Chapter 16

Yule Day

Harry woke up feeling heavy the next morning. It was Yule proper, Christmas Day. The window he and Tom transfigured into the wall was still there, and the sun was shining in through it. A pile of presents stood in front of Harry and Tom's beds. He thought, for a moment, of Mrs. Weasley's handknit sweaters, and how he will never get one again. That, along with memories of what happened last night made Harry feel depressed. He couldn't even look at Tom as the other Slytherin wished him a good morning.

"Yeah, good morning," Harry muttered, focusing on his present.

"I see you've given me a present," Tom said good-naturedly. "You really shouldn't have, little snake."

"I've given all my friends a gift," Harry said, forcing himself to look at Tom. "Look about last night—"

"It was exhilarating, wasn't it?" Tom smiled. "I hope you loved every moment like I did." He held up the shoddily wrapped gift and smiled at Harry, opening it carefully. It was a book, and Tom's smile only grew as he read the title. "To Arms: Family Coat of Arms of many a Famous Wizard."

"It's a book, about the old wizarding coat of arms," Harry said softly. "I remembered you wishing you had a book like this."

"Little snake… I love it, thank you so much," Tom smiled. He opened the book immediately and started to read a bit. Harry turned his back to him and focused on his own pile of presents. One good thing, he thought with a sigh, I don't even need to wonder what trash the Dursleys gave me. He grabbed the first gift on the small pile, which was from Abraxas Malfoy. It was beautifully wrapped with an emerald paper that was so beautiful that Harry felt a little guilty opening it. So he did his best to make no rips or tears as he slowly unfolded the wrapping paper, revealing a black box and a card.

Every proper wizard has one outside of school. It is better than keeping it in your ear or pocket. Use it, Peverell. Happy Christmas.

Harry chuckled and opened the box to see a leather bracer. He examined it for a minute before realizing that it's a wand holster. He put it on his arm, smiling when he saw that it fitted his right arm perfectly. He slid his wand into it and practiced flicking it out and into his hand a couple of times. Satisfied that he got the hang of it, Harry turned to his other gifts. The next was small and was from Rosier. The boy sent Harry chocolates, which Harry appreciated. Jasper sent him a new book all about Quidditch that Harry found he already read before he was sent back through time, however, he still felt happy about it. There was an extra small present expertly wrapped next, and Harry took it carefully, examining the tag that was attached to it. To Harry, Love X.

A grin instantly appeared on his face and Harry ripped the paper, revealing a small soft box that was a little fuzzy to the touch. He opened it and gave out a loud gasp. A beautiful ring, pure gold with a large ruby surrounded artistically by topaz. Harry smiled, his heart singing as he held the ring gently admiring it from every point of view before finally slipping it on his left ring finger. He admired it, finding that he couldn't stop smiling.

"You're happy," Tom said.

Harry froze. He turned to see Tom staring at him, his eyes zeroing on his new ring. "Who gave you that?" he asked.

Harry thought of a lie quickly. "An old family friend," he lied. "This ring was my father's. I thought I lost it."

"Ah," Tom nodded. He stepped up and held Harry's hand, looking at the ring. "Birthstones," he said. "I'm guessing your mother and father? Whoever brought this must have had strong feelings for the other."

"Y-Yeah, they loved each other very much," Harry said. He wanted Tom to let go of his hand.

"It's very beautiful," Tom commented. "Did you open my present yet?"

"No, I've only opened a few," Harry said, glancing at his pile.

Not letting go of Harry's hand, Tom pulled Harry to his presents and rooted for his present. "Here we are," Tom said. "Open it." The command sent a shiver down Harry's spine. He took the present; it was wrapped uniformly with no wrinkles or sparkles or anything to make it look nothing but ordinary. Harry unwrapped it and stared at the present. It was a box full of scrolls. Some were about controlling snakes; others were about using Dark Magic and Old Magic. "Tom—"

"Our legacy," Tom purred, "my little snake. These scrolls contain the knowledge of our ancestors, Old Magic lost to Time because of fear. They were a fortune to get, but you are worth it Harry Peverell." Tears fell from Harry's eyes and he felt both gratitude and disgust. Tom kissed his neck and moved away to open the rest of his presents. Harry forced his emotions down, and did his best to appreciate the gift, it will be useful.

