Title: Just Tom
Author: Razberry
Genre: Romance/Angst
Rating: PG... will go up
Disclaimer: *sighs* I'm not feeling creative today, so I'll just say it. I do not own Harry Potter, and I never will, no matter how much I may want to. Also, I do not own the name Lyra Silvertongue. I got it from the His Dark Materials trilogy by Philip Pullman. I do however, own THIS Lyra and the character Caleb Burns. Oh yeah, I own Garnet Grey as well. If you actually wanna use them (yeah right), please ask.
Warnings: None for this chappie... unless you count a bit of angst.
Summary: Response to one of QueenStrata's challenges. Harry is staying at Hogwarts over the summer, and finds a really nifty mirror that shows whoever looks into it the person that is most like them. Now Harry has to overcome the challenges of getting along with his so called "match"... The only problem? It's none other than Tom Riddle. And what does Dumbledore have to do with this?!
Notes: *cheers* I'm freeee!!! Hehe, I'm not grounded any more! *jumps around in joy* And boy, was this chapter hard to write. I'm not sure why... I just couldn't get what I wanted to say on paper. I feel that this part is rather slow, and just a lot of explaining, but it's necessary to be able to understand the characters a bit better. ^_^ I've been getting several complaints about the lack of romance in this, but I promise, I'm getting there! I just need to develop things better first. I mean, Harry has hated Tom all his life. He's not just going to say "Oh, soulmates? Well, no choice then, let's go shag!" As much fun as that would be, it's just not realistic. Just know that I'm gonna get to the good stuff soon, ok folks?

Also, if you see a number in a set of these [] that means I have an explanation for that word or phrase at the bottom of the chapter. And since ff.net does not seem to appreciate italics, the character's thoughts will be in /these/. All annoying inner voices will speak in \these\. And since some characters have telepathic abilites, anything that is thought-spoken will be in these. Everyone got that? If not, here's the simplified version for all you idiots out there(j/k).

[] - I have an explanation for that word/phrase at the end of the chapter.
/ / - Peoples individual thoughts
\ \ - Those cute inner voices everybody loves
- Telepathic speech
" " - Regular speech

Okay, well, I think that's it. Now get on with the fic!!!
*~*~*~*~*~*
Tom knocked softly on the door of the small house, taking in his surroundings as he waited. The outside looked simple enough, the two-story house was painted white, with a dark navy roof. The shutters were painted the same, and a small gold wind chime hung on the edge of the porch.

He was in a small wizarding neighborhood just outside of Bristol, called Bruja[1]. It was a simple enough town, and only had about 300 residents. There was a day care center, a general store, a local doctor, and a small park, but that was all besides housing.

Tom jumped as he heard a light click, and his attention snapped back to the slowly opening door.

"Hello? Can I help you?" asked a smiling young woman as she pushed open the screen. Her eyes widened as she saw her visitor.

"Tom..." she said weakly. "But- but how? This is impossible..."

Meanwhile, the ruby eyed boy was having a much similar reaction. This couldn't be Lyra! His friend should be an old lady, not some teenager! Why, she couldn't have been more than two years his senior!

"Er... I-" Tom searched for something to say. Suddenly the woman threw her pale arms around his neck, nearly choking him as she cried.

"Oh Tom! It is you! I can tell!" she wept, several strands of her brown hair falling into her face. "I don't know how, or why you're here, but I'm just so happy that you are, I don't care!"

"Uh, Lyra?" Tom said, awkwardly prying her arms off of his neck. "I really would like to speak with you, but could we maybe do it inside?"

"Yes, of course!" Lyra said, flushing slightly. "Right this way, Tom."

She led him into the house, and down a narrow hall. Tom found that the inside was much like the outside, fairly plain, but tasteful. It appeared that the entire house was done in white, gold, and navy, aside from the brown piece of furniture here and there.

Reaching the living room, Lyra invited Tom to take a seat on the (navy) sofa, while she went to get something to drink.

After they were both settled comfortably, Tom asked, "Who goes first?"

"I will, if you'd prefer," Lyra answered as she poured them each a cup of tea. Tom nodded his head and thanked her as she handed him his cup.

