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July 1939
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In late July, Septimus finally sends them with an invitation to his house.
Sorry for all the delays, he writes. One of my brother's got engaged and mum's been going nutters over all the planning because they want a summer wedding.
Both of Septimus' parents work full-time jobs, meaning that Septimus and Nathaniel usually have an entire house to themselves. Harry had wondered if the Weasley parents had been reluctant to host a bunch of young children, but now a date has been set, and so Harry and Tom have something to look forward to. Harry writes Annalise to see if she and Adelaide are going to be able to come, but he doesn't get a response all week.
"Should we be worried?" Harry asks Tom.
Tom's in the middle of finishing his Charms essay on the Switching Spell. "I shouldn't think so. If they can't come it'll be a shame, but there's nothing we can do about that right now."
The bluntness of the remark makes Harry frown. Ever since mid-March, Harry's had the feeling that something is wrong. Septimus had made a few comments on the strangeness of the twins' relationship with their parents, but Annalise and Adelaide only ever act as though they've had an over-protective, traditional-type upbringing. So Harry isn't quite sure what to believe, though his gut tells him nothing good is happening at the Greengrass household.
Still, he tries to put it out of his mind. He works on his Charms essay with Tom. He spends his free time daydreaming about Quidditch next year on the Gryffindor team, about soaring through the air on a broomstick, the world far below. It's a good way to crowd out the nightmares, though Harry finds himself rubbing absently at his scar more often, as though he's subconsciously trying to push the nightmares out of his brain.
Tom's also been nicking things again. Not a lot, and certainly nothing too noticable, but there are two new toy soldiers on their window sill and a few extras pennies in their pouch. No complaints have been lodged, but Harry knows better than to think these things have just turned up. He's been telling Tom to stop and it seems to have worked, though Tom doesn't actually acknowledge having done anything. Harry suspects that Tom knows he's treading a fine line; if his behaviour crosses that line, then Harry will have to resort to threats.
Whatever small satisfaction Tom gets from the little power plays at Wool's, it isn't going to be enough no matter what, not until they go back to Hogwarts. Harry hopes that their trip to the Weasley's will help alleviate some of the dark feelings that Tom is going through, because he's not sure Wool's will survive the rest of summer in one piece if it doesn't.
Eventually the Greengrass owl arrives. It's only a few days before they're supposed to meet at Septimus' house, which is also worrisome. The letter is addressed to both Harry and Tom, but the handwriting belongs to Adelaide, not Annalise.
The letter only contains a single line: We will be coming.
Tom looks at the letter over Harry's shoulder. His lip curls as his eyes fall upon the page.
"This is good, right?" asks Harry.
Tom shrugs. "It's better than nothing. I wonder how she managed it." And then Tom goes back over to the desk, where he's been working on something or another.
Harry flattens the letter out across his lap and adds it to the pile he's been collecting. Letters from Septimus and Annalise, and now a letter from Adelaide. It's nice to know their friends are thinking of them. His and Tom's ostracization at Wool's now bothers Harry more than it used to. Before, when it had been just him and Tom, it was comfortable and familiar. But now that Harry's horizons have expanded, now that he knows what it's like to be in a school full of friendly faces, Harry finds he misses the cheerful atmosphere of the Gryffindor Common Room.
Though Harry has been hinting at a return to Diagon Alley, Tom seems stubbornly determined to stew in his bad mood. They don't go outside as much as they had last summer, but Harry does his best to drag Tom out for some fresh air and sunshine every so often. Most of the time Tom caves and agrees, but a lot of July is spent lounging around in their room with Tom reading, writing, or practicing wandless magic while Harry tries to keep himself busy.
"Come on," Harry says one morning, yanking their curtains open. "Let's wander London today."
Tom scowls into the bright summer sunlight, rubbing at his eyes with the knuckles of his right hand. But he sits up anyways, frowning as he looks at Harry.
"It's too hot outside."
"Then we can go sit under some trees," Harry amends. "But the weather is nice, Tom. We should go enjoy it."
"We'll enjoy it when we go and see Septimus."
Harry goes over and tugs on Tom's arm until Tom swivels and puts both feet on the floor.
