Harry's POV;
Harry wants to laugh at the reactions he gets from everyone now he changed the Potter seats to Neutral instead of keeping them in the Light section. But he keeps his face impassive, looking around the bumbling set of baboons that are yelling at each other.
The Potter seats have been in the Light section since the moment they joined the Wizengamot. He hopes that his ancestors understand why he needed to change that.
Dumbledore seems flabbergasted at his declaration, and Harry feels a tingle of glee inside of him. The Light section is mostly demanding answers and pleading for him to leave his seats. The Neutral section is divided by placating the Light section and calming the Dark section. Because they are demanding that the Peverell seats need to be in the Dark section, something Harry had thought about, but he needs to be Neutral. He can't be in the Light or Dark section with his beliefs and his title as Master of Death.
It also is a huge deliberate distraction from Tom. Being introduced as the son of the former Dark Lord is something that will be huge news. With the Potter's changing their alliance, the people will not hone in on Tom. Hopefully.
The chaos is still not over, and Harry is getting annoyed. He glances at Tom and sees him subtly rolling his eyes when he meets Harry's emerald green eyes.
Harry stands and uses his magic to silence everyone around him. Witches and Wizards are looking around them, demanding answers to why they are silenced, only to see an annoyed Harry Potter.
''I am aware that I'm young, but I'm more than capable of making decisions on my own. I don't want or need your opinion on the matter of my family seats changing alliance. I am also disappointed in how you all reacted to my own family business. Can we please act like civilized people and continue the meeting?'' Harry looks around and sees multiple people looking contrite and ashamed, but a lot of them are glaring daggers at him for calling them out on their behavior. Well, Harry isn't there to make friends. When he looks at Tom and Sirius, he sees them both smirking.
''Thank you for your attention.'' He drawls sarcastically before retaking his seat. It doesn't take long for the seats from the Potter's to be merged with the Peverell seats.
He then looks at Dumbledore, who still hasn't said anything but is still looking at Harry, probably pondering where all his plans have gone wrong. ''Chief Warlock, is there a problem?'' He asks innocently. He ignores the snort he hears. He knows it's Sirius.
Dumbledore straightens, and Harry can almost see his Occlumency shields coming up to control his emotions.
''Not at all, my boy,'' Dumbledore says. The only way how Harry reacts to his old name from Vernon Dursley is the clenching of his fist.
He hates the name because, for the first five years of his life, he seriously thought freak or boy was his name. The Dursleys never used his regular name. They never called him Harry. He knew what his name was only because he went to school and only after the teacher used it for the first time.
But he can't let it show how it affects him. He nods at Dumbledore and waves his hand in a 'please continue' motion.
Dumbledore goes through the rest of the names, but all the other families stay with their current sections.
The rest of the meeting is pretty boring. The pink toad keeps smirking for some reason at Harry, and every time he sees it, he wants to shiver in disgust. He doesn't trust her intentions at all.
There are also two bills to pass, and the Wizengamot needs to vote for them. Unfortunately, they aren't really important, something about cauldrons and a law about a dangerous potion ingredient, but one that is used in a lot of healing potions.
Because the potion ingredient is seen as Dark, the whole Light section is against it. But it is actually very useful, and the healing potions are essential for St. Mungo's.
Harry votes in favor of the potion ingredient. Gaining a few incredulous looks. The bill is still passed because of the votes against it, and it doesn't sit well with Harry, so he stands to show people he wants to say something.
''Chief warlock, I ask permission to give the Wizengamot something to think about for the next meeting.'' He asks politely, ignoring the murmurs around him.
Dumbledore narrows his eyes but nods. ''Permission granted, Lord Potter - Peverell.''
''I'm going to ask you all a blunt question.'' Harry starts while looking around the room, most of the people are intrigued, but most of the Dark side seems suspicious. ''Are you against the ingredient because it's labeled as 'Dark' or because you're afraid of the consequences the ingredient can bring?'' He asks the Wizengamot in general.
An older man from the Light section, Hodge? Or Podge or something? Stands and asks permission to speak.
''I'm against it because it's dangerous in use. Witches and Wizards have been hurt using this particular ingredient.'' He says, and Harry nods, not believing the man at all. He sees how the man glances at Dumbledore as if asking for a pat on the shoulder.
''Were those people Potion masters?'' Harry asks. The man seems confused. ''What does that have to do with it?'' He asks with a frown.
Harry raises his eyebrow. ''It has everything to do with it. Yes, the ingredient is dangerous in use, but only if you don't know how to use it. A true Potion master knows how to handle the ingredient safely. People who only dabble in potions can often forget and get hurt.''
