While most teachers had been fine with Tom's presence - despite the fact Tom himself wasn't a student - many hadn't known Harry wouldn't talk. It had been a long time since so many people didn't know he wouldn't utter a word. Most the teachers looked confused at the fact Harry couldn't talk, but most moved on rather quickly. Why they thought it so strange he only learned when potions class came.

He had been looking forward to all his classes, and even though some didn't seem keen on potions, Harry was eager for it all the same. Most of the teachers were worried about him casting spells non verbally, wondering if he'd even be able to do such a thing, and if it would slow his progress having to learn such a hard thing. While they were only studying the theory it hardly mattered, but they were looking to the future. Harry also didn't know if he would be able to cast spells, but he was determined not to fall behind and try to keep up. No matter how much effort it took on his part.

Potions was a different story, he wouldn't have to speak. Same with herbology and astronomy. Out of those subjects, Harry was most excited for Potions. His enthusiasm didn't last long. Professor Snape came in, demanding instant silence with his appearance. Snape took role, and seemed to sneer at his name, something Harry didn't understand the meaning behind.

Worse was when Snape started the class and questioned Harry on information that Harry did know, but he shifted uncomfortably in his seat, making Snape move onto another question, also directed at Harry. Tom seemed to be trying to figure something out, so he didn't come right to Harry's defense. Apparently even Snape's reputed fierce demeanor didn't stop one of his fellow Hufflepuffs from speaking up. "Ah… Harry can't speak… sir."

"Indeed?" Snape asked, assessing Harry critically. "Did you know Mr. Potter, that any person born with magic cannot have such an infliction. Not naturally. So either you refuse to talk or…" Snape's eyes fell to Tom, the accusation unsaid. Then again, it didn't need to be. Most in the room probably caught it.

Tom didn't react much, but he did finally speak, "Harry has a notebook that I'm sure he'd be happy writing down the answer to any question you might have." Right, Harry had forgotten he had that notebook, but somehow he doubted Snape would have waited for him to write down the answer and show it to him.

Snape's lips curled, and he then started class, ignoring Harry and Tom after that. Harry nearly slumped in his seat. What had that all been about? Something else was going on, but he had too little information to really hazard a guess. He hadn't known magical children usually could speak. No wonder some of the teachers had sent him some strange looks.

After that tiring class, Harry went to Charms, something he had with Slytherin. He wasn't really expecting much to happen there until the pale boy - Draco Malfoy if Harry remembered correctly from the sorting - sat by Harry. His two bodyguard-like 'friends' sitting on the other side of him. Before class even started Draco seemed keen on talking, "I didn't know you were a genie."

"Not many do." Tom said nonchalantly. "And before you start asking questions, Harry doesn't talk."

"Oh. Pity." Draco said, sounded a bit put out that he couldn't converse with Harry. Tom must have been getting annoyed with repeating the information of Harry not speaking. Though he didn't outwardly show it, the fact that it had been the second thing out of Tom's mouth spoke volumes. "So that's what you meant by being sorted into the same house. That was quite a spectacle you made." Tom shrugged, but Harry could tell by the way his shoulders fell and the slightest tug at the corner of his mouth that he was pleased with that. Harry himself wished that it hadn't been, because then maybe people wouldn't be paying so much attention to them. He didn't like it, and most certainly wasn't used to it.

Probably the only reason Draco was talking to them was because of what Tom was. The lesson started quickly, and they were taught some theory in that class as well, something Harry had already spent some time learning. Though he supposed it was nice to hear somebody explain it differently. Nothing was wrong with strengthening the core fundamentals of magic. Draco was discouraged from talking, though he did try a few times, Tom would just ignore him completely. The other boy eventually gave up on talking to either of them - for now at least.

The week passed similarly. A gryffindor girl named Hermione Granger hadn't ever heard of genies, and had been interested in the concept, but she didn't get far in her questions either. She seemed put out by that, but after learning Harry was doing very well in class had seemed to think of him as a rival of sorts. Which was a strange concept for him, and he wasn't sure how he was supposed to react.

Other than that, it was rather dull learning the basics Harry had already been studying before coming to Hogwarts, but Tom helped ease his boredom by helping him explore the castle a bit and also finding the library. That had been a real treat for Harry. It was so large, much bigger than the one back home and filled with so many books that caught his interest. He was often found in the library, and he prefered hiding in a far tucked away corner.

