You Were There For Me Through Gifts:
Disclaimer: I do not own Harry Potter. I don't make any money with this fiction.
Note: If you don't like it, please don't read it. Comments and constructive criticism are welcome. English isn't my first or my second language so forgive me for grammar mistakes.
Rating: M
Warnings: It's TMR/HP slash.
(A/N: Thank you for all the reviews)
Chapter 10:
Tom Riddle looked around his room feeling something off. He was getting a weird feeling for the past two weeks like someone is watching him. It's not that people in Slytherin house didn't watch him in disgust or glare at him but this time it felt like someone just watching him like being observed.
Tom looked around all the time as if someone is watching him, he felt like being observed all the time. Tom felt like an experiment being observed by a creepy scientist. Maybe it is a ghost. Tom Riddle still couldn't get past the creepy feeling of the ghosts existing in magical world.
Tom had grown in an orphanage where the darkness and cruelty from other thoughtless children, who don't know any better because of their upbringing and he had been just like everyone, was scared of ghosts when as a punishment of being locked down. So the ghosts sort of freaked him out. To top it all, the Slytherin ghost Bloody Baron just a big no, no for him. He had encountered one meeting with that ghost where that ghost went straight to his body, Tom shuddered remembering it.
Damn it, he hadn't learnt to master the ghost banishing spell. Acting out of instinct and a moment of stupidity, he called out,
"Who is there?"
Harry watched Tom getting panicked, looking out every corner of the room as if expecting something to pop out from the wall. The door seemed to be half open and Harry bolted out from the room not caring if his legs became visible out of the cloak or not.
How is he going to introduce himself?
Hi? You don't know me but you know me because somehow all my gifts ended up to you and I am in your room under invisibility cloak because I have been following you around for weeks like a stalker… No, it sounded insane even to him.
Harry dashed out to his room and tried to calm down from the fear of getting caught and the tension, driving him mad.
Tom felt something move out of the room. He clutched Terror who was shaking in fear and tried to calm Terror down. Well it's not as if his hands are shaking… It's just Terror is trembling in fear.
Yes, that's it... He is going to agree to the weak third year who wanted to do his essay for once and going to make him ward up his room no matter how simple it may be.
"Sirius Black"
Harry called out Sirius's name looking at the mirror, waiting for him to pick up. After a minute Sirius face appeared in the mirror.
"Hey baby"
"Siri, it's an emergency"
Sirius suddenly looked alert and looked carefully at Harry's face.
"What happened? Did Snape give you detentions again?"
Harry hesitated answering and mumbled something. Seriously, what's going on? The more Harry hesitated, the more Sirius's worry grew. This is why he hated sending Harry to Hogwarts. Sirius never liked it when he is not near or could reach Harry when his baby needed him.
"How to befriend someone Siri?"
Harry looked so serious and worried while Sirius breathed in relief that nothing happened to Harry. Now looking at Harry's face in the mirror asking him to befriend someone, Sirius can't help but smile at him.
Honestly, Harry is too cute and adorable for the world. If it was up to Sirius, he will hide his baby from the world.
Finally, Harry found someone worthy enough to befriend. Well, what advice he should give Harry? Sirius and James sort of clicked as soon as they met on the train and Peter sort of followed them around and became friends. The only person he had befriended was moony.
"Harry, try to converse with them. Maybe ask about some subject or something."
Sirius had befriended Remus by pretending to be stupid and followed around him to explain things or questioning about essays. Probably Harry's friend will be a Ravenclaw and most of them explain things anyway since they are smart ones.
Wait…
Let's take a step back…
In the excitement of Harry finally deciding to befriend someone, he had forgotten to ask the important question.
"Wait Harry, First of all, who is it? Is it a boy or a girl? Which house? Gryffindor or Ravenclaw?"
"I will call you later Siri"
"Wait Harry… It's not a Slytherin, right?"
The mirror was already blank.
"Harry…"
"Harry…"
"Harry…"
Sirius quickly put the robe on and threw the floo powder, yelling,
"Potter Manor"
James moved to the living-room after the elf announced visitor in the floo room. It's probably Padfoot. Honestly, who would come this night to visit him? Just when he was half way downstairs when he heard Padfoot's dramatic yelling, pacing around in the living room.
"Prongs, Harry wants to befriend someone"
"What? That's good Padfoot"
Sirius gasped and looked horrified.
"But I don't know whom he is going to befriend. What if it was a girl? Just like that, she will give love potion to my cute baby before you blink your eyes. But what if it's a boy? He will introduce smoking or butter bear to my innocent baby before Harry comes home. Oh James, let's go to Hogwarts and confront this culprit taking advantage of my baby's innocence."
