Alexander huffed, leaning his shoulder against the stone hallway. Beside him, Felix shifted from foot to foot. He understood now why Abraxas had been worried.

Beyond him, halfway down the hall. Sitting under the tapestry of dancing trolls. Sat Harry- forehead on his knees and hands trapped under them. Not a blanket or even cushioning charm in sight and magic to trick to even consider doing anything about either.

As it was neither he nor Felix would get any closer then they were. And it was going on day three of this. The vortex of magic only growing stronger over time.

Before it had been Abraxas and the Gryffindor's checking on him, and by extension Tom. after he'd left them by the lake they hadn't known where he'd gone. They'd checked the furthermost places away from Tom first. That had been a mistake. Though to be fair could they be blamed for it? Harry clearly hadn't wanted to even think about Tom that morning.

Snow slowly piled up on the window ledges outside. A white Christmas.

Shaking his head Alexander tapped Felix's shoulder "come'on. We can't do anything hanging around here. I'll get a house-elf to bring him some food... Tom has to know he's waiting out there. They'll sort themselves out."

"What if they don't?" Felix questioned, still watching Harry "I mean... Tom's a Dark Lord here. He's our Lord. what if... what if our Tom is like this Tom. what happened then? What happens to Harry?"

Alex barely managed to keep his flinch inside. Wrapping an arm around his brother's shoulders and leading him away "We can't think like that Cat. Tom and Harry... they've got enough demons. We need to be able to support them. We have to believe that He and Harry and be the Lord's we need... we gotta support them. Even when they're being the biggest idiots on the planet."


Tom sighed, running his fingers through his hair for what felt like that thousands time since he locked himself in the merlin damned room.

Around him sat paper after paper. Notes with various crystal vials containing memories from various people in the castle as well as his own. All the evidence he could possibly need to take down Umbridge and get her as far away from Harry as possible.

In Front of him sat arguably the two most precious items in the whole room. Arguably most important. Harry's prism and his locket. Both finally completed.

Tom sighed again. Pressing his face into his hands. He had to do it. If not this year then not ever. He'd already (forcibly) flaked out on Hadrian's birthday. It was now or never. Today or never.


Tom smirked to himself. Watching Harry and Abraxas push each other down the Alley. Passing by each shop without care.

They didn't really have a purpose about going out today. They simply wanted to get out and about before the war truly reached them. Gellert was making move after move with his personal weapon at his side. Though Harry did mention wanting to check out the new brooms on the market.

"-Oh! These are cool." Tom stopped with the other two beside The Quaffle. Tilting his head as Abraxas pointed out an array of lockets "these are love lockets. They use to be exchanged with marriage contracts. Like, pre-engagement rings. You put a memory of yourself and the person you care for in the locket and give it to them. And when the person needs to be reminded of your love most it opens and shows that memory. A lot of people these days choose to give the memory of when you first fell in love with that person."

Tom watched at Harry's eyes sparkled. Breathe freezing in his lungs "that's so cute. I wonder if my father ever gave my mum one."

Abraxas hummed looking them over "probably. He was a pureblood, right? He must have known about them. And a lot of girls lose their shit over getting them. It's a little embarrassing really."

Harry nodded, looking at the window a little longer "...I'll keep these in mind. Hopefully, I'll get the chance to give the one I love one... though knowing my taste they'd probably think it silly."

Abraxas laughed "come'on Harry. A sap like you? Could only attract another hopeless romantic."

Harry laughed, messing with his hair "yeah, I guess so." Tom smiled when Harry turned to him "sorry Tom, we must be boing you. We'll make the quidditch shop quick then head to flourish and bolts. Okay?"

Tom shrugged, not about to admit that he was only here to watch Harry light up over the latest Quidditch thing. As the two wanded into The Quaffle. Eyes returning to the Love Lockets proudly displayed his fingers traced the few gallons he had in his pockets. Out of all of them, a simple silver one stood out to him. A Celtic knot. It was likely the only one he could afford too.

Sparing a glance to the Quidditch shop, ensuring both Harry and Abraxas were well entertained Tom found himself walking into the jewellery store. Quickly pointing out the one he wanted.

He was back outside The Quaffle before Harry even thought to check on him. Leaning against the wall- pocket no longer weighted down by Galleons but rather a locket.


