Title: On this Cross

Warnings: Male x Male

Disclaimers: Not mine

isaac's knife can
cut away
all the poisoned
yesterdays
and the anger
ease it down
into the ocean
let it drown
as far as east is
from the west
I let you go
I know it's best
and my answer to the years of strife
is the way I choose to live my life

Chapter Three

Harry had not realized that the sun had already sank below the mountains. The stars shimmered in the heavens and the moon shone with such radiance that tranquility eased through Harry. That was until his gaze fell upon a figure resting on one of the demolished ramparts. Harry felt for the first time in his entire life the intoxicating and sweetly seductive embrace of pure and utter attraction. The experience was new to Harry and he did not understand the awakening emotions rising inside of him, deluging his entire body with an unknown sensation. He crept silently towards Tom, not exactly positive on what needed to be spoken between them to fix the rift.

A sigh escaped Tom's lips. "I know you're there, Harry. You don't have to hide from me."

Harry shoved his hands in his pockets, standing next to Tom. They were silent, the only noise was the distant hubbub of conversation from Hogwart's and the chirping of insects hidden in the bushes that surrounded them. Harry glanced at Tom, confused. Why did he feel the need to apologize for what he'd said? It was the truth. It was going to be nearly impossible to be friends with Tom since he knew what he became when he was older but to pursue a more intimate relationship? It was too preposterous to consider. Ridiculous even. "Tom?"

Riddle raised himself to his elbows, turning towards Harry. The luminosity of the moon highlighted Tom's eyes, adding an ethereal luster to the deep, almost obsidian-green depths. A faint breeze swept through the trees behind them. The wind ruffled Tom's hair, blowing the tresses aside to reveal the young man's alluring face. The shadows danced mischievously across the visage, the chiseled cheekbones and jaw giving Tom an enticing aura. "Why does it feel like I know you?" the words were whispered, drifting on the air currents. "No, not that I know you but that I knew you or that I should have known you in a past life. One minute I feel like I should be hexing you with the strongest curses imaginable but then the next second, I want nothing more than to be friends with you."

Soothing his nerves, Harry took a seat beside of Tom. He fiddled with the edge of his sweater, unable to look at Tom. "If you can't explain it then why bother to dwell on it? If we were supposed to meet than it's beyond our capabilities to change it. Our meeting might have been written in the stars long before we were born."

"I don't leave my life to Fate. I am in control of my own destiny. No one's going to choose the paths I walk but myself. It might seem callous but to believe in the divine is to believe that we do not have freewill. I do. I'm going to make everyone see that one day." The determiniation in Riddle's voice was resolute and forceful.

"And you will," Harry murmured. "Tom, I don't know what happened earlier. I don't know if you mistook what I said for something else or not." He adjusted his glasses, meeting Tom's gaze. "What I don't know is what you mistook it for. Septimus told me that you don't let anyone past your defenses you've built. I can hardly blame you. It's hard to trust anyone. When I was little, my parents were murdered and I was sent to live with my relatives. They never cared about me. I was beaten, starved, and locked away in a cupboard under the stairs until I was twelve. I never had a childhood, I barely remember my parents."

"You told me your parents sent you here-"

"I lied. I came here because I ran away from home. I'm seventeen, old enough to live on my own and make my own decisions. What I'm trying to tell you is that just because all of those things happened to me hasn't made me completely shut everyone off to getting to know the real me. One day, I hope to let someone in that will love me and take care of me but if you keep barricades around your heart then you'll live a bitter life. Love is the most wondrous gift we have in this life. It's what most people live for. I'm included. I've been waiting seventeen years, I figure another seventeen won't matter too much."

"You're definitely an enigma, Harry." Tom wanly smiled, raising himself fully from the stone. "I hadn't realized that you'd had such a difficult life. I had one too. I'm not going to tell you. Every time I think of what was done I become difficult to manage. Perhaps you can be a welcome distraction from my nightmares." Harry's eyes widened. Tom either didn't notice Harry's discomfort or didn't care. "Septimus is right. I don't let anyone near me. Once those interested discover my true natureâ€they tend to abandon me rather quickly. I can't blame them. I'd desert me as well."