People still hounded him about Tom, but as it got spread he couldn't talk, people instead tried conversing with Tom, except for older years who just sighed at Harry's refusal to speak and left. Both him and Tom were in the library and Harry was watching Tom read, when the urge to ask questions became rather strong it hit him that he did have a way to ask them. Fishing out one of the blank notebooks, he thought on it for a moment.

He prefered writing over talking anyway, but he'd never really been given pens or writing materials outside of school. With writing he could take his time and write anything he wanted out thoughtfully. No accident wish making or anything. It was much less likely anyway. Tickling the end of the quill against his cheek, he finally started writing the first question, "Tom, what do you get out of reading all these books? Your magic works different, right?" Reading it over, he supposed it would do. Already sitting next to Tom, he tugged at the others sleeve. The dark haired brunette looked up at Harry after a second, probably finishing the sentence he had been reading. His eyes looked first at Harry, then down at the notebook, interest seeming to fill him as he sat down the book. Not many external things could detach Tom from a book. Harry felt a bloom of warmth that Tom felt the note he wrote worth his attention. Then again, Harry hadn't had an opportunity to write to Tom before, this would be the first note written between them. Harry wished he'd thought of that, he might have made it more meaningful.

Taking the notebook gently from Harry, he read it over silently before looking back at Harry, "True, my magic is different. Especially how I access it. While you have a wand and can call on it whenever, I can conjure mine through will, instead of incantations and wands. While I am chained, I can only use my magic when a wish is spoken by my master. However, I do still find it interesting how wizards such as yourself use magic. Not to mention I would become very bored just sitting here watching you read as I did nothing. That and if I'm to help you become powerful in your own right, I'll need to show you some spells the wizarding way, and so I need to understand even the fundamentals for how it works. Does that answer your question?"

Harry nodded, and it did, more fully than Tom's usual responses to those who asked about him being a genie so far. Though he supposed he had more of a right to know these things then anybody else. It hadn't occurred to him that Tom was wanting to help him become powerful of all things. Harry wasn't exactly sure why the other cared, he certainly didn't really. He wouldn't deny Tom if that was his goal though.

Giving the notebook back, Harry took it before writing another question. One that had circled in his mind for the last week, "Why did you tell everybody you were a genie?"

Tom waited for Harry to pass over the notebook before he read it, something Harry appreciated. He didn't like people reading over his shoulder. "I knew that Dumbledore had something to do with trying to separate us. Not that it would work for very long, I still wasn't going to stand for it. He probably wanted to keep it a secret. I saw no reason not to tell others. They should be more weary of me, but I suppose they are hopeful, foolish children only thinking of glory and fame."

Ah, so it was out of spite. Harry wasn't really surprised. He then wrote another line in the notebook, "Why did you take a disliking to Dumbledore so quickly?"

"Ah yes, that reminds me, don't look in Snape's eyes directly either." Harry tilted his head, confused at this. While he would listen, he did wonder at the why of it. He didn't have to write his question, because Tom elaborated, "They both have the ability to see into another's mind. I believe wizards call it Legilimency. Memories, even very distant ones can be seen, the mind can also be messed with in such ways. But usually locking eyes just lets them see forefront memories or thoughts, somebody skilled enough can dig deeper quicker. It's also good for detecting lies." Harry nodded, feeling rather glad Tom had told him not to meet their eyes. Well Tom told him about Snape later, but Harry was sure he hadn't looked into the man's eyes directly. He didn't have a habit of doing that.

Apparently though, Tom wasn't done with his answer, "To get to the point of your question about my dislike for Dumbledore, he did try to see into my mind. Unfortunately for him, nothing can break into my mind except perhaps another genie, and even then it's not likely. Also very unfortunate for him, it's very much like an invitation for me to see into his mind. I do rather wish he tried to dig deeper than he did, for it would have allowed me to see more than just his passing thoughts at that moment." Tom sighed out, sounding frustrated at what could have been. "Anyway, he was thinking of ways to destroy me, and those he has already helped to destroy. I am afraid I did lose my patience after that very quickly."

Harry stared, mouth agape at the explanation, the next question he wrote with the least amount of hesitation, hardly able to write it quick enough, "You can be destroyed?"