"Very well then," Lyra sighed, closing her eyes and taking a sip of tea. "It all began in my 18th year. Caleb was continuing his schooling; he wanted to go into biology. I, on the other hand, chose to become an explorer. The funds for my travels came from an anonymous donor who I found later to be Albus Dumbledore. I traveled all over the globe, exploring ancient ruins, and unearthing mysterious artifacts. But it wasn't until I reached Egypt, later that year, that things began going downhill. I had been working there for a few weeks, when I met a strange man. I suppose he was some sort of psychic. He had on a turban and wore an ankh pendant[2]. The man never told me his name, but he warned me to return back home, or lose what little I had."

Lyra sighed again, obviously reliving a painful memory. "I was young and stupid, I never thought to heed his warning. I continued to South America, where I mistakenly found the legendary fountain of youth. Being human, and subject to temptation, I drank from the fountain's magic waters, thus my young appearance now. However, my human greed was my downfall. It was less than a week later when I was informed of Caleb's death."

Tom's eyes widened in fear and disbelief.

"How?" he managed to croak out.

"Fire. No one is quite sure how it happened, but the investigators said he was working in his lab and something went wrong. The whole place burned to the ground."

"No... Caleb..."

"Yes... it seems that both of us met our unfortunate fates because of human greed. Caleb died because of my foolishness, and your downfall came in the form of a child," she gave him a sad smile. "Dumbledore told me all about your... profession... after Hogwarts. Funny to think how the most unlikely people can end up as the 'bad eggs', so to speak. Anyway, after I heard of Caleb's death, I immediately returned to attend the funeral. A few days later, Albus confronted me. I guess he could sense a change in my aura[3]. I told him about the man in Egypt, and the fountain of youth. He offered me this house here in Bruja. I couldn't live in the muggle world anymore, as I would always retain my youthfulness[4]." She looked up at Tom and gave him a kind smile. "Now what is your story?"

It was Tom's turn to close his eyes. "I remember nothing after my 16th year..."

*~*~*~*~*~*

Harry was having a grand time. Because of Tom's absence, Dumbledore had allowed him the day off as well (not that they had actually begun anything yet) to visit with his godfather. Sirius was currently entertaining him with stories of his parents.

"...And Lily actually put it in the yearbook[5]! It was great!" Sirius finished with a grin. Harry laughed at the mental image that thought provoked.

"My mom really did that?" He asked, then sighed wistfully. "I wish I could have known her."

"Yeah, I wish you could have too," Sirius said softly. "Your parents were great people. Not perfect, no... not by a long shot. But they both had good hearts, and I know that if they could see you now.... they would be so proud, Harry."

"Would they?" Harry asked bitterly, thinking of his predicament. "Would they be proud that my other half was the same person that caused their deaths? Would they be happy with the person I've become? If I'm not happy with who I am, how can they be?"

Sirius stared at Harry in wonder. "Why would you not be happy with yourself? You've grown into a strong-spirited young man. You are one of the most talented and brave people I have ever met, and you're a true Gryffindor though and through...."

"No I'm not!" Harry shouted, surprising his godfather. "I shouldn't have ever been put in Gryffindor. I... the hat wanted to put me in Slytherin but I told it not to, because I was afraid. I was afraid of becoming another Voldemort. I knew I was capable of that if I wasn't careful. I've tried so hard... to be the Golden Boy everyone expects me to be. But I'm not."

Sirius sighed and ran a hand through his long hair. Wrapping an arm around his now sobbing godson, he spoke.

"Is this why you're so reluctant to give this Tom a chance? Not because of any hatred, but because you're afraid of what you might become?" And Harry's nod, he continued. "That's not true, you know. Your soul is too strong. You had the willpower to deny what Tom Riddle didn't... You know what, Harry?"

"What?" Harry looked up from where he had buried his face in the animagus' chest.

"I think he needs you. To balance him out. Maybe that's why he turned so rotten in the first place. He didn't have anyone like you; someone who was strong-spirited and brave. Maybe that's why you two were put together like this... to balance each other out, one light and one dark."