Harry shook his head. "No one deserves to be forsaken. My past has made me the person I am today. I'm stronger than I probably would be if it hadn't occurred. Because of it, I know how to appreciate love when I'm given it. Whether it's friends, family, or lovers. My relatives shattered me repeatedly but I forgave them every time and yes, I even love them. Tom, if you'd just experience it once with the right person, you'd never go back."

"Maybe." Tom stood, crossing his arms in front of his chest, eyes fixated on the distant mountains. "Why do you care, Harry?"

Harry remained seated, contently sighing. "I don't want to see you become a monster hell bent on destroying all the good in the world because you didn't receive enough love as a child. Face it, you're still a kid. You have enough time to find that one person that makes you all tingly and gooey inside." Flippantly smirking, Harry jumped to his feet, landing neatly beside of Tom. "You can be an idiot all you want Tom but understand that someone will chase after you and you'll have to decide if you want to remain lonely or not. Your choice. You have free will, after all."

"Right." Tom chuckled. As they began to exist their sanctuary, Tom hesitantly rested his hand on Harry's arm, startling him. "Iâ€I want to thank you. You're the first one who has ever tried to befriend me or to even show that you might be a little interested in me as a person." Tom shyly smiled.

"You're welcome. You know, when you smile and mean it, it makes your whole face light up. It'sâ€beautiful." Harry thought nothing of his observation as he continued towards the door. Tom steadily stared at Harry's retreating back. Shrugging, he followed the other boy into the castle.

X X

Harry was not astonished that the quartet were in Riddle's chambers. "Shouldn't you all be studying or something?"

Romulus's grin was huge. "Why, we are. Tom's the subject of our project. It's entitled, Ten Ways to Wank. Number One, find a drop-dead gorgeous boy. Number Two, find another equally sexy bloke. Number Three, picture the above mentioned boys shagging silly. Number Four, then, imagine yourself in a threesome with the lovely lads. Num-" A pillow was thrown at Romulus's face from a peeved Septimus. "Seppy, what's the matter with you? You were going to be number five."

"You incompetent idiot! If I wouldn't get expelled, I'd kill you!"

Romulus pouted, shuffling towards Septimus. "You'd kill me, Seppy?" Sniffling, he launched himself on Septimus. "Take it back before your venomous words hurt me!" Mock crying, Romulus winked cheerfully at Harry over Septimus's shoulder. "Woe is me to die by the hand of my secret fancy."

"Oh please, the only thing that could kill you would be to have sex withheld from you." Septimus patiently sighed, unwinding Romulus's death grip on his waist.

Tom sat next to the fireplace a couple of meters from the excitement, a steaming mug in his hands. Harry ventured towards him, wondering if he was even welcome. "I should have asked if you wanted some tea. Would you like me to make you some?"

"No, thank you." Harry watched Romulus's antics, finding it highly disturbing. Aleron and Corin weren't even phased as they lounged lethargically on the couch either bored or tired. Romulus was currently doing his best to grab Septimus's buttocks while Septimus swatted the offending appendage to the side only to have to grapple with Romulus's other hand. Then, a spark in Septimus's espresso hued eyes had Harry reeling. "He enjoys it."

"What?" Tom inquired.

"Septimus likes Romulus's attentions. I mean, look. Septimus could easily stun Romulus but instead he lets Romulus do what he wants with him. Either I'm completely batty or my observational skills are extremely good but I think Septimus is fond of Romulus. He loves him, very much, apparently. Unrequited love is terrible but not loving at all is even worse."

"Oh, I wouldn't say that it's unrequited. Romulus is extremely taken with Septimus. He has been since I've known them. Quite a precocious first year if I recall correctly. Already planning to lose his virginity and telling everyone about it. I found him to be a rather disgusting pervert with a hormonal imbalance." Harry laughed. "I suppose he's my ally. He can be a bit annoying but his family are pure-bloods as are Septimus's, Corin's, and Aleron's. Nearly everyone that composes Slytherin are pure-blooded. As I was saying, Romulus adores Septimus to the point of infatuation."

"Then why aren't they together?"

Tom snorted. "Romulus hates monogamy. He has a different lover once an hour. I remember last year he had thirteen girlfriends and five boyfriends in the same week. Septimus on the other hand has always been rather secretive and prefers his own company. At least, he used to. I suppose eventually everyone falls in love. Even me according to you."