''Are you calling people who make their own potions incapable?'' A woman asks with a glare. She seemed a lot friendlier when the Potter seats were still in the Light section.
''No, I'm not calling anyone incapable. I just think that most of you voted against it because the ingredient is labeled as Dark magic.'' He states simply, earning whispers of outrage.
''Dark Magic is labeled illegal, so we should always vote against Dark ingredients!'' A man with a walrus mustache says promptly.
''But this ingredient is used in multiple healing potions. It will be a serious loss to St. Mungo's if this ingredient isn't usable anymore.'' Harry really can't understand why the people don't look any further than the words 'Dark Magic'. It's completely ridiculous. Murmurs start all around him, and Harry glances at Tom, who then also stands to add to the discussion. Just with standing and looking the way he does, he asks for silence, everybody quiets down, and when Harry glances at Dumbledore, he sees that he is seriously annoyed.
''I am a Potion master,'' Tom starts, and everyone is drawn to his voice like moths to a flame. Harry can't help but be pulled in as well.
''And I know that to handle this type of dragon scales means that you need silver gloves dipped in thyme-based oil. How many of the people in attendance have those lying around?''
Nobody raises their hands or speaks up.
''How many of you knew that you needed those specific gloves to handle the ingredient?''
Again nobody reacts.
''I think Lord Potter - Peverell, indeed called those who make their own potions with this ingredient incapable, with good reason,'' Tom states before looking at the rest of the audience again.
''I can understand that we prohibit the sale of these ingredients for commercial use, but why would we prohibit the sale for professional use? The healing potions that are made with this ingredient are crucial for many sick people in St. Mungo's. It would be a disaster to forbid it for any hospital. They have professional Potion masters on staff and should be capable of handling these. Are we truly banning an ingredient that can help multiple people because it's labeled Dark Magic? Are you willing to risk human lives for your own satisfaction for stopping something that's Dark Magic?'' He looked around the room and was met with smirking faces from the Dark section, which almost all had voted against the new bill, contrite thinking faces from the other sections, and one beaming Harry James Potter. Harry sees Tom bite his lip for a second when they look at each other, but the moment is over before Harry can fully register it.
This is the first step. He knows that Dumbledore made Dark Magic sound like it's always evil, but this - this is just what they needed, just to show the people of the Wizengamot that not everything labeled as 'Dark Magic' is evil .
''I'm sorry, Lord Slytherin -'' Harry can almost hear the disdain in Dumbledore's voice, and he turns to glare at the man. ''-but a re-vote is unheard of. So if you're done, we want to go to the next point.''
Harry grits his teeth. Tom hadn't done anything wrong, only backing up Harry. He knew that it would cause trouble with Dumbledore as soon as Tom was introduced to the public, but it's insulting to dismiss him like this in front of the whole Wizengamot.
Harry is just about to open his mouth to retort when he's beaten to the punch by Sirius.
''I think it's good to have more information in every bill we want to pass. I mean, with just a little more information , I wouldn't have been in Azkaban for twelve years. As you sure know, Chief Warlock .'' The tension in the whole room rises up to almost unbearable heights. But Harry doesn't care about that.
The Slytherin seats are nearby the Blacks, and Tom claps Sirius on the shoulder in thanks. A very un-Tom thing to do. Harry knows that Tom does it, so people see him as more approachable, not the rigid monster his 'father' was. And with just one glance at Dumbledore, he seems to register the strange behavior too, if Harry can read Dumbledore's frown well enough.
''I just hope, Chief Warlock, that we can think about our actions and the consequences that follow. Maybe we can have another vote in the next meeting?'' Tom proposes while looking around the room. Harry is impressed with how people (already) hang on to his every word.
Harry can easily see how Tom got so much support the first time around, and he shivers with the thought of what Tom can achieve now he's completely in his right mind. It's a pleasant shiver.
Most of them are Death Eaters, and Harry has the feeling that they see a new Dark Lord rising, well, they're not exactly wrong.
Tom's POV;
Tom looks around the room and feels almost comfortable to be there, socializing with the Lords and Ladies. Everybody wants to meet the new Lord. Well, everybody but the Light section.
Oh, Tom knows that the whole Light section is avoiding him like the plague, afraid that he is indeed his 'father's' son.
But he doesn't care, he is surrounded by a couple of brown nosers, and it's clear who are Death Eaters and expect Tom to be like Voldemort and who are looking at him like the new fresh meat he is—trying to waver him to their side.
He loves this game, and it's one he excels at.