Harry gave Sirius a weak smile and rubbed at his tear steaked face. "Since when did you get so serious?"

The animagus grinned. "Whatever do you mean, Harry? I've always been Sirius. What world are you living in?"

Harry made a face.

"Ugh, bad joke."

*~*~*~*~*~*

"...And that's what happened," Tom finished, looking up at Lyra. She seemed to be in deep thought.

"I really don't know what to say," she finally spoke. "I know you have probably heard this a thousand times before from Albus, but you need to try to get along. Things are hard for both of you. Do you have any idea why he hates you so much?"

"Because I grow up to be a murderer," the ruby eyed boy replied sullenly.

"Is that all, I wonder? I've never met Harry Potter, but from what I have heard, he seems to be very forgiving and just. Everyone else seems to be giving you a chance... I wonder if there isn't more to this than just your past."

Tom blinked. What else could it be? The other seemed to sense his bewilderment, because she paused and gave him a bright smile.

"It just a thought, don't read too much into it," she said, standing and stretching. "I don't know the guy personally anyway. Now let's stop thinking about such depressing topics. Why don't we go to the park? It will be nice to spend some time with you after so long."

"Sounds great," Tom answered, standing as well. The two friends headed out the door to enjoy what little time they had together.

*~*~*~*~*~*

"Goodbye Tom, it was so nice to see you after so long," Lyra waved goodbye to the young wizard. "Please come back to Bruja sometime!"

"I will!" Tom promised, waving back. He turned to Dumbledore, who was waiting by a small coach[6].

"Are you ready?" the elder wizard asked.

"No, but I'm coming."
*~*~*~*~*~*
To Be Continued...

Notes: Dude, Harry was getting pretty deep here. O.o That was unexpected. Hey, what do you guys think about a prequel to this? One centering around Lyra and her past, beginning with the orphanage, and ending with her settling in Bruja? It would give a new perspective on the whole "Voldemort" thing, and it would also involve Caleb a bit more. You know, I just realized: in all of my fics, I have connected them to something else (ie; in this chapter I mentioned Shadi from Yu-Gi-Oh). -_-" I have no clue why I always do that. Anywho, I'm not grounded anymore, so maybe I can get the next part out faster... hopefully.

EXPLANATIONS & DEFINITIONS
[1] Bruja is Spanish for witch, which (no pun intended) is why I decided to name the village that. Yes, I'm aware that they aren't Spanish, I just thought it sounded good.
[2] Any Yu-Gi-Oh fans out there? The man she was talking about was supposed to be Shadi. If you have no clue who that is, dont worry about it. He's not important in this.
[3] I'm trying to say that he could feel a difference in her life force. That it wasn't totally non-magic anymore, you know?
[4] Just a note: she isn't going to live forever, the fountain of youth does not grant immortality. She will die at the same age a normal person would, it's just that she won't ~look~ any older than she was when she drank the water(18 years).
[5] *looks up* Yeesh, there's a lot of noes this time. Anyway, this is from another fic I'm working on (not posted) that features the Marauders' and Co. in their final year at Hogwarts.
[6] Ok, last note. I had the coach there because of the apparation restrictions on Hogwarts... and Tom wouldn't be allowed to apparate anyway, as he's underage.
*~*~*~*~*~*
And now to thank my wonderful reviewers...

ShadowMaiden99 - Yes, that is where I got the name. As for Snape and Sirius... let's jsut say I have plans for them. ^_~

Tigris-Lex

Selina

Copper Fire - Don't worry, I'll get to the "good stuff" eventually!

catsncritters

frizzy

Usaka - Don't worry, Harry and Tom are going to start getting along better in the next chapter.

QueenStrata - We'll you've met Lyra. Unfortunately, Caleb isn't around, so you can't meet him (which is sad, cuz he's one of my best originals). And as for fanart? Yes, it's drawn, it's colored, it's done. But my scanner is broken. -_-" I swear, someone hates me up there.
*~*~*~*~*~*
Well, that's all! Don't forget to review! *leaves to go watch her Rurouni Kenshin DVD*