Tom always seems to win one way or another. Even when I plot things out and know where things are going, he still manages to take that away from me. Crazy arse character…

Warings: This is a shonen ai story. Tom Riddle/ Harry Potter. Deal or don't read.

Notes: (X) pov change and or time jump

Chapter, 21: Blossoming Regrets

Safe. For once in his life, Harry felt completely safe. Despite the horror that had occurred just the day before, he'd had no nightmares. No more pain, no worries. He hadn't even jumped at any of the sounds Madam Pomfrey had made when she did her nightly rounds. Harry had been sure she would make Aderes leave. Instead, she'd given the two of them a look and just snorted before she went on with her duties.

Now Harry was watching sunlight filter in through the window. The rest of the infirmary was empty besides Aderes, him, and Madam Pomfrey. The nurse was currently in her office leaving the two in silence. He hadn't slept so well in months.

How did I manage before this? He let out a happy sigh and closed his eyes again. If someone told him Aderes had casted, a shield spell around them he wouldn't be surprised. He didn't really care either. The two of them were together. If anyone had asked him a week before if this was what he wanted, he'd have thought them mad. As it turned out it was perfect. He hadn't even realized how desperately he'd wanted this.

"Classes are canceled due to dragon's escape," Madam Pomfrey said as she walked towards Harry pushing a small cart. On top of the cart was two breakfast trays and a copy of the daily prophet. Harry's eyes fell onto the front page, a rampaging dragon burning the stadium down. Further down was an image of Harry's burned body inside the infirmary. He winced just looking at it. He turned to the next page, his mouth dropping. In huge bold letters was the heading "Harry Potter and Aderes (Keaira) Dumbledore in a secret loving relationship?" Beneath it was a photo of Harry and Aderes hugging.

Harry dared a look at the sleeping Slytherin. They were not officially a couple. They hadn't even kissed and now they were on the second page of the Daily Prophet, because somehow his love life was just a little less important than the dragon breaking out during the first task and hurting half the crowd.

He's going to be mad. He'll break up with me before we're even a couple. One night was all he was going to get. He let out a frustrated sigh and dropped the paper down onto the tray angrily. If he even saw a strand of Rita Skeeter's hair, he would curse the woman. How could he have been so stupid to let this happen? Of course, that foul woman had been watching the champion tent. He'd just been so scared and seeing Aderes had made everything seem so much better…

His reactions seemed to have stirred Aderes, because his eyes slid open, a frown on his face. He took the room in, noticed Harry was beside him, smiled, and wrapped his arms around Harry's waist.

"Good morning."

"Hardly."

Aderes raised an eyebrow at that.

"Why not? You seemed happy enough when you went to bed."

"I was," Harry said his face burning. "But…" Even if he hid the paper, Aderes would find out soon enough. He handed Aderes the second page of the Daily Prophet. Aderes scanned the paper and dropped it back onto the tray with a yawn.

"Well, that saves me the trouble of having to warn off the wizarding community to stay away from you." He found a chocolate muffin on one of the trays and took it.

"You're not mad?"

"Should I be?" He gave Harry a questioning look. "Did you want our relationship kept secret?" There was a hint of anger in his voice.

"No…I just didn't think you'd want it out there…they're treating this like we're celebrities."

Aderes looked at Harry, seeming to take Harry completely in. When he was finished he wrapped Harry into a tight embrace.

"I don't care about any of this. As far as I'm concerned, this lady saved me time warning everyone." Aderes with muffin still in one hand, bit into it.

Harry sat there trying to digest everything. Aderes wasn't mad. He actually seemed happy about the article. Harry had gotten really lucky, that was for sure. Most people wouldn't be so understanding unless they were after fame. Harry doubted that was the case for Aderes. Aderes had enough fame. And the comfort Harry was feeling from this embrace made him fight back tears. If he could just spend the rest of his life this way…

"Thank you…" Harry's own tray had a cup of lemon flavored Italian Ice on it. He took the cup and spoon.