Tom looked at Harry, who was gripping his quill tightly, a miracle it wasn't breaking, just trying to calm himself enough not to get too worried. Tom could never be hurt. "I can, it's rather tricky and somebody has to have my prison to do it. Don't worry Harry, Dumbledore is the only one in the school that can do it, and he seemed to disregard the idea. It would kill you too after all." Nothing calmed Harry like the very last line did. If Tom was destroyed, Harry would follow soon after. He breathed out a sigh of relief, and he nodded his head, slowly calming down. "However, he is still a threat to me. A reason I want to teach you some tricks."

Of course, Tom couldn't use his magic to defend himself very much. A flaw in genie binding, in Harry's opinion. While Tom hadn't come out and directly said it, Harry realized the other needed his protection. Somebody might want to harm Tom, regardless of Harry's death being involved, and the only one to prevent it was Harry and his magical ability. He would protect Tom, because he did not want the other to die, knew Tom would hate being in danger as well. Nodding his head, he felt a new wave of determination to do better than any of his peers, and even anybody else in the world. If it meant keeping Tom safe.

"Very good. Do you have any other questions?" Not having any others at that moment, he shook his head, placing his hand on Tom's shoulder for a moment before withdrawing. It was a way for Harry to say his thanks while they were both sitting down. "You're welcome Harry." Tom said as he picked up the book he had put down to focus on Harry. Having already done his homework and gotten it looked over by the male sitting beside him, Harry picked his own book to focus on for the remainder of their stay in the library.

When Harry was first expected to cast a spell, he was honestly very worried about speaking the spell. Especially since it had been emphasized that the pronunciation was very vital to a successful spell. He was pleasantly surprised though that he seemed to indeed have a knack for non verbal magic. He just had to think what he wanted to do and perform the correct wand movement, and it seemed his magic jumped at the chance to do what he wanted. He was the first to perform most spells in his classes. He would probably be doing better in potions but Snape seemed to expect him to know more than other students and graded him harsher. Which was annoying, but Harry was determined to learn as much as he could about each discipline of magic, so found that Snape pushing him to do more was probably for the best, even if it was unfair and annoying.

Time passed, as it usually did. Most people stopped bothering him or Tom about the whole genie thing. Most had tried to encourage Harry to wish things, probably so that they could have Tom. Genie objects were a rarity in and of themselves apparently. Some even offered to help word the wish so that Harry could hopefully get more out of it. They were all turned down very adamantly by Tom and even Harry himself by shaking his head in the negative. Now though, those things were becoming a thing of a past.

Now that it was proven he could learn and do spells, Tom had been teaching him all sorts of ones that the teachers weren't. All were still rather low level, building Harry's knowledge from the basics up, but Harry felt like he knew many more spells than most his age, and he learned the new spells rather quickly. Tom was even rather pleased by his quick progress. Considering how hard it was to impress Tom, Harry took it as a great accomplishment.

Halloween was interesting, the hall had been filled with so many different decorations and Harry had been excited for it all. He'd never really gotten to celebrate much at the orphanage. Not that he didn't mind spending time with Tom, and just having their own small things, it was just nice to see everything decked out for a holiday. He couldn't wait to see what the other holidays looked like.

He doubted he'd get anything for Christmas, unless Tom found a way to steal something. It was unlikely, since Tom usually stole new things for holidays. They had been in the castle the entire time, so it was unlikely Tom had gotten anything for him this time. Harry didn't really mind, he enjoyed Tom's companionship more than any gift.

It was hard to get anything for Tom. He had tried stealing a couple times, but had easily been caught and punished. Tom hadn't been happy about it, and scolded Harry himself, saying if he wanted something to point it out to Tom. The idiot didn't understand that Harry wanted to get something for Tom. That aside, the other was rather hard to get things for. Tom wasn't one for needing things. He found a lot of what others considered valuable absolutely worthless and stupid.

Even with money now, he still didn't know what to get Tom, but having access to some writing materials, he actually wrote out his question a couple weeks before Christmas. Tom had seemed a bit surprised but had said, "You don't have to get me anything Harry." Of course, Harry hadn't been pleased with this answer and sulked until Tom sighed and added more some time later, "I really don't need much Harry. I'll let you know if I can think of anything though. It might be after Christmas…" The other did seem to be contemplating what he wanted, and after years of getting gifts Harry was excited to finally be able to give Tom something in return.

