I didn't at first understand why he needed me to help him with these horcruxes when he'd already made some himself. Tom started by saying proficiency was key in accomplishing anything and if there was an easier, faster way to do something, it was unwise not to take that route. He went on to explain that the physical toll the creation of just one horcrux had taken on him was immense and with as many as he planned to have, he needed a safer option.

"I can understand the draw of being immortal," I observed, "But aren't you afraid of what your professor said? About the risks, I mean?"

"Damaging my mind and soul?" Tom scoffed, "Absolutely not. Gerald, someone like me has enough foresight and capability to include in his plan allowance for any such possible negative repercussions," he paused, "That is why I'm sitting here with you right now."

"I don't know," I admitted, "I think you're giving me far too much credit. You're assuming I'll be able to do all these things for you, but I've barely even grasped basic magic at this point."

"Some of the magic you know is well above basic," he returned, "And it is you who is not giving me enough credit."

"I'm not trying to doubt you," I assured, "I suppose it's only that I'm one for looking at the negative more than the positive."

"You shouldn't focus on either," my teacher pointed, "Stay with the fact of matters and the reality that is shown."

"But I haven't seen any reality about-"

"Realistically," he interrupted sternly, "You have learned everything I've taught you quickly. You have already witnessed the demon for yourself and will soon see firsthand what I've told you about your father and necromancy. So reality for you is knowing that picking up on this magic shouldn't be any different and eventually, that reality will extend into your trusting me."

"I don't distrust-" I began, but cut myself off this time instead, and sighed, "Fair enough."

"Now," he leaned back in his seat, "As I was saying, I want you to be a liaison of sorts, I suppose. I want you to be able to pass between this world and the spiritual in the event that my soul should need protection."

"The pieces, you mean?" I asked.

"I am led to believe that if a horcrux is destroyed, the soul fragment within moves on to the afterlife," Tom explained, "If this is so, you should be able to gather it and return it to me...or at the very least keep it safe there."

I took a moment and considered his plan, "If I can return them...then it would beg to argue that I could do the same with an entire soul," I looked back up at him, "So why bother with the horcruxes and risk your physical self when I could just bring you back to life if you were slain?"

"I like to see your brain is working on important solutions," the wizard grinned, "But I've already thought on this. If it were possible, it would be at the very least annoying to move on entirely and be brought back with the matter of needing a fresh body to return to each time. However, even in Grindelwald's extensive studies, there was nothing to suggest the ability to raise the dead like you propose.

"There's very much a difference in holding a small piece of something and holding the whole thing. With the creation of a horcrux, the soul is split and my body sustains temporary damage, as opposed to being struck dead and being gone altogether. In the same instance, summoning a fragment back while the larger portion of my soul is well, should be just as attainable."

"I see..." I hummed, "Then the greater the number of horcruxes that are destroyed at one time, the more difficult it would be to bring back what was lost."

"I should assume so," Tom answered, "If one is to believe they regroup on the other side which would make sense."

"So I'm meant to fetch whatever portion of your soul is conquered," I rephrased, "And what? You'll use it to make a new horcrux?"

"Precisely," he nodded, "And in the unprecedented event my body should be what is destroyed, I'll need you to make me a new vessel for the fragment you retrieve."

"What about me?" I wondered, "What if I'm killed? That would pretty much fuck this plan, wouldn't it?"

"Indeed. That is why I'm protecting you," Tom smiled, "You will be...our little secret. Separate from all others. That will ensure that you aren't sought out as a conspirator or betrayed by one of our own."

"You want me to hide?" I questioned, feeling slightly hurt by this revelation.

"No, Gerald," he assured, "We will all be hiding our intentions and our reach until we have achieved our goal. It's necessary that nobody knows what is going on so that our work cannot be impeded. You are free to be yourself; do what you wish. I only need you to understand that none of us can be open about some things in favor of the greater good."

I shifted in my seat, diverting my gaze so that I could think without him seeing directly into me. It was probably stupid of me to be bothered at all by this. Everyone had secrets; Tom wasn't trying to hold me back. In fact, he was teaching me so much and allowing me to be part of a grand purpose. He was right- I could do what I wanted, be what I wanted.

All he was telling me was to not let anyone know about his horcruxes and my part in keeping them protected. I nearly laughed thinking about it. Why had such a thing hit me so? I was keeping a friend's life safe. If anyone knew I could do this, it would be tantamount to getting Tom murdered. Not only that, but it would put me in danger as well. Any enemy who wished to destroy our group would simply seek me out to get rid of so that they may properly kill our leader.

"I do understand," I finally put my eyes on him again, "Sometimes it takes my mind a little longer to grasp concepts."

The man in front of me smiled, "That isn't your fault. Just part of who you are."

There was a strange flutter in my heart when he said it, like there was something small in those statements that I hadn't caught. However, I didn't feel like another discussion because I was slow on the uptake, so I didn't acknowledge it. It was probably nothing and my brain was just working overtime.

