Hello all! Missed me? Sorry this chapter took so long and is so few words (only 3,614 without my extra AN eek!) but it just felt like it needed to end where it did. Btw, this chappy has a warning!

WARNING: Extreme amounts of fluff and awwwwww-ing can be found in this piece of crap called a chapter. Hopefully you won't spontaneously vomit or giggle uncontrollably from the effects of reading this, which should only take under 10 minutes because of the deplorable length. Also, I decided it was time to curse a bunch so if you're 11 years old good luck to ya.

Seriously though. This is sooo pink flowers and unicorn shitting rainbows I don't know whether I should cry or cackle. Hopefully cry...its actually pretty good for the eyes. Anywho! Have you all given up on me? I have like 88 favs and 128 follows but only 4 reviews last chapter (4 -_- ) Should I be worried? My shitty Twin Roads story has more reviews then that and its absolute donkey poop. Go read, it truly is awful. :D Really though, has this gotten boring for anyone? Have I lost people's interest? I know not much has happened yet, but if I'm going too slow please let me know. (I rhymed hehehe ;D) I didn't want to put all of Tom's and Harry's bonding (fluffy shit in more blunt terms) in one chapter because that makes it seen like it all happened at once, which it shan't, but if I need to I can. That'll be one long chappy haha. Also, this is when Tom starts falling in love. Let the aww-ing commence my pretties. But yeah. That's what's happening ova here. I also tried to add some humor, even if its 3:00 in the morning humor (so what do I know?) so if its stupid just skip over. :D Hopefully you cackle madly and make your parent look over at you strangely before returning to Master Chef like someone I know did. Mommy does know best doesn't she...ugh why am I still writing this? And why the FUCK are you still reading? You silly goose *kisses*. Go read what's actually interesting, like this chapter, if you're into that sort of thing. Please PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE review. The more reviews the more likely I'll continue working on this once I start school, which is on Aug. 25. Hopefully we can beat 4 this time. :p

J.F.C- I agree a bunch with what you wrote. Not only does Harry seem like a sub to me, just with Tom though, but if you work to get your partner, you deserve to pound him (her?). I'm happy you won't give up on my story either way. I might have Harry *bleep* Tom once or twice. Just to spice it up a bit. :D Thanks for the review and read on!

Marigold- I seriously look forward to your reviews. :D They're just so detailed and make me feel special! And I completely agree with your view of Harry. I kind of started with how Ciel looked, but made Harry's eyes an insane bright green and curled his hair up because I WUV curls. :D And I'm pretty much totally on bored with everything else you said. :D There are way too many stories where Tom is the hottie (which he is, but why can't they both be hmmm? they were supposed to look similar) and I wanted to be a bit different. Also, if Harry wasn't oblivious it would ruin the entire effect for the Harry I have right now. He's just so sweet and innocent concerning romance and its sooo fucking adorable I can't stand it. I honestly don't know why more people don't write it like that. Its also find that you can't draw. :D Maybe someone else with decide to draw my Harry and Tom, who I have very clear images for both in my mind. Speaking of that, how do you picture Tom? Most of the time people have the same idea, but eye color varies. Do we agree on that too? Anywho, I agree with you on the Bonded One part. (Sorry, but I don't get the reference to from Free haha) Harry should have been like "Well f*ck you Tom! You dragged me here in the first place, I don't have to deal with your bullshit!" I probably would have given up on it if it wasn't so well written. :D I'm trying to make my characters act like teens, even Tom. I mean, they are 17...but I don't want to write completely heartless people. If this Tom was just like Voldemort I just can't see him falling for Harry's cuteness at all. That's why I don't read a lot of HP/LV. Unless its extremely OOC it just wouldn't happen. With a younger and nicer (can that happen?) Voldemort I think its conceivable. What you mentioned about the project is completely true, but I'm also taking a few things from other stories I've read but can't remember where they came from that they can bond over. The project with help Tom see that Harry is pretty much as smart as he is and other stuff will help them connect on an emotional level. There is just one main character death, which I plan on making extremely sad :D, and some betrayal. There's also gonna be LOADS of angst. And sorry, but I don't have a tumblr. But I've been thinking of making one so if/when I do I'll make sure to tell ya. :D And thanks for the luck and I totally get the username thing. :) You didn't have any grammar mistakes I could see btw and seriously, thanks again for an amazing review! I probably wrote more in response to you than in my actual story haha. Enjoy please and review again!

mangoarcher1802- Have I made it seem that way? I've tried to make Harry just see Tom as a friend. I do need to make Tom see more of Harry's flaws, but that will come later when he does things Gryffindor-like. Thanks for the critique and I hope you enjoy this chapter and please, review again!