Trying to put some kind of order back into his appearance Tom smoothed down his hair, trying to resettle it as he unlocked the door to the come and go room. Papers and vials heavy in a bag over his shoulder. With the prism and locket sitting in his pockets.

He'd only just started to open them when he found himself knocked back by the shockwave of magic. Tripping over his own feet as he stumbled back and fell down. Only to have the breath knocked out of him as he found himself with two armfuls of Hadrian Frye.

Trying desperately to swallow his surprise Tom wrapped his arms around Harry. Trying not to react as he pressed his nose into Tom's neck and seemed to hold on for dear life "I'm sorry Tom. I'm sorry. I'm sorry. I didn't mean to push to away. I shouldn't have don't that. I know, I know you aren't him and I'm sorry. I'm so sorry Tom."

Tom froze as the rushed whispers before he huffed, leaning back to lay down as he rubbed Harry's back /Harry, calm down. I'm not mad at you- I know./ Tom hissed, the parsel coming easier to him than English at that moment /calm yourself, Harry, there's no need for you to stress yourself so. I know you're demons as well as you know them. You don't have to apologize for anything... I expected this. To some extent. For you to need space to try and accept that I and the Dark Lord are still on some level the same person./

/I threw you into a bed/ Tom tired to ignore the mix of Harry's body heat mixed with Parseltongue and the word bed. Instead, he tightened his hold. Hand stilling over the small of Harry's back

/yes, a mind-numbing display of powerful wandless and wordless magic./ Tom hissed, turning his head until his nose was buried into Harry's hair /do you think me too fragile that I would break over something like that My Harry? That I would hate you? Do you think so little of me?/

Harry shook his head lightly, still clinging too close for Tom to safely move /Harry, we need to get up- I have my Christmas presents to give you still./

That got Harry to move, the other teen sitting up, still to close however for Tom to risk moving as Harry settled on his lap. Hands-on Tom's chest "what?" Tom's hands slid from Harry's body to his side. Unwilling to risk the temptation of holding onto Harry's hips.

Tom grinned at Harry's confused face, lifting a hand unable to resist tracing Harry's cheek "you think I would miss giving you the best Christmas? I missed your birthday. Our first one truly together. I won't miss Christmas. Come, we have to get to the Ministry quickly if we want to be back here for the feast."

"But, how are we getting to the Ministry? The floo's..."

"You, my dear, for such a smart Slytherin truly have no ability when it comes to loopholes." Harry's brows frowned as he slowly got off Tom, allowing him the freedom of sitting up "the teachers floo's may be monitored. But Harry, the come and go room was created to supply whatever the user needs. Including...?" Harry's eyes widened as a grin spread over his face "there we go. So, Lord Frye- care to join me?"

"Happily."

No matter what anyone would say, Tom did not shiver at the purred word. Not at all.


"Lord Hadrian Frye and Lord Tom Riddle, here to speak with Head of Magical Law Enforcement Amelia Bones." Tom stood back and allowed Harry to take the lead. As Harry had more experience in the Ministry then he. Having been under Walburga's learning longer when it came to being a respected Lord in the Ministry.

The machine provided the name pins, Harry handing Tom his before pinning his own to his shirt.

In Tom's opinion, Harry looked a little too fine to be out and about. Hair pulled back into a neat ponytail with a black shirt and pants. His sleeves rolled up to his elbows, top three buttons undone and a deep green scarf hanging around his shoulders. To Tom, all that was missing was a certain locket. Which still sat in his pocket waiting until after the feast.

But, still. They had a job to do, and for that, they needed to each look like the Lord's they were. Walburga would be so proud of them.

Harry took the ticket that was then provided "looks like we have a half hour wait. Then we need to head to floor 5. Madam Bone's should be waiting for us in her office by then. We probably got fast-tracked because of my family name."

Tom hummed "lunch then? I haven't eaten in quite some time. Yourself?"

"Not nearly as much as I should have. Abraxas tried to bring me food but..."

Tom nodded, wrapping an arm around Harry's waist as they made their way further into the Ministry "we still have quite some time before people notice we've both gone. Camping out on the 7th floor for 3 days only helped us. Do you remember where the Ministry cafe is?"

"Merlin no, what do I look like? A functional human being?"

Tom chuckled lowly, "of course not. Well, I'm sure we'll find it in time."


