Chapter 17

Grim Reality

It was easy for Harry to find the Bloody Baron. The Ghost of Slytherin loved to frequent the Astrology Tower, according to Nearly Headless Nick. The break was almost over, and Harry wanted to at least hear the ghost's tale and decide what to do before he is reunited with Xavier. After all, Harry could barely imagine the reward Xavier will have if he has one of the Founders' items. What will happen if he has found two during the break!? So late at night, Harry made his way to the Tower under the safety of his Invisibility Cloak.

The ghost was very pale and slightly transparent. He had wide, slanting black eyes and a gaunt face. His clothes were old and were covered in silver bloodstains with heavy chains dragging along. As expected, he was groaning and clanking when Harry entered the tower. "Excuse me," he said, pulling off his cloak. "Bloody Baron? I need to speak to you."

The ghost turned around and stared at Harry, his eyes falling on the Slytherin emblem on his robes. "What is it?" he demanded.

"I need you to tell me about Ravenclaw's Diadem," Harry said.

The ghost laughed roughly. "Me? Why me?"

"Professor Dumbledore told me to ask you," Harry said, stepping forward. "I want to learn more about the Diadem, and he pointed me your way so please tell me. There are two ghosts in here involved with the tiara and I only know you."

"No, I will not," the ghost said, "It should stay hidden!"

"Then I'll keep it hidden," Harry insisted. "Tell me, please, if you don't, then I cannot keep it safe—"

"It is safe where it is!" The Bloody Baron yelled, "Safe and lost where it should be! Why can you not keep it at that?" He turned and floated away, his chains dragging behind him noisily. Harry stared at the chains.

"Why do you have them?" he asked, "the chains."

"Penance."

"For what?" Harry asked,

"What do you think?" the Bloody Baron sneered. Harry thought for a moment, "You killed someone," he said. "You killed someone and that's why you carry the chains—does this have anything to do with the Diadem?"

"NO! I told you to keep it hidden!" The Bloody Baron yelled. "That secret is left forgotten between me and Helena—"

"Helena? Who's Helena?" Harry asked. "She must be connected to the Diadem, correct?"

The Bloody Baron panicked, Harry could see the anger in his black eyes as his body shook, the chains vibrating violently. "I'm right, aren't I?" Harry asked. "The diadem and this Helena are connected, along with you. This tiara connects the two of you in more ways than one—"

"Silence!" The Bloody Baron roared. One of his chains flew in the air and whipped towards Harry. Harry stood still and winced as he felt the deathly coldness of the ghostly chain phase through him. The Bloody Baron gave out a loud, sorrowful wail and turned. "Just leave me be!" he said.

"I will," Harry said softly, "as soon as you told me about Helena and the Diadem. How is Helena related to Ravenclaw?" The ghost stopped. "I'm right, aren't I?" Harry said, "They're related, Helena and Ravenclaw."

"She was her daughter," The Bloody Baron said. "Now leave me be!"

"Helena Ravenclaw," Harry whispered, he thought for a moment. "Your penance is for killing Helena Ravenclaw—"

"DON'T YOU DARE SPEAK HER NAME AND MY ACTIONS!" The ghost roared, more of his chains whipping through Harry. Harry could see the rage clearly in the ghost's black eyes. A rage that was quickly replaced by a pang of deep sadness and remorse as he turned. "My sweet lady, my sweet Helena, won't you please forgive me?" he whispered.

Harry thought and thought, staring at the Bloody Baron. He decided to take a leap. "I have one more question. Is Helena… the Grey Lady?" The Bloody Baron did not deny, but he did not exactly agree, instead he froze for one more time before giving out a loud, painful wail. She is Harry thought.

"Thank you, I'll uh leave you to it," Harry said, and he left the Astronomy Tower, now with a new goal. He thought to visit the library, though it was closed, hoping that the ghost was there. Luckily, the librarian whose name always escaped Harry's mind wasn't there, and he was free to roam.