"For what?"

"I thought you'd leave me before we were even official, because of this stupid woman."

"We should fix that." Aderes leaned forward and gave Harry a quick kiss on the cheek.

Harry thought he was going to burn from the inside out.

"Aderes!"

"Now we're official. You're my boyfriend. If you let me finish my breakfast, we can—"

The door to the infirmary collided with the wall, the sound vibrating throughout the room. Dumbledore came through, his steps stomps, his hands shaking, the Daily Prophet held tight in his hands. When he saw the two in the same bed, he seemed to deflate. He sat down on the nearest bed, his eyes never leaving the couple.

"Why…?" It seemed to be the only word the headmaster could think to say.

"You watched him—" Aderes started.

"The Daily Prophet," Dumbledore said cutting Aderes off.

"We didn't know anyone was watching," Harry said. "I should have known she would be watching the tent, but I was only thinking about the Dragon…"

"I didn't enter your thoughts even once," Aderes asked raising an eyebrow.

"Okay…and Aderes," Harry admitted his face turning a dark shade of red. "A lot."

"That's what I wanted to hear," Aderes snickered. He took Harry's hand in his own making Harry's body burn even more. "If you're here to break us up, you can forget it."

"I doubt I'd stand a chance this early in your relationship," the headmaster said. He seemed to be choosing his words carefully. "I have no say, only I wish you two would have considered the…issues of you being a couple." Dumbledore let out a sigh and stood up.

"The issues," Harry asked.

"Things like this," Dumbledore explained holding up the Daily Prophet. "I wanted Aderes to keep his existence as much a secret as possible. Now the entire Wizarding World is aware of you." His eyes shifted from Harry to Aderes. "You've allowed yourself to be put in danger and your future may now be nothing, but pain. I hope the best for the both of you, but I do not see how this relationship can last." He gave both teens a look of pity and left the infirmary.

When the door closed Aderes let out a loud growl.

"What does he know?"

"A lot usually," Harry said, Aderes looking at him in surprise.

"So what? He throws a few ominous words your way and you want to break it off?"

"No," Harry said immediately. "No…I've never felt this way before...just being beside you…it's like I've had two or three calming draughts…I don't understand it at all." Trying to explain the feelings was proving to be difficult. Perhaps he needed more rest than he'd thought. Maybe just time. Still, Dumbledore's words remained in his mind as he snuggled up beside the other teen. Would Harry cause Aderes nothing, but pain?

You don't need to be a seer. All he has to do is… His eyes snapped open and he pulled away from Aderes, the Slytherin looking at him worriedly.

"What?"

"We can't do this," he said almost falling out of the bed as he moved further away. Aderes caught him just before he went over the edge.

"What are you talking about?"

"Us, we can't," Harry said more firmly. "We have to tell everyone this was a lie—"

"Stop right there," Aderes hissed his eyes narrowing. He jerked Harry next to him with one arm. The Gryffindor was shocked at Aderes' strength once again. "Just because Dumbledore—"

"This isn't about Dumbledore," Harry said and this time he did start to cry. "Aderes, I like you a lot...more than I'll like anyone, but…" He closed his eyes knowing he had to do this. It wasn't fair, he had never asked for any of this. He wanted a normal life and he wanted Aderes. "You're really strong, but I'd never forgive myself if you became Voldemort's target, because of me."

"Harry, I'm already his target, remember the World Cup?" His words were coming out rushed. "You can't just take it back. You can't. I won't let you." He grabbed Harry by the shoulder and gave him a hard shake, the Gryffindor's eyes opening. "Just being Dumbledore's adopted son has a target on my head—"

"You were just a rumor until you ran into me," Harry cut in.

"No, I wasn't. I promise you, Voldemort knew about me long before you ever came into the picture." He knelt his forehead onto Harry's own, his words mere whispers now. "Voldemort has wanted me dead for quite a long time. It's why Dumbledore bothered to adopt me in the first place. I want you." The last words seem to surprise Aderes. He looked at Harry blinking a few times, his face flushing before he sat up.