He placed the box of scrolls to the side and picked up the next wrapped present, which was from Nott and Avery. They sent him a new pair of dress robes, as well as what they described as "proper pants" for him to wear. While little Orion sent him a book on potions. There was one more present, which caused Harry to stop and count. He already got presents from his friends, and he couldn't for the life of him figure out who this final present was from. He looked over towards Tom, who has already finished opening his presents and was busy studying Harry's book.

This present was beautifully wrapped. The wrapping paper and bright mixture of green and red to give it a more Christmas-like feeling. It was rather long and there was even a bow on top. Harry examined it, there was no label with who it as from, all he could find was his name. Being cautious, he tapped his wand to it, and since there was no explosion or ugly noises, or any noises of any kind except the light thump of his wand going against the gift, Harry figured that it was safe to open.

The first thing he noticed was a letter written in a neat script.

Dear Harry,

I hope that you enjoy both of these gifts. I have chosen them with you specifically in my mind. The mirror inside is a two-way mirror, use it to contact me. I hope that you have thought about my proposal, and I am looking forward to your hopefully positive reply.

Gellert.

P.S. Send Albus my love.

Harry felt an odd shiver go through him as he felt slightly colder. He put the note to the side and looked down to see a beautiful set of robes. It was a deep shade of purple, plain at first but as Harry picked it up, he saw that it shimmered in the light, showing off millions of tiny stars. He tried it on and wasn't surprised to see that it fitted perfectly if a little snug on his chest. The sleeves had just enough room for his arms and wand hoister. He smiled as he looked in a mirror, admiring it for a moment before remembering who gave it to him. However, he couldn't bring himself to take it off. Harry turned towards his bed to see that a hand mirror was sitting at the bottom of the present. Harry picked it up and examined it.

It was much prettier than the old mirror Sirius gave him. It was small and rectangular, with a jeweled frame. There was no handle, so Harry held it carefully as he looked into it, his reflection staring back at him.

"What's that?" Tom asked, suddenly looking over Harry's shoulder.

Harry jumped slightly and dropped the mirror on his bed. Tom moved around him and picked up the mirror himself. "A two-way mirror," he said. "Who has the other one?"

Harry took the mirror back, "I'm not telling, and I will not use it," he said, moving to this trunk and dropping the mirror in it. He turned quickly, his robes flowing behind him, "Let's just go eat breakfast, okay?" he said.

"Of course," Tom smirked. He took his new book and followed Harry down to the Great Hall. With most of the students gone, there was instead just one long table that the professors and students who stayed over holiday stayed at. Harry and Tom moved to sit in the middle of the table and Tom immediately opened the book.

Tom read as he and Harry ate. Which Harry was fine with as he used the time to play with the ring on his hand, smiling gently. "Interesting," Tom said, looking at the book. "The Avery Family crest has two dragonish kelpies, along with the motto, Sanguis Ante Singula. Blood Before the Individual. I'm certain you know what that means." He glanced at Harry.

"Unfortunately," Harry sighed. "But that will change… soon enough," he muttered.

"Oh?" Tom chuckled, "Are you plotting, Peverell? I must say it is a beautiful look on you."

Harry glared at him, "Yes, I am," he said shortly. Tom chuckled and smirked at Harry's attitude, going back to his book. The two finished their breakfast and retreated to the Slytherin common room. They had the room to themselves, being the only Slytherins, and Harry found himself increasingly bored as all Tom did was read.

So instead, Harry found himself wandering the castle listlessly, still wearing the purple robes from Grindelwald. He wasn't paying attention to where he was going and somehow found himself by the seventh floor of Hogwarts. "Mr. Peverell, Happy Christmas," Professor Dumbledore's voice made Harry jumped. "I wonder why you have a long face on such a merry day."

"Oh, sorry Professor," Harry said, looking up at him. "I just don't feel like myself I guess. The castle just seems lonely."

"Lonely? Yes, I can see how one can say that," Dumbledore chuckled. "Hogwarts is always quiet during holidays, it can be slightly disturbing, as well as oddly relaxing depending on your mood."

Harry nodded softly, "It's just, now that my friends are at their homes, I can't help but think about my other friends. One of them, his mother always made me a Weas—a sweater and a whole tin of fudge. It's odd how much I hurt missing that."