He found her sitting beautifully in the moonlight, reading over a large book and taking notes. Harry approached her cautiously, his cloak off so that he didn't surprise her. The Grey Lady looked up silently, stared at Harry for a long moment, and then looked back down at her book. Harry slipped into the chair opposite her and debated for a moment before saying, "Hello."

She was silent.

"I know who you are, Helena Ravenclaw. I don't want to mess with you or threaten you, I just want to keep the diadem safe. Did anyone come to you asking about it—"

"You are not the first to come to me about the Diadem," the Grey Lady said. "Generations of Students have badgered me—"

"This isn't about getting higher marks," Harry said, "this is about keeping the diadem safe—someone will find it and bastardize the item, turning it into something awful, I know it! Please, someone is after the founders' items. I have Slytherin's Locket and Hufflepuff's Cup safe and locked away" –Harry pulled out his locket— "I just need to know that it is safe, that the Diadem is safe."

"It is lost, and it shall stay that way. Now please, I would like to continue my reading," The Grey Lady said.

Harry frowned, holding his locket. "The Bloody Baron loved you, didn't he?" he asked. "He wails and cries every time I even mentioned you. He says that his chains are for penance for killing you."

"They are! And he deserves it," The Grey Lady said. "My mother sent him to me, to find me after I ran away. She sent the man who longed love me, though I spurned his advances, to find me. She knew that he would not rest until I was found."

"You ran away," Harry repeated. "Why?"

"Because I was envious."

"Of your classmates?" Harry asked.

"No, of my own mother," the Grey Lady said. Harry nodded understandingly. "I can feel that," he sighed. "Envious of someone else's achievements, feeling great importance onto you, not because of what you did but because of who you are. I know exactly how you felt." He pulled out his second necklace, staring at the crystals. Their light caught the Grey Lady's eyes.

"I know what they are," she whispered. She looked at Harry, "Boy, what is your name?"

"Harry Peverell," Harry answered.

"Were you always Peverell? Or someone else?" she asked, pointing an elegant finger towards his necklace. "I know what that is. Residual from Time Magic."

"Potter," Harry confessed. "My name is Harry Potter."

"And when were you from?"

"Fifty years from now," Harry answered, figuring that being truthful would be the best course of action.

"You are asking where my mother's Diadem is, because fifty years from now it was found, was it not? And turned into something awful, you said," Helena Ravenclaw said.

"Yes," Harry nodded. "A Horcrux. Do you know—"

"I know what a Horcrux is, Harry Potter," Helena said. "You do not spend nearly a thousand years in this library, and still be ignorant of magic's darkest secrets. Nobody has asked me this much of where my mother's diadem is, and nobody will find it, for it is far from here."

"However it was still found," Harry said. "If I know where it is, I can keep it safe."

"Will you bring it to Hogwarts? Bring it back within students' grasps for it to be misused and coveted?" The Grey Lady asked.

"No," Harry said after a long moment. "I will not."

"I will remember this," the Grey Lady said. She was silent for a moment before looking at Harry. "As you said, when I lived, I was Helena Ravenclaw. I stole the Diadem. I sought to make myself cleaver, more important than my mother. I ran away with it. My mother, they say, never admitted that the diadem was gone, but pretended that she still had it. She concealed her loss, my dreadful betrayal, even from the other founders of Hogwarts. Then my mother fell ill — fatally ill. In spite of my perfidy, she was desperate to see me one more time. She sent a man who had long loved me, though I spurned his advances, to find me. She knew that he would not rest until he had done so."

"The Bloody Baron," Harry said.

"Yes," the Grey Lady nodded. "I ran to a forest in Albania, where I hid the diadem in a tree. He tracked me there. When I refused to come back, he became violent. The baron was always hot-headed. Furious at my refusal, jealous of my freedom, he stabbed me. When he saw what he has done, he was overcame with remorse. He took the weapon that claimed my life and used it to kill himself. All these centuries later, he wears his chains as an act of penance… as he should!"

"It's in a random tree in Albania," Harry said, relaxing a little.

"Yes, and now what will you do? Will you go and spend your life searching in the country looking for one tree among millions?" The Grey Lady asked.