When Christmas day did come, Tom had yet to think of anything, but Harry knew the other was still trying to think on what he could want. He didn't bother Tom about it. Waking up slowly and stretching out in bed, he felt Tom shift beside him, probably waking up at the movement - as was usual. Harry rubbed at his eyes before picking up his glasses and sliding them in place. Sitting up and yawning widely, Harry paused in his usual routine of waking when he noticed a present at the foot of his own bed. Wayne was still asleep, Roger had gone home for the holidays. Hesitating, Harry decided to first turn to Tom, who was just sitting up and running a hand through his hair. It was a bit tousled, but probably nowhere near the sight of Harry's own wild hair.

Giving a smile to the other, Harry wrapped his arms around Tom's chest, hugging him gently before pulling back after a couple pats on the back. Tom hummed out, "Merry Christmas, Harry." Grinning madly at the other, happier then anything. It was always nice to spend holidays with Tom. Usually it was just them. Tom's eyes fell on Harry's bed, raising an eyebrow. "Seems you have a present. I don't sense any dangerous magic on it though. Go on."

Oh, it wasn't from Tom. That was surprising. Hesitating, he got out of Tom's bed, walking back to his own. He picked up the package before rejoining Tom in the bed again. Tom resting his head on Harry's shoulder. He was always more touchy during holidays, and Harry understood that Tom did so for his comfort. After all, Tom had said he didn't see much use in so many touches between people. Yet when Harry had withdrawn into himself after that, Tom had been annoyed and all but demanded Harry go back to how he was before. That had been about a year ago now.

Accepting the touch easily, Harry started tearing into the paper that covered the present. Pulling it off fully, he heard Tom suck in a sharp breath. Looking over to him questioningly, Tom shook his head, moving his head off Harry's shoulder, but didn't move his body away. "How interesting." Tom stared at the beautiful cloak, Harry was still waiting for the other to explain what had caused the reaction. "Make sure not to show this to anybody else Harry. Hide it when you're not wearing it." Nodding his head, knowing that he would follow the others orders, even if he didn't understand it yet. "We'll talk more about it later." Tom said, glancing at the other occupant in the room, even asleep as they were.

That was one thing he did miss about the orphanage, at least then he could have his own room with Tom. Nodding his head, Harry stood up and put the light and silky cloak in his trunk, down near the bottom of one with books, in case anybody else did happen to get through the locks and protection spells already built into it. Doubtful as it was. He noticed a note, but left it for now. It was probably best not to mess with the gift for now, if he had to keep it hidden. He'd look at it later. After that, Tom actually did produce a wrapped present. When the other found the time away from Harry, he wasn't sure, but he took a seat on the bed again as he accepted the present.

Before he unwrapped it, Harry did look at Tom, who rolled his eyes, "Always questioning. I may have borrowed money from some people."

Shaking his head, finding it very amusing the other had actually stolen from other students to get a gift for him. Of course, Tom could have asked Harry for some money, but he had a feeling Tom wanted to keep it a secret from him, to surprise him. Not to mention do it himself. Harry supposed it wouldn't be much of a gift in Tom's eyes if he used Harry's own money to get the present. Harry didn't mind, it was just something that Tom did. So he turned back to the present and opened it.

It was a very new looking bag, clearly not owned by anybody before Harry. That was still something he wasn't used to, even after buying all new clothes and equipment for himself, it was still mind boggling to him sometimes. It obviously went over the shoulder, and was a good size. It was sturdy material, and was a light brown in color. "It has expanding charms, a light feather charm, and some spells to prevent wear and tears on it. Also, it has some protections that should make it easier to… borrow some books from the library without any deadlines."

The words made Harry realize Tom had it custom ordered from somewhere that probably specialized in such enchantments. Despite what most people would think of as plain in appearance, it could do more than probably any bag in the school. In fact, Harry would bet the plain appearance was on purpose too, so it didn't draw attention. Grinning, he hugged Tom again, who huffed out a small laugh, "You're welcome Harry."

Pulling back and nodding, eyes shining happily, Harry committed to using the bag from now on. It was much better than the one he currently had, that was for sure. Wayne had just started waking as Harry got dressed, and started tearing into the pile of his own presents. Harry was about to leave with Tom when Wayne asked, "Didn't you get any presents, Harry?"