Tom smiled politely as they walked through the door of Madam Bone's office "our Apologies for being late, Madam Bones, we got a little turned around finding our way from the Ministry Cafe." he said, taking a seat.

Beside him, Harry did the same "we brought you a muffin though! As an apology. Happy Yule Madam" he offered, putting the small paper bag on the table

Madam Bone's shook her head "it's quite alright, you're only a few minutes out, Happy Yule.- what can I do for two young Lord's such as yourself?"

Here Harry turned to Tom, who leant forward "Madam, with sufficient evidence- do you have the power to affect the teaching staff at Hogwarts? Or revisit years old cases?"

Both Harry and Amelia frowned, though for different reasons "I do have that power under the correct conditions- why do you ask?"

"I have evidence, not only proving that Dolores Jane Umbridge is in possession of a cursed object able to create a similar and controlled effect of the blood decay curse. But has also been using it on the students of Hogwarts. As well as proof that Sirius Orion Black did not kill Peter Pettigrew and is therefore questionably innocent of the other charges he has against his name. This evidence is something I am willing to bet my magic and life on as nothing but the truth with no tampering to the evidence at all.."

Harry gasped, hand reach over to grasp Tom's forearm "Tom? You didn't say anything about Sirius."

"You'll have to forgive me, I wanted it to be a surprise. I'll explain it to you later."

Amelia frowned, fingers twist together as she leant her elbows on the desk "this is a serious matter you have come to me with, two, serious matters. In fact."

"I am aware, however. Hadrian as Lord Frye and I as Lord Slytherin have a duty to protect Hogwarts. From those inside its walls and outside. The fact that someone, a teacher, has come into its halls and caused permit damage to at least one student. Is inexcusable." Tom's hand lifted then to cover Harry's own "and beyond that, Sirius Black is not only Harry's Godfather but also the son of a dear friend of mine. If he is innocent I would see him a free man. Should he be truly guilty? We would both see him behind bars once again."

"And which student has this damage happened to? If you know?"

Tom looked to Harry who sighed, moving Tom's hand from his own and unwrapping the bandage on his hand just enough to show the extent of the damage and the dark magic still bubbling in his flesh but not enough to bleed all over her desk "that would be me, Madam Bones."

Amelia paled at the wound before raising her wand. Two patroni falling from the wand "get me an auror team, now. As well as the Unspeakables."


Luna waved from the window, Happy smile on her face as Dolores Umbridge was escorted from the school at wand point. Leaving with her one Minerva McGonagall as Albus Dumbledore was once against absent from the school.

"Interesting little lords we have now." the Grey Lady said, hovering beside her "but I'm glad they got that toad out of the school. So quickly too."

Luna nodded, letting her hand fall to her side "Harry is a good person, a good Lord. his time in Slytherin only strengthened him. I have to go now. It's time to spread the word about the secret lessons Harry and Tom will be doing."

"Are such things still necessary?"

"Once it comes out what Umbitch was doing in full. The students will realize what Harry has been doing these last weeks. They will flock to him over the other leaders in the war- the Slytherins as well. We need to prepare for it."

"...I will get the other ghosts to spread the word."


"Spending my Christmas being examined by unspeakables, what a day." Harry teased, leaning his head back over the chair to meet Tom's eye. The other Lord was still sitting with Amelia and the Head Auror Shacklebolt going over various evidence he was bringing forward. Harry wasn't even sure how Tom got it all so quickly.

He must have been gathering it on the side. Just waiting for Harry to snap. There was no other way- he'd probably gotten frustrated with the little progress they'd made on Voldemort and taken a side project. But either way, Umbridge was going down. Minister or not it was remove the toad or face public outcry with everything Tom was brought into light.

"Don't complain now, Harry. You're getting free treatment." Tom replied absently

"I'm a lab rat." Harry returned, lifting his head to the Unspeakable that was still poking around his hand "not that I mind, poke away. Heal me up. I'm just complaining so Tom doesn't become one with the papers."

The Unspeakable chuckled "I'm afraid I can't do much for you, Lord Frye. I've taken all the samples I need at this time. As far as I can tell you'll need extensive potions treatment directly to the wound. Though your friend was wise in sealing the hand off from magic."

Harry beamed "Alex is great. So, no more poking and prodding?"