James sighed… He is not going to sleep today.
"What are you standing there like that James? Put your robes on, we will complain to Dumbledore, he will surely listen."
James doubted Dumbledore will listen to Sirius overly protective affection and ranting about Harry and that too nine in night.
"Padfoot, come and let's have a drink, yeah? We will talk about this. We cannot go to Hogwarts this time"
"But surely it's an emergency Prongs…"
"Come on Padfoot, everyone makes friends and I am glad he is making friends for the first time."
James relaxed knowing at least Harry is making an effort. Harry only speaks openly with Sirius and the elf alone. James had been worried about Harry when he came to know about his Seer ability. That only made Harry more isolated from others.
James dragged Sirius to his room, ordering the elf to bring firewhisky. James knew it is going to be a long night.
James thought Sirius will relax after two drinks but Sirius only seems to be more horrified as the time passed. James wondered what is going on in Sirius's head.
"Prongs, what if it's a Gryffindor, they will pull my innocent baby into fights and reckless acts. He will be dragged to Forbidden forest in the name of adventure."
"Come on Padfoot, not all the Gryffindors are as reckless as we, Marauders were."
Sirius gulped down the glass contents in one go and looked at him seriously,
"What if it's a Ravenclaw? They will ask tons of questions about schoolwork and overload his work by not giving his intelligent mind any rest at all. All they talk about will be homework and it will drive Harry mad."
James didn't know whether to laugh or cry. This is going way too much.
"Sirius, not everyone in Ravenclaw will be like the girl you dated during fifth year."
Sirius had never dated a Ravenclaw after that disastrous date. Poor Sirius, it was a curse from Moony to the girl he dated to only speak about homework all the time. James as promised to Moony still had never old this to Sirius. Even if he told Sirius, he isn't going to believe his innocent Moony will do such thing even though knowing Remus is the sneakiest Marauder who escaped almost every time from detentions with an innocent face.
"But Prongs, what if it's a Hufflepuff? They will follow my cute baby and they will all fight among others not wanting to share Harry. Before you know it, they will steal all his cuteness to themselves."
Oh Merlin, please! What did he do to endure this?
"Sirius, aren't you thinking too much into this? You can't expect everyone in the houses behave like that, right?"
Sirius didn't seem to listen at all.
"Prongs, what if it was a Slytherin? They will take advantage of my baby… Come on Prongs… Let's go rescue my baby"
Sirius stumbled down and collapsed on the nearby bed. James pulled the blanket over him. Thankfully, Padfoot didn't realize the last one he drank was a sleeping potion. James is not Moony and this is the only way he could deal with Sirius when he is like this. James is going to patch Moony and Sirius as soon as possible because he cannot take this overly hyperactive childish Sirius anymore. Lovers or not, Moony alone can calm Sirius down.
James didn't know whether this is Padfoot's usual dramatic behavior or overly protective and overly paranoid godfather's worry. James took the couch nearby the bed and laid down.
Merlin… Please…
James prayed to Merlin that Harry never grows up because James really dreaded thinking about what will happen once Harry started dating. James shuddered not wanting to think about that and slept dreaming about Sirius dragging him to rescue Harry from the bunny monsters and lions in Hogawarts. Damn it! Padfoot.
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Harry sighed knitting the gloves like an old lady, looking out of the window absentminded. Really, he felt so old than his age. Somehow the train sound comforted him.
Harry had already knitted scarf and in the free time, he will finish these and it will be ready for Christmas as Siri's gift.
Harry hated feeling so down. Sirius has been all he had and needed. Harry never tried to speak with anyone. It has been first time in his life, wanting to speak with someone. If Harry closed his eyes he could still see the cold eyes staring at him, piercing his soul, rejecting him.
Harry had just asked something about the book he had grabbed from the nearby library shelf in nervousness and asked Tom- no, no Riddle about the first page after preparing and rehearsing for a week. Harry wanted to befriend Riddle before he goes home for Christmas holidays. Harry had even planned on exchanging owls and all.
Riddle had looked at him as if Harry's the lowest of lower dirt, sneered at him, calling him names and said that Harry is such a utterly selfish person and Harry's a stupid lowly pureblood. Harry had stood there in shock, hadn't even retorted back because somehow, somewhere in his heart, it hurt that his first try had been a failure. Riddle had walked away and glared at him whenever Harry was even a meter near him.