Figuring he shouldn't mention the cloak at all, Harry nodded his head all the same. He couldn't really point to the bag he'd gotten from Tom, because he'd put it away since there were no classes today, but he was very pleased with it. "Oh, you must have been up for a while then, huh? Okay! I'll see you down in the great hall." Waving goodbye, Harry continued on his way. Wayne was nice, and hadn't spoken much about Tom being a genie or anything, which was refreshing. While Roger had most definitely given Harry a weird look the first week when he shared a bed with Tom, Wayne had just shrugged it off and taken it in stride.

Not to mention, he always seemed to try and be friendly towards Harry. Tom and Harry made their way down to the great hall. The other didn't seem pleased by all the decorations and fuss, but Harry loved it. They sat at the single table that was there, seeing as so few students stayed during the holidays. The food was as delicious, as it usually was, but it seemed especially so for Christmas.

Harry enjoyed the day, there were some activities planned for those who stayed, and Harry had a lot of fun. Tom seemed to take it well, though Harry knew the other didn't enjoy the festivities as much as he himself did. It wasn't until later that night that they crawled into bed. Harry curled up next to Tom, sighing happily at the fun the day had brought. Tom didn't explain the cloak right then, but Harry decided he could wait.

Though he didn't have to wait for very long. The next day they stayed in the dorm room, Tom insisting they pretend to sleep. Harry didn't mind too much, being wrapped up in the warmth of the bed and near Tom. It took some time for Wayne to wake, get ready and leave. After Tom seemed to make sure the other was gone did he sit up and allow Harry to do the same. "The cloak is something very special and powerful." Tom said instantly, looking towards Harry seriously, "It is a one of a kind invisibility cloak. I know it's from Dumbledore, he's obviously used it. Though I don't know why he's given it to you. He must be up to something." Tom muttered, scowling a bit.

Suddenly remembering the note he got, he got up from the bed quickly and went to his trunk, searching for the small slip of paper before he found it. Taking it out, he closed the trunk again and went to sit beside Tom, reading it over as the other read it as well. "Your father left this with me before he died. Use it well." Harry felt a stab of guilt all over again at the mention of his parents dying. He tried to push it down, focusing on the fact the note didn't have a name on it. Not that it mattered, he trusted Tom in his conclusion.

"Hm. Definitely up to something then." Tom said, "Well, either way, this will be of use to us. It'll make taking books from the library easier, especially from the restricted section." Tom had shown a great interest in that particular area of the library, and Harry would be lying if he said he had no interest. Why restrict a whole section of a library? He didn't understand it. Giving a small nod, Harry put the card back. "We should use it after the break and when night comes to avoid other students and teachers. With other students most definitely sneaking around, it'll help direct attention away from us. It would also be helpful to learn some silencing charms. The cloak will only hide you from view after all."

And so, they had something to do for the next few days in the library, practicing silencing charms. Considering Harry could cast them nonverbally also helped a lot to be secretive. Only when Tom was satisfied with Harry's progress did he say they could use the cloak, but only after break ended. Harry was excited to try it, but he waited as Tom instructed. The first night when all the other students came back didn't seem like a good idea though, so it was the night after that he tugged at Tom's arm after his two roommates had fallen asleep.

Being so excited to use the cloak for the first time, Harry couldn't even fathom sleep. Tom hadn't been asleep yet either, and while he huffed out slightly, he did shift and sit up, muttering a quiet, "Alright." Excited, Harry got silently up from bed and got into his trunk, carefully extracting the cloak from it's hiding spot. Standing beside him, Tom didn't say anything and Harry put the cloak over them both. He wished there was a mirror, but he'd have to trust he was invisible.

Casting the silencing charm on them, Harry then pocketed his wand and they made their way down to the common room. There wasn't anybody there thankfully. Some of the older years sometimes stayed up very late, but most did usually retire to their own dorms to let the younger years sleep without a bunch of noise. It was the courteous thing to do. Exiting out of the dorm room, they made their way to the library first, naturally. After making sure nobody was inside, they made their way to the restricted section. There was a lot of them. Not as much as the main library of course, but there were still a lot of rows. Tom seemed to get the system quickly, and tugged Harry to some books, picking them himself.