"Unless you have any other grave and unorthodox wounds that need examining. Afraid not Lord Frye. You're free to re-wrap your hand. I'll send you the treatment when I finish it. With any luck, other Auror's will return soon with that quill so I'll be able to take apart the magic in it quicker."

Harry shrugged, wrapping his hand once more "I don't think so. Thanks for the help though!"

"Of course, should you receive any other curious injuries please do not hesitate to contact me." Harry took the offered card. Slipping it into his pocket "Harry Yule."

Harry waved goodbye, standing and bringing his chair back over to the law side of the team "So, how's the case coming alone?"

"Well, with all this... Umbridge will be hard pressed to get out without a sentence." Shacklebolt said, shaking his head "and proof of Peter being alive and a Animagus is telling. As well as the memory of Peter being the secret keeper"

Harry nodded, eying Tom "how did you get those memories by the way?"

Tom shrugged "neither Snape nor Dumbledore are as good at Occlumency as they wish they were. Especially when they try to peak at me." he answered simply "it wasn't hard. The most annoying bit was pinning down Dumbledore long enough to get it. And don't worry. The others were provided willingly by the students."

"Oh! Do you want my memory of that night? Of what went down in the shack?"

"Any further evidence of Peter Pettigrew and Sirius Black would be helpful, Mister Frye."

Harry nodded, turning to Tom "can you? You know I'm not great and mind-magic."

Tom sighed, pulling out his wand "you have to get better at it eventually Harry.- head." Harry tilted his head forward so Tom could press his wand to his temple. Thinking of the night in third year when everything changed for him. A fuzzy feeling wrapped around his head for a moment before it drew away. Tom's wand with it.

"Why would I bother doing that what I have you?" Harry asked sweetly, rubbing the feeling back into his head

Tom rolled his eyes, taking the offered vial from Amelia and letting the memory drop inside "you're Impossible."


"There isn't much we can do as far as a trial goes without having either Peter or Sirius here," Amelia said as the four of them stood. McGonagall by the door waiting to take her two run-away students home. "But we can open an actual investigation with what you've brought us. We'll get to the bottom of this and the Umbridge case. Don't you worry- until then an auror will be lent to Hogwarts until a proper teacher can be found for the position."

Harry hummed, rubbing his jaw- he hardly wanted to suggest such a move but... "as far as teachers go. Wouldn't it be wiser to give the position to Snape? He has teaching experience after all and knows the material."

"Than who would take over Potions?"

"Horace Slughorn?" Harry offered with a shrug, "I don't really care much for him either way but this is the education of the future generation. No offence to your Auror's Shacklebolt but I don't really feel comfortable leaving this in their hands. I'd rather have an actual teacher."

/Slughorn?/

Harry turned to Tom /bringing Slughorn in would help. He was our, Voldemort's, teacher. We all took some amount of pride manipulating and he was the only one that didn't suspect the Slytherins. If Voldemort passed any information past a teacher it was him. And we haven't exactly made much progress on how Voldemort is immortal. right?/

Tom sighed, scratching his head /yeah, but Slughorn?/

"I don't see why we can't do that." Amelia offered interrupting the hissed conversation and crossing her arms, Harry grinned a little- at least someone in the modern wizarding world wasn't put off by Parseltongue "we'd have to take it to the board of governors. As well as find the man."

Harry nodded, "We should also look into hiring a team of curse breakers for Hogwarts."

"And why is that?" Shacklebolt questioned, though he did write it down

"Clearly there is some kind of curse on the teaching staff. For us to circle through teachers like clockwork each year. Without missing a beat? There's gotta be a curse somewhere. I'd prefer we find it before we lose whatever poor sod we put in the position." Harry pointed out "whatever funds for it can be paid by me. I'm the one insisting on it. Since clearly, Albus decided it not worth the effort."

"We'll make the necessary arrangements and owl you. Thank you for bringing all these things to our attention Lord Frye, Lord Riddle."

"We both care deeply for Hogwarts, it was and always will be our home." Tom offered softly "it just so happens we are finally in a position to do something about the many issues in her halls." bowing lowly he and Harry left with their farewells. Meeting McGonagall at the door

"You boys..."

"You can't say you aren't thankful for direct actions taken, Deputy Headmistress." Harry offered "besides, Lord's have the right to leave the school without warning so long as the reason is classed as important enough and we return within the same day."