Harry knit the gloves since he had already finished his works and wallowed in misery silently throughout the train ride. Harry was startled out of his thoughts when Tally popped and disappeared with all his things. Harry didn't even notice when they had reached the destination point.
Harry sighed for the umpteenth time and moved along with the mass of students trying to get off the train.
Maybe Harry shouldn't have tried at all to befriend anyone. Harry had expected and daydreamed about this imaginary friendship a lot more than necessary. Harry shouldn't have been surprised that Riddle rejected him but he was, since somewhere deep down he just wanted to be friends with Riddle, to study together in Library, sneaking under his invisibility cloak, even pranking those who teases Riddle along with Professor Snape and Harry wanted to ask about how he got the gifts and all. Harry just wanted Riddle as a friend.
Before this, Harry never felt like this. Harry had never realized he's somewhat lonely compared to others of his age. After getting rejected, Harry felt lost of words about how he is feeling. Harry hated this…
Maybe Harry shouldn't have tried to befriend anyone least of all Riddle.
It's no wonder…
His mother hated him,
His father hated him,
Almost all the people he had met had hated him or ignored him in his life…
It's no wonder Riddle rejected him… Maybe he really is unlovable. Harry felt like he was five all over again.
"Baby…" Sirius's voice penetrated through his dark thoughts, piercing his very soul, reminding him that there is one person in his life he could always rely on.
Sirius yelled out ignoring the stares from others, much to James's amusement who was watching them fondly. James would have embarrassed if his parents behaved like this when he was Harry's age. But Harry looked like he had seen water after wandering in the dessert and ran past, pushing others aside and reached them.
Sirius met Harry in halfway, hugging the running bundle, lifting him up, twirled him with a joyous laughter which has been missing for months. Sirius had been busy with his desk work and some properties along with Black family things on his Sundays so he couldn't properly meet Harry when he visits Aunt Cassiopeia. To top it all his aunt doesn't like him visiting her house often.
It felt like years…
People may think Sirius is the guardian, saving Harry from his miserable childhood. But the fact is Sirius is as much dependent on Harry as Harry dependent on him. After lily died, Peter leaving to some country for job and the fight between Moony and him, being there for James so he wouldn't commit suicide, becoming the head of Black house after his parent's death, one after another pulling him down, Sirius had been a mess.
Sirius felt like he will never gather himself up and wasted away, not meeting anyone properly and had been reckless in his field Auror duties, not caring whether he had lived or not. Then one day he had noticed Harry looking at him with the look like he is the best thing in the world.
Harry…
Harry is an angel in his like…
Harry even protected Sirius when he was a child from his abusive parents, making his room sanctuary for him. Sirius had never told Harry how much that room saved him and meant to him till he ran to Potter's.
Being with Harry was like being with something so pure and you feel so blessed every minute, being lucky enough to spend it with him.
No matter what happened, even if Harry killed someone (*not that Sirius going to let that happen*), to Sirius, Harry will always be a baby, something so pure and innocent, in short, an angel.
Sirius was surprised when Harry didn't protest him for calling Harry as baby in front of everyone, in fact Harry's arms tightened around his neck, not willing to be down from Sirius's arms, not that Sirius complained.
"Baby?"
"Want to go home Siri"
James watched Sirius apparating from the apparition point, still carrying Harry in his arms like he belonged there. Even though James felt slightly jealous of their bond, James was still glad and felt very lucky to have a friend like Padfoot. There was not a day or a minute he regretted having Sirius in his life. Sirius was the one who slapped him when he wanted to die without Lily, reminding him that he had three children.
Sirius stayed with Harry till he fell asleep, and even in sleep, Harry had a hold on his robes.
How could anyone expect him to send off Harry to Hogwarts? Sirius too slept beside Harry, pushing the huge Unicorn plush toy aside. Sirius had gifted this to Harry since unicorns reminds Sirius of Harry and the pureness in his life.
Sirius knew something was bothering Harry. Sirius didn't push Harry to speak; he has all the time in the Christmas holidays.
No such luck…
Sirius has been watching Harry ever since he came to home, since he had decided to stay in Potter Manor till Harry goes to Hogwarts again. Harry looked as if not interested in Christmas at all but the kid always lightens up whenever Christmas arrived. Maybe something happened in Hogwarts. Sirius decided to ask Harry, knowing Harry won't come voluntarily to speak him about it. He had enough of this, today is Christmas and he cannot see Harry like this.
"Harry, come here"
Sirius extended the gift to Harry knowing it will cheer up Harry somehow.
Harry unwrapped the gift eagerly and looked inside to find a two way mirror inside.