"Just be patient," Harry admonished. "You know, you don't have to wait for love to come to you. You can go searching for it just as easily."

"I'm not well versed in the art of romance. Why-"

"Oh boys! It's Friday night! Aren't we going to party?!" Harry glanced at Tom who merely shrugged. Corin was beaming as he opened the door, only to be knocked to the floor being suddenly engulphed in a clash of brown, black, and red. "Hi guys! You ready to paint the town red with us?" Three girls were eagerly watching the six young men anxiously. Harry pursed his lips, deciding where he'd seen them before. The one attached to Corin like a leech reminded Harry of, terrifyingly enough, Marcus Flint. She was modestly attractive with long, nut colored hair skimming her slightly robust waist. Slightly narrowed gray eyes landed on Harry before returning to Corin's ministrations. The petite one was rolling her brown eyes at the couple's public display of affection. She barely came to Harry's chest and was her tiny disposition was shadowed by Harry's girth even though he was not a hefty man. The last one caught Harry's attention. Honey colored hair fell in sensual curls to the small of her back, clashing with her perfectly bronzed flesh and seductive violet eyes. Tall and thin, she was the model of perfection that most boys sought after in a girlfriend.

"My, my, who is this eye candy?" the blonde asked, looking near ready to eat Harry alive.

"Harry Wood, meet Ghislaine Montague, Kaie Flint and Lykaios Nott. In other words, meet the women that make our lives a living hell," Romulus introduced the trio. He grabbed his sweater that had miraculously came off during his and Septimus's altercation. "Harry, you coming with us?"

"I, um," he glanced at Tom. "I think I'll stay here."

"Suit yourself," Ghislaine sneered. "You're rather handsome, are you sure you don't want to come with us? I could show you a time that you wouldn't forget. Unless, you take it like dear Romulus does. Do you, Wood? Like it from the back? I bet you and Riddle keep this place steamy." Harry flushed, glimpsing Tom's pale face.

"Ghis" Romulus warned, normal voice a gruff bass. "If Harry wants to stay here, he can. Keep your mitts away from him."

"Why the protection?" Ghislaine shoved Romulus to the side. "He certainly looks strong enough to fend a little girl off. I wonder, does his wand skills match?" Ghislaine seductively licked the tip of her finger. "Come with us, please? I'll show you what a real woman can do. I can take care of you, more than that half-breed can," the venom in her words was enough to send Riddle into red-tinged world.

"Leave," Tom hissed, hand gripping the mug in his hand tightly.

"Fine. Mark my words, Riddle, someone is going to knock you off of your pedestal and I'm going to be there to gloat in your face. You faggot, ugh, you disgust me. I hope you're not one of those nasty bastards too, Wood." Snarling at Tom, Ghislaine made a rude gesture and left, a nonchalant Aleron following her.

"What is her problem?!" Romulus screeched, trembling with anger. "Harry, I'm real sorry you had to see that. Ever since Tom refused her advances, she's been out to get him ever since. Not that Tom can't take care of himself because he can. Harry, you should watch your-"

"It isn't necessary to warn him, Romulus." Tom, fury gone leaving nothing but cold ash behind. "Harry's protection is mine. You tell Montague that if she comes within a meter of Harry, I won't hesitate to kill her where she stands." No emotion registered from Tom. "Why you choose to make her your friend is beyond me. Why Aleron follows her with those sad eyes is phenomenal. Just go, alright? Have fun with each other and don't even bother coming here when you get back completely plastered."

The assembled winced as the bedroom door slammed. "You sure you want to stay behind?"

"I'm sure, Romulus. Thank you. It was nice meeting you, Kaie, Lykaios. Maybe next time we can drag Tom to come with us as long as your friend isn't invited. Septimus, keep an eye on Romulus, will you?" Winking, Harry knocked on the bedroom door. "Tom? Please, let me in. They're all gone." No answer from inside. "Oh Tom, I'm sorry. I know that saying it won't make it better. I know that it hurts, Tom. I really do. I-"

The door opened, revealing a ghostly white but composed Riddle. "You should have taken her offer. She's better company then I am, even when I'm in a normal mood. You can come inside. You're sharing the place with me, might as well make yourself comfortable."