For once, Harry didn't help. He knew a lot of these were advanced, so he would let Tom choose which ones were appropriate for him for the time being. After a time, they found four books before Tom seemed satisfied with the number. Seeing as they could do this anytime they wanted, they didn't need to take too many. Harry bet the ones chosen were connected in some way to each other, at least in the information they held. After that, they started out of the library. They very nearly ran through a ghost, who probably would have noticed that, but they were able to avoid it and continue back into bed. Harry hid the books in his trunk again, as well as his cloak. He was still excited about the aspect of being able to go anywhere undetected.

Laying down in bed, it took some time for him to sleep, thinking of the possibilities as well as what the chosen books would teach him. Eventually he did fall into a deep sleep.

The books were most definitely more advanced, and Harry had to point to more things than usual to get help with the meaning. Which meant more books to help explain the subject Harry was struggling with. He didn't mind, he was learning a lot. He had somehow convinced Tom to go exploring the castle at night too. Some nights Harry was just too excited to sleep, and Tom would reluctantly go with him. Though obviously he didn't mind too much, or he would have just said no. Harry had gotten used to a good portion of Hogwart's layout, though he knew there was still a lot he didn't know.

They still had to worry about ghosts, but they could be avoided. The real threat was Ms. Norris, Filch's cat who could smell them, perhaps even sense them. Tom said some animals had a sensitivity to magic, especially familiars, even those of squibs. Since cats didn't have magic of their own, Tom couldn't sense her. Which made it hard to avoid her. They just had to get out of the area as soon as they saw her leaving to get her Master.

Harry eventually got through the four books Tom had picked out. They returned them and Tom chose out a couple others for Harry to read in the coming weeks. Again, Harry let him, sticking close and still under the cloak. As soon as they packed up, the sound of fast approaching footsteps heading their way made Tom grip his hand and tug him out of the restricted section, towards the entrance.

A light of a lantern showed that it was a person who was catching them, and that they were in the way of getting out. Harry cursed the fact there was only one entrance to the library. Maybe there was a hidden one, but none either of them knew of! He really didn't want to be caught stealing books. Would his bag be confiscated as well? Probably. Maybe even his cloak. His heart broke at the thought of losing either, let alone both.

Tom pulled him to a stop, clearly seeing the way out blocked by none other than of course Filch, who was looking around. Tom pulled them into a corner, probably to wait out the caretaker. They stayed there for a moment, until they heard the sound of a meow from Ms. Norris as she instantly started towards them. Tom huffed out a, 'figures' quietly.

Ms. Norris sat down in front of them, looking up at them. This drew Filch's attention, and he came over, raising his lantern. He of course saw nothing, but he spoke, "Ah, under disillusionment spells, eh? Well, you're caught now, so out with it."

"You know what to do. Keep the cloak." Tom muttered. Harry nodded his head in understanding, letting go of Tom's hand. They had been cornered before, on the rare occasion that Tom got caught stealing, they had to run. This would be easier, seeing Harry was under an invisibility cloak. A moment later Tom crouched out of the cloak before he was running. He ducked under Filch's arms and continued bolting.

"After him!" Filch yelled as he ran after Tom, Ms. Norris running after them as well at the order of her master. Most couldn't catch Tom, he was much too fast and was very clever, even with where he ran to. Harry waited until he heard their footsteps fade before he ran as well, moving out of the library and going the opposite direction he saw Filch go, running as fast as he could. He didn't pay attention much to where he was going, just trying to find someplace they might be safe before Tom came back.

They were sure to be caught if he just stayed in the library. Finally, he found a slightly open door that showed the inside of an empty classroom. It would do. Closing the door behind him quietly, he panted as he leaned against the door before standing and removing the cloak so Tom would be able to see him when he returned. Blinking his eyes, he saw a large mirror that was rather tall, the edges seemed to be made of gold. He wondered who would leave such a nice looking mirror here. Then again, it looked like it would be hard to move.

Hesitating, he wondered if it was magic in some way, probably. There was also something engraved at the top. He couldn't help but feel curious about it, stepping towards it. It showed his reflection as he approached, obviously out of breath and cheeks slightly flushed from running. Pausing in his approach, he put his cloak in his bag. Looking back towards the mirror, he couldn't see anything special about it, yet something was still telling him to maybe step closer.