Harry lied on the bed, his eyes shifting from the ceiling to Aderes, back again, his breath ragged. His body reacted to Aderes so easily. His mind was consumed with the Slytherin all the time. Everything Aderes did caused him to react in some way, usually far more dramatically than what was required. And Aderes was strong…stronger than Harry. He'd almost been burned…but he hadn't needed Harry's help. Aderes would have escaped in time from the Quidditch field. He would have maybe even take on the Death Eaters by himself and still survived.

Do I risk it..? I risk Ron and Hermione, but they're just friends…

He sighed wondering how selfish he'd be to stay Aderes' boyfriend. It had such a wonderful sound to it. Such a comforting sound. Aderes would have no problem going against the whole school, but Voldemort? Sure Dumbledore would keep him safe, but didn't their relationship just make Dumbledore's job that much harder?

"Let's just try it…"

The words had Harry turning his head.

"Try it?"

"I want to see…just how strongly I feel about you. You're so different, so…you're the only one I've ever met to even mildly catch my interest. I mean I've had boyfriends and girlfriends before, but you…" He looked down at Harry his hand wrapping around the Gryffindor's tightly. "I feel such a strong bond with you and I barely know you…"

"You've dated other people," Harry asked. Of course, Aderes had. The whole school chased after him like he was some sort of prize. That didn't stop the anger and…jealously? Groaning he sat up and threw his arms around Aderes.

"Harry?"

"I don't want you to date anyone else…but I don't want to be the one who causes you pain—"

"Then you don't have a choice, you'll have to date me," Aderes said simply. He smiled at Harry's expression.

This will end, I can feel it. Harry thought gazing back at the Slytherin. He's done this before…luring people into a relationship that can never last…just for some short term happiness…

"Can you promise me something?"

"It depends on what it is." Aderes shifted so Harry was now on top of him, his arms relaxing over him, Harry's head resting against his cheek.

"If we end up breaking it off…can we still be friends?"

"…You want the truth?"

Harry's body tensed and he nodded.

"I don't think I could break this off if I wanted to…"

Harry's breath caught in his throat. How long had Aderes been pining over him? Did it really matter? Once he got to know Harry, saw the truth of who he really was, it would end. Aderes would be safe then. Besides, this may be the only relationship he ever got before Voldemort managed to kill him right? Didn't he deserve to at least see what the fuss about having a loved one was about? Even if Aderes broke it off by dinner, or Voldemort killed him before the next task, at least for once he was able to feel wanted by someone.

(X)

Harry needed the break this time. He stepped out of the memory, Tom following seconds later. What in the hell had happened? Harry had been completely infatuated with Tom from the start, so why had their relationship been so rocky their fifth year? Even with his memories taken, shouldn't his feelings have remained? Or did his memories actually build on each other until they became a form of love?

And Dumbledore had warned him…warned both of us…If only he'd listened. He looked at Tom who was staring out the window. The storm had picked up, lightning flashing every fifty seconds, thunder right behind it. The wind was a gale, the tree near Harry's window shaking and bending at its will.

There was no way they could go outside now.

He opted for the bed instead and sat down on it. Summer's were always the worse. If Tom was perhaps in his right mind he would be enjoying himself, but he wanted to be back at Number Twelve in their own room so bad. There Tom could read, perhaps talk with Lupin or Hermione, maybe even Sirius…

"You could go see Lupin and Sirius you know." Tom turned from the window to regard his boyfriend. "As long as you behave, there's no sense in both of us being locked up here." The room seemed so small, perhaps because there were two people in the room instead of one. Still, it hadn't seemed this small when Draco was present the summer before.

Tom walked over to the bed and climbed onto it.

"Dumbledore warned us," Harry said dropping back onto the bed. Tom lied his head down onto Harry's chest. "We could have avoided a lot of this…I'm glad you stayed with me…but I did exactly what Dumbledore said I would."