The meeting was over for about an hour, and Tom is in the middle of a conversation with Lord Greengrass, Lord Nott, and Lady Darkthorn about the ingredient they debated over today.
He knows that Nott was a Death Eater, but Greengrass was neutral and still is, so it seems. He doesn't know anything about Lady Darkthorn, but the greedy look she's giving him is giving him chills.
The talk about the ingredient dwindles down, and Lady Darkthorn clearly sees her chance.
''So, Lord Slytherin, is there anybody special in your life at the moment?'' She simpers while spinning a lock of her hair around her finger. It's clear that she's new in the whole Wizengamot and social circles of the Houses, probably only a Noble House, certainly not an ancient one.
Tom smiles even if he wants to scowl. Sirius had warned him that he would get propositioned as soon as he was seen. He wasn't wrong, and now Tom owes Sirius ten galleons. He darts his eyes towards Harry and sees that Harry's ears are a bit pink. That's the only sign Tom sees that Harry is uncomfortable while probably also getting propositioned left, right, and center.
Because who wouldn't want to have two additional titles in the family? Maybe three because Harry is also the Black heir. And that's without the riches that would follow Harry. Harry will be for some time the richest bachelor in Britain, well, until he settles down, of course, but Tom hopes that that doesn't happen for quite some time. The thought alone makes him want to frown, but alas, he's in circles where he can't show any weaknesses. He turns back to Lady Darkthorn.
''I'm afraid not, Lady Darkthorn, I just hadn't found the time.'' He replies pleasantly, and the twinkle in her eyes doesn't calm Tom down at all.
''Oh!? A handsome young Lord like yourself, still single? How special .'' She purrs.
Tom suppresses a shiver at her voice and words while outwardly, he just smiles and ignores the desire to run away.
''Special is something it really isn't. In the states, I haven't found anyone who could hold my eye, and in Britain, I haven't had the time,'' He answers with a friendly smile. His cheeks hurt already with how much he's smiling.
''Then I must insist on coming to my Lughnasadh celebration. My daughter would love to meet you.'' She says with a giggle, and Tom barely holds back a grimace.
A Lughnasadh celebration is nothing more than a harvest festival. He has been to one or two before and mostly thought they were boring apart from the rituals they performed during those festivals. It's mostly a party to show everyone how well off you are—something Tom always had despised.
''I would love to come, but is it possible to extend the invitation to Lord Potter - Peverell? We quite hit it off an-'' But before Tom can ask for more and to make sure Harry is invited too so he won't suffer alone, the woman blurts out, ''YES!'' before turning scarlet.
She scrapes her throat when Tom just raises his eyebrow at her. Clearly not an Ancient house, no, they would have had better manners.
''I mean, of course, Lord Potter - Peverell is welcome too, my apologies for my exuberant answer, Lord Slytherin, I would love to have the two of you as my guests.'' She then excuses herself after promising a formal invite per owl. Tom is pretty sure she just walked away to celebrate inviting two young rich lords to her party.
Lord Greengrass has a scowl on his face, and Nott only seems amused.
''You do know that she will throw her daughter at you, right?''
''Probably,'' Tom replies readily. Greengrass seems amused but schools his features.
''Then I feel obliged to warn you, her daughter is twenty-six, and her last two courtships ended suddenly and without a public reason,'' He says, clearly trying to sound not like a gossiper but failing miserably.
''You don't say, well, now I'm even curious to attend the party. Will you be there as well, Lord Greengrass, Lord Nott?'' He asks, not wanting to commit to anything about a courtship whatsoever.
Seriously, ending up with a woman of all things will be the last on his mind. It's almost as unthinkable as ending up with Harry. As long as there will be an heir, it will all be fine.
But he doesn't need a witch or marriage for that.
He glances at Harry again and suppresses a sigh. It's not that he will have any chance with Harry, and probably because Harry is now close in his age, and close to him in general, that he can't imagine anyone else in his life than Harry.
''Yes, we will be in attendance too, as will my two daughters,'' Lord Greengrass replies, clearly hinting at more. But if Tom remembers correctly, Harry had a Greengrass in his original class, so the girl will be only fourteen, maybe fifteen at this moment.
Tom wants to scowl, but he can't show what he really thinks about Greengrass right about now.
''Then I will probably see you there, and your daughters-'' Tom sees Harry walking towards him and quickly bids the Lord's goodbye, ready to leave as soon as possible.
When Harry is within hearing distance, Tom starts talking. ''We are invited to Lady Darkthorne's Lughnasadh celebration, but Lord Greengrass thought it appropriate to warn me for the daughter who seems in need of a nice husband,'' Tom explains with a smirk. Harry snorts and shakes his head.
