Percy noticed two of the aurors that were assigned to watch the witness were not standing where he told them to. What on earth were they doing? He'd specifically told them to guard the man until Harry could get his statement and report back.

Speaking of, where was Harry?

A feeling of exasperation surged through him and the red-head pinched the bridge of his nose.

What did Harry do this time?

/

Harry dearly hoped this wouldn't be like his experiences with the floo and end up somewhere they shouldn't. Magical transportation and him didn't exactly coexist peacefully. Luckily someone was looking down on him with mercy and they ended up back at the Ministry. It was in one of the broom closets he'd slipped into before to avoid walking the same direction as Hodges. Hermione thought it was childish of him but Ron thought it was funny.

Harry managed to stay upright while Tom wasn't so lucky. He fell on his knees and a hand flew to his stomach, his face had gone pale as if he was about to throw up very soon. Harry's eyes widened. He conjured up a glass of water, holding it out to him and hoping that he wasn't going to have to clean up a mess.

"Here, drink this."

Tom was openly gaping at him. It was kind of a funny look for a man like him. So dignified. Unlike now. "You...what did-how did you-? Where did you get that from?"

Harry brandished his wand, and with a flick the cup vanished. Tom didn't react well to that. He swore loudly, jumping to his feet and walking backwards with his eyes firmly on Harry.

"You've got a stick like that bloke did!"

"It's not a stick," Harry said patiently. "It's a wand."

"Don't be ridiculous," Tom said, but Harry could tell his resolve was cracking. He looked like he didn't know what to believe right now. Not that Harry blamed him. It'd been rather shocking to hear about his magic from Hagrid. "That's not true," Tom's voice was uneasy. "It can't be a-If that's a wand then it's used for..."

"Magic," Harry finished for him. "Yeah. It is. I'm a wizard. And that bloke that was cursing everyone is a wizard too."

He was met with a deafening silence. Tom stared at him for a very long time, as if trying to study Harry's face to be able to tell if he was joking or not. "You're lying," He declared. He didn't look like he wholeheartedly believed it, though. "You're lying. You have to be."

Harry didn't want to deal with this. He wanted to be back at grimmauld place with Teddy, not stuck dealing with a frantic tosser of a muggle. He wondered if this was the kind of thing the teachers that came to the houses of muggleborns had to deal with. "If I'm lying, how did we end up here? How did I conjure up that glass of water and then make it go away?" He looked at the man pointedly.

Tom's face screwed up as if he were trying to work it out in his head. "It's obviously some illusion," He sounded interestingly haughty for a man that had a mini freak out not too long ago.

Harry nearly face-palmed. He brought back the glass of water, set it on the floor and pointed his wand at it. "Wingardium leviosa." Tom watched with fascination as the glass lifted up in the air. "There. Believe me, now?"

/

Tom felt very faint. He'd just witnessed the impossible. Wasn't magic supposed to be for storybooks and tales? It wasn't real. It couldn't have been. Perhaps he was dreaming? Did he trip and slam his head on the sidewalk, hallucinating as the doctors were working on him? It didn't make sense. Magic wasn't real. It was made up.

But this man, Harry Potter with his unruly hair and-was that a scar on his forehead? What an odd shape-was very real. He was chewing on his bottom lip, seemingly waiting for Tom to answer his question.

"It's real," Tom murmured.

Potter looked relieved to hear this. "Yeah," He said with a nod. "It is."

"I can't believe it."

"Neither did I when I was told," Potter chuckled lightly.

"Do something else," Tom abruptly said instead of continuing on with this pathetic small talk.

It wasn't a request. It was a demand. Tom yearned to see more.

Potter raised his eyebrows. "A simple please wouldn't hurt."

"I prefer to get straight to the point," Tom said smoothly.

Potter muttered something quite vulgar under his breath.

"Such dirty words," Tom drawled, enjoying the way the other man's eye twitched.

"Shut up," Potter glared up at him. It was hardly intimidating. What was he, under five-six? It was like being threatened by a puppy.

He did notice how very green the man's eyes were. Such a kind he'd never seen before on a person. Somehow they suited him. Even behind those atrocious looking glasses.

"That's not very professional of you," Tom teased. "Just what would your boss think if he heard?"

At the mention of the word boss, a scowl came on Potter's face and Tom knew he'd touched a nerve.

"What, you don't like your boss?"

"Would you like a condescending prick?"

Fair point.

Tom glanced around where they were at, now that he'd gathered his bearings again. It was a broom closet of some kind. There were a few cleaning products but otherwise there were a few abandoned pieces of furniture in the corner. It was surprisingly not as tiny as the one in Eureka. This one was spacious enough so they didn't feel cramped.