Sedinette Michaelis- Thanks a load for the review and the good luck. :D I do agree that Harry didn't give it enough thought, but not only does Harry NOT want to believe Voldemort could still be in school with him and around him (and who would ever think Voldemort would be a pretty boy? :D ) But at times Harry can be quite oblivious, as you have seen. :) He's also never been the sharpest knife...if you catch my drift. :) Hope you enjoy this chapter and please review again!

Chapter 10

Lost Boys

"A star falls from the sky and into your hands. Then it seeps through your veins and swims inside your blood and becomes every part of you. And then you have to put it back into the sky. And it's the most painful thing you'll ever have to do and that you've ever done. But what's yours is yours. Whether it's up in the sky or here in your hands. And one day, it'll fall from the sky and hit you in the head real hard and that time, you won't have to put it back in the sky again."
― C. JoyBell C.

What happened last time on episode 9 of Bloody Love and a Sad Destiny:

"By the way, now that we're on good terms, you're gonna have to entertain me in Potions."

"Sure Harry. Of course."

*Wake up young massster. I'm hungry and it isss your job to feed me.*

Harry slowly lifted his groggy head and ruffled the bird's nest resting upon it absentmindedly. He yawned loudly and cracked his back as well, making sure to take his time just to piss off the one who was reminding him more and more of a mix of Severus Snape and Molly Weasley. Never thought that was a possible combination, did you?

*Did I not just sssay I was hungry you bumbling idiot? I require sssussstenance! Ssstop with thisss foolisshnesss or I ssshall bite your faccce until you die.*

Harry stopped mid-stretch and gave his familiar a playful glare and gave her a light push. Kal hissed her displeasure but curled around her master's hand anyways. Over the past few months they had spent many nights together talking and had bonded. Harry could honestly say the snake was one of the closest creatures to him, similar to Nick, Eric, and (maybe?) Tom. However, like Nick, she was also a parental figure, since she also insisted on mothering him.

*And while you're at it, you really need to eat a few more platesss of food at breakfassst today. You alwayss sssay you don't have time, but thiss iss a weekend ssso I expect you to eat until you are about to vomit. But you can't vomit becaussse that would defeat the purpossse.* Harry gave her a deadpan look and pulled his pajama pants up.

*But today I have to go work on that project with Riddle. I don't want to be late! By the way, call me Harry Kal. Didn't I tell you that when we first met?* The black mamba had a look on her face that could almost be described as a pout, (but since she's a snake that isn't possible right?) and she tightened around Harry's arm and chest.

*I know I need to Harry. I forgot. Jusst make sssure you eat a bit more okay? You are much too thin. If I sssaw you while I wasss hunting I wouldn't even think twice about eating you. You jussst aren't worth the work.*

*Ummm thanks? Maybe?*Kal moved her sharply shaped head up until she was looking straight into Harry's still sleepy eyes.

*Just be ssafe my youngling and I'll be here waiting.* She stuck out her tongue and gave Harry, who she had decided was not only her master but one of her own children, a lick on the cheek. It was actually a very beautiful moment until she ruined it by hissing,

*Now where are thossse damn miccce Harry! I will messss up your ssstuff and shed on your bed while you're gone if you don't conjure them NOW.* Harry shook his head lightly and smiled. He gave his snake a quick scratch on her neck and conjured three mice for her to feast on and immediately left Kal to run a muck while he took a shower.

"I swear to Merlin Riddle, you are such a suck-up I'm not sure that I should commend you on your ability to spew absolute bullshit without anyone ever noticing or be sick at the look on your face and the idiot you're manipulating."

At the moment his fellow Slytherin had just finished sweet-talking the librarian, like only he could do, so he and Harry could get a particularly dark book for ideas on a potion they could create in the Restricted Section. Riddle turned to him and a dark smirk formed on his too pale face.

"Please, we both know if you had the ability to manipulate like I can you would do it every chance you got. Besides, if only idiots are manipulated you may want to rethink how you view yourself." Harry tilted his head slightly to the side and pink lips formed a perfectly shaped "o". One hand was lifted onto his chest and the tilted head shook lightly in mock shock.

"How could you say such things Tom! I fear I may swoon from the amount of sarcasm and underlying rudeness within that single comment. I'm humbled by your ability with words." To stop Harry's theatrics Tom shoved the book he had just influenced the librarian to give to him into his purple and navy long sleeve sweater covered chest. He managed to keep his own laughter in check, but only just.