''Good to know, I got us an invitation to the bonding ceremony of one Lord Pudgemore and his lovely fifth wife,'' Tom can see that Harry wants to gag or roll his eyes, maybe both, but he refrains himself. But Harry is also a little smug because this was part of the plan.
''Mh, Lord Pudgemore is the owner of the Daily Prophet, isn't he? Miss Skeeters's boss?'' He asks even if he knows the answer is yes.
Harry has that glint in his eyes before he nods. ''Yes, indeed, now Lord Slytherin, if you don't mind, I have a certain 'pest' I can't seem to get rid of. Care to come with me?'' Harry asks while glancing behind him, Tom follows his eyes and sees Dumbledore coming towards them, and he chuckles.
''That seems quite a 'pest' indeed. I would love to accompany you, Lord Potter - Peverell,'' Together, they quickly walk out of the Wizengamot meeting room before Dumbledore can stop them.
Sirius will follow them later. Tom saw him in discussion with someone with a large nose, but he forgot who the wizard was exactly.
They make their way to the floo, chatting about nothing special while walking through the enormous entrance hall of the Ministry. When Tom glances back, he sees that Dumbledore is still following them, but thankfully he can't hear them say the Floo address.
When Tom steps after Harry into their safe haven in the Peverell mansion, he suddenly finds him with two arms full of wizard.
''You were amazing!'' Harry gushes while still hugging Tom tightly, this is the first time they ever hugged, and Tom reacts on instinct by circling his arms around Harry's waist.
Hugging is surprisingly nice. Tom can't even remember if he has ever been hugged before. The thought alone is a sad realization.
He doesn't dare to pull away, but he doesn't know what is regular with hugs. Why aren't there any books about this?!
He moves his right hand in an upwards stroke over Harry's back and knows immediately that he made the wrong move because Harry stiffens in his arms.
Harry pulls back and grips Tom's underarms while ducking his head a little. ''Uh, sorry, I got a little excited. I - well, you were bloody brilliant.'' He then claps Tom on the shoulder while Tom is still reeling from what just happened.
''Ah, thank you, you were adequate.'' He gives Harry a smirk when the tension drops, and Harry scoffs.
''I was more than adequate,'' Harry replies indignantly, Tom is thankful for the distraction, but he can still feel a fantom press of Harry against his body.
At that moment, Remus walks into the room, clearly distracted by his book but still sharp enough to register words around him. ''Of course you're adequate, Harry. You shouldn't believe anyone who talks you down.'' Remus says in his professor voice as Harry and Sirius like to call it.
Making Tom burst out in laughter while Harry scowls at Remus.
''I'm going to call Death,'' Harry says with a humpf before walking out of the room. Tom watches him go with what he knows is a longing look. He turns around to go to his room for some reading when he suddenly sees that Remus is giving him a knowing look.
Tom feels flustered, ''what?'' He asks the werewolf.
''Oh, nothing, nothing at all.'' Remus just replies while smirking.
Tom narrows his eyes before walking away. He doesn't like to be observed like this.
Two weeks later, it's time for Lord Pudgemore's bonding ceremony, and Tom wants to die about five minutes in, which is probably a record.
He and Harry had split up, but now Tom is grimacing through the brown-nosing of one Lord Malfoy.
''-what I want to say is that it was truly wonderful work in the Wizengamot, Lord Slytherin. No one ever stands up for the Dark labeled magicks in this world anymore, something that should be changed. Of course, your father started a campaign for that-''
Tom decides to interrupt the already five-minute during rant Malfoy is giving.
Tom can't help but feel a little bitter towards the man, knowing he denied everything as soon as Voldemort was defeated. It's time he shows the man what he's made off. He quickly casts a muffiliato around the two of them so nobody can listen in. ''My 'father' was a megalomaniac that only wanted power. In search of that power, he found it more than reasonable to try to kill a one-year-old baby. And that's without all the other murders he found 'justified' because some people weren't, according to him, entitled to the magic they were born with. In his craziness, he scared the whole wizarding world, but mostly the Britain branch. I can see in your eyes that you were one of his followers, Lord Malfoy-''
Malfoy swallows harshly and tries to protest, but Tom continues in a harsh whisper, not giving him the chance. ''are you trying to deny this claim? Because I can feel the Dark magic that oozes from your mark, I also know that you pleaded for the Imperius curse after the war, but I know after reading the Slytherin tomes that the mark could only be placed on someone willing . Not even an Imperius curse could tamper with that magic.'' Tom finishes with a scoff before glancing at the hidden mark beneath Malfoy's robes. ''I do wonder what my 'father' would say about your insolence.''