"Menace," says Tom, pulling his socks and shoes on, and Harry smiles.
They get dressed and walk to a nearby park. Tom kicks at all the loose pebbles he sees along the way. Harry thinks that he's been pretty patient with Tom's moodiness, but the constant negativity is starting to get to him.
"Tell me about the future again," Harry says, because it's something that usually gets Tom excited. "Our future."
Tom glances over at him. "This year? Or after Hogwarts."
"Whichever."
"I've been reading more about the past Ministers for Magic," Tom begins. "Nearly all of them were purebloods or half-bloods. So I want to go back to researching my heritage this year, to see if I can find out who my parents were. Adelaide's offered to help look through her family archives to see if there are any Riddles in her family tree. Since most of the major families are related, if I'm from an existing line, she'll likely be able to find it."
This is news to Harry. Though Harry had noticed the two of them talking more, he'd just assumed that Tom was warming up to Adelaide the way he had to their other friends. While it does make sense that Tom would have wanted to ask for a pureblood's help in searching for his family, Harry wonders if Tom had chosen Adelaide over Annalise because of his brief fallout with Annalise before the winter holidays.
"And if she can't find anything, will we have to look for more books?" asks Harry. "Or maybe see if Septimus' family knows anything?"
"I had considered going to ask Professor Slughorn," Tom says. "I'm sure someone as well-connected as he is will be able to find answers. But I'd like to avoid it if possible; I don't trust him to keep the knowledge to himself."
"What will you do when you do find your family?" Harry is unsure if he wants the answer, because he has forgone, for the time being, seeking out the Potters.
Tom turns a critical eye on Harry. "It will depend on who they are. I wouldn't agree to anything that could potentially separate us, you know that."
Harry allows himself to relax. "Of course, Tom. I know that." He does know that, but hearing the confirmation is still reassuring. Though Harry supposes that if Tom did decide to go with the Riddles, then he would be free to go seek the Potters. That would make it fair. Because if Harry was to leave now, Tom would be left with no one. But if Tom had a family too, then it would make more sense.
Still, the notion of leaving Tom doesn't quite sit right in Harry's gut. Being around Tom is familiar and comforting. Harry can't imagine waking from his nightmares in a strange room without Tom there to reassure him.
Tom and Harry are to meet Septimus and his older brother Atticus at the Leaky Cauldron, where they will all Floo together to the Weasley house. Evidently Atticus is there to supervise, because using the Floo system is tricky, meaning one misstep can send you off to a completely different location. As it is a weekday, the Weasley parents will not be home, but as Atticus is somewhere in his early thirties, Harry figures he must count as proper supervision.
Admittedly, Harry is a bit scared of what using the Floo will be like. Tom had said it was safe, but Harry feels like travel-by-fire is just asking for trouble.
Harry and Tom pack their wands and some of their school things, then set off through London. By now the path to the Leaky Cauldron is one that Harry recognizes easily. If he had to, he could find his way on his own.
When they arrive at the Leaky, it doesn't take long for Harry to spot Septimus and his brother. Septimus is wearing a plain pair of tan, wide-leg trousers and a navy blue shirt. He waves and smiles as they approach him.
Atticus is taller than Harry had expected; he towers over both Harry and Tom as he shakes their hands. He has long hair pulled back into a loose tail, and his shirtsleeves are rolled up past the elbow, exposing defined forearms. He looks mostly like an older version of Septimus, though his eyes are hazel and he has less freckles.
"Septimus says you've never used the Floo before?" Atticus asks them.
Harry shakes his head, but Tom says, "I've read about it."
"Bookworm, right?" Atticus smiles. "Septimus told me about the study guide you lot put together. He said it was your idea."
Tom shrugs, but he seems pleased.
Atticus then proceeds to explain to them how to use the Floo. Harry listens attentively and watches as Septimus steps inside, tossing his handful of powder upon the ground as he calls out the location of the Weasley home in Chudleigh.
"Who's next?" Atticus asks, once Septimus has vanished in a burst of green flames.