Harry thought for a long moment, it would be better, he figured, if the diadem stayed lost in that forest and that the Grey Lady would be warned so that nobody would get the story from her. "I'll keep it there," he said. "It is safer in a random tree than anywhere I can think of. Just, will you promise never to speak this story again? To anyone?"

"Besides the headmasters and Dumbledore, you are the first and only student whom I have told about my secret," The Grey Lady said.

"Then let's keep it at that," Harry said. He stood up and told her goodnight. He walked away, confident in the diadem's safety, and that it'll never turn into a Horcrux.

Harry couldn't wait to kiss Xavier again. His hair was longer now, barely reaching his shoulders, and he found that it was surprisingly easy to take care of with the right spells. His Human Transfiguration improved as well, although he wasn't really ready to show Xavier the results. The rest of the break flew by, and on the day students returned, Harry was practically buzzing with excitement. He actually beat Tom to the Great Hall during dinner, when the others were supposed to arrive, and waited with his eyes on the door.

The doors opened and Harry craned his neck, smiling widely when he saw Xavier walking with the others. He made sure to look as casual as he could, however, he didn't weaken his smile when the boys were near enough. "Jasper! Xavier, how were your holidays?" He asked, the group taking their normal seats. Harry had his ring on full display and he subtly flashed it towards Xavier, smiling as he did so as he nodded along with what Jasper said. Xavier looked different, in Harry's eyes. He looked more stressed, although something was wrong, however as their eyes met, Xavier offered a small smile and nod.

"My break was as boring as expected," he said smoothly. "Mother and Father boring me about the future. I would honestly have rather stayed here with you two, Harry, Riddle."

"Then you would have done nothing but research," Tom drawled. "However, just know that both of us are near our goal. I can feel it." Harry nodded in agreement.

"Either way, I'm happy that you're back," he said, "all of you," he added as an afterthought.

"Yes, the thought of being drowned in your… gaiety is always a pleasure," Abraxas Malfoy drawled. Harry didn't even felt annoyed at Malfoy's snark, instead just smiling sweetly at him. He lost himself in conversations as he listened very attentively to everyone's stories of what they did over break. Apparently, Malfoy had a ball during Yule that they all went to and danced. Orion smiled as he said, "I danced with Walburga! It was very fun—and our parents are forming a marriage contract!"

"I am so sorry for you," Tom drawled.

"His little cousin Alphard hated it," Abraxas Malfoy said, "He's a second-year here, Harry, I'm not sure if you've met him. The brat hates his older sister, Walburga."

"I don't blame him," Jasper said, looking around. "I mean, no offense Orion but your cousin can be a little forceful at times."

"Well—it doesn't matter what you guys think," the fifth year said. "She will be an integral part of keeping the Black history and blood strong! And I know our sons will help you in any way they can, my lord!" he said, looking at Tom.

Harry frowned, his thoughts turning to Sirius, and shook his head. Instead, he turned to Xavier and asked, "Was it fun? The dance?"

"Mulciber? Enjoying a dance?" Rosier snorted, "As if. He stood to the side with a sour expression."

"Like I said," Xavier said, "My break was as boring as expected. Harry, have you done what you meant to do during the break?" Their eyes met and Harry nodded. "I would like to see it," Xavier said. "I'm not hungry, anyway."

"Okay," Harry nodded. The two stood up and made to leave, but Malfoy stopped him. "What is all this?" he demanded.

"Mulciber, under my command, has been teaching Harry of our ways," Tom drawled. "Harry simply had homework." He turned to Harry and Xavier, "Go."

They left and held hands when the hallways were empty. Once again they found themselves kissing in the Room of Requirement. "God I missed you, Master," Harry breathed as Xavier attacked his neck, kissing and biting with a ferocity that Harry has never felt before. The smaller boy loved every moment as Xavier assaulted his neck, practically ripping off his clothes until the boy was naked except for his jewelry.

"Look at you," Xavier growled out, "all dolled up like a good wife, do you like my present Harry?"