"Where am I?" Tom asked, honestly unsure of how to proceed. He didn't like feeling this way, not knowing or having any answers. "Other than this closet."

"At the Ministry," Potter said and then elaborated when Tom's eyebrows flew up to his hairline. "The Ministry of Magic."

"Just because you say that, doesn't mean I understand it any more," Tom frowned.

Potter had the audacity to sigh, as if this was Tom's fault that they were here.

"Just like muggles, we have our own minister, law enforcement and other departments."

Tom nodded slowly. "I assume you work here, considering you wished to have my statement of the events."

"Yeah," Potter said. "I'm an auror in training."

"A what?"

"Highly trained law enforcement officers. We're sometimes called dark wizard catchers because we tend to investigate crimes linked to the dark arts, err, dark magic I suppose would make more sense," Potter explained.

It was a lot to absorb. Tom blinked twice. "I see..."

"What you witnessed was someone who practices dark magic and I need to know exactly what you saw."

"Before you obliviate me, as that one bloke said," Tom clarified.

Potter rubbed the back of his neck. "Err, yeah."

"Which means what, exactly?"

"Erasing your mind," Potter said. "Just so you won't remember what you saw or our conversation."

"No."

He was rewarded with a gobsmacked look. "What?"

"I said no," Tom said plainly. "I'm withholding consent."

The look disappeared from the other man. He became more serious. If anything, it amused Tom. "Yes, well. I'm afraid you don't get a choice. It's illegal for muggles-non magic persons-to know about our world."

"Now, now, Darling," Tom smirked when Potter rolled his eyes at the term of endearment. "If I remember correctly, you aren't fond of your boss at the moment, are you?"

"So?"

"I imagine he wouldn't take well to being referred to as a prick," Tom smiled when Potter gaped at him.

"Are you-you're bloody blackmailing me?"

"In a manner of speaking," Tom was pleased he'd caught on. "I would like to keep my memories intact and if you insist on doing otherwise, I will ensure your boss finds out exactly what you said."

"You don't even know who he is," Potter argued.

"I can find out."

"How?"

"If I told you, it wouldn't be much of a secret, now would it, Darling?" Tom reached out to grasp him under the chain.

"Don't call me that!" Potter snapped, pulling himself back from Tom's hand.

"You're temperamental for a law enforcement officer," Tom noted wryly.

"And you're a bastard."

Tom laughed. He liked Potter. The man was feisty and easy to rile up.

Potter scowled at his amusement.

"Look, let's just get this over with, okay? I was enjoying my day off."

"That's hardly my fault," Tom shrugged.

"No, but you're not making this any easier," Potter pointed out.

"That's on you for having unrealistic expectations."

Potter closed his eyes for a moment. "Just. Give. Me. Your. Statement."

"Here?" Tom gestured. "I would have assumed we would be having this conversation somewhere more...professional."

"Yeah well," Potter grumbled, "You're not supposed to be here, technically."

A wide smile came onto Tom's face. "Ah, so you're bending the rules for me. How sweet of you, darling."

"Enough with the pet name," Potter was annoyed. "And it wasn't for you. I had my reasons."

"Which are-?"

As it turned out, he had none. Potter was quiet, his face having several emotions crossing it at once. "Er, well-"

"Just as I suspected."

He was given a dirty look. "I couldn't let those reporters hear everything. Do you know how much trouble I would've been in for endangering the Statue of Secrecy?"

"Why couldn't you have just erased their minds, then?" Tom challenged.

Silence.

He smirked.

Potter seemed irritated with himself that he hadn't thought of it.

"How funny I'm not even one of you and I thought of that."

"Oh, yes. You're so clever," Potter snarked.

"I am, actually. Jealous?"

"Naturally," Potter deadpanned.

Tom was enjoying their little bantering. It was the most fun he'd had in months. Years, even. But alas, he did understand that his statement was necessary. "As for my statement," he began and Potter turned attentive. "I saw this man take his stick-"

"Wand."

Tom waved it off dismissively. "Sparks came flying out of it. Some folks collapsed on the ground. Others were screaming. I assume it was some type of spell to cause pain."

"Yeah," Potter said flatly. "Something like that."

"And then he noticed me and was about to give me the same fate when one of your men showed up and took care of him."

"That's it?" Potter, apparently, was expecting more detail.

"Yes. Disappointed?"

For the umpteenth time, he was glared at. How boring.

/

"I need to get you out of here," Harry muttered. He could just apparate them out, possibly to an alleyway where he could let Tom be on his way. He might be able to salvage what was left of his Sunday afternoon before he inevitably wound up at the Weasleys for dinner.