"Well, it is invented by the great Padfoot, This mirror shows more than face of the ones we are speaking. It's not much…"
"You invented this for me Siri?"
"Of course baby"
"Thanks Sirius… and I am not a baby"
Harry smiled and extended his gifts to him.
"Well, I too made something for you"
Sirius was shocked that Harry could knit and wrapped the scarf around him. There were little dogs as a design on the scarf. Sirius had always envied Regulus for getting hand knit scarves from his parents when he was in Hogwarts.
"Harry, this is beautiful"
Harry smiled at Sirius knowing somewhere Sirius wanted someone to hand knit something for him when he had gotten visions of envious Sirius watching his brother and James for getting hand knit things almost every Christmas.
"Now tell me Harry, what's wrong?"
"Sirius…"
"Come on Harry, I know something is seriously bothering you. We promised no more secrets, right?"
"Yeah… It's just… that person doesn't want to be my friend"
Sirius looked shocked and his expression turned to anger,
"Who is this kid Harry? I wanted to ask you but now, tell me, I will go and scold this kid for not befriending someone like you. That kid must be stupid to reject someone like my Harry baby"
Harry chuckled at Sirius going on and on about arresting Riddle. Harry had already sent his gift to Riddle. No matter if he was rejected or not. Harry had been looking out for him. Harry didn't know why all his gifts had gone to Riddle. Harry had been sending gifts not knowing anything all these years. From now on Harry will send something useful to him. Even though one of his gifts was used by his sister Alice, he was sure it will be useful to Riddle.
Harry had watched Riddle being ridiculed by his fellow housemates for having second handed things. Harry just sent it via post owls not wanting Riddle to know Hedwig. In fact Harry didn't tell Riddle that he was the one who had gifted him is because he didn't want Riddle to be grateful to him just because of that.
Harry just wanted Riddle as friend for reasons he himself don't know about.
After coming home for Christmas holidays, harry felt silly to befriend someone. Hadn't Harry decided to stay away from everyone, keeping his Seer ability hidden? Harry had calmed down; looking at Sirius being angry for him sort of took his worries away.
"Maybe you should try it one more time"
"What? You've been going on and on about the stupid kid, now you want me to try one more time Sirius?"
"Yeah Harry, I may have been slightly, very slightly overreacting about this whole thing. I am glad you're finally trying to converse with someone."
Harry smiled at Sirius and went on telling how his studies were and how the last week was happily. It was best that Harry didn't mention Riddle belongs to the sbig bad Slytherin house to Sirius.
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Tom Riddle didn't know whether gifts will be given to him this Christmas or not. Gifts had arrived for him all the Christmas till now but every year he had spent in orphanage. Tom didn't know and somewhere in his heart, fear and insecurity lingered that gifts were sent to the room he had been staying in the orphanage and not for him. Tom didn't want to admit it to himself that this kind of fear existed in him.
Tom scowled at the lingering housemate near him, trying to engage him in a conversation. It all happened because of the defense class weeks ago. It was a test to prove how intense or how powerful one's magic is so that Professors know how to help every student control them and methods for it. Usually they group them and help them control their magic so that they can prevent accidental magic.
Tom smirked; finally he had proof that he indeed is special. Tom had been top of the class and from that day onwards these weak students had been trying to gather around him. To top it all, some purebloods wants him to be in their favor and trying to engage him in conversations.
Tom doesn't have time for this. He had to rise up in hierarchy of Slytherin house ever since he had come to know about it. If he didn't reach the top, with everyone under him then Tom cannot forgive himself. For that he had to study well and practice harder. He could manipulate these people but Tom has no use of manipulating these weak people. If he had reached the top of hierarchy next year, beating those fifth years ruling the house, then he will have even more time to rule the house.
Many may think it's too much for a second year.
Ambition… After all, the hat had said he is best suited for Slytherin with the ambition he has. Tom is not naive to assume he can beat them in duel but that's why he has been practicing in empty rooms. Even if he lost next year challenging them, he will stir the housemates since he will only be a second year. Not that he is going to lose but even if he lost, he won't go down this easily.
He will be noted by upper class purebloods and the top students in the house, with that Tom can reach limits and have connections. After that he has all the time to manipulate these sheep like people if he wanted so.
Tom glared at the student wanting to ask doubt or something to him, then got up and moved towards his room. Tom was really glad that his housemates abandoned the room and he has his room all to himself.
Tom sat on his bed along with Terror waiting impatiently for the gift to arrive since it's already Christmas noon.
Green… Slytherin green always comforted him and Tom took certain pride in his House colors and symbols. But somehow today it bothered him.