We continued to talk for a while longer about how many more horcruxes he planned for and exactly how they were made. It was an interesting process and very ritualistic. Not like the other spells I had been taught. Tom said the magic was so different due to its primitive roots. During the conversation, I recalled the dream I had had. Initially, I had decided to wait and see what I learned from my father's things that we were travelling to London for, but curiosity made me impatient, especially with the current topic, so I brought it up.

"Divination isn't solely concerned with the future, but the past as well," Tom mused, "I wouldn't be surprised if you had seen a memory."

My brow furrowed, "If it was...do you think it's possible for me to learn to consciously look into a person's mind?"

My companion sighed, "You are quite an unknown being. You could have a lot of strange potential. That being said, the art of divination isn't about choosing what you want to see, but rather what wants to be seen is shown to you."

"Why would I need to see what I did in that dream?" I inquired.

"Just because someone lets you know something, doesn't mean you need to know it," he shrugged and I could tell he was growing tired of the subject so I let it go.

After much time was spent discussing, scheming, and a bit of practice, we parted ways for the night. The last day on the cruise, I gave my magical friend his privacy and sought Lou Ann out. I didn't know her cabin number, however, so I started looking for her first thing in the morning when breakfast was served. I waited unsuccessfully for a couple of hours before strolling around the deck for several minutes more. Then, I returned to my room in case she happened to be looking for me as well, and dropped by. I did the same thing at lunch, making my way to one of the tables and lounging about until everyone gradually left. During my second round of traipsing about the ship, I spotted the woman whose husband had politely extended an invitation for a shuffleboard rematch.

"I'm sorry," I approached her politely, "But it seems I've misplaced my...girl. Have you seen her pass by?" I finished awkwardly.

"Oh, no, I haven't," the muggle lady's face fell with shallow concern, "I will let her know you're looking for her if I do, though."

"Thanks..." I nodded with a thin smile and trudged back to my room.

By the time the dinner hour neared, I had become extremely anxious. It was a goddamn boat! Where the hell could she be? I began to suspect that perhaps she'd been avoiding me after our awkward threesome with Tom. Okay...that came out a little wrong... Either way, when I'd once more lounged in the restaurant for an hour without luck, I at last gave up and snuck out for some flight training.

With the door locked behind me, I had retrieved the broom from my suitcase and stepped close to the window. Since it was too small for an easy escape, I'd had to apparate outside, but not before making sure no muggles would see me. Raising a hand and making a waving motion across the area I would be disappearing into, I had cast the repello muggletum charm and then quickly vanished out of the stuffy air of my room, and into the open breeze higher above the ship on the other side of its wall.

I had to admit that as fantastic as being able to fly was, it did make me a little queasy. Since it was mostly the fear of falling, I found it lessened being above water. Although I was well aware that hitting the ocean from a high enough altitude would still be fatal, it continued to ease my worry. I had always enjoyed anything really to do with water: swimming, fishing, or just sitting and staring at lakes, ponds, rivers...

Flying like this was the most relaxed I had been the entire trip. Even when my mind acknowledged the vast expanse of nothingness over the dimming horizon in all directions, I wasn't bothered at knowing how far away from home I was. For the first time in a long while, things felt peaceful. If I came to find Ann had decided I was a fling and didn't wish for any further contact, then so be it. I couldn't stress about it. There were more people, more chances out there. I couldn't stay stuck in the past...I wouldn't...

When night had fully come and I was drawn from my daydreaming by a shiver caused by the now immensely cold sea air, I realized I was quite a ways from the ship. My chest pounded with the first hint of panic since I had taken to the sky, and I quickly spun around to return. I hadn't been paying much attention to the time so I didn't really know how far away I was exactly. All I did know was that as I dashed along with the wind my broom was creating, several minutes passed and I still saw no lights or forms in the distance.

Finally, when my fingers were starting to numb and I really started to freak out, head filled with thoughts of being lost and having to resort to attempting apparition of the outrageously dangerous distance, I caught sight of the boat. The only problem was, was that I was disoriented and couldn't remember my room's location, the darkness not assisting in the dilemma. The solution I came up with was to cast another charm to allow me to remain hidden while in the air, and then drop onto the deck. It all worked well, until that last step...

Opting for the area less likely to be under observation, I headed for the rear of the ship and let myself fall from about ten feet above standing head level. Having prepared my body beforehand, I successfully pulled off the landing, knees having bent to prevent breaks. As I stood fully upright again, I turned to be on my way to find my cabin...only to be met with the wide eyes of a young muggle man.

"What in the hell..." he muttered, "Where did you come from?"

He approached me rapidly, head twisting and eyes darting about as he attempted to decipher the situation. However, in my startle, I paced backward, hitting the railing and tumbling overboard. My body splashed into the freezing water with a stinging smack before dipping beneath the surface. The temperature was shocking and I found great difficulty in reaching the surface...