"Settle down Flamel. With all this acting you may just become the damsel you pretend to be." Harry now sported a full-blown smile and Tom couldn't help but think he should be the only one allowed to see such a wondrous thing. He was happy and angry that they were so freely given. Happy because he got to see them often, angry because everyone got to see them often.

Ugh, again with this? You're suppose to be a Dark Lord!

These...thoughts that had been plaguing his mind had been very annoying for the past few weeks. Each time he met Harry for these sessions their conversations and Harry's laughter would always be at the forefront of his mind until the next. While he was used to physical attraction, which he usually suppressed because no one was worthy of him, this was something new.

Of course it wasn't anything silly like love, but it definitely wasn't just lust. Not that it mattered, Tom was too strong to fall to his more basic urges. In a few weeks the feelings would disappear like they did with anyone. Harry wasn't special; he was just good conversation and a pretty face.

"Sooo. You there Tommy boy? Seems you had gone into another world for a minute there. And I thought I was too entertaining to ignore. You wound me. By the way, you're a prat." That pulled Tom out of his thoughts quickly. He turned grey seas upon green forests and wasn't surprised to see a great amount of humor brightening them.

That was another thing that confused Tom. With most people, either you saw all, or many, of their emotions in their eyes or you only saw a blank mask or slight signs of emotion. Almost all of the students in Slytherin had the latter. However, Harry managed to show all of his feelings, but could easily lock each of them behind a stone shield in a matter of seconds. He seemed so carefree most of the time, but with walls like that you couldn't be careless. You couldn't afford to if you were hiding something. And there was no doubt in Tom's mind that Harry had many things to hide.

"And why am I a prat Mr. Flamel? I actually think I've been fairly decent this morning." Harry lightly punched him on the side and scooted closer so they could look at the book together. Riddle couldn't help but noticed how warm his hands were.

"Just trying to deflate the thing you call your head a bit. Not enough people help you do that so I've decided to assist you. And let me tell you Tom, you definitely need the help." Tom just shook his head, already used to his enigma's antics. Unlike most, Harry wasn't smitten or fearful of the future Dark Lord at all. He just treated him...like a normal person. It was another quirk Flamel had that no one else did. And it made him entirely too interesting and fun to be around.

Before Tom could even read the page they were on, Harry snapped the book shut and turned to his new friend. While Tom could be smug, arrogant, and a total jackass, he also seemed to be needing a buddy. Someone who didn't treat him as if he was king of the world, and he definitely wasn't.

You arrogant and too smartly dressed fucktard. Harry thought suddenly, but smiled anyways.

But seriously, Harry knew how lonely that pedestal was and wasn't about to leave anyone dangling from the edge. Besides, Tom had his moments...sometimes. "I had a dream last night."

Tom slowly blinked and Harry almost laughed at the expression on his face. He lived to annoy people like this.

"And…? I care about this because?" Harry slammed a hand on the cover of the book and pushed it away.

"Because I had an idea on what we could make a new potion on. How do you feel about becoming an Animagus?" Tom tilted his head to the side a bit, but his expression didn't change otherwise. Harry knew he had him hooked though and couldn't help but grin. He scooted a bit closer and look Riddle right in the eye, excitement lighting his own.

"I was thinking...what if we created a potion on discovering your Animagus animal?"

Before he could continue, Tom interrupted, "But ancient tribes have already created inhalants that allow you to see that during a spirit journey." Harry rolled his eyes to the top of his head and seemed to be asking the gods for patience.

"I know that Tom. Have you no faith in my own intellect? But back to the point; most of those inhalants are either lost or are extremely damaging to the body, especially the brain. Also, it takes many sessions to find your animal using those methods, which is not only taxing to the body, but to your magic. Every witch and wizard has the potential to be an Animagus, as you know, but many don't have the magic power and physical capabilities to go through the process the ancient peoples have created. We could create a potion that simplified the effects of the inhalants so you could find your animal quickly and easily. Then, just for a bonus, if you're up to the challenge, we could create another potion that eased the effects of turning into your animal. Usually the process is very painful at first, which causes many people to see becoming an Animagus a very daunting task. If we could fix that, so many more people could have this ability, including us."

While Harry had been talking Tom had been taking notes quickly. He had written out equations and examples of known ingredients used by the inhalants by ancient tribes. Just half a year ago Harry wouldn't have understood a single thing Tom had written, but with the help of Nick he could understand almost all of it. Tom wasn't called a genius for nothing.