Harry eyes the fireplace, a sick feeling of apprehension building inside of him. He's not sure what unsettles him more, the idea of being enclosed in the fireplace, or being set alight in order to travel through it. It's too reminiscent of his previous orphanage. The green fire of the Floo also reminds Harry of the lights in his nightmares, though he's not sure how that can be since he's never seen a Floo in action until today.
As Harry continues to stare, he feels Tom's hand touch the small of his back—a fleeting gesture that helps calm him.
"I don't suppose Harry and I could go together?" Tom asks.
Atticus hesitates, his eyes flickering from Harry to Tom. "No, Floo travel is one person at a time, unfortunately. I had thought it would be good for you boys to learn how to use it, since Septimus tells me you're from a Muggle area. But," he adds, scrubbing a hand over his jaw, "I can Apparate you both, if you like. Then you don't need to use the Floo at all."
"No," says Harry. "I can do it." He shakes his arms out a bit, then holds his hand out for the Floo powder.
Atticus holds the pouch out, and Harry grabs a decent handful of the stuff. Then he clambers into the fireplace before he can lose his nerve.
Tom is watching him, a crease developing between his brows. He's likely worried. "Go on," Tom says, gesturing. "You can do it."
Harry takes a deep breath. Then he tosses the powder to the ground, calling out his location, and the Floo consumes him.
When Harry lands, he is immediately consumed by a fit of painful coughs. It hasn't happened to him in a while, since he usually avoids areas with lots of smoke or dust, but in his anxiousness over the Floo, Harry had forgotten that travel by fireplace was likely to involve lots of soot.
Someone pulls him out of the Floo, their hands gentle on his arms. Harry coughs and coughs as the person pats him on the back. His eyes are all watery and it's hard to see.
"I can get you some water, Harry." It's Septimus' voice, and Harry then realizes that Septimus is also the one holding onto his arm and rubbing at his back. "You alright?"
Harry pulls his glasses off so he can rub at his eyes. "Y-yeah," he croaks. "It's just the soot." Then his glasses are pulled out of his hand, which Harry allows because he's still a bit disoriented.
The fireplace behind them roars to life. Harry knows it must be Tom, and this is confirmed when Tom's voice, consumed with worry, says his name. "Harry?"
And then Septimus is moving away, Tom taking his place.
"I'll get some water," Septimus repeats. Harry hears his footsteps retreating.
Tom places a careful hand on Harry's shoulder. "I forgot about the soot, Harry. I should have been thinking ahead."
"It's fine," Harry says, breathing the words out one at a time. "I'm okay, Tom." Then he feels his glasses being pushed back into his hands. He puts them on, and then Tom's face comes into focus. The lenses are clean, Harry notes belatedly.
"You sound terrible."
Harry tries to smile, but he ends up coughing again instead. Tom rubs a slow circle on his back.
Then there is a loud crack as Atticus appears in the living room. "Sorry about that," Atticus starts. "I ran into somebody—" His eyes fall upon Harry and Tom, his brows rising.
Harry realizes that he's kneeling awkwardly on the floor with Tom crouched down next to him.
"Asthma?" Atticus asks, sympathetic. He strides over and helps pull Harry to his feet. "If you like, I can cast a spell to help with the breathing. Only if you give me permission, of course."
Harry nods, not trusting his voice. He's not sure how to explain that his troubles stem from having nearly burned to death in an orphanage, and so he's thankful for the excuse.
Atticus retrieves his wand, which is a warm brown colour. He places the tip against Harry's chest, and then everything glows white for a brief moment as contact is made. Harry feels the tightness inside of him lessen up almost immediately. Taking an experimental inhale through his nose, Harry sucks in some air and lets it out slowly.
"I suppose being raised in a Muggle household means you've never gotten a proper check up," Atticus continues. He makes another motion with his wand, sweeping it across Harry's chest. "Usually the mild things that get to Muggles fade away as you get older, mostly because your magic makes you more resistant."
Tom, who has been watching the procedure with interest, looks thoughtful. "Can you give Harry a check up? Fix his lungs up, or whatever the issue is."
"I can," Atticus says. "It may take a while, however."
Septimus comes back into the room, glass of water in hand. "I don't mind waiting. The girls aren't even here yet," he says, holding out the glass to Harry.