Malfoy has gone completely white, almost as white as his hair. He stands there gaping like a fish, and Tom feels vindictive enough to push a little more. He takes a step closer to Lucius and smirks when he sees the man flinch a little.
''But, my 'father' is no longer here, and I am. I know what type of man you are, Lord Malfoy. You're someone that always stands behind the person with the most power, trying to whisper in their ears about the correct path they should take, a path that would profit you most. Maybe I will be the next, and that's why you try to weasel your way into my good graces, but I can assure you that the one with the most power is someone you don't want to follow because of your 'former' beliefs. So let me advise you-'' Tom is smirking now, and Malfoy gulps at the sight. ''I am not looking for followers or brown-nosers, but I am looking for someone with connections, someone that can advise others to support the things that are going to change, and I hope you're the right person for that task, Lord Malfoy, are you?'' Tom asks while tilting his head.
''Y-yes, my Lord .'' Malfoy stammers.
Tom sneers at Malfoy. ''I'm nobody's Lord . Not yet, anyway,'' He waves away the surprised look on Malfoy's face.
''Are you the person who can make connections, Lord Malfoy? And can I expect you not to stab me in the back as soon as it's turned?'' Tom raises his eyebrows in question, and when Malfoy starts to answer, Tom stops him.
''Think about it, as I said, I don't want followers, but I do want someone that will help to make the wizarding world better if you know what I mean.''
Malfoy is nodding without a hint of doubt, and Tom gives the man a condescending smile.
''Good man, now if you will excuse me, I want to talk to others who aren't trying to compare me to my deranged father and hopefully want an alliance so we can better the world wizarding world.'' Tom then walks away, leaving a gaping Lord Malfoy behind him.
Tom almost immediately bumps into Harry and grabs him by the shoulders so the younger wizard won't fall.
''You truly are one of a kind, didn't you see me?'' Tom asks, sounding amused when Harry glares a little at him after finding his balance again.
''Why were you talking to Malfoy?'' Harry asks while still scowling over Tom's shoulder towards where he left the blonde man.
''Because he wanted to check if my beliefs were like my 'father's,''' Tom explains while rolling his eyes. He rubs Harry's shoulder with his thumb before noticing that he's still holding Harry. He quickly releases him and crosses his arms, hoping that Harry hadn't noticed.
Harry pulls a face at Tom's explanation. ''I hate that man.'' Harry then murmurs, and Tom raises his eyebrow in question.
''He was a Death Eater, and he's a bigot. He's also the one that abused Dobby.'' Harry rants, still glaring at Malfoy over Tom's shoulder.
''Most Death Eater's were bigot's Harry, it's not that strange, and I didn't know that Dobby came from Malfoy, I thought he was a free elf?'' Tom asks with a frown.
''He was after I freed him from the Malfoy's,'' Harry grumbles.
Tom chuckles. ''How did you manage that?'' He asks, amused.
Harry actually blushes at that and rubs the back of his neck. He looks gorgeous, and Tom bites his lip at the gesture. Harry looks divine in his formal robes. The dark green makes his eyes really pop, they always seem to glow, but if he wears green, it's even more obvious.
''I put my sock in the diary before giving it to Malfoy, who threw it at Dobby.'' Harry rushes out while avoiding Tom's eyes.
Tom can't help but burst into laughter. Harry seems very pleased with himself, the prat.
''You put your sock in the diary?'' He says finally after calming down.
''I did,'' The smug grin doesn't leave Harry's face, and his eyes truly seem to sparkle.
''You are a menace, Potter.'' He replies fondly. They look at each other for a moment, both content in the silence.
Unfortunately, the silence is rudely broken by Lord Pudgemore. ''Lord Potter - Peverell, Lord Slytherin, thank you for coming to my bonding ceremony!'' He exclaims, and Tom gives him his most pleasant fake smile. They are here with a mission, of course.
Lord Pudgemore, the owner of the Daily Prophet, is a heavy-set man that is already sweating from the walk to them. Tom doesn't know if he can count two or three chins on the man. The man also has crumbs in his beard that Tom suspects are from his breakfast that morning. When he glances at the newlywed witch, he sees that she's staring far away and not playing the part of happily newlywed. Tom has heard that Lord Pudgemore is on his fifth bonding, the last four were golddiggers, and it seems like the last one is already regretting her choice.
''Thank you for inviting us, Lord Pudgemore,'' Harry replies with a smile. If Tom didn't know Harry this well, he wouldn't have known it was a fake one.