Dumbledore sighed, and patted Harry's shoulder, "Would you like to walk with me?" he asked.

"Um sure," Harry nodded. He turned with Dumbledore and walked down the corridor.

"That is a very nice robe, was it a gift?" Dumbledore asked.

"Yeah," Harry nodded. "This is a Christmas gift."

"Well, it is no homemade sweater," Dumbledore said, "however it still is a nice gift. I too like purple; however I prefer a nice shade of lilac." Harry made a soft humming noise. "You seem to be getting along with your fellow Slytherins, at least," he said. "Especially young Riddle."

"I guess so," Harry shrugged.

"I am in fact happy for the fact," Professor Dumbledore said. "In fact, I was wondering if I could ask you to continue being with Riddle. He could use a friend."

Harry stopped for a moment to look at the old man. "Sir?"

"He always was a quiet child," Dumbledore muttered, "too quiet. He surrounded himself with your friends, however, I am not sure if they are actually his friends, or if people he is using. But you, Harry, seem to be different. He seems to have actual respect for you."

"How?"

"You are bringing him out of his shell," Dumbledore said simply. "I wish for you to simply keep doing what you are doing. Even if it's secret trips outside the school," he chuckled.

Harry's cheeks reddened. "You knew about that?"

"Yes, I watched the two of you leave the school grounds actually," Dumbledore said merrily. "You are not in trouble, do not worry, however, I am curious on where the two of you went."

"To see a friend," Harry said.

"Ah," Dumbledore nodded. "But it did not settle your feelings?" he asked.

"No honestly," Harry sighed. "I've settled on living in this time, but still there are times where I just miss everyone I used to know back in my old time." He sighed and shook his head. "Ron, Hermione… even Viktor. It's scary to think about how I'll never see them again."

"That may be, however, I find that the heart works in mysterious ways," Dumbledore said. "You and your friends are connected, both now and in the future. Love, especially the love between friends, affects us all in mysterious ways and can transcend time. At least, that is what I like to think." He added with a small chuckle. "There is one more thing, Harry. As long as you are in Hogwarts, you are never alone."

Harry smiled at this. He looked around the halls as they walked. He thought for a moment before looking at the Transfiguration Teacher. "Sir, if I can ask, how do you know Grindelwald?"

"I was wondering when you would ask that question again," Dumbledore chuckled. They continued towards a stairwell. "Gellert was a handsome boy when we met," he began. "We met after I have graduated Hogwarts. I was a different man back then. Full of ideas with no responsibilities to weigh me down. I had to return home, because of my family. Through sudden and urgent events, I was forced to take care of my sister. It was back there, home when I met him. We two clicked instantly, making plans for how we will lead the Wizarding World. However, as the summer progressed, the strains in our relationship showed itself, until we were forced to duel, and a tragedy that I regret occurred."

"I'm sorry," Harry said softly.

Dumbledore shook his head, "Life is a series of sudden turns and tragic events, but it also holds many, many marvelous moments. It is not our fault Harry, to focus on the darker events. However, if we can move past those, then we can work to better ourselves."

"Are you doing that?" Harry asked. "Moving past Grindelwald?"

Dumbledore was silent. Harry watched him for a moment, "Sir," he stressed.

"It is hard," Dumbledore said. "however I feel I am."

"Then why haven't you confront him?" Harry asked. "You're a powerful wizard, sir. If you fight against Grindelwald, you can end his reign of terror!"

Dumbledore frowned. He looked at Harry, regarding him and his words. "Harry," he said softly. "if I may ask, how would you handle a situation like this? Where a person whom you were close to turned into a Dark Wizard?"

Harry's mind went to Xavier. He's already a death eater, he thought bitterly, or at least an early version of it. As am I. "I don't think I will," Harry answered honestly. "If I love him as I do, I don't think that I would be able to fight him."

Dumbledore smiled softly, "And so you see my predicament," he said sadly. Harry frowned, he really couldn't if he were honest. His and Xavier's love was meant to last. They're is still fresh, in the moment. But Dumbledore and Grindelwald? What happened to them was in the long past. He looked at his professor and decided to stay silent.

"Thank you for talking with me Professor," he said. "If you don't mind, I would like to think by myself for a bit. But um before I go, I actually do have one question."

"Ask away Mr. Peverell," Dumbledore said, "I always find an inquisitive mind is the best state of being to reside in."