Green eyes staring widely at him in shock at his rudeness…
Tom remembered very well wanting to learn dark arts, knowing all the purebloods in his house knows a lot about it. He had been trying to look a way to sneak into restricted section, that's when the stupid pureblood Potter came and asked him about something.
Tom had never thought anyone deserved more than a glare or a sneer from him but that time he vented all his anger about people wanting to get in his good books on that Potter.
Potter hadn't even said back anything but he had vented out all the anger and frustration on him.
Tom had turned away not wanting to be in that boy's presence anymore. But as soon as he turned and walked away, those green eyes sort of stuck in his mind no matter how hard he tried to shake the image in his mind away.
Maybe it stuck in his mind because it's the color of his house.
Yes, that has to be it…
Because Tom had never been what people call nice or good with anyone. He never regretted it but this bothered him.
Tom was pulled away from his thoughts when he heard hooting of an owl. Gift…
From H… For him.
Tom felt happy that the gifts were meant for him. Tom eagerly moved towards the gift as soon as the owl went through the door. The gift which had been shrunken extended to its original size.
Tom gasped since it was always, To you, From H… But this time it is different…
To Tom Riddle,
From H.
Tom was shocked because he really cannot understand how it is possible for H to know every time what he really wants. It is beyond his understanding because the other week only, he had been worrying about the trunk not fitting his necessary things. Tom worried next year what he is going to do since the second year books and the parchments will be a lot more than necessary. Terror won't fit in trunk at all. But here it is… A new trunk from H. Tom eagerly looked at it. This seemed to be a password trunk. Tom was glad because he still didn't figure out how to ward his room. Some Slytherins still try to humiliate him picking his things in the room.
Tom looked awe at the trunk. It is a four compartment trunk with a password which he had looked from afar in Diagon Alley. It is unbelievable how H could send him things he very much wanted.
The first thing Tom did was to put a password on his trunk and after he confirmed that it could only be opened with the password, Tom opened to look the compartments.
In the first compartment he can put all his school books, his parchment, quills and ink. In the second compartment he can put all his potions things, astronomy and Herbology related equipments. In the third compartment he can put his school uniforms and all his clothes. Also Terror could come if he sneaked in…
In the last compartment he can put all the books he is going to buy in future by selling the second handed trunk he brought, to the same shop and also the books he had gained by doing favors. Tom planned everything while looking inside the trunk but as soon as he opened the second compartment, Tom found pair of new school robes for him. Tom couldn't have asked for more.
Who is H? Why he is looking after Tom? If he knows Tom, then why not come in front of him?
Why H makes him so emotional?
All Tom feels is extreme rage or extreme boredom, except when it comes to H... These emotions rising in him sometimes scares him to the extent it affects him. Haven't he sneered at the Hufflepuff first years who was in tears after he scowled at them when they asked his help in essays, thinking emotions are for weak people. Then why H complicates everything in him?
Tom caressed those robes and put it aside knowing every time he will wear these robes, he will be reminded of H somehow. Tom closed the trunk, observing the color and leather exterior of the trunk calmly. He knew it is the trunk he wanted to buy one day since it has shrinking and enlarging facility in it and easy to carry. Just then he saw the engraved words above the trunk like a name tag.
Tom Riddle…
His name… Gifted by H… Tom couldn't be any happier than he is feeling now. It felt as if all the taunting, tension ever since he came to Hogwarts has faded away and all he could feel is content and peace.
Just wait H…
I will study well, I will master everything, and I will become so powerful that you have to acknowledge me, you have to come in front of me or else I am going to find you.
Terror watched Tom Riddle being all scary what with smiling and laughing which is really unusual. Terror felt bad for whoever the H is because who would set a password for trunk as 'you're mine H'. Seriously, Terror felt bad for H.
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Severus glanced at the firewhisky in his shelf, his hands itching to drink a glass or two. But he decided to abandon it since it has becoming a habit to drink daily. He has become even more irritated with everything and treating students harsher than before because of the headache and after taste from hangover potion. If he himself admitted that he is harsher to students then it's saying something.
Severus didn't want to get summoned to meet Headmaster again. Dumbledore had already warned him about going over the line in unfair treatment.
"Severus, I know some professors take sides of their favorite houses. Even I do that, but going over the line to treat a student like that, is not good for a Professor. I don't know what you have to do with that kid, but as long as you're a professor and he is a student, treat him as you treat every student. Nothing more and nothing less"
"Headmaster, if it's due to the howler sent by that stupid Black…"
"Severus, my boy, I had looked into the detentions record and I've noticed how much that child has got detentions for silly reasons. His grades too seem to be low in Potions alone when he is a top student in everything"
Severus fumed silently, everything ruins if the boy is involved somehow.
