me." Slowly, Tom brought the washcloth to Harry's chest, gently scrubbing away at the dried blood. Harry looked away, blushing. Tom smiled.
"Close your eyes," he said, rinsing the cloth before bringing it to Harry's face. With gentle care, he wiped at the dried blood, slowly removing the brownish trails. Once the blood was gone, he wiped Harry's face clean, lightly tracing the tiny scales.
"There, now was that so difficult?"
Harry shrugged. Leaning forward, the Dark Lord just barely brushed his lips against the teen's lightning scar, giving him a feather-light kiss.
"You're beautiful, did you know that?" Harry blushed. "You are always welcome here, and I will support and help you in any way that I can. I will help with your vision. But, for the moment, just relax. We will deal with everything in the morning, after a much needed night's sleep. I'll be outside, waiting."
"But... but you're still covered in blood." Harry said, pointing to Tom's bare chest where Harry's bloody tears had dried and cracked. Tom just shrugged and he tossed Harry a towel.
"Then I'll take a quick shower when you're done in here. I'll go get your room cleaned up." The he was gone, leaving Harry alone.
With a sigh, Harry drained the tub and dried himself off. Covering himself up with his robe, Harry stepped into the bedroom, crossing over to the large wardrobe that undoubtedly contained Tom's clothes.
The man owned nothing but black! Rolling his eyes, Harry grabbed a pair of cotton slacks and a pair of clean boxers, getting dressed quickly. He glanced at the large four-poster canopy bed, exhaustion and a lack of sleep nearly overwhelming him. Covering a large yawn, he stumbled over to the bed, crawling beneath the duvet, snuggling into the pillows. He was asleep almost instantly, not aware when Tom (freshly showered) slipped into the bed, or when Tom wrapped him in his arms, spooning him. Nor did he hear the barely spoken words, "I love you, Harry. Sweet dreams."
For the next week, there was no mention of Harry's vision, aside from informing the Potions Master the next morning, and Harry focused on Christmas. He owled Draco and Ginny, asking them to get the gifts he wanted to get for his friends, as he really couldn't go out in public as he was. Harry preferred to keep the panic his appearance would cause down to a minimum.
Of course, both Draco and Ginny knew immediately that there was more beneath the surface of the odd relationship he shared with Tom, teasing him every chance they got top in their letters. Harry avoided answering every question they had, and told them in his answering letter that they better drop the subject. They did, reluctantly, and Ginny vowed to get all the juicy details from Harry when he got back.
Tom seemed to be in a really good mood, and he even went so far as to decorate the Manor all-festive like, with the idea of making up for all the Christmases that Harry missed in his childhood. However, he absolutely refused to allow Harry to set foot into the library, under the pretense that he was planning something special for the Dragon Lord, and that under no circumstance was Harry allowed to see before Christmas. Harry was now insanely curious, but he kept his distance.
Their relationship was... odd. Harry didn't know exactly what he wanted, and was just a little confused about Tom's desires, although he could guess. He knew for certain that the older wizard had incredibly strong feelings for him, but he didn't know what the Dark Lord wanted from him. Harry didn't want a relationship that would end; he wanted someone who could love him until the end of time. He didn't want to be abandoned for any reason.
Shrugging away all thoughts, Harry left the Manor altogether, flying to the snow-covered roof, choosing to sit on the edge like a gargoyle. He desperately needed to think.
As the day of Christmas Eve began to fade into evening, Tom wandered through the Manor, looking for Harry, but the teen was nowhere to be found. Frowning, he closed his eyes and cast around, concentrating for Harry's very unique magical signature. After a few minutes, he opened his eyes, puzzled. What the hell was Harry doing outside? And in this near-blizzard!
With a mock-agonized sigh, Tom pulled on his winter cloak and gloves, intent on climbing to where Harry was, as he didn't have a broom, and he hated flying. In the third floor study, he climbed out the window and onto a ledge leading to the roof. It didn't take him long to find the teen, despite the snow.
Tom crouched beside the raven-haired Dragon Lord, shivering a little from the cold.
"Harry, how long have you been out here? What have you been doing?"
Harry looked at Tom, completely fine even though his clothes were soaked. He wasn't even wearing all that much, just a pair of slacks and a thin vest.
"I've had a lot on my mind, so I came out here to think. I've only been out here for three days, maybe. Why? Were you worried about me?"