"Albus won't be pleased." the older woman warned, "You've gone behind his back for the second time Mister Frye, and with your...friend with you, no less."

Harry grinned "come now, Professor. Right now he's my accomplice in chaos."

Beside him, Tom sputtered "Accomplice? Who was it that brought all this evidence together? If anything you're my Accomplice!"

"Aww, but Tom. I wear black so much better. Don't I look the more dashing out of the two of us? Clearly, I'm the lead."

"You wish you could wear black as well as I Frye."

"I don't have to wish. I do."

"You're both pretty little peacocks. Can we get back to school please?" both Harry and Tom fell into line with a muttered 'sorry Minnie'


Walking into Hogwarts Harry couldn't help but grin and laughed as he split off from Tom, McGonagall having left them at the courtyard to attend to her own business already, to race towards Hermione and Ronald. Sweeping Hermione into a hug and spinning her around "did you hear? Did you see?"

"Yes! Umbridge is gone! Did you guys...?" Hermione was smiling as well, letting Harry spin her

"Yeah, It was Tom's Christmas present. That and some evidence to help Sirius' case!" Harry explained, letting his friend down "We had a long meeting with Madam Bones- there's a solid case against the toad and some plausible deniability for Sirius." Before Hermione could reply Harry found himself face to face with Ronald

"...Harry, can we talk mate?"

Frowning but nodding Harry followed Ronald a little ways away. Gesturing to Tom that he'd only be a minute.

"...you trust that Malfoy bloke. Don't you?" Harry crossed his arms at the question, a stone falling into his stomach like a lead weight but he nodded. Waiting for his friend to continue "... what if I told you he, his family, killed someone? His own family."

Harry pursed his lips "what do you mean Ronald?"

"Look- I overheard him talking to Neville a few days ago and I guess he must have threatened Nev or something because now their all buddy buddy. I heard something about his father using his twin in a ritual or something and... Harry, you gotta listen to me you can't trust them. They're evil!"

Harry shook his head "you don't know the full story, Ron-"

"Listen to me! They're using you! They're Death Eaters! They're evil as they come! And Malfoy-"


Tom's head snapped to the side when a harsh slap met his ears, eyes widening at the scene in front of him. Harry stood hand raised while Weasley held his cheek in his hand "No Ronald." Tom bit his cheek as the first waves of magic brushed his senses as Harry shook. Though this time he wasn't at all pleased to witness Harry's temper snapping "you will listen to me. Abraxas is my friend. And unlike you, I know the story. I know what his father did and I know about his sister. We all do. Not that he knows this of course."

"Wha-"

"Abraxas is not his father. Abraxas was a child when that ritual happened. He had no say in it. For you to try and claim that he is evil for this is... when will you grow up? How many times have I said it, Ron? There is no good and bad. My Slytherins aren't Death Eaters. He, Felix, Alexander are my dear friends. My brothers. They mean the world to me and we would risk everything for one another. Tom is more important to me than words could describe." Harry sighed, running a hand through his hair "why did you have to do this today? Why Ronald? Why can't you understand?"

"They're just using you!" Weasley screamed, flinging his hands around "they're snakes! They can't be trusted!

"You're using me!" Harry yelled back stamping his foot, Tom flinched as the stone cracked heavily under his foot, a shock wave of magic being pushed in all directions- really of all the days for Weasley to pick a fight!
"you've been using me since I first met you! You and everyone else! But I don't want glory! I don't want fame! I just want to be me, Ronald! Why can't you understand that? Why can't I have this? Why do you need to be my only best friend? Why can't I have Abraxas, or Felix, or Alex or Tom and have you be happy for me?! Why can't I move on Ronald? I'm sick and tired of fighting and fighting and losing and being so goddamn lonely. I just want a family. And yet when I get that you have to do this?!"

"They have you spelled!"

"Fuck you!" Harry screamed, "fuck you, Ronald Weasley!"

"Harry!"

"No! You're the same god damn kid from first year! You're greatest desire is to be quidditch captain and win the house cup! Well good for you! Do you remember what mine was?! My family! The family that was taken from me! That was taken from me by that bastard who's out there right now trying to take family from everyone else! But you can't see that. All you see is fame, and glory and whatever piece of food is in front of your stupid fucking nose! I don't know why i forgave you in fourth year because you're nothing but a selfish glory hound prick!"