"Yes," Harry breathed out as Xavier started kissing and sucking at his nipples. "I love your gift," he moaned. They made love for what felt like hours. Harry never felt so sore and full before, his body humming in a pleasant pain, his neck filled with bites and love marks, and his chest and ass equally as red. Xavier made love to him like a man enjoyed his last meal. Harry was happy for the moment when they cuddled afterward like always, but Xavier never stayed in bed. He stood up, dressed, and left without a word.

Harry felt used, humiliated. A lump grew in his throat as his body trembled, wanting to cry. But he didn't. He pushed it down. Xavier was tired, he told himself. He was tired from the long trip, and he just wants to go to bed.

Except he didn't.

Xavier Mulciber stayed up with them the rest of the night, looking as energetic as ever, smiling and laughing with everyone else until the small hours of the morning when they all begrudgingly went to bed. He wanted to stay up with his friends, Harry thought. He was tired and forced himself to stay up. After a night's rest, he'll be back to normal. We'll be kissing and cuddling again like always.

However, when they kissed Xavier's lips felt distant. His eyes never fully met Harry's. Their sex turned aggressive, and there was never any aftercare. Xavier's replies started to become shorter, his tone shifting slightly, not noticeable to everyone but Harry. The knot in Harry's stomach grew and grew over the week. He didn't eat, and when he did, the food never last. He found himself crying often whenever he was alone. He held onto the locket more tightly at night. He always made a point to show Xavier he was still wearing the ring. The week back was torturous, but he did not know why.

It was Sunday now. The group was in the common room, finishing up last-minute homework for tomorrow. Harry was sitting between Tom and Avery, the three of them working on a difficult Potions essay. Harry looked up when Xavier sighed saying, "I can't do this." He stood up and stretched, "Harry, can we talk?"

"Yeah," Harry nodded. He placed his quill down on the table, Tom immediately snatching it to put it away correctly, as Harry stood up and walked with Xavier. They went to an empty corner of the common room. Smiling, Harry asked, "What's up?"

"We're done," Xavier said simply. "We're not going to kiss or fuck anymore. I've received and accepted a marriage proposal. She's a sweet girl, pureblood, and we're marrying as soon as I graduate."

Harry blanked. "Wh—what?" he said, "No, no you can't be serious. We can't—you can't—"

"It was fun, but I need to stop this," Xavier said, his voice cold and unfeeling.

"No, no I won't let you," Harry said, his happiness shattering as he felt his heart pierced by a dagger. "No—we had plans to—"

"My parents were sent a concerning letter," Xavier said. "I denied everything and accepted a proposal."

"Marriage—but," Harry's brain refused to work. "I thought… name… what's her name?"

"She's in my year, Tremblay. Her name is Leonie Tremblay, she is a very sweet and nice girl, I am sure that you two will be good friends—"

"But, but my ring," Harry insisted. "What did my ring mean to you?"

"Was a gift to remember our good times," Xavier said. He sighed, shaking his head as his voice turned colder, "Look Peverell, you know what you were getting into. It's not my fault that things like this happened. We both knew that we would have to marry women one day. Besides, you said it yourself that this was all just for fun so why bother getting upset over it?"

"We said I love you," Harry said, the knot loosening. "You said you loved me!"

"Yeah well, we were in the moment and you were really good at sex," Xavier shrugged. "This doesn't mean we can't be friends."

"Friends? You want to be friends?" Harry asked, giving a shaking laugh. "No. No! Fuck you," Harry snarled. "Fuck you!" He roughly pulled his ring off his finger and threw it at Mulciber. "Fuck you! I am not your whore! Don't you fucking treat me like I was nothing but a whore for you! I fucking loved you, wanted to be with you—fucking turn into a fucking woman for you all for fucking you! I grew out my hair, I learned how to transfigure breasts! Fucking breasts! And this is how you react? That I was fun? That I was just a good time? Fuck you Xavier Mulciber, I never want to see you ever again!" Harry swung his fist, punching Mulciber in the face before running to his dormitory, openly crying.

Tom was to his feet immediately, his wand pointed at Mulciber as they both ran towards the stairs. "I think it would be wise if you made yourself scarce, Mulciber," Tom threatened before turning to chase after Harry.