Then he felt an impact at his back, making him fall onto the ground. Harry groaned aloud, fidgeting under the weight before it was removed. Tom couldn't physically go very far without Harry, so when that distance was reached, Tom sort of teleported to Harry instantly, but apparently he had still been running if he had crashed into Harry. It was one of the reasons they couldn't be sorted into a different house. "Sorry Harry." Tom panted out, but seemed to pause, even his labored breath stopping at a sharp intake. Looking up from where he was still laying on the ground, confused about what Tom saw to make him react in such a way. Tom was staring into the mirror, head tilted and eyebrows furrowed a bit in confusion.

Harry stood slowly, standing beside Tom, but he didn't see anything in the mirror beside the two of them. Tom looked up at the top of the mirror, probably to read the engraving that seemed like nonsense to Harry. Suddenly Tom laughed a bit, shaking his head but a large smirk on his face. "Interesting." Tom muttered, looking into the mirror for a moment longer before turning to look at Harry.

Even though Harry was giving the other a confused look, Tom seemed rather happy at the moment, so Harry supposed that was good. However, Harry did wonder what caused the other to be in such a good mood. "This mirror is actually rather dangerous. I don't want you finding it again, you understand? There's a light compulsion on it that may make it difficult, but you have to try not to come back here. Am I clear?"

Giving a nod, Tom smiled again. Taking Harry's hand, Tom led them away from the mirror. Harry did wonder what it was. What made Tom be in such a good mood? He'd definitely have to write out the question. "At least we got rid of Filch." Tom sighed, "Come on, let's get back under the cloak and go back to the dorms." Harry nodded, pulling out the cloak again. Throwing it over both of them again and recasting the silencing spells, they made their way to the dorms without any other adventures for the night. Yet as Harry laid awake in bed, he couldn't help but wonder… What was that mirror and what had made Tom so very happy? Whatever it was, he wanted to be the one to cause Tom to smile like that, to be that happy.

He wondered what he could do to achieve that.

It took awhile for Harry to fall asleep, Tom could only imagine that Harry was thinking on the mirror. Tom would bet Dumbledore had something to do with it's appearance. He really hoped Harry wouldn't try going to it again. It would be tempting to the other, he knew, most mortals were tempted. It would be a good way to see if Harry listened to him. The other usually did, Tom had done a rather good job making sure the other was completely reliant on him. A magic compulsion was another matter, and took a strong will, or reason to stay away. If Tom's words were enough… Well, wouldn't that just be perfect?

Looking down at the boy sleeping beside him, he took in the other's appearance thoughtfully. What he saw in the mirror changed things slightly. Oh, he still had his main goal, he would be free, and Harry was key to that. He hadn't been surprised that the mirror of the heart's desires had shown him with the very world at his feet. Tom knew very well he craved that, to bend and break everything to his will. Free of his prison and bonds to do absolutely anything.

He could bend reality to his will if only his magic wasn't so limited. Even more so in this fleshy, somewhat mortal body. Moving slightly he ran a hand through Harry's wild hair, watching as the other sighed and curled up closer to Tom. What he hadn't expected to see was Harry in the mirror as well. True, he knew that he had been very protective and possessive of the boy. It was actually rather shameful to admit he came up with excused as to why that would be. Figuring it was only because he had worked so hard he didn't want Harry to die and start over. The reality of it was much more simple, Harry was his, and even after Tom was free, he wouldn't let Harry leave him. No, even when they were free of each other, Harry would be his. Forever if he had anything to say about it.

The only problem was he didn't know when Harry would wish him free, it could be a long time from now. He needed more time. To be more precise, Harry needed more time. He wondered how he could extend the other's life until he was free and could do it himself. Still, the image of Harry kneeling beside him, looking older and for all the world wanting to please Tom… That was something he would remember for a long while to come. Laying down fully himself and wrapping a possessive arm around Harry, he knew he had to shift his plans slightly, but he didn't think it'd be that hard.

He just had to keep Harry to himself, and completely loyal.

Notes:

Yes, Snape is still a teacher, and doesn't like Harry. There's reasons.

It feels weird mostly writing about Christmas on Halloween.

Happy Halloween everybody! Hope you enjoyed the chapter!