Chapter 10

Dream and Desire

There was a knock on the door, and it opened slowly to reveal a scared-looking secretary. "Madame Time… your siblings are here," she announced.

Time looked up from her desk, she was too busy watching that blond boy and the redheaded guy making out and gave a sly smile. "Excellent! Bring them in!" she ordered. The secretary flinched and the door closed with a loud slam before opening a second later, two people strolling in. The first was a very beautiful person with caramel skin and yellow eyes, their body was androgynous, giving no reveal to their gender and they had an impish smile and pointed ears. Their hair was short and a loud orange and they barely wore clothing, instead, a complex series of bracelets and jewelry had cloth attached, covering their flat chest and lower regions while seductively revealing teasing glimpses of everything else. They were holding hands with a boy who looked no older than twelve. His eyes were closed, and he had a peaceful expression on their face, his black hair short and a little ruffled. He was wearing pure black pajamas with the cosmos swirling around.

"Desire! Dream! So good to see you two," Time said, standing from her desk. She held her arms open and walked around her desk to hug the two. Desire gave her a strong hug, their bangles clicking softly as they gave a little squeal.

"Time! It's been so long darling! How have you been?" they asked.

"Bored," Time complained. She got to her knee to ruffle Dream's hair. "And how are you, little brother?"

"Annoyed that you have called me here for something obviously selfish," Dream spoke without opening his mouth, his voice resonating in their minds. He turned his sleeping face up to Time. "You are crossing the line with your duties again. Older brother told me so."

"Dream! We weren't supposed to tell!" Desire said.

"So, younger sibling? I am the third oldest of us," Dream said, turning his head to look at Desire. "First, there was Time, endless in the void. Then, Death appeared to all finite creatures and Dream to give them comfort in the night."

"Yes, yes, we know all that, but that is not why we are here," Desire sighed, "Honestly Dream, you need to learn how to have some fun! And what is more fun than messing with mortals?"

"Anything," Dream replied. He turned and with his eyes still closed and walked up towards the empty wall where the projections from Time's crystals were shone. At that moment, it was showing the sleeping figure of Ginny Weasley. She had a troubled expression as she tossed and turned in her bed. "Anxiety, fear, she is plagued by nightmares of her friend being betrayed by the one he loves, the one she knows has a dark history," he said.

"Yes, we know that," Time said, "Please keep up, brother."

"She loves her friend," Dream continued. "She dreams and inspires to have her love reciprocated, however, the knowledge that he will never love her, that he would choose the boy who tortured her instead… it is heart-wrenching, demoralizing. All of her aspirations are dying right in front of her."

"How boring, who cares?" Time sighed, "That's not what I called you two here for! My latest project is getting boring, the romance is too smooth! No bumps, not even from the deadly trial they're going through! I need something better, something with tension! Drama! Love triangles!"

"Did you know that your perception of a love triangle is wrong?" Dream interrupted. "When it is just two people pining for the same person, it is not a triangle. More like a corner, really."

Time glared at him, frowning deeply. "Well excuse me, I did not know that a twelve-year-old is now a master of love," she said.

"Technically darling, you aren't a master either," Desire chuckled. "Me, however… I know exactly how to get all the boys, girls, and others feeling steamy." They moved to Time's desk and touched the crystal, the scene changing to show Tom and Harry holding hands as they made their way down a corridor. "I'm guessing these two are your subjects, dearie?" they asked.

"Yup, with their boring romance," Time muttered. "They're dealing with their anxiety and other boring issues like that one hiding his more evil nature from the other one but who cares about that!" Time huffed and crossed her arms. "I need excitement! Why else would I take that Riddle boy from his own timeline and placed him in Potter's?"

"Your ambitions to relieve your petty boredom is getting the better of you," Dream warned. "Stop now or else horrible things will follow."

"Don't listen to the pipsqueak, this sounds so much fun!" Desire purred. "I can just imagine it! Creating a wedge between the two of them, which one should I go after? I personally like my boys with glasses."

"Yes, he seems like the perfect target," Time smirked. "The name's Harry Potter."

"Harry, what a common name," Desire sighed, "Please tell me that this boy is anything but."

"Oh believe me he is," Time chuckled. "Let's see this one… no wait, that was the other one," Time frowned. She joined Desire by the crystal and tapped the crystal, "Tell me about Harry Potter," she demanded, picturing the boy in her mind. A piece of paper appeared on her desk and she picked it up, sharing it with Desire so they could read it together. "Oh right this is the anxious one," Time said. "Boy's a painter, keeps painting masks like it means something, I don't really pay attention."