Tom's hand went to Harry's head and began playing with his hair.

How many more warnings had the headmaster offered? Had he pleaded with Tom when Harry wasn't around to end it before their relationship got serious? From the memory, it seemed like they'd always been serious. Almost like their very souls had been entwined…but the bond was not present yet. That much Harry knew.

I have so much to make up to him for…

"Once Voldemort's dead…let's go somewhere together…before we get jobs and start living a normal life, let's go on a real vacation."

Tom lifted his head to look at him. He shrugged when Harry said nothing else and lied his head back down on his chest. A horrible thought crossed Harry's mind and he closed his eyes tightly. Tom seemed to somehow sense something, because he was suddenly pulling Harry into a hug.

"Sorry," he managed trying to subdue the thoughts. This was no time to think of what he needed to do before he possibly died. Those thoughts would have to wait until Tom was asleep.

(X)

Harry's eyes fluttered open. The sun was higher now, the breakfast trays gone. Aderes too seemed to have vanished from the infirmary bed. Harry gave his arms a look over, they seemed healed up well enough.

"Awake Potter?" Harry nodded, the nurse walking towards him. She looked him over giving a satisfied nod when she finished. "Drink this and you can leave." She handed him a purple potion this time. "Anti-infection potion." He took the potion and swallowed it in one disgusting gulp. Pleased she took the bottle from him and went back into her office.

Harry gathered his things, his wand and glasses, and left the infirmary. He'd been tempted to ask where Aderes had gone, but didn't. Harry wasn't entirely sure what dating Aderes meant. He'd been so caught up in his rush of emotions he hadn't even considered the details. Were they only dating each other, was it even serious enough to consider that? Aderes hadn't shown much interest in anyone else, so Harry didn't think he needed to worry about that. And Aderes had said that he was easily made jealous…

Still, he didn't know what to really expect. Harry had never been in a dating relationship before. He wasn't sure what the rules were, besides you shouldn't cheat, but he wasn't quite sure what that meant to Aderes.

He stepped into the hall wondering if he should get Aderes to write up a list of dos and don'ts before another thought struck him. Sirius. His godfather was probably having a fit right now. Not only had he probably seen the article about Aderes and him, but the dragon?

The Gryffindor started to make a run for it, but every muscle protested and started cramping up. He fell against the wall, tears breaking free from his eyes. His skin may have been healed, but his muscles seemed to need more time. Each spasm seemed to start cause another one in some other part of his body. He stayed against the wall waiting and trying to keep his balance. When the pain finally passed he tried to taking a step away from the wall. His leg was sore, but still held him. He tried the other leg, same result. It would take some time, but he would get the Owlery.

I have to let him know I'm okay…and that Aderes and I are dating…but I'm not exactly sure what that means. What Dumbledore said….I need to write the letter.

Groaning Harry altered his direction for the Gryffindor Tower. The last thing he wanted was to see anyone. While he was thrilled at the idea of dating Aderes, he did not want to know what the rest of the school's reactions were. He already knew he would be on top of a few people's hex lists now. Just what needed more enemies.

He slipped into the tower, surveying the common room from the portrait way. The common room was abandoned, meaning it had to be lunchtime. He made his way to the dorm, cursing every stair he had to climb. Once in the dorm he saw the large golden egg he'd grabbed from the horntail on his bed. Scowling at it, he went through his trunk pulling out his writing utensils. He sat on the floor to write his letter trying his best to ignore the egg that would no doubt lead to another bout of pain in months to come.

Another thought occurred to him. Hadn't Sirius told him not to send an owl until he sent one? Was he supposed to send one to Lupin then? That seemed weird. He'd never written to Lupin for anything since the professor had left the school. Was it really okay to send a letter intended for Sirius to Lupin? He knew Lupin and Sirius were friends, but was he completely trustworthy?

I guess I don't really have a choice.