"What do you know about Ravenclaw's Diadem?" Harry asked. "It was one of the Founders' artifacts."

"Ah yes," Dumbledore nodded. "The Lost Diadem of Ravenclaw, such a sad tale that is. It was a tiara that was said to grant great wisdom to whoever wore it. Naturally, students have combed the castle looking for it, but all their searching has been fruitless."

"Did you ever look for it?" Harry asked.

"No, I must admit that I never did fall into the frenzy, however, I did learn about its sad tale shortly after I started teaching Transfiguration here at Hogwarts." Dumbledore said, "May I ask why you would like to know?"

"I just want to know more about Hogwarts, and since the Diadem belonged to one of the founders, I wanted to learn a bit more about it," Harry said.

Dumbledore nodded. "Then it would be best for you, Harry, to hear it from one of the two people who were involved in this little story. You should be familiar with one of them, he is your House Ghost after all."

"You mean the Bloody Baron?" Harry asked.

"Yes, but he will be hard to ask," Dumbledore nodded. "I would not be surprised if both he and she wishes that the Diadem never to be found. However, Harry, I must ask if you do get their tale, what will you do? Will you go chase after it and use it for your own means? Use it, perhaps, as a way to figure a method to transport you back to your original time?"

Harry gasped, "I never thought of that actually," he said. "I just wanted to make sure that the future is better than how I left it. I already made one change," he held onto the Locket, "however I just want to make sure."

"Then keep it hidden," Dumbledore said. "What was lost, should stay lost. If it was found in your time, make sure that it stays lost now. It might be hard, doing nothing, but you must not meddle too much with time Harry. Time can be a fickle mistress, and I do not want her to harm you."

"Thank you Professor, but I'll be cautious," Harry said. "I just want to know where it is, I want to make sure that it is safe."

Dumbledore nodded. He patted Harry's shoulder and gave him a soft grandfatherly smile, "You are a good man Harry Potter, a good, kind man."

"Peverell," Harry smiled. "Harry Potter won't be born for a long while, sir. Not until Nineteen-Eighty."

Dumbledore chuckled, "And I am sure he will be just as good and just as kind are you are, Harry Peverell. Now go, I am sure your friend Tom is missing you."

"Thank you, sir," Harry said. He felt honestly better, and as he walked the halls alone they did not seem lonely to him. He felt warm, welcomed, and his smile returned as all pressure slipped off of his shoulders.

When he returned to the Slytherin common room, he still felt cheerful, lounging next to Tom as he watched his friend read the book Harry gave him. "Tom?"

"Yes?"

"Are we friends?" Harry asked suddenly.

Tom looked up from his book and chuckled, "Of course we are Harry, you are the first true friend I ever had. And I wish for us to be more than friends. I truly meant and enjoyed everything we did last night, my little snake. And I am very thankful for your clues. I feel that I am finally starting to understand the real you."

Harry smiled at that; he didn't feel fearful that Tom was figuring out who he was. If Dumbledore was correct, then Tom was changing, and changing for the better. He could see it too, the way Tom's eyes glint with knowledge as he read, the soft smile he held when no one else was looking. The soft tones and looks he gave Harry, and Harry alone. This was the real Tom, a better Tom. Harry was certain of this. This was a Tom that he was scared to let the world know but has allowed Harry to glimpse into this. Harry got up from his chair and moved to Tom's, sitting next to him. "Are you still reading about the Averys?" he asked.

"No, I've reached the Blacks," Tom said. "This really is an interesting and fast read. I've just glanced through the book, and most of the families are there. Including the Gaunts and Peverells."

Harry hummed and found himself leaning towards Tom, drawn to him for some reason. "Read to me?" he asked.

Tom chuckled, "Aren't you a little old to be read to, little snake?"

"Just do it," Harry grumbled. "you're ruining the moment."

Shaking his head, Tom muttered something in Parseltongue and began to read, Harry listening attentively, caught and each and every word.

A/N: So here's a thing. I have up to Chapter 19 written, and 21 planned out. We are only on Chapter 16, and I only planned to be two chapters ahead. So: Uploads will still be every Thursday. HOWEVER if/when I get too far ahead on my chapters written like I am now, I'll be uploading also every Sunday. That good with everyone? That said Thank you for reading and PLEASE review!