"They represent his fears and anxieties, as well as his aspirations and what he wants in life, as well as how everyone sees him," Dream commented. "His dreams were always the most interesting to me. As are his goals."

"Who cares about that stuff!" Time said. She sighed and shook her head, "I should have picked when they were older, at least then we could have watched some action," she muttered to Desire, who chuckled.

"I mean, fourteen is the beginning of that exploratory phase that boys love so much," they said, their voice purring and oozing with sexual suggestions. "I'm sure that I can give sweet Harry some ideas."

"That would be interesting," Time smirked. "How about looks? What will woo a young gay's heart?"

"Muscles," Desire said immediately, "muscles never fail. I can be the mysterious sexy muscular student and I'll woo young Harry away." They both laughed at the idea, getting excited at the prospect of it.

Dream sighed. He was getting irritated with the two. He swiped his hands and the crystals all dulled; lights flickered as the night sky seemed to encompass the room. For the first time, Dream opened his mouth, speaking with many voices, "Foolish siblings!" He grew, his limbs lengthening drastically, having a boney look as the skin paled to resemble a full moon. His hair lengthened, whipping wildly at unfelt wind and his clothes turned into robes, the cosmos spiraling endlessly. His robes billowed, from the underside the worst of nightmares and night terrors roared, trapped in Dream until ordered to release. Dream's eyes opened, his pure black orbs staring at the two in front of him. "This is not our duty! We who are above such pettiness and drama! Your actions will lead to your demise and embarrassment! Do not forget your previous failure, Older Sister! Learn restraint or suffer the consequences!"

Dream's robes opened, the horrors unleashed, and Ginny Weasley woke up screaming.

Harry was very nervous; he and Tom were standing in front of the door that led to his and Draco's painting room. He glanced at his boyfriend and licked his lips, "Are you sure, Harry?" Tom asked when he noticed Harry's nervousness.

"Yes, I want to show you," Harry said. He stepped forward, Tom following, and they went in. The two paintings that Harry and Draco were currently working on sat on their easels, other paints lining the walls. On the left side, countless paintings of various masks filled the wall while on the right side were various kinds of paintings from landscapes to portraits. Tom frowned at them. "Draco's paintings," Harry said. "These are mine," he pointed to the masks.

Harry walked towards the nearest one, a red mask, almost ruby, with a shining gold lion on it, underneath it was labeled Hero. "Everyone expects me to save them," Harry said, "to be the Gryffindor who will always leap into danger."

Tom hummed and stepped to the mask next to it. It seemed darker, with swirls of emerald light and dark jets of magic, red outlining the eye holes like blood. "Dark Magic?" he asked, and Harry nodded.

"My curiosity with the Dark Arts… and my fall into its embrace," Harry said, staring at the mask. "This is a mask that I only show for Draco… and you."

"Draco was the one who first taught you the Dark Arts, correct, darling?" Tom asked. Harry nodded but glanced at Tom.

"Yeah, but not as much as you, Tom," he said softly, his voice sounding so innocent it made Tom's heart sing.

Tom gave a small victorious smirk and he pulled Harry to him, kissing his cheek, "I am so happy to corrupt you, my little innocent darling," he purred.

"Tom!" Harry gasped, his cheeks blushing deeply. He glanced at the others and pulled Tom along, showing off his masks and paintings, describing each one. There was a painting showing Harry as the Heir of Slytherin, Harry the Gryffindor, his secret friendship with Draco and the Slytherins, his friendship with Ron and Hermione. Himself as a Triwizard Champion, and finally, at the end, a painting that looked to have the most care.

It was a full mask with Slytherin colors. Snakes circled the eyes, and there was a heart in the center, filled with what looked to be a mixture of light and darkness, the colors swirling together. Underneath it was just a simple word: Tom's.

"It's my mask for you," Harry said blushing, his hand moving to his necklace. Tom gasped and stared at it. He reached out but did not touch the painting, instead, he just roamed his eyes freely, memorizing every single small detail, every brushstroke. He felt his own heart beat fast, his cheeks blushed, and turned to Harry. "My darling, is this how you feel for me?" he asked.

"Yes," Harry said, he stared at Tom and took both his hands in his. "Tom, I love you."

Tom gasped at Harry. The smaller teen leaned up and kissed Tom fully, wrapping his arms around the taller teen. "I love you," he repeated.

"Darling, Harry," Tom said, sounding surprised as he allowed a genuine smile to slip. "I was supposed to say that first."