"This is definitely something worth working on. It will be complicated, but who doesn't enjoy a challenge?" At that, both Slytherins adorned similar grins and Harry stole Tom's quill and replaced it with a pen.

"I don't know who doesn't, but I sure as hell do. Now, let's get started."

The next few weeks for Harry had been a whirlwind of homework, letters to Nick, research for his Potion's project, and conversation with his Slytherin friends, especially Tom. Tonight though, something new happened. Something that he wasn't sure was a good or bad thing.

After waking from a particularly bad nightmare, Harry was about to transfigure his chewed off nail into a glass and fill it with water when he noticed that Tom's curtains were open. Usually, his bed was completely covered and warded with many charms including a silencing charm, so this was quite odd. Harry was just going to ignore him, for it wasn't his place to disrupt Riddle's privacy, when he noticed his new friend sweating and twitching.

Again, Harry was just going to leave it alone until he heard it.

A whimper.

Harry knew that sound too well. That was the sound of a lost boy. A child with terrible nightmares who anyone else would have screamed at, but this one had learned to be silent lest their "guardians" get annoyed and do something to really make you scream. Yes, Harry knew that sound. He'd made it himself.

With that, Harry couldn't resist tip-toeing his way to his fellow Slytherin's bed and sitting down on the edge lightly. He waited a moment, for he didn't want Tom to know he was there, and began petting the poor boy's hair. It was thick with sweat, but still soft. Harry decided to hum one of his favorite childhood songs, which was always sung to all the children in kindergarten; Puff the Magic Dragon.

Most thought it was about drugs, but to Harry it would always be about little Jackie Paper growing up and losing his childhood. It was actually quite sad, but everyone has to grow up sometime. As he neared the end of the soft tune Tom's breathing slowed and he leaned into Harry's hand. Just as he was about to get up, Riddle grabbed onto his arm to keep him still. For a moment Harry thought Tom had waken up, but he had actually just taken his arm subconsciously. He smiled softly and began rubbing his friend's head again and leaned back. For a fellow lost boy, he would stay up all night.

Tom didn't know what was happening to him.

His nightmares...had disappeared. Not entirely, mind you, but every time they started they would go away just as fast as they had come and would be replaced by a caring lullaby he couldn't for the life of him recognize. He had no idea what the song was, but he knew that whoever sang it must be an angel of some sort.

In the orphanage they had tried to stuff his brain with religion and all that hell nonsense to make him a "good boy" like all the other children. Like they were any better. But now, he was, dare he say it, doubting his initial opinions on the idea. For only a divine being could care for him so selflessly. Right? Tonight, Tom decided he would see who exactly was helping him. Whoever it was deserved a reward of some type. So he coaxed his own mind to awaken and slowly opened his eyes, and was met with something he hadn't expected at all.

Sitting beside him was, not a humanoid creature with wings and shining with an inner light as he had guessed, but the very same boy he had thought he had been starting to understand. His eyes were closed and his petite body was leaning on him a bit. He was still humming the sweet song that dispelled all traumatic thoughts from his subconscious as well.

In midst of his surprise and panic, Tom screamed, "What the hell are you doing in here Flamel!" Said boy scrambled up, shutting the curtains accidentally and enabling the wards as he did so.

"S-sorry Tom. I just noticed a about a week ago you were having nightmares so I decided to comfort you and you seemed to like it so I continued it andI'msosorryIdidn'tmeantobeacreepandI'llgoleavenowI'mterriblysorry-" Tom grabbed Harry's shoulders and sat him back down on the bed, shutting him up in the process.

"Calm down. I'm not...extremely mad. Just a bit, surprised you could say. You startled me. You- your singing has helped with my unpleasant dreams so I suppose a thanks is in order." Harry relaxed under Riddle's hands, but gently pulled them off to hold as an idea came to him.

He smiled shyly and looked up at Riddle from under thick, dark lashes in a look that was both innocent yet entirely irresistible to the future Dark Lord. He tugged on Tom's hand, gripping it firmly, but kindly and mumbled, "I have nightmares too ya know. If you ever want to talk...well, we could always make a magical oath to not tell another soul of our discussions. I know it helps me to talk about it."

And with that the enigma called Harry Flamel left his bed, leaving Tom with a warming in his chest he had never felt before.