''You are very welcome. I have heard only good things from miss Skeeter about you,'' Pudgemore says with a specific glint in his eyes.
The smirk that Harry gives the man in reply is sharp enough to cut glass.
''Oh, I'm sure that she is positively buzzing with stories about me,'' Harry replies, and Tom schools his face at the awful pun Harry just made. By the way Pudgemore swallows, and his eyes grow wide, it's clear that he's in on her little secret as well.
''Lord Pudgemore, Lord Potter - Peverell, and I may have a business proposition for you. Is it possible to discuss this in a more-'' Tom looks around him and sees the newly bonded witch drinking herself to an early death a couple of feet away, clearly already mourning her choice of husband, so he probably won't be missed. ''-private setting?''
The greedy look that overcomes Pudgemore wouldn't look out of place on a Goblin in the middle of a golden room.
''Of course, gentlemen, please, follow me!'' The man ushers them inside his mansion and into his office. There he takes place behind a firm mahogany desk that has seen better times.
''Please have a seat, can my house-elf bring you some refreshments?'' The man asks to which Tom and Harry agree. An old house-elf pops in with three glasses and an expensive bottle of fire whiskey.
Lord Pudgemore is suddenly a lot more professional, and Tom can respect that, even if the man is disgusting in every other way.
''So, what can I do for the two of you?'' Lord Pudgemore asks after the three have gotten their drinks.
''Well-'' Tom starts while crossing his right leg over his left one. ''-It's not so much as what you can do for us, Lord Pudgemore, but more what we can do for each other.''
Harry's POV;
''Do we really need to go to that stupid celebration?'' Harry grumbled while trying to fix his hair like Tom always does, it's still a mess, but Harry is also not really trying. He knows Tom will take over when he sees what kind of disaster Harry is making of it. He secretly loves the feeling of Tom's hands in his hair, so he only half complains when Tom rolls his eyes exasperatedly and steps up in his personal space.
''Yes, not only because we already accepted the invitation and it would be rude not to show, but also because it would be great for networking-'' Tom responds before signing. Harry bites his lip to stop his smile when he feels Tom step up to him.
Hermione and Izzy both know about his crush on Tom, and both tell him to go for it, but he doesn't dare. Knowing that he will be rejected is something he doesn't want.
Even if Death tells him that rejection is normal for growing up, Harry doesn't want to see Tom every fucking day and knows that he made a fool out of himself. So he just takes the little things, like Tom's hands in his hair and his scent surrounding him because he's that close.
He swallows harshly when Tom's hands connect with his scalp, suppressing an embarrassing noise.
''Who are the targets today?'' Harry asks, trying to sound detached while all he wants to do is melt in a puddle.
Tom snorts, and Harry drinks in the small smile that forms on his lips before he talks again.
''You sound like you are going to take them out. This is not one of those muggle movies, Harry,''
Harry rolls his eyes. ''They are kind of targets though,''
Tom nods, ''you're right.'' Tom then steps back to check Harry's hair again, and Harry already misses the touches and warmth.
''Tonight, we need to talk to Lord Greengrass. You probably have the most chance with him. One of his daughters was in your year before you went to Death's realm, and he's in the Neutral section.''
Harry frowns. He remembers Daphne Greengrass, she was mostly silent and in Slytherin, but that is all he knows. Draco drew too much attention to him from the Slytherin group.
''You already talked to him, right? Why do you think I have more sway with him?'' Harry asks when Tom deems him ready enough for the party.
''Because the man disgusts me, after his warning against Darkthorn's daughter, he practically shoved his own daughters at me after I asked him if he would be attending the celebration too,'' Tom explains with a grimace, Harry can't help but copy the emotion.
Daphne was pretty, but now three years younger than Harry, so it just felt wrong. And her sister was even younger.
''If he starts about a marriage contract, I'm running the other way,'' Harry tells Tom seriously. The smile that breaks out on Tom's face is small but genuine.
''Oi! Are you two wankers finally ready?'' Sirius asks while walking in with a critical eye.
Harry is still sometimes amazed at how Sirius seems so much better since his stay in the Peverell Mansion. A lot is thanks to Remus and even Dobby and Kreacher, but Harry can't help but feel proud of his godfather.
Sirius has embraced the Lord Black title with all the grace a true Black heir requires. Oh, he's still sticking it to his family in the background by saving house-elves and muggle-borns by giving them jobs wherever he can. But in the Wizengamot and at the parties they go to, he's the perfect Lord Black. Ruthless, decent, and regal.