"I had already complaints from parents that you are harsher than necessary to students. If this gets to the board of Hogwarts my boy, I cannot save you from them taking action against you."
Severus hated disappointing the Headmaster when he was looking at him with kind blue eyes. It bothered him when Headmaster was all twinkly eyes but it bothered him more when Headmaster looked at him without his usual twinkling eyes. It was Headmaster who had offered a job despite of his young age when Lily had married Potter. But it was nothing compared to the mess he had became after Lily's death. He had taken a year off to even spend with Lily, her last year of life. It was Headmaster who had taken him again and had been nothing but kind to him.
Severus couldn't leave Hogwarts… It's where he had spent most of his time with Lily and more than that Hogwarts was a home to the eleven year old Severus and it still is a home for the present, bitter, aged Severus.
Severus will be nothing if he left Hogwarts. Here he can teach up to forth years, gets well paid and even has his own potion laboratory to invent and brew potions too. And the last year Potter twins had joined, whom he had used to babysit for Lily sometimes. Life was good until that demon child came.
Severus nodded to the Headmaster in agreement. Severus can't leave Hogwarts just because of this brat who ruins everything.
After that Severus had completely ignored that Potter boy and went with his works. Sometimes he watched the boy closely, trying to find anything that is worthy enough reason to give him a detention.
But much to his irritation, that boy comes to class, do his work and goes away every time presenting a perfect potion. Severus tried hard not to be impressed of the boy's essays and his potions. No child of his age presented a perfect solution as mentioned the result in text books like Potter does even the Slytherin prodigy Riddle and annoying Gryffindor Granger presented this perfect.
Severus never saw him interact with any of his classmates; he didn't speak with anyone and worked alone even when he said to do the work in groups. It's as if no one really notices him. Severus wondered why that brat is like this and couldn't understand how come no one notices the brightest student of their year. To be honest, this kid never volunteered to answer even if he knows, he will only answer if he was asked directly and always with the perfect answer.
Severus wondered where he gained all this information and brewing techniques this perfect. Because this much knowledge cannot be gained by textbooks, only can be achieved by experience. Maybe he had years of tuition, because Severus refused to even think this child has anything common with Lily except his eyes and name. What Severus didn't know is Harry learnt from ancient class and methods by the help of his visions.
But what troubled Severus is the fact that a pair of grey eyes glancing and watching the Potter boy. Severus is not blind but he usually ignored these kinds of things not wanting to involve in students trivial matters.
Severus heard someone knocking the door.
"Come in"
Sure enough the cause of his worries and tension appeared in front of him with his usual I-am-superior-than-you smirk. His grey eyes alight with emotions, looking at him.
"Sev"
Brat, this time Severus thought of the word fondly than the brat he spat in his mind for the Potter boy.
"Come and sit Draco"
Severus didn't know how to approach the matter he wanted to discuss. Severus had watched Draco's eyes following that Potter kid more than necessary in his potions class. Granted Ravenclaw and Slytherin combined classes are less than Slytherin and rowdy Gryffindor combined classes. But even in that time Draco seems to observe Potter more than just simple curiosity in the disguise of brewing.
Ugh..! Severus hated all these things but Severus would gladly have any kind of awkward conversations if it meant that his godson can stay away from that Potter boy. He didn't want the one remaining beautiful thing in his life to be taken away or ruined again by that Potter boy again.
"What is it Sev?"
"I told you to not call me that brat"
"I too told you to not call me brat Sev"
Severus sighed, controlling again the urge to drink at least one glass. Draco maybe his godson, but the most annoying and arrogant kid he had ever seen, like every Malfoy had been. Severus till to date wondered what made Lucius decide him as godfather for this obnoxious kid.
"Let me come straight to the point Draco"
Severus ignored the muttering of Draco 'when did you ever not' and continued,
"Stay away from that Potter boy"
Suddenly Draco jumped out of the chair and exclaimed,
"Why would I Sev? He started it"
"What did he do?" Severus asked confusingly.
"He was the one who threw water balloons on first years and he was going on and on about how he will defeat Slytherins in Quidditch this year since he became seeker this year."
"Draco, what are you speaking about?" As far as he knew that Potter brat never even speaks to anyone.
"That potter twin Sev. And, since when did you care about Gryffindors? I won't tolerate him pranking me and my classmates."
