Summary: Tom Riddle, one of the century's most powerful Magus prodigies, claims he doesn't need a Fighter. And he doesn't; Bestia-type Fighter Harry Potter just happens to be a convenience when he picks him up. Drabble Series!

Warnings: Slash, AU, ~1k word count drabbles, fighting (possible blood mention), very loose possible comparison to Loveless (anime/manga)

Pairings: TMR/HP (Tom Marvolo Riddle / Harry Potter), past LE/JP (Lily Evans / James Potter), past LE/SS (Lily Evans / Severus Snape), -maybe- SB/RL (Sirius Black / Remus Lupin)

Disclaimer: I do not own Harry Potter, obviously. Characters belong to J.K. Rowling.

Note: For anyone curious on where my word prompts are coming from, I'm using a random word generator. Also! Thank you all very much for your reviews! There may be only a small amount, but your words mean a lot to me :)

Tom understood what Harry meant now, with people staring at him with an odd gleam in their eyes. Whispering. Judging. Disapproving. It annoyed the Magus to no end, so much so that he turned his chilly glare on the closest on looker, who quickly got the message and backed off with head bowed in fear and shame.

Harry made a real effort to walk beside Tom rather than slightly behind, but that didn't stop him from sticking closer to usual. The small village was crowded compared to its physical size, and not only were many staring at them but also walking past in close quarters. He evidently didn't like contact.

The Magus, for all his continued nonchalance on the issue of his companion, was not happy with the situation. Perhaps if it was him instead, him that they were looking at so judgmentally, it would have been better, because at the very least he knew that he wouldn't be bothered by it like Harry was—Tom paused in that train of thought. He didn't want to remember he had just thought that.

"Where are we going, Tom?" Harry asked quietly, trying to avoid looking at anyone while he kept his gaze forward, if not slightly lowered.

Tom made a split-second decision. They were originally going to go to the resident inn for a room, but now he had a different plan. Harry was going to stay with him for awhile, was he not? It would be inconvenient if he wasn't prepared for the unexpected on this quest, and Tom decided he also needed a gift to present the oracle, so that was that. Rationally, it all sounded good and worked out just fine.

"This way," was his mere reply.

Harry didn't question his vague answer, but when they arrived, he did inquire why they were at the tailor's and what exactly they would be purchasing.

"Clothes, of course," said Tom. Without hesitation, he pushed open the door and headed in. Harry meekly followed after. "There are going to be strange climates and areas that we must pass later on, and though I don't know exactly where this tedious quest will take us, it would be considered ill of me if I were to ignore the fact that your dress won't be considered appropriate if we were, say, atop a mountain while there is a blizzard raging around us."

The warrior was too surprised to even argue, simply watching as Tom told the tailor his instructions. The old lady nodded compliantly, and then got to work with measurements.

"I would also like another cloak," Tom told the woman. "It will be a gift. Velvet white, preferably; the highest quality you have. Ah, yes… for his cloak—"he motioned to Harry, "I have my own clasp for, so no need for that."

"Of course," said the tailor.

While the work was being done, Harry did look uncomfortable, but it wasn't as prominent as it had been when they entered Emeraude. The tailor had not questioned his dress, merely had gone straight to measuring—which was probably a comfort to the man. Speaking of comforts, Tom was sympathetic. Harry did not need fancy clothes, they would only get frazzled on their journey. No, he had asked for the durable outfit style of a Fighter.

Not only would they be light but warm, they would also be something Harry could move in. Never mind the fact that Harry wasn't a Fighter—he could blur the details out. Tom was confident that the change wouldn't affect the warrior too much. Surely he could appreciate good attire? Naturally there would be many places to hide weapons, store small useful things, etcetera without feeling clunky and confining.

Yes. Fighter clothes would suit Harry.

And, Tom being Tom, he was right. The top was short-sleeve, but not too tight. The bottom was durable, but not too heavy—slightly baggy but not too much to allow for movement. Hanging on Harry's hip was, instead of his usual leather belt, another one—only black with metal outlining. From there hung his knife and several pouches. For colder weather, a large cloak that would cover his body, parting at a side angle to be easily thrown over a shoulder if need be.

Though it was odd to see his companion in anything but animal skins, Tom was pleased. The new Fighter clothes looked at home on Harry. They looked right. His dark hair and light complexion were emphasized by the dark clothing he wore, and the green tint of the cloak most certainly matched his eyes. But those were the small details—the main point was that Harry looked surprised that he felt comfortable in them too.

"There you are," smiled the tailor. "And here, sir—the other cloak."

The woman handed Tom a wrapped package, and he exchanged it with the necessary galleons for his purchase.

When Harry and Tom exited the shop, there were no more stares. Some glanced their way in surprise, but none were disapproving or judgmental. By his side, the latter felt his companion relax slightly.

"Tom?" asked Harry.

"Mm?"

"This clasp that you gave me… what is it?"

"How do you mean?" asked Tom neutrally.

"It's warm," he replied quietly. "Warm… and there's something about it. Weird. Off. But not… not uncomfortable…"

The Magus glanced to his side where Harry walked beside. His eyes fell upon the clasp that the man was running his thumb over gently, caressing the jade snake that decorated it. A ruby acted as its single eye shown, and Tom could not help the small smirk that twisted upon his lips as he saw the gem. So his companion could feel it?

"It's merely a clasp that has been in my possession for awhile. I had no use for it, and felt no desire to pay for another while I had that in perfect condition with me. Do you not like it?" Technically, Tom had not lied.

Harry quickly looked up from where he had been staring at the silver accessory. "No! No, it's not that…" He smiled softly at the Magus. "I like it. It feels like a small fire, burning and radiating warmth all at once."

And technically, Harry wasn't wrong.

Word Count: 1042

Word Prompt: New