Tom found Harry sobbing as he knelt over his open trunk. He was rummaging through it, pulling out a piece of paper, his Invisibility Cloak, and finally the two-way mirror. Tom closed the distance between them and knelt down circling his arms around Harry.

"No—get off Xavier—" Harry struggled.

"I am not that man," Tom said. Harry froze and allowed Tom to hold him tightly. "Everything will be okay," he said. "What happened?"

"I don't want to be here," Harry said. "I want to be way—far away. I never, I feel so awful, such a fucking idiot."

"You are no idiot Harry," Tom said. "You're just a lovesick fool who fell in love with a brute."

"I loved him," Harry cried, "Tom I loved him so much it hurts."

"And it is his lost for losing you," Tom said sweetly. "Little snake, come here," He pulled Harry to his chest, working so that both were standing.

"I can't be here," Harry said. "There's too much like him—too much that reminds me of him."

"Then let me take you away," Tom said. "Hold onto me, and I will ferry you away to a place that nobody will find you, a place where we can be alone, and you can cry and cry and only I will hold you and listen fully to your melancholy." In his moment of weakness, Harry nodded. He didn't question on why Tom knew about what happened, he just supposed that he was loud.

"Please," Harry said, "take me away. I can't be weak in front of them—in front of him."

"Give me your cloak, boy," Tom ordered. Harry felt an odd sense of relief as the commanding tone, giving Tom his cloak as the taller teen held Harry against him, the piece of paper and mirror stuck between. Tom threw the cloak over them and looked down. "What are those?" he asked.

"A map," Harry said, pushing down the tears long enough to open the parchment and press his wand against it. "I solemnly swear I'm up to no good," Hogwarts revealed itself and Tom marveled at it. He wanted to ask more about it but decided against it. Harry was more important. He took the map from Harry, holding it with one hand as he kept his other around the boy, pulling him tighter against him. "Do not talk," he commanded.

Harry nodded and walked with Tom. Mulciber was not with the others in the common room. Instead, according to the map, he was alone roaming the hallways. It was easy getting out of the common room, and Harry let Tom guide him as he thought that Riddle was bringing him towards the seventh floor for the Room of Requirement.

However, as they climbed the marble staircase, Tom stopped on the second floor and walked down the corridor. They arrived at the girl's bathroom and slipped in. The room was empty, and for a moment Harry thought it was odd without Moaning Myrtle's constant presence, but he was happier without it.

Standing in front of a sink, Tom hissed out, "Open your stairway."

The sinks rumbled and sank to the floor, revealing not a giant pipe that Harry remembered, but a lit stairway that led straight down. They started walking, Tom pulling the cloak off of them and holding it as behind them, the sinks rose again.

They were quiet as they walked, Harry crying silently to himself as Tom held him. He knew where they were going and didn't ask any questions. They entered the main hall of the Chamber of Secrets, the long pillars with snakes carved into them staring at the two as they walked towards the giant statue of Salazar Slytherin. They stood at the end of the pathway, at the feet of the statue, where Tom hissed out "Home."

A door appeared between the feet, a pathway rising from the pool that surrounded the statue towards it. Tom pulled Harry into this new part of the Chamber of Secrets. It was a comfortable study, with a roaring fire and sofa close to it. A desk was opposite the fireplace, surrounded by bookcases. The room was decorated in Slytherin colors of green and silver. "Welcome to the Chamber of Secrets, my little snake," Tom said soothingly.

He led Harry to the sofa, and they both sat down. A blanket was immediately summoned, large enough to cover both of them. "Take your time, and please tell me what happened," Tom said.

Harry sniffled and nodded. "Xavier was my heart. I loved him more than I loved anyone before, and he destroyed it."

A/N: Raise your hand if you saw this happening.

XNyanko: Well, it seems that Harry is feeling a mixture of anger, misery, and confusion and so Tom will definitely take some advantage to get his little snake.

KiaraWangWilliams: Hope you've enjoyed this as well!