"Draco, I am not speaking about him"
"Oh, then you was must be mentioning about Lillian", suddenly the outrage and enmity has gone from Draco's face replacing it with a soft expression he had only seen on Draco's face when he chased after butterflies in Malfoy Manor garden.
Lillian? Severus blood boiled every time he heard anyone calling that boy with that name.
"Do not call him that", Severus snapped at Draco but Draco had used to his foulest of moods and didn't seem to be fazed, in fact he seemed to be pleased about something.
"Draco, I am warning you to stay away from that boy."
"Why are you so worked up about him Sev? I've had met him some year before in Madam Malkin's. He was with cousin Sirius", Draco said casually as if it is not someone important but Severus knew if Draco deemed that Potter boy enough to remember their first meeting and all, then this is going in a way, he really didn't want to think at all.
"Wait, when did Black become Cousin Sirius Draco?"
"It's nothing to worry Sev, It's not as if I approached him or anything"
"Yeah, you did nothing but glance at him, observe him"
Severus was glad that Draco's face turned red.
"Sev… I don't know what you're talking about"
"Draco, forget about befriending him"
"Befriend Lillian? Malfoys don't befriend anyone. It's just Lillian… Lillian fascinates me", Draco blurted out and winced for blurting like this, seeing Severus's expression. It's not that he wanted to be friends with him or anything but somehow Lillian pulled his gaze, as if some sort of spell to notice him. Draco can only see him in combined classes and that too mostly in potions, other than that Draco could hardly see him, even in Great Hall.
Severus felt like taking thousands of points for that sentence but decided against it since he didn't want Slytherin house to back in points and lose house cup this year.
"Stop calling him by that name and stay away from him Draco. I am warning you"
"But, why Sev? Have you noticed his eyes? So green, you know how much I like emeralds."
"Draco, I can buy you emeralds if you want but stay away from that boy. I am serious Draco. If I see you with that boy, then I am going to inform Lucius and you know how he hates anyone but purebloods."
"Sev", Draco looked irritated and scowled at him but nodded not wanting to do anything that may disappoint his father since Lucius is the sun that eleven year old Draco's world orbited about. Draco didn't know why Sev is so against Lillian.
"So stop your ridiculousness and concentrate on studies, you know how Lucius will react if he comes to know you are beaten by that Granger or Riddle in final ranks at the end of the year."
Draco nodded and went away not even uttering anything. He knew Draco is going to be angry for a while but as long as he didn't get near that Potter boy. Severus knew nothing good can come to Draco involving with that Potter boy.
Severus cursed and grabbed that firewhisky, so much for self control. He is going to have a long sleepless night.
~~~~~~xxxxxxxx~~~~~~~xxxxxxxx~~~~~~~~xxxxxxxx~~~~~~~
Behind his closed eyes,
~~~~~Harry looked around to know what place is this as soon as he landed here.
Harry saw someone sitting like he owned the world in what appeared to be some sort of throne like chair in the center of the room.
Harry gasped looking at who was sitting on the chair even though the light in the room is dim. If it was anyone Harry wouldn't have recognized, but Harry knew that face perfectly well since he had been following him around for months.
Suddenly some people entered the room, one moved forward and kneeled in front of the throne.
"My lord Riddle"
Well the name had cleared if he had any doubts about who is sitting on the throne. Riddle looked like he is in his twenties; he looked annoyed at the people kneeling in front of him.
"What is it?"
The words were nothing but a whisper but it carried some sort of authority in it that Harry could see the shudders and trembles visibly from where he stood.
Then one of them pushed the bundle they had dragged and Harry could now clearly see it's not a bundle but a person, towards Riddle and Harry could tell that they had kidnapped someone.
Will Riddle become this kind of person?
Harry didn't know what to decide since he knew it is a vision of future as soon as he saw Riddle's face.
One of them grabbed the kidnapped person's hair and lifted them to Riddle.
"My lord Riddle, we've caught a seer for you"
Harry's head turned towards the person in shock to find which seer had been caught, only to see a future him looking at the present him in the vision, green eyes staring straight into his green eyes~~~~
Harry woke up with a gasp. Merlin, he had this vision months before but it won't leave him now and this vision has become a nightmare now. Hedwig hooted beside him and Harry took comfort in it. Harry looked out of the window to not think about the vision which now is nothing more than a nightmare.
End of the year…
Gryffindor won the house cup since they had won the Quidditch cup. Alex couldn't be any happier because he was the reason they had won it. Father must be so happy since Alex had become a seeker this year, flying just like his Father. Alice is going to join next year as a keeper because she too wanted to be the coolest one in the game.