Tom hissed, taking a few steps back at the harsh wave of magic that pushed against him, beside him Granger staggered back, falling down completely. While Weasley found himself pressed between two status with no space to breathe as Harry stormed away.

Tom hissed curses under his breathe- stupid Weasley! He had to do this today?! When Harry was so happy?

Flicking his wand from his sleeve Tom found himself unconsciously layering protective spells over himself even as he ran after Harry. There was little he could do under attack from Harry's raw magic but at the very least he should be able to negate some of the weight with enough of his own power.


Harry stormed through the halls, for once not even bothered to keep his magic in check (not that he had been for the last few days either. But his mind was preoccupied then.) now however he was simply too pissed off to care.

On some level he'd known- Ronald was the 6th born of his family. All his brother were highly successful and even his father had a good place in the Ministry. And while the Weasley's were so rich in love they were poor. And Harry, who'd had nothing for a lot of his life, had a great about of money that for a long time he didn't bother hiding, he didn't brother shying away from buying things because he knew once he was back at the Dursley's he'd be with nothing again. He felt it okay to spoil himself a little.

(though he did know he had a gold problem. And was thankful many times over for his friends keeping him away from buying such items.)

But still, Ronald had gone too far! To try and use Abraxas' family situation to drive a wedge between them! Abraxas was just as difficult a case as any of the others- and Harry loved him anyway. Of course, it wasn't above question to assume Harry and the other didn't know. With the exception of Alexander Abraxas hadn't told any of them after all. Harry had only found out because of a spat with one of his fiance, who'd grown jealous over how close the two of them were and, not knowing Harry, had tried to use that knowledge to drive them apart.

And she'd only known because it was apart of her rights as the future wife of the man that she know him to be a 'squib'. And the other's had learnt via connecting the dots as Harry had privately researched the matter on his own in a bid to understand it all.

Abraxas was clearly uneasy about the whole topic, it was clear in the way he'd act whenever Squibs were brought into the question. Similar to how Felix would act when an unknown person raised their voice or yelled. Or perhaps more accurately how Tom got when exposed to water or a small dark room. So it was never brought up.

Because it didn't fucking matter. Abraxas was Abraxas! He'd been a child when the ritual had happened and Harry had seen with his own eyes the resentment Abraxas held against his parents for their actions. Harry didn't doubt that Abraxas almost wished he'd been left magicless- cast out of the family and left to a life as a muggle. Especially after Harry went about teaching them what Muggle's were really like.

It was battled some, by Tom's experience with them. But even Tom could admit after a few months of talking about it that Madam Cole and those of the Orphanage were the exceptions, not the rule, much like the Dursley's.

It was only once he realized he'd unconsciously found himself in the Dungeons that Harry stopped. Pressing his face into his hands as he screamed. Magic thrashing around him wildly.


One thing Tom had learnt from a young age, even without knowing that was he was doing was actually 'magic'. Was that emotion made magic stronger. It was only in his third year of Hogwarts that he truly learnt what that meant.

Magic and the Soul were tied together. And they feed off of one another. Muggles and Squibs, who had no magic- were frail and aged quickly.

Magicals and creatures, who had magic- were more durable and aged slower. The soul feeds off the magic to sustain the body and mind. While magic feed of the soul to expand and grow more powerful.

This bond could be most easily seen with Obscurials. Those that curse their own magic and end up binding both soul and magic together. Becoming a magical force equal to any kind of natural disaster even as children. Even becoming able to toss aside their physical form for that of pure magic and energy.

Tom had known, since the time of the little girl, that Harry had a close magical bond with his soul. His magic reacted to his emotions so fiercely and with so much power it truly staggered Tom just as often as it made him crave Harry. He himself had a similar bond if more muted as he rarely allowed his emotions to factor into his choices.

But Harry, while raised to be little more than a quiet doll and a servant. Was given leave to express himself once he was in Hogwarts. This allowed his magic to flourish even as he was locked away each summer.

But standing at the end of the corridor Harry had stopped in, Tom had to admit that even with all the respect he showed Harry perhaps he had still underestimated him. Using all his magic he could barely keep the roof from caving in over the both of them.