"Okay, so you're saying that a Kotochul egg will help with the endorphins that are created with the ingredients the inhalants call for? I see how that would work but what about how that will react with the Wormwood? We both know how reactive both ingredients can be. It'll cause your heart to stop before you even have a chance to absorb the hallucinogen!"

Harry wrung a sweaty hand through his tangled locks while Riddle seemingly stared off into space. Unknowingly to him, Tom was actually busy with keeping himself from drooling over Harry's frustrated form. He was just too cute when he said something extremely intelligent while pouting like that. Harry snapped his fingers in front of glazed slate-grey eyes and glared at his "partner".

"Work with me Riddle! We only have 3 weeks before this is due and I plan on becoming an Animagus before then you prat!" Tom shook his head but showed no signs of not paying attention. He was a master of his emotions after all, right?

"Yes, I understand what you're saying, but you forget about the Yarrow root. It'll lower the re-activeness of both ingredients while not effecting their potency. And I thought you were the one with a Master Potions maker as a guardian, or was I mistaken?" Tom grinned and entirely expected the shove aimed in his direction.

"Quiet yourself you smug asshat. You didn't even think about adding Rosemary, which is perfect at helping you find your core. Who's the novice now?"

"Really? Are you going to hold that over me forever? I would have thought of it some time." Tom had to admit it was pretty genius of Harry. He hadn't given it one thought, even if he claimed he would.

"I'm sure you would have Riddle, and most definitely. Just another thing to make you realize you aren't the brightest crayon in the box."

"I'm at least a yellow though. We both know it." Harry shoved him again but laughed instead of glaring.

"Sure Tom. Yellow like piss." Tom rolled his eyes but allowed himself to smile. That boy was too entertaining for his own good.

"I think that about covers it though. We can test it on a few rats just to make sure they are showing the right signs. After that we'll test it on ourselves. The second potion might not work on an animal though. If we lower its potency at all the test won't be reliable. However, any side effects would just be a small loss of movement, or at worst, paralysis. But one of us can watch the other in case that happens. A quick healing spell should be enough to fix any connections that have broken off." Tom sobered quickly and nodded.

"It'd be best if we fixed the potions this full moon. It will help our magic infuse with it and create an all-around stronger potion." Harry waved his hand lightly and began packing his books.

"Of course, of course. That's obvious. I'll see you later then, okay? I have some Transfiguration homework I need to complete. I swear, I have the practical down, but the theory is killing me." Before Harry could take his leave Tom grabbed his (friend's?) arm.

Ever since that night in his bed he had started think of Harry as something...else. He just wasn't sure what to think of it, but why should he deprive himself? If it got too serious or if he got bored of his Harry he could just drop and leave him. It wasn't like anything could stop him from doing so. Besides, he really wanted to know where this would go.

Harry turned his head in question, absolute trust in his eyes and Tom sighed internally. He didn't understand it, but he actually enjoyed this boy's company. He wanted to know him inside and out. It wasn't just about lust anymore, even though he wished it was. Of course it was still there, his Harry was a beauty, but it couldn't compare to how Tom liked how funny he was; how smart and caring for no reason. He was the exact opposite of him, but yet exactly the same in so many ways.

At times he saw a shadow in the boy's too green eyes, making him think that maybe he suffered the same way he had suffered. If so, Tom didn't know what he would do. But he would know, even if he had to rip the information out of the pretty boy's head.

"You know, I could help you with the theory. I'm months ahead of Dumbledore in both areas so it's no problem." Harry bit his bottom lip in a way that made Tom want to do things...that he would not be getting into right now and he shrugged, smiling that smile Riddle couldn't see enough. "Thanks mate. I appreciate it."

And for the rest of the day they talked without even realizing hours had gone by.

Ughhhh so much fluffy-ness. Do you see how Tom's feelings are evolving? Don't get me wrong, he DEFINITELY doesn't love Harry yet, but he is starting to genuinely like him. Next chapter there should be some Eric and more pillow talk between our two lovebirds. Also, that thing about lost boys...I KNOW I copied it from somewhere. I don't remember what story its from, but I would love it if someone would tell me so I could put a Disclaimer at the beginning of this giving them full credit. I just always thought it was a sweet idea and wanted to use it. Hopefully this wasn't too bad and PLEASE REVIEW! Maybe we can get to 10 this time? I really wanna beat 100 on my reviews. Once I do that I'll make sure to do a slashy scene. HEHEHE. Imagine ME putting up smexy time. I don't know if I wanna see it happen. Haha. Anyways, hope you enjoy and have a wonderful existence!