Harry was glad that this year has ended. No matter how much Harry liked Hogwarts, library, learning exciting things from Professor Flitwick and Professor McGonagall, both of them sort of took him under their wing since he is bored of the classes, it still is nothing compared to being with Sirius in Potter Manor.
Because Harry was tired of dealing with boring classes, deathly glares and taunts from Professor Snape, envious looks from his housemates, irritated looks from his classmates who gets pranked by Alex and Alice, homeworks, visions, lessons from Aunt Cassiopeia and to practice them… Harry was tired. He wanted nothing but to laze around the manor with Sirius and Harry missed Tally's cooking above all.
Harry didn't know how he is going to pass the upcoming six years with those students. Harry thanked Merlin and Sirius that Professor Snape stopped giving him detentions for no reason. If it had continued, Harry would have collapsed being worn out.
Harry knew he is overworking himself but Harry had always cherished and craved for knowledge. In fact he loved those extra lessons from his two favorite professors Flitwick and McGonagall. He didn't know why Professor McGonagall sort of likes him despite of not being in her house. Maybe, it's because everyone in his family belonged to Gryffindor.
Harry softly petted Hedwig and was glad at least she is with him in this empty compartment.
Harry had stopped approaching Riddle after that vision. Aunt Cassiopeia has warned him that like normal seers who gets some time visions of past which is very, very rare, he too may get visions of future like that.
In that case Aunt Cassiopeia had warned him that those are nothing but possibilities of the paths. Future is not set in stone so all you can do is guide the actions towards that path if you like what you saw or avoid them if you didn't like what you had witnessed.
Sometimes Harry wondered what use is being a Seer, if all they do is hide everything and get visions in inappropriate times, silently bearing with everything, they can only witness, they can never act on it. Being a seer is nothing but trouble and headache; he didn't know why people seemed to be so envy about.
Harry didn't know what he had witnessed will come true or not. Not that he is going to let that happen. Harry will stay away from Riddle. It may sound insane that he had still decided to send him gifts every Christmas. Harry will look after his needs till he becomes fifteen then it is up to Riddle to decide which path he will choose.
It had become a habit now to send gifts every year. It will suddenly feel weird if he doesn't send any gifts. Harry didn't know how much his gifts were any use to Riddle. But he hoped he is helping Riddle. That's why he had sent the abandoned trunk by Alice since she brought a new pink one this year. To be honest, the trunk is as new as it had been brought. His father spoils them a lot but he too had said that the pink trunk is the last one and he won't buy any new trunks anymore.
Harry opened the result of his first year. He can't wait to show it to Sirius.
Ugh….
Tom Riddle threw the result of his first year in anger. The result parchment will have the respected student's grade along with their rank if they had been in top five of the whole Hogwarts first year.
How could it be possible? How?
Because there under the results, he had been ranked two… How? He had perfect O in every subject then how come he isn't ranked first?
Damn that bushy haired Granger girl… Wait Granger… I will crush you next year.
Oh my God..!
Hermione cannot believe it. Ron whom she had somehow became a friend with all the dramas and crying her heart out, was trying to console her ever since the results had been handed out before they exited Hogwarts.
How? Why?
She had perfect O in everything, then how come she is third in rank? How come the haughty Riddle and the annoying Malfoy had beaten her in studies?
Damn that stupid Malfoy and Riddle… Hermione knew without a doubt that the Riddle boy must be ranked one. He must be feeling so smug right now.
Just wait…I will crush you both…
When Tom and Hermione were cursing others, Draco was sulking that he had been ranked four. He is going to spend his holidays studying under his father's watchful eyes again; it is going to be a torture. Draco cursed Riddle and Granger along with the third one too.
While three of them where cursing others, the first ranked Harry was smiling, looking at the sceneries passing by, petting Hedwig with the thoughts of how boring the first year classes had been. He hoped at least the coming year classes will be any good.
(A/N: First of all sorry to disappoint all those who thought Tom and Harry will meet. Come on, Tom has to search for his H. He can't get everything this easily.
Also sorry for the delay readers, one of my fic had been stolen, giving me a headache and also I was on a family vacation.
Let me know your thoughts readers. Forgive me for any mistakes. See you all and Happy birthday to everyone celebrating their birthdays today. I am dedicating this to all who celebrates their birthday today.
Running away from Shadoween who tortures me in her mind…
Thank you for all the reviews and also the almost 500 (499) follows. Thank you everyone especially CloudZzFluffyBedsOfWhite. Your reviews do inspire me to keep on writing and update as soon as possible. Love you all… - Nandhu...)