Behind him various students gathered, his own court among them as well as Granger and, much to his annoyance, Weasley- through the red-haired idiot was being held tight by Granger and looked more than uncomfortable.

Still, he would deal with Weasley later "Abraxas!" he called over his shoulder. Unconsciously holding Harry's-would-be-locket along with his wand as he tried to keep his magic wrapped tight around Harry's own "Felix, Alexander. remove the students from the corridor. I can't guarantee that Harry is at all stable enough to stop this or that I can stop him." the two nodded, urging everyone that wasn't personally invested in Harry's life back.

Tom waited until Abraxas was beside him before continuing "We all promised not to bring this up, ever. But we know Abraxas. What you are- and so does Weasley. He tried to use it to push a wedge between you and Harry. I suggest you deal with him before we continue because once we deal with Harry we won't have time to deal with the stupid bastard for a long while."

Tom heard more than saw Abraxas' horrified reaction. But even with that, his words were steeled "Please excuse my language, my Lord, but fuck Weasley. I... Don't care. Harry is more important."

"Very well, we need to temporarily steal his magic then. Can you do it?"

Beside him, Abraxas shook slightly "steal his magic...? You'll leave him at the mercy of the Dark Lord."

"I will do no such thing," Tom muttered, flicking his arm back to knock whoever was behind him aside as some of Harry's broke through. The stone cracking behind his feet "Until Harry is stable, mentally. I plan on putting him to sleep- and myself with him. I will guard his mind."

"Tom! That's crazy!" Tom hissed, moving to guard Felix against another stray bolt of magic as his friend yelped in worry

"Harry and I have a bond! It is clear to see with his our magic interact. With whatever connection he shares with the Dark Lord- I can safely possess him." Tom reasoned, stepping away from the group and closer to Harry "...I'll be leaving us in your care- do not fail us. Once Abraxas starts to steal it I'll begin the possession. No one is to interfere."

"Riddle!" Tom turned just slightly to see Granger and the two oldest Weasleys standing next to Abraxas as well was Longbottom who was basically pressed to Abraxas' side, Granger had her wand in his and was watching Harry "...look after him. I've never seen him so upset... please, Bring Harry home."

"Like I would do anything less." Tom muttered, turning back "Abraxas!"

"I need something to put it in! Unless you want me to absorb it myself"

Tom cursed, throwing the locket to Abraxas blindly as he prepared himself for what he was about to do... he and Harry were about to get a lot closer than Tom had planned "it's already attuned to Harry. Use that."

"...a love locket? Tom, when did you get this?" Tom threw a glare over his shoulder "...right, not the time. Okay- the magic will probably last a week, maybe two."

What a time limit. "Understood- begin."


Fucking yikes.

I know this seems sudden but I swear I did plan this happening. Just

Like, not this soon.

But see I fucked up- I thought I'd remember all the fluff I wanted to add in between events but I didn't. So now we get event event event! Next chapter SHOULD be fluff and feels. And probably mostly everyone just sitting around and talking.

And Ronald's probably going to get punched. I'm sorry but it's gonna happen. Ronald in this story is NOT A GOOD GUY. every time you guys have messaged me going 'I can't wait until Ron gets his head on straight' or something along those lines I've just been chuckling to myself like "yeah nah sweetie. Ronald's burning in hell."

Because when I start a new story, I flip coin on the following characters for if they'll be an dick or not- Ronald, Dumbledore, Voldemort, Diary-Tom, Snape, Minerva, Dursley's, Hermione, Slytherin House, Gryffindor House, Draco. So as you can probably guess. When I started this story (the first time.) Ron flipped to dick mode. This is because it is honestly VERY EASY to twist him into a bad guy- a lot of his actions are BAD ONES. and honestly, I don't like his canon character all that much.

I prefer breaking many characters into pieces and picking out what I want from that. This is how I can continue to write Voldemort as a love interest because, in Canon, he is NOT a love interest (at least, not a healthy one.)

Anyway, yeah. Squib-Abraxas was more than fun headcanon ;) it's almost like I actually know what I'm doing! Though I do wish I had more time to flesh out Abraxas' ability to manipulate magic we're already at Christmas and we have the Walburga-arrival-deadline approaching. So it is what it is. We're going straight to extremes after that one nightmare misadventure.