Harry chuckled confidently and smiled innocently at Tom, "I'm sorry, but I got tired of waiting," he said, kissing Tom and allowing him to take full control. "I love you," he murmured a third time.

"I love you, Harry, you'll always be mine," Tom promised. They kissed again and Tom brought Harry to the floor, their hands roaming as they kissed, allowing their bodies to move and respond to the stimulus, their minds being clouded by the intense feelings. They kissed for hours, kissing every part of the other's face they can reach before deciding it would be better to go back to their dorms and sleep in their beds instead of on the floor in Harry's painting room. Tom escorted Harry to Gryffindor Tower, kissing him all the way. Harry walked straight to his bed, shedding off his clothes, and barely had the energy to put on his pajamas, falling asleep the moment his body touched his bed.

In his dream, Harry was dressed in Slytherin robes, kissing Tom just as passionately as he was barely an hour ago. They were older, looking around sixteen, and Tom was just as handsome as ever. "Relax Darling," Tom chuckled. "It is time for your lesson." He waved his wand and Harry looked around.

They were in the Chamber of Secrets. The basilisk was alive and was curled around the statue of Slytherin, barking like a dog. In front of them were two people tied up in thick ropes. The first was Karkaroff, who was glaring at them angrily, a gag in his mouth as he screamed against it. The second, looking rather calm, was Rita Skeeter, dressed in a rather puke-green dress. Harry held Tom's hand as they walked towards the two, their wands in their free hands. "Now my love, we shall start with the Cruciatus Curse," Tom said. "If you get it right, I'll give you a reward," Tom chuckled, and he let go of Harry's hand to squeeze his butt. Harry gave a yip and smiled, "Okay!" he said and turned to their victims. "Which one?"

"Them both! But Karkaroff first, he'll be quieter," Tom chuckled.

Harry nodded and aimed his wand at Karkaroff. "You know the spell to use my darling, hiss it our in your beautiful voice," Tom hissed in Parseltongue. Harry obeyed, a smile gracing his face as he hissed out, "Crucio!"

Karkaroff screamed through the cloth gag. His body spasmed and jerked as though it was being stabbed by thousands of swords over and over, in no time he fell to his side, his body continuing to spasm violently and drool leaking out of the sides of his mouth as he screamed and screamed until he fell unconscious minutes later. Harry felt powerful, extraordinarily so, and very elated at the results. He smiled widely at his work as Tom clapped, "Very good my love! Very good," he praised. "You are such a good darling for me!"

Harry's heart swelled at the compliment. He turned and kissed Tom, "Thank you! It's because I have such a good teacher," he said.

"Indeed," Tom chuckled. "Now, shall we work on the Imperius Curse next or the Killing Curse?" Harry thought for a moment, the good feelings and excitement still swirled inside him, turning into a powerful energy that needed release.

"The Killing Curse, Sir," he answered in Parseltongue.

"Very good darling, I assume you already know the incantation. Go on now my love, in English this time. I want her to know what was about to happen," Tom chuckled. He patted Harry's hair down, fixing it gently before kissing his forehead.

"Yes Tom," Harry said and turned to Rita Skeeter. He gave her an innocent smile as he aimed his wand, "I'm sorry, but I need the practice," he said. Rita stared at him, and like a light bulb going off in her head, she started to beg.

"Harry—Harry, there's no need! I'm sorry about what I wrote about you in the articles, but I'll write better ones! Longer ones! Praising you and your friend there about all of your accomplishments," she said pleadingly. "There's no reason to hurt me now, is there? I can easily forget and forgive this whole thing!"

"Hurt you?" Harry asked, cocking his head to the side slightly. He gave a chuckle, "Silly woman, I'm not going to hurt you. I need to practice killing!"

"Oh," Skeeter said, "Well there's no reason to kill me! How about a rat? There are perfectly good rats to practice on! Look over there!" She nodded her head towards the wall and Harry turned to see a rat has indeed scurried into view. This rat, for whatever reason, was missing a finger and Harry recognized it immediately.

He waved his hand and the rat turned into Wormtail, looking just as pathetic and squalor as ever. He trembled at the sight of Harry. "H-harry!" he stuttered. Harry smiled and glanced at Rita Skeeter, "You're right," he said. "I can practice on a rat. Avada Kedavra!" His Killing Curse shone a rather dull emerald green as it struck Wormtail, the traitor falling dead in front of the three of them.

"There you go!" Skeeter said, "See! There was your practice, and now there's no real reason for murdering me now is there?" She let out a nervous laugh. "I'll include this all in your article, of course, talking about how great and powerful you are—"

"It was dull," Harry sighed, "Tom, why was my Killing Curse a dull color?" He pouted as he turned to his boyfriend. Tom's arms encircled Harry, his hands resting on his back and butt as they kissed.