"Thanks, Septimus," Harry says, grateful. There are some ice cubes floating in the glass, making it cool to the touch.
"Drink slowly," Tom commands. His hand remains touching against Harry's left shoulder blade.
Harry takes a slow sip, allowing the cool liquid to trickle down his throat. "I'm okay," he says. They're supposed to have fun today, and Harry's just messed it all up. Atticus probably has to deal with enough patients when he's at work; he doesn't need Harry to become one of them.
"Maybe during your next visit, then," Atticus says, after a pause. "I can set aside some time. Septimus will let you know when I'm available, and then we'll see about getting it done. And we'll be sure to Apparate next time!"
"That works," Tom says. Then he nudges Harry, adding, "Finish the water."
Harry has just lifted his drink up to his lips when the Floo roars to life once again, a vibrant explosion of bright green fire that reveals one of the Greengrass sisters. As Harry's eyes readjust from the sudden glare, he recognizes the prim and proper form of Adelaide.
"Hello," Adelaide says, stepping out into the room and brushing the soot from her lavender jumpsuit. She surveys the room before her gaze lands on Tom, whose face is inscrutable.
It is only then that Harry thinks to look at their surroundings. They're gathered in a cozy yet spacious living room full of warm-toned furniture. There are multiple photographs of the various Weasleys hung up above the fireplace. Harry watches as all of the photographs move, most of the people in them waving at him.
"Welcome," Atticus says to Adelaide. With a wave of his wand, all of the soot vanishes off of her. "Why don't you all have a seat? I can go fetch everyone some drinks."
Looking down at himself, Harry notes that he, too, is clean. Magic is a strange thing.
Septimus has his hands stuffed into his pockets. "We can sit on the sofa," he says. "Until Annalise gets here."
The sofa is an enormous, squashy thing with about ten cushions on it, each of them bearing a slightly-different, golden paisley pattern. Tom grasps Harry by the elbow and guides him to sit down.
Adelaide is still standing just in front of the fireplace, her hands clasped together. For a moment Harry thinks she looks upset, but then her expression smooths over as she makes her way over to sit next to Tom.
"What do you all want to drink?" Atticus asks. "We've got apple juice, orange juice, or milk. Or water."
"Apple juice, please," Adelaide says.
"Just water is fine," Tom adds on. "Thank you."
Atticus turns to his brother. "Septimus?"
Septimus shakes his head. "I'm alright, thanks."
So Atticus leaves the room, meaning the four of them are alone at last.
Harry takes a sip of his water, wondering if he ought to try and make some conversation. The atmosphere of the room is oddly tense and the Floo is silent. Any moment now, the fireplace will be filled with green fire.
Clearing his throat, Septimus moves to sit next to Harry. The silence goes on for a few more seconds, with no one daring to twitch.
Finally, Adelaide speaks, dropping her eyes to her lap. "She's not coming." Her fingers flex over her knees, her lips screwed up into a deep frown. "It's just me."
"What?" Septimus blurts, then his face pales slightly, as if he's realized his blunder. "I mean, what happened, Adelaide? Annalise isn't coming?"
"It mean she's not coming, Weasley," Adelaide snaps. Her shoulders twist so that she's facing Tom. She adds, voice strained, "We won't see her until the start of term."
It is then that Atticus bustles back into the living room, a tray of drinks hovering next to him. He seems surprised to see them all looking so downcast. "What's the matter?" he asks, levitating the tray down onto the coffee table in front of them.
"Annalise can't come," Adelaide says, like she's reciting lines. "Something came up."
"Oh." Atticus squints at the four of them, and Harry resists the urge to squirm under the scrutiny. "That's too bad, then. Next time, perhaps."
"Perhaps," Adelaide echoes, and Harry thinks he can hear the underlying heaviness in her tone.
A/N:
feel compelled to reassure everyone that what tom has told harry about his talk with adelaide isn't the full story :) it'll be more dramatic than something as simple as that
next chapter will continue the visit to the weasley house!
also considering there's a good number of you subscribed (aka people with accounts) you all kind of suck at reviewing :/ anyways thanks to the two guests on the last two chapters, cheers to y'all for being real ones