Dear Lupin;

I was told to write you instead of PF for now. I hope this isn't too much of a bother. I just wanted to let you know that I'm okay. I was burned, but Madam Pomfrey fixed me up. I'm sore, but not enough for it to be a real problem. The potions she gave me regrew my skin pretty fast. The other article…It wasn't true until last night. Aderes and I weren't dating. I guess we are now. I don't know what it really means yet. I just wanted to make sure PF knew. Sorry to bother you.

Harry

He scanned the letter again frowning. The letter was really awkward, but writing to Lupin in general was. If his godfather told him to trust his old professor, he would, but to just throw this onto Lupin when the guy had so many other pressing issues to deal with, the fact alone that he was a werewolf…

But Sirius said to do it so…

Hopefully Lupin would be alright with getting Sirius' mail. They were supposed to be friends after all.

With the letter written Harry put all of his things back into his trunk and once again started for the Owlery. His thoughts began wondering again as he made his slow way there. Would Aderes and him really last in a relationship? They seemed so close right now, but what if that changed? Harry knew from others that a relationship could start off strong only to die out weeks, sometimes days, later. They'd been dancing around this for months now, but what if Aderes just wanted Harry, because Harry had been hard to get? Him giving in might make the Slytherin bored. What then? Aderes didn't stick around much once he was bored…

Do I keep playing hard to get? Should I be standoffish? Make him work for every bit of my affection? It sounded cruel even as he thought about it and honestly, Harry wasn't sure he could pull it off. He wanted to let Aderes know how much he adored him, how desperately he'd realized he needed him, but Aderes was not a normal person. I can always keep a small distance between us…Perhaps if he kept making Aderes work for their relationship, for his feelings, there would be no way the Slytherin would get bored…Unless he gets bored of chasing me…do I keep him guessing? Do I give in at times and tell him I like him and other times blow him off?

He called Hedwig down from the rafters.

"At least you're normal," he told her giving the owl a small kiss. "I need you take this to Remus Lupin. He was a professor here last year." Hedwig gave a loud hoot. Harry attached the letter and she flew off immediately.

Nothing made sense anymore. Harry didn't know how to date people, especially someone like Aderes. He barely understood how to interact with others. He was sure being truthful was the best answer. Whatever results came from it, as long as it was, because of the truth that was best right?

He stepped out of the Owlery. If he went by that logic, their relationship would probably end soon. At least Aderes wouldn't be miserable. He'd just be bored. Harry would be the one who'd have to endure the next three and a half years trying to ignore every person Aderes ended up dating.

I'm not the first, I'll hardly be the last. He sighed. Harry didn't understand how someone could date so easily. Perhaps since Aderes had his pick of anyone it was different? Aderes didn't have to worry about not having someone wanting him, he was the desire of almost every girl in school.

arrHarHarry his head a firm shake and started back. He didn't know where he wanted to go. He wasn't hungry enough, nor daring enough to go into the Great Hall for lunch. A golden egg had invaded his dorm room. He didn't actually have the energy to find any of his friends. Hagrid would be home though, wouldn't he? It seemed as good a place to go as any. He didn't want to be alone and maybe Hagrid could explain some things on dating? He was trying to get Madam Maxine to date him after all.

In the end, Harry found himself lounging outside under the usual tree. Hagrid had not been in his hut. It was at least warm enough for Harry to relax. He stared at the lake wondering how his life had ended up the way it had. Had he done something horrible in a past life that he had to make up for in this one? Had Voldemort's curse that had tried to kill him, instead had warped his life into one bad event after another?

A hooting sound dragged him from his dark thoughts.

"Lupin must live close by," Harry said surprised. Hedwig landed on Harry's shoulder holding her leg out. Harry took the letter. "Thanks Hedwig. That was really fast." Hedwig hooted happily. He opened the letter and began reading.

