A/N: I wanted to make myself clear about a certain matter before any flames come: I said the story takes place in Tom's fifth year. Ok, the Chamber was opened when he was sixteen (says so in the book) but Harry was sent to study his movements before that happened. Now you know...
By the way, I know I have a lot of spelling mistakes, but I'm spanish-speaker, so... it's not easy sometimes...



TIME-TRAVEL
Chapter 4: Dippet Knows



2.50 pm.

"Harold! Wake up!" Tom's voice was soft even when screaming. Harry mumbled something and turned back to face the fireplace. Last night's kiss completely forgotten, for both boys.
"Harold! Professor Dippet wants to see you at 3!"

Harry knew he had to wake up, but it was so comfortable there...

Tom pointed his wand at the sleeping beauty: "Enervate!"
As Harry sat up, eyes still closed, the prefect accio'ed some clothes to where he was sitting (on the bed, next to Harry) and started dressing Harry.

* * *

Less than five minutes later, Harry was ready for his meeting with Headmaster Dippet. Tom walked him to his office.

"Don't worry" he said "professor Dippet is a very nice man, you'll love him"
"If you say so..." Harry said between yawns.

"Stuffed Puffkeins"

Harry scowled and then smiled "That password would do for Dumbledore" he said without thinking.

"Dumbledore? You mean... you know my Transfiguration master?" Tom asked.
"Well... yes... he's the headmaster in the future..." Harry explained "but, please, don't tell anyone. I don't feel like casting desmemorizing charms, thankyouverymuch"

Tom sniggered, and left.

* * *

Once inside the Headmaster's office, Harry found a smiling Dumbledore. His Dumbledore.
Professor Dippet was smiling as well.

"Hello, Harry 'Harold Smith' Potter" he said mockingly.
"How'd you-"
"Professor Dumbledore told me everything. Well, almost. You know, time-travelling is a delicate subject..."
"Of course, just..." Harry was interrupted by Dumbledore.

"Yes, Harry, I'm the Dumbledore you know, the one who sent you here. I came to talk to professor Dippet, I thought it would be safer for all of us if I explained a few things. No-one but both of you know I'm here, and no-one should. I'll be leaving in just a minute, so I'll hurry: you'll be having classes this next month, there's no reason for interrupting your studies, and you'll be sorted into Slytherin (as much as you disliked the idea). Of course you'll be sharing, not only the room but classes as well, with Tom Riddle. Professor Dippet will give your time-tables. Good luck, Harry"

As he said the last words Dumbledore faded from view.

"So, Harry, here's your time-table. You may go now. As Tom decided to take a day off, you can do so as well. Off you go" he smiled.
Harry nodded and said "Good afternoon, sir" as he left.

Professor Dippet was indeed a very nice man. Just a little rushed, though.

* * *

Harry found Tom outside the office. He'd been waiting for him, apparently. Impulsively, Tom took hold of Harry's hand and led him to the dungeons.

Harry then remembered he hadn't eaten in a whole day. Tom must have read his mind, because he stopped short an turned back, while he said "let's go to the kitchens, you must be hungry"
"Starving" Harry corrected him.

* * *

After sharing a very satisfying lunch, the boys went back to the prefect's room.

"So, what do you want to do?" Tom asked
Harry shrugged "we could play chess" he suggested.
"That'd do" Tom replied.

Tom chose the black pieces, so Harry got to start the game.
Needless to say it was a short one. Years of playing chess with Ron helped... Harry grinned at his victory.

"Great, now we don't have anything to do" Tom joked.
"Well, I... wanted to talk to you" Harry said, blushing a little.
Tom raised an eyebrow at Harry's words.
"I want to know you better, that's all" Harry concluded.
"Oh... what do you want to know?" the now-relieved boy asked.
"I don't know... what you like, what you don't... just... stuff"
"That explains..." Tom said ironically, slightly amused.

They started talking and Harry soon discovered a lot of things about Tom he never expected to hear. The prefect loved to walk through the school grounds at night, or in rainy days. He loved the smell of roses, snow. He loved sleeping.
Tom also talked about his social life. His only friend had been a Ravenclaw, whose name is Bonnie. She left to Canada when she was still in her first year, and Tom had been alone ever since.

Until Harry came, that is.

Said gryffindor felt a horrible ache in his heart. He never wanted to leave. But he couldn't stay either. When this month was over, he'd have to do something. Dumbledore would understand, he always does. Maybe he could stay a little longer.

He decided it was time to stop dreaming.

He knew Tom was driving him insane. He knew he couldn't hate him. He even knew he liked him. He didn't want to love him, but couldn't help it either.
For all he knew, he'd have to be content with comforting Tom while he could.
And, as he thought the night before in the prefect's bathroom, he'd worry about things later.

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

Oh, people, I'm so glad I fixed this chapter... the original script was rather sucky, well, even more. This turned out somehow decent, to me at least.
I hope I haven't disappointed you. If I did, hell, you know me.
Be kind enough to review. I could use some positive words.