"It is alright my love," Tom purred, "you just need more practice."

"More practice, of course," Harry nodded. Tom patted his butt and smiled, "And we have Rita!"

"And Karkaroff," Tom nodded, "However we should keep him around as a plaything," he chuckled.

"You're right, and Viktor will thank us," Harry smiled.

"He will now get to practicing Harry, your lesson is not done," Tom ordered.

"Yes, Sir," Harry said. He turned out of Tom's embrace and aimed his wand at Skeeter. "I'm sorry," he said, though he looked anything but, "but as Tom said, I need more practice. So, goodbye Rita. Avada Kedavra!" A brilliantly bright emerald spell shot from Harry's spell striking Skeeter, killing her instantly. Her body fell on the floor and Harry grinned and pocketed his wand just in time for Tom to kiss him passionately.

"How about we head into our study?" Tom chuckled.

"Okay Sir," Harry grinned. Tom waved his wand and Karkaroff flew into the air, chains tying him high to one of the pillars. They made their way to the door to their study and Harry let out a loud whistle, "Dinner!" he announced, and the Basilisk gave out a loud, happy bark, slithering towards the corpses of Rita Skeeter and Wormtail. The couple chuckled at the basilisk's behavior. "Good girl," Harry praised, petting her scaly skin as she slithered by, and the two went into their study, the door locking behind them.

Hermione could not believe what she was just told. Tom Riddle, Harry's boyfriend, is the Dark Lord. It did not make sense, nothing about it made any sense, and yet Ginny's conviction and pure fear about Tom convinced Hermione. But she had no idea what to do. It was nearly midnight and she was sitting in the common room by the fireplace alone. She went here first, hoping to confront Harry about this, but found the teen asleep in his bed, looking too peaceful to disturb. So for now, she just sat in the armchair, staring at the fireplace lost in thoughts. The others started to come in as well, muttering goodnights to her as they passed, but she did not respond.

There was movement next to her and she glanced to see Ron sitting in the chair next to her, having an equally lost and confused expression. They stared at each other in silence. Neither didn't know how to talk first or blurt out what they have done and heard. There were still people in the common room and Ron looked around, wishing they would leave before looking back at Hermione.

It was only half an hour later that they were alone in the common room, everyone else filtered off to the dormitories. Ron broke the silence with a heavy sigh and said in a shocked, almost monotonic voice, "I snogged Draco Malfoy for almost two hours."

"Ginny told me that Tom is Lord Voldemort," Hermione said in the same tone. It took them both a moment to realize what they said.

"What!?" Ron shouted.

"Malfoy!?" Hermione gasped.

"Never mind Malfoy—what do you mean about Riddle?" Ron demanded.

"Ginny told me that Tom is Lord Voldemort," Hermione said with a more drastic tone, "She recognized him from the dairy a couple of years ago."

"Then why doesn't Harry?" Ron demanded. "You think he would—unless he does but then why—oh my god," Ron groaned. "What are we going to do?"

"I don't know," Hermione said frowning. "It sounds impossible, and there is no way this could slide under Dumbledore's nose but I'm worried. Ginny sounded and looked so convinced. She was hysterical Ron, it was awful."

Ron frowned, he felt his emotions spiraling wildly as his lips and body remembered Draco Malfoy but everything else was worried for his younger sister. "Is she okay?" he asked.

"She's sleeping, and so is Harry," Hermione said. "I wanted to talk to him about it, but I couldn't bring myself to wake him up."

"Yeah," Ron nodded, "I don't blame you." The two frowned and Ron looked at the staircase that led to the boys' dormitories. "Then tomorrow," he said. "We should talk to him tomorrow."

"Yeah, tomorrow," Hermione nodded.

They both went to bed afterward, suffering from a fitful sleep. Harry, meanwhile, woke up the next morning feeling refreshed, stretching in his bed and giving a good groan as he smiled. He was the first of the boys to wake up, so he made sure to change silently and made his way downstairs into the common room to see that he wasn't the first awake.

There was already a small crowd of students, sitting around, everyone looking up at the only person standing. Ginny Weasley looked horrible, her hair was sticking out, and there were heavy bags under her eyes. "It's true!" she yelled out, "Harry will tell us!" she said, looking at him, "Tell us that your boyfriend Tom Riddle is a Dark Wizard!"

A/N: Feels good to be back with the evil cliffhangers