Harry;

I'm glad to hear from you. PF was almost unbearable to keep in place; your letter has made it much easier. Madam Pomphrey is quite knowledgeable with healing potions so it doesn't surprise me that she was able to handle the situation fast. I'm sure she was informed ahead of time of the first task dangers so she could prepare potions. To think that the staff was so lenient with the safety the first round. I hope you take extra precautions for the second task. The people in charge of this tournament are fools, that you were dragged into it, and then burned by an escaped dragon? The entire thing should be shut down immediately. I know it won't happen, but only because of the arrogance of

There was a streak of ink here, like the pen had been pulled from Lupin's hand. Harry couldn't help grinning as he read on.

I'm so glad you're okay. I knew you'd survive and it's about time you noticed what was going on with Aderes. If he hadn't been spying on us I'd have mentioned it, but I knew you'd never forgive me if I said something with him in the room! Congratulations on passing the first task, even if you did get a little crispy doing it. I know you're made of tough stuff and could handle it, but it's still good to hear from you.

I want all the details, everything, about both your adventures.

The handwriting changed back to Lupin's then.

Barbarian with me right now, I swear it. Harry stay safe and feel free to write any time you need anything. I'm always here for you and so is this fool.

Remus Lupin

Harry reread the letter, a laugh escaping his lips. It seemed Lupin and Sirius were good friends. It was nice to know that his godfather had a friend like he had Ron. And that he had two people who seemed to care about him even if Aderes did leave him as soon as he got bored. He felt better knowing that. Not great, but better. There was such a good chance Aderes would leave him, probably sooner than later, but Sirius wouldn't.

"I need to get more paper to reply to this. Want to come with?" Hedwig nuzzled the side of Harry's head and he got to his feet. It was hard to keep the good things in focus when every time he turned around there was something bad. His meager luck held out though. He made it to the tower without being bothered. The common room had a few people inside, but he still managed to avoid them. He ignored the egg once again and started on his reply.

Ths time he explained every detail about how he'd doged the dragon. How it had nearly gotten him while he was flying, what he did to avoid being smashed. The spike on the dragon's tail hitting him, all of it. He explained Aderes meeting him right before the task and how that woman had somehow snuck a picture of the two of them hugging. How his mind had been made up that he liked Aderes and that the Slytherin would be his prize if he could just get the egg.

After that, he explained the attack, at least what he remembered of it and what he and Aderes talked about that evening, than the next morning. What Dumbledore had warned them of.

I don't really know if we should stay together. I'm worried about what might happen. That the two of us dating might put a larger target on Aderes, but I care about him. He doesn't seem worried about any of it, but I don't think I could live with myself if I caused another person I cared about to get hurt and let's face it. That seems to be the result for any person I get close to one way or another, but I don't think it will be too much an issue. Aderes is very….strange. The way his mind works is very different than others. I don't think it'll last long anyway so Dumbledore has nothing to worry about. We should be split up long before I get him killed. Do you think I should end it now? I never thought dating me would be considered dangerous, but Dumbledore's right, isn't he? I don't want Aderes hurt. Any advice?

Harry

He folded the letter up before he could cross out the last paragraph and handed it Hedwig. His owl was out the window and Harry was once again alone. If it had just been Lupin he wouldn't have opened himself as he had, but he needed Sirius' thoughts on the matter. Perhaps even Lupin's?

Somehow, things would work out. Maybe not with Aderes. Perhaps not even with his friends. Ron had after all thrown him to the rabid students of the school without much thought out of jealousy. Hermione hadn't, but then he didn't want her in harm's way either. He'd thought Aderes strong enough, smart enough to stand against Voldemort, but Dumbledore seemed to think different.

And if Dumbledore didn't think Aderes stood a chance against Voldemort, who was stronger and smarter than he was by far? What chance did Harry have?

(TBC)

Alright, the next chapter. I apologize for the wait. I had a cold and kept falling asleep after work instead of writing anything. It's still here, but not as bad. And I was supposed to have yesterday off, but I ended up working anyway. So today is my only day off now…eh. On to Redemption then.

Also, I do try to keep my goings, writings, etc. updated in my profile area. So check the top where it says latest and updates if I seem to be missing or you want to check out random thoughts going on. I just thought it might be helpful.