But Sirius also can't wait to announce his engagement to Remus Lupin, Werewolf extraordinaire. But that has to wait until a couple of new laws have been accepted in the Wizengamot.
''Yeah, you impatient dog, we're ready,'' Harry grumbles before walking in step with Tom towards the floo.
''So, Lord Greengrass is for me, who is your target?'' Harry asks.
''We ruled out Diggory because the man was rude to you, and he hates all Dark Magic and creatures, so I'm talking to Lady Monroe, she is in the Dark section, and a couple of her family died in the last war, they never supported Voldemort, that's why they were killed,'' Tom responds while looking at Harry and Harry nods in response.
''And I will be talking to Bones if she shows. Otherwise, I will speak with Augusta Longbottom.'' Sirius says before kissing Remus goodbye and stepping into the floo.
''Darkthorn mansion,'' He says clearly before the flames turn green and Sirius disappears.
Tom and Harry follow him with just a couple of seconds in between.
Harry plasters his best smile on his face while accepting a glass of wine from one of the house-elves. Harry knows what the ritual will be and truly can't understand why it's labeled as 'Dark Magic.' That's the reason they don't know for sure if Madam Bones will be there. She is the head of the DMLE, so probably not, but still, it would be great to have her on their side.
The wine tastes really sweat and somehow a little like Treacle tart, and Harry's glass is empty before he really registers it. He's immediately filled up and starts talking with a couple of the guests until it's time for the ritual.
''This wine is amazing. We must ask Lady Darkthorn where it's from.'' Tom suddenly says directly in his ear, a little closer than Harry expected, but Harry doesn't care; Tom's right, this wine is amazing. He nods his head and chuckles.
He then turns his head and looks into Tom's beautiful blue-green eyes. They seem to glitter in the light of the burning stakes around them. People are dancing and chanting the ritual, sacrificing the fruit and grain they got inside.
Harry doesn't know why but he can't help himself. He grabs Tom's wrist and pulls him towards the dancing. ''You want to dance with me?'' Harry asks, still pulling Tom along.
''Of course!'' Tom replies before spinning Harry in a circle and placing his hands on his waist.
They dance and laugh, mostly focused on each other, others try to break in their dancing, but Harry and Tom don't release each other. Somewhere in the back of his mind, Harry knows that this is not right.
Oh, it feels good, way too good, perfect even, but he would never dance with Tom in public. They had a mission- right? Harry can't remember, but it shouldn't be too important if he forgot.
He gets thirsty again, and they quickly get something to drink, the glasses are full one moment but empty the other, and Harry lets out a laugh when he sees Tom's disappointed face. He doesn't know how much he had to drink, but he doesn't care. He is having a lot of fun with Tom, and touching Tom is the best feeling in the world.
Tom looks at him, and something changes in his expression. Harry was already warm, but the heat that courses through him now could be only described as scorching. Tom's eyes don't leave Harry's face. They only wander to his lips before looking back into his eyes.
Harry hopes that he doesn't imagine the hunger he sees in the dark eyes.
Tom steps closer, and Harry doesn't know what is happening, but he knows that the barriers usually in place are blown out of the way. He should be scared, he was scared before tonight whenever Tom stepped closer to him, but at the moment, he only feels excited.
''Maybe we should go home,'' Tom whispers directly in his ear, and Harry is already nodding before the sentence is finished, ready to agree to everything Tom would say.
''Let's,'' Harry replies. He doesn't know why his voice sounds so deep, but the way Tom swallows it seems as if he likes it.
They make their way inside and see Lady Darkthorn. She is giggling and hanging against some Lord. When she sees them ready to leave, she makes her way to them. Harry gives her a beaming smile.
''Lady Darkthorn, the celebration was lovely, thank you so much for inviting us.''
''You're very welcome, Lord Potter - Peverell, are you leaving already?'' She asks with a pout.
Harry nods in sympathy. ''We are, there are things we need to do-'' At this, he glances at Tom with a smirk. Tom licks his lips, and Harry can't help with how his eyes wander. ''Oh, could you maybe tell me what kind of wine you served? It was truly delicious.'' He remembers to ask. Lady Darkthorne beams at him.
''Of course, it's elven made wine, a special request I asked of them, it's one that-'' At that moment, Lady Blackthorn is called away by someone else, and Harry shrugs, he turns back to Tom and grasps his hand while walking towards the floo.
As soon as they step out of the floo, Harry stumbles, mmh, he's drunker than he thought, but Tom's hand reaches out and catches him. Then Tom backs him up against the wall and looks hard in his eyes.