But he also needed to give Hodges Tom's statement. Harry didn't want to come back later on so it was best to just get it over with now. Only problem being that Tom was still here. He couldn't just let the other man waltz around the ministry. It would be another mark on Harry's record.

"And how," Tom drawled in a very Malfoy-like fashion, "do you plan on doing that?"

"I don't know," Harry admitted.

"You don't know?"

"Well, it's not like I make it a habit of bringing muggles to the ministry!" Harry exclaimed.

"Muggles," Tom tested out the word, wrinkling his nose. "You couldn't have thought up a more flattering word than muggle?"

"Apparently not. Disappointed?"

"Funny," Tom said dryly. "Really witty."

"I thought so," Harry agreed.

He had to think of a way to get them both out without anyone seeing Tom. Unfortunately, he didn't have his cloak with him. He supposed he could use the invisibility charm, but he didn't know how Tom would feel about Harry using magic on him. The whole apparating thing was kind of a last minute decision.

"Either you're constipated or you have an idea," Tom's voice broke through his thoughts.

"I have an idea," Harry rolled his eyes. "I don't know if you'll like it or not."

That made Tom stare at him suspiciously. "What is it?"

"I need to give your statement to my boss but he can't see you so I'm going to put an invisibility charm on you," Harry said. He raised his wand but Tom backed up. Oh, now what?

"I don't consent to it," Tom said stubbornly.

"Too bad."

"Too bad?" Tom echoed. "What kind of a place is this? Don't you people understand legalities?"

Harry sighed tiredly. "Look, can we get this over with? I'd like to go home and I'm sure you want to get out of here."

"Oh, that reminds me," Tom muttered as he pulled out his cell phone. Harry hastily vanished it. The man's eyes narrowed in anger. "What did you do? Do you know how many important files I have saved on that thing? If anything happens to it, you will be reimbursing me for it."

"It's fine," Harry rolled his eyes. "You'll get it back. Muggle technology doesn't work well in magical areas so unless you would've been alright with it exploding, I think the word you're looking for is thank you."

"Not on your life," Tom said.

"How crushing," Harry said flatly. "If you're done stalling, stay still-"

"How does this work?" Tom interrupted to ask.

Harry raised his eyebrows. "Turns you invisible. Thought that was rather obvious."

"I meant," Tom's annoyance was clear. It was satisfying to Harry. "Am I only invisible to your boss or everyone? And will they be able to hear me?"

All those were, admittedly, good questions.

"They'll still be able to hear you. Just not see you," Harry explained. "Which means you've got to be quiet."

"I'm not a child, Potter. I understand."

"I don't think you do," Harry murmured to himself. He inhaled. "Alright, here goes." He said the incantation, watching as Tom's body disappeared from view. "Okay. You're invisible now."

He was met with silence.

Harry's stomach dropped a little. He didn't somehow botch this up and send Tom somewhere, did he?

"Tom?"

Nothing.

Good one, Potter

Just brilliant

"Tom, are you-ow!" Harry's hand flew up to the back of his head. He heard Tom's obnoxious laughter. He was enjoying this, the sod.

"Surprised?" Tom said teasingly, giving Harry's hair a quick ruffle. It was infuriating. He wasn't some little boy. What right did Riddle have to treat him like one?

"Stop it," Harry ordered.

"How cute," Tom crooned, "you're giving orders. Tell me, Harry, do you do this in bed? Or do you prefer being bossed around?"

"I'd prefer you shut up," Harry retorted, unimpressed with his attempts at flirting. "Gah, stop touching me!" He had to bat his hands away when Tom yet again reached out to touch his face.

"I assure you that you wouldn't be saying that in different circumstances."

Harry scoffed. He was really full of himself. "Just follow me and don't make a sound!"
"Yes, yes," Tom sounded like he didn't particularly care.

Harry opened the door, sliding out into the hallway and trying to blend in, as if he wasn't being remotely suspicious. He felt Tom beside him, the warmth radiating off him and onto Harry. They passed by some people, to which Harry gave a strained smile, tearing his eyes away in order not to make eye contact.

"Why are they all dressed like that?" Tom was whispering. Harry assumed he was referring to the robes everyone wore.

"That's what they wear. Wizards and witches wear robes to work."

"You don't," Tom remarked.

"I do. Just not today," Harry had been in a hurry and forgotten his uniform. He was fairly sure Hodges docked him for it. Anyhow, it was probably a good thing; what, with all those reporters there, that they didn't see him in his robes. "Now be quiet!" The last thing Harry needed was for anyone to overhear him talking to himself. Skeeter would inevitably find out and have a field day; a print in the Daily Prophet would be up before this evening, proclaiming he was the new dark lord.