Harry smiled at the second bed. "I thought I was supposed to do that?"

"Yes, well, I took the initiative," Tom grinned.

"Tom, I won't deny it. Ghislaine is incredibly attractive but, other than that, I wouldn't touch her. Besides, who wants someone you'd have to stupefy just to be around?" Harry laid on Tom's bed, gazing at him cheekily. "Your bed's softer. I think I'll stay right here."

"Harry, I'm not in the mood for this. It's too confusing as it is and you're only making it worse."

"Oh. Okay." Harry, puzzled did as he was told. "Are you alright?"

"I'm fine. You don't need to worry about me. I'm going to sleep. You can leave the door open if you want to stay up." Ignoring the fact that Harry was looking at him, Tom divested himself of his robes. "You forgot to talk to Professor Dumbledore. You can borrow a pair of clothes to wear to bed if you'd like. We're roughly the same size though, you're a bit thinner than I am." Self-conscious of his body, Tom hastily dressed into his pajamas before slipping underneath the duvet.

Harry took silken pants from the wardrobe. "I wonder what Romulus and the others are doing? I'd like to see him with Septimus." Wistful tears came to his eyes. Seeing all of these people that reminded him of his family and friends made his soul ache terribly. Especially Romulus. That had to be the thorn in his side. They were alike in so many different ways that Harry had to keep watching which name he called Romulus. "Tom? Are you awake?"

"Yes."

Removing his glasses, Harry buried himself against the down feathered pillow. "Do you have nightmares?"

"Yes."

"Willâ€will you wake me up if I have one tonight? I should be fine butâ€I never know when I'll have an attack." Harry instinctively moved aside his hair to feel the scar beneath. Although Dumbledore had used a charming spell to hide the appearance, the actual scar remained buried. "If it's an inconvenience to you then you don't have to bother. It's justâ€it's nice to have someone hold you when your scared."

"I wouldn't know," Tom's voice whispered.

"It doesn't have to be like that. If you have a nightmare, I'll comfort you. Do we have a deal?"

"Harry, I don't think that'd be such a good idea."

"Why not?"

"I don't feel like discussing this. Not yet. Goodnight, Harry."

"Tom, thank you for what you said earlier about you know, protecting me. It means a lot to me." A noncommittal grunt was all he received for answer. "Good night Tom." It felt strange not being his room with the other boys. He strangely missed Ron's snoring, Seamus's sleep walking, Neville's groaning and Dean's sleep-talking. However, he liked this. Harry glanced at Tom's blurry form. What was Tom talking about earlier? What didn't he feel like discussing? The cogs in Harry's mind eventually slowed and Harry fell into a deep slumber.

XXX

Once again, I'm in complete and utter shock that this story is liked. I think I'm doing terribly but if I don't stop blushing with the praise I'm going to turn into a tomatoe.

I was wary about adding the three female characters but I love angst and Ghislaine is adding the perfect angst.

I hope I'm not rushing anything and if I am, kindly tell me so I can slow it down a bit.

Thank you to my readers: Skittles the Sugar Fairy thank you! I'm glad you don't think it's crap because I do. ddz008 There is another Tom/Harry called Bonds, I think. It's very good. It's what started the whole Tom/Harry obsession for me. Hoshi Hikari4ever, Evil Enchantress, Sweet-Pea Fairy, Schneeleopard, hecate de mort, Foxy Kitt Kat 2000, Angelic Candy Thank all the reviewers. I was waiting to see if I could get 25 for chapter two and I did! Shocked the hell out of me. You're hinting at a lot of things, Candy.. You might figure out the story before I do. Lol. Longer chapters?! This one's five. That's saying a lot for a three page chapter person. Whyshoulditellyou, Raven's Light, Kiharu-sama Nothing that happens in this story will be reflected on the Harry's time. In fact, another world is being created from this time line. It's odd. Caecuslupa, jessie, Midnight Silver Shadow, goody2sho, SlashableAmaryllis, Virginia-RiddleMalfoy, Akkiko Kawaii! XD, Mandala, kizna2, lil-black fox, nicolettenick, Delinka, Lisa the 50th reviewer. yay.I'm trying to make it as realistic as possible but if I fail, be sure to tell me.