Tom opens his mouth, but Harry doesn't want to talk. He rushes forward before crushing his mouth against Tom's, and he tangles his hands into Tom's hair. The groan he gets in response is enough to encourage him even more.
He licks into Tom's mouth and explores his mouth. Tom is fisting the back of Harry's robes, pushing or pulling him closer and closer. It's like he's holding onto Harry like he's afraid that if he lets go, Harry will disappear.
Harry pulls back a little to breathe before placing kisses against that sharp cheekbone. He then ducks his head down and licks over Tom's pulse point.
''Fuck - Harry,'' Tom breaths out, and Harry groans in response. He grinds his hips against Tom's and hisses when he feels Tom's bulge pressing back.
''Your bed or mine?'' Harry asks breathlessly, feeling like he's slurring a little but not caring at all.
''Mine,'' Tom responds immediately with a bit of growl in his voice, before claiming Harry's mouth again, Harry has the feeling it was not only his bed Tom was talking about and he shivers.
They stay kissing for a couple of moments more before they hear a door slam somewhere in the mansion. They part for a moment, panting heavily, before almost running towards Tom's bedroom.
They never lose contact and stop several times in between because they just can't help it. At some point, a painting falls down the wall after he pushes Tom harshly against it. But it doesn't register in his mind to pick it up and hang back. At the moment, the only thing on his mind is Tom.
Finally, they have reached Tom's bedroom, and Harry pulls Tom against him while walking towards Tom's bed. He just wants to push Tom down onto it when he feels himself falling against the bed. Tom crawls on top of him after shrugging out of his outer robe. Harry kicks out his shoes while Tom helps him unbutton his robes.
''You have no idea how many times I imagined this,'' Tom whispers like a confession.
''Stop imagining and get us naked,'' Harry responds before tugging Tom down again, missing his lips.
Tom chuckles against his lips, and Harry wants to grumble. He puts one of his feet on the mattress and flips their positions, so he is on top of Tom.
Tom throws his head back with a groan when Harry grinds his hips against his. Harry immediately ducks his head down to kiss that beautiful long neck.
They're still half-dressed, and Harry quickly sits up so he can tug off his shirt. Tom grabs Harry's ass before latching onto Harry's collarbone with his wicked mouth.
Harry moans with his head tipped towards the ceiling. This is the most he has ever done sexually, and he should feel awkward and nervous, but those are emotions that are not in his repertoire right now. Could it be because he's drunk?
He feels sexy and on top of the world, even if he's only on top of Tom.
''Beautiful,'' Tom whispers against his neck while rolling up his hips. Harry doesn't know if he should've heard that, but he doesn't care. He only moans harder.
He needs to be out of his pants, like yesterday.
Tom seems to have the same idea and turns them over again, so Harry lies in the middle of the bed on his back.
''Take off your pants, or they are forfeit.'' Tom threatens before unbuckling his own belt. Harry scrambles to comply, and it's only seconds after he has finally untangled himself from the evil, evil pants when Tom is on him again, kissing him hungrily while grinding his erection against Harry's. They still have their underwear on, but Harry doesn't know if he will last long enough to take them off. He feels like he's on a hair-trigger, something that isn't really strange, he's still a teenager after all, and this is his first sexual encounter.
''Tom,'' He groans while bucking his hips, seriously he's on the verge of coming in his underwear.
''What is it, sweetheart? What do you want?'' Tom asks in a sultry voice while placing kisses on Harry's mouth, cheek, and neck.
Harry shudders because of the nickname, he hadn't expected to enjoy being called sweetheart, but of course, Tom is the exception to the rule.
''I-I'm... almost-'' Harry is panting and knows for sure he's done for in just a couple of moments.
''Me too, sweetheart, me too, let go, Harry,-'' Tom replies with a groan. It's the groan that undoes him, and Harry comes with a shout, Tom following him closely after.
They are panting, and Harry grimaces when he feels his own climax cooling rapidly in his boxers. Tom rolls off him and whispers a spell before moving his hand over his own and Harry's crotch areas.
Harry grunts but feels a lot cleaner when the spell is done. He feels his eyes starting to close and rolls on his side to Tom, who is already looking at him through half-lidded eyes.
They are looking at each other but not saying anything, both afraid to break the heavy silence around them.
Tom shuffles closer and puts them both under the blanket, pulling Harry as close as physically possible.
Harry goes with it, feeling like this is the best dream he has ever had about Tom.
His arms are around Tom's neck, their legs are tangled together, and Tom's arms are around his waist. Just when Harry falls asleep, he hears Tom whisper, but he's too tired to respond.
''This is the best thing I have ever imagined.''
Harry can't help but agree.