The walk was silent. Harry imagined Tom was likely observing everything going on around him. More than a few times, people greeted him, some a little starstruck which made him inwardly grimace. Would this part of his fame ever end?

With his infamous luck, probably not.

"You're certainly popular," A voice whispered near his bloody ear.

Harry whirled around, startled. "Don't do that!"

"Apologies, dearest." Harry heard the wink in his voice.

Yeah, right

"Wanker," Harry scowled further when Tom laughed softly.

"You'll have to do better than that if you truly want to insult me."

Harry ignored him.

Not much longer until they-

"Potter!"

Harry almost groaned.

Bernard Hodges came to a halt in front of him. He didn't look happy, which was usually the case whenever he was within Harry's presence and that almost always spelled out trouble for him. With a glare, he peered down at Harry.

Harry was used to this, thus unfazed. "Yes?" He tried to sound respectful.

"That's your boss?" Tom muttered. "He's hardly much."

"Shut up," Harry hissed out of the corner of his mouth so Hodges didn't hear.

"Back so soon?" Hodges said in a mocking tone.

"Yes."

"Hmm," Hodges rubbed at his chin. "I figured as much that you'd give up. Suppose there's a reason only certain people become aurors."

Harry's hands clenched. He released them. "Actually, Sir, I got the witness' statement."

Hodge's jaw went rigid. "Have you, now?"

This made Harry feel smug. "Yes." He relayed the information, little as it was. "That's all he knows."

"That's not much to go on," Hodges said sharply.

"I know, but that's all he saw."

"Get his memories," Hodges ordered. "We'll put them in the pensive."

"Is it really necessary, Sir?" Harry wondered, praying harder than he ever had in his life that Tom wouldn't react strongly. "I mean, we've got the suspect."

"We had the suspect," Hodges said sourly. "He's gotten away. Overpowered our own, he did. Bunch of incompetent oafs. I say, if it were me, I'd make some changes around here."

Harry knew this. Hodges was often complaining about how things ran around the auror division. They never met his standards, which were unrealistically high.

"Potter!" Hodges suddenly barked and Harry knew he'd briefly been out of it.

"Sorry," Harry said quickly. There was vibrating next to him. Nice. Tom was laughing. Again. At him. Like a bloody prick. "Err, what were you saying?"

"The witness," Hodges said through grit teeth.

"Err, what about him?"

Hodge looked like he could have throttled Harry right there.

"Did you or did you not obliviate him?"

Bollocks.

Harry ran a hand through his hair. "Err, well-"

Hodges snarled at him. "You mean to tell me you've let a muggle go without modifying his memories? What were you bloody thinking? Are you trying to expose our world?"

This was the angriest he'd ever been at Harry. And there were plenty of opportunities for him to be upset. Harry didn't know why he didn't just lie and tell him he did. Now his metaphorical hole was dug.

Deep.

"I'm sorry," Harry tried to get a word in edgewise. Unfortunately, Hoges wasn't making it easy.

"Sorry? Sorry? It'll take more than feeble apologies for this one, Potter," Hodges poked a finger right in the middle of Harry's chest.

"I know, Sir. I-"

"You're lucky you're still here. You'd be kicked to the curb if it was up to me."

Harry knew that too. He bit his tongue, keeping a hold on what he really wanted to say. "I know," He said somewhat coldly.

"Then you better fix this," Hodges came close to his face, eyes hardened. "By any means necessary or you will be dealt with severely. Is that understood, Potter?"

Harry despised getting treated like he was a small child. It reminded him of how the Order, Dumbledore and Mrs. Weasley especially, had hid what was going on from him. Simply because they thought he was too young to worry about it. Apparently he wasn't too young in Voldemort's eyes when he came to Godric's Hollow that night.

And now this. Harry had to deal with this tosser with no real way around it. Hermione, Ron and Percy had told him multiple times to report Hodges behavior. Percy offered to do it if Harry didn't feel comfortable enough. He refused to consider the thought; the man already believed so low of him. It'd be worse if a complaint was brought in against him.

"Yes, Sir," Harry after a second or two of silence.

"Good," Hodges sneered down at him. He turned on his heel and walked down the other direction. Harry watched him go until he was out of his line of sight.

"Well," Tom spoke up and Harry had nearly forgotten he was there. "He's a bit touchy, isn't he?"


So Hodges is the auror trainer/he works in the division so he basically is Harry's boss

I also plan on having a subplot with this. Just a little adventure for them to have. Something more than just Tom and Harry falling in love

Also, in this we saw a bit more of Tom's personality shining through. He hasn't had anyone to do this with before so he's enjoying it. He doesn't fancy harry yet, just enjoys riling him up