"Yes, I was worried. Come inside. Its Christmas Eve and I have something I want to show you." Tom said and with a nod, Harry flew them both to the library balcony.
"Close your eyes." Harry did as Tom asked, and the Dark Lord opened the doors, leading Harry inside.
"Alright, open."
Harry froze in surprise at the sight in front of him. A large Christmas tree stood by the fireplace, decorated with candles, faerie lights, and glistening snow. In a basket under the tree, asleep, lay a black Labrador puppy, a red and gold bow around its neck.
Harry looked at Tom. He nodded. "He's only four weeks old, with the bluest eyes you've ever seen, and his name is Sirius."
Tears streamed down Harry's face as he smiled. "A puppy... named Sirius, with blue eyes. How did you do all this?" Harry kneeled in front of the fire, reaching out to pet the sleeping puppy. The small puppy blinked owlishly, a yawn escaping from his jaws.
"Severus helped me. I've been raising this hellhound for the past week. He certainly has your Godfather's personality." Harry chuckled at Tom's words, gently playing with Sirius.
"Thank you, Tom. You don't know how much this means to me. In my eyes, you have atoned for all your past sins. You've given me Sirius, in the only way that you can, and I don't believe that you can further atone. Now get over here and play with my new friend!" he grinned as Sirius licked at his face. Tom smiled and knelt down beside Harry and the small black lab.
"Harry, I need to say something. Something important. Things have changed with me, and I am glad for that change. This all started with my vision. I saw the two of us, together, and I realized something. I love you, Harry Potter. I love you with everything in my being, and I don't regret it, can't regret it, not for an instant, and I will do anything I can to protect you, to love you, to be with you for as long as I can. I ask for nothing in return. All that I can say is that I love you." Tom closed his eyes and turned away, very aware of the sudden silence. He was getting prepared to get up and leave, if not for Harry's words.
"Then I guess this is the part where I say that I love you too." Tom's gaze locked onto Harry's. There was only genuine trust, love and sincerity glistening in his eyes. "I mean it. I love you, Tom. That's what I was doing outside for three days, figuring out exactly how I feel and what I want. Now I know, and I couldn't be happier. I want to spend every day with you, I want to live my life with you, and only you." Harry focused his attention on the black puppy, his heart in his eyes.
"I was confused at first, and I didn't know that I was falling for you, but now, without a doubt, I know that I love you with all of my heart, and I will never regret it."
Tom gently removed Sirius from Harry's hands, caressing the teen's face, his fingers tracing Harry's jaw line before closing the gap between them. Running his tongue across the draconian teen's lips, seeking entrance, he explored the younger wizard's mouth thoroughly before raining feather kisses all over Harry's face. Harry's skin was cold to the touch as his hands removed the soaked vest from the boy's body and caressing every subtle curve and his smooth stomach, feeling the rippling muscles beneath the pale beautiful skin.
Harry gasped into Tom's mouth as the older man's left hand played with his nipples, until they stood tall. Trying to gain control of the situation, Harry tore Tom's robes to ribbons, racking his claws across Tom's back, eliciting a startled gasp from the older wizard. He pushed Tom onto his back and kissed his way down his lover's abdomen, while he fumbled to undo Tom's pants, completely aware of the Dark Lord's half hard erection.
The moment was completely ruined by Sirius as the puppy bit down on the older wizard's hand. Both wizards pumped apart, flushed and breathless, as Tom glared at the puppy. Harry sighed.
"I don't think he likes you," he said, hugging the lab to his chest, smiling at the canine's squirming.
"Really? What was your first clue?" His tone was fairly dripping with sarcasm. Rubbing his bitten hand, he lay back down on the arranged blankets and pillows, draping his arm across his eyes.
Harry curled up beside him. "Aw, you don't have to be mean about it. Don't worry; we'll have some alone time eventually. There's still about a week before I have to go back." His smile was wicked. "And you'll come and visit me at Hogwarts, right? I know secret into the castle, and I have a map, greatly reducing the risk of getting caught. But now," He said, barely biting back a yawn. "I need some sleep; I haven't slept in three days." Saying this, Harry curled up around his small puppy, asleep instantly. Tom smiled at the teen and moved beside him. Their foreheads barely touching, Tom took Harry's hand and held it in his own. In moments, he, too, was asleep.