Laraine didn't take her eyes off Harry. It was unnerving the way she perched on Snape's shoulder, peering back at them as they ascended the never ending staircases. Harry tried not to stumble as his breathing slowed with every step. Tom dragged Harry along as his nails dug into Harry's hand. The pain was an odd comfort and something which Harry could focus on. Harry didn't know if it was a relief or not when Snape finally led them into the Hospital Wing.
"Sit," Snape instructed as he gestured towards a bed. When Harry didn't move, Tom gripped his shoulder and pushed him.
"Stop it, I'm fine," Harry said, but Tom barely needed to exert any effort. Instead Harry found himself sinking onto the bed and into Tom's shoulder.
Not a moment later, did Einaris appear in the doorway. The large tabby shifted from solid to transparent in one fluid movement as Professor McGonagall appeared next to her dæmon.
"Oh, thank Merlin!"
Harry's head was spinning. He might have been shocked by their concern if his own torment wasn't so overwhelming.
Thankfully, Madam Pomfrey wasn't far away. She appeared from her office, her brow creased at the commotion, before her face drained at the sight of them. She rushed forwards and at once pressed her hand against against burning his forehead. It was a cool relief and thankfully Madam Pomfrey was very careful not to touch his scar. She placed a potion into Harry's hand.
"Sit up," she encouraged.
Harry reluctantly moved his head as Madam Pomfrey's hedgehog approached Tom. He was a very small dæmon and his nose twitched as he shuffled closer. He gave Tom a sharp prod before sinking his teeth directly into Tom's hand.
"Ow!" Harry flinched as Tom recoiled, glaring at the dæmon. He looked like he was contemplating batting it aside, but the large spikes stayed his hand.
"Kulang?" Madam Pomfrey asked.
This time her hedgehog approached Harry. He was very careful not to make contact as he sniffed. It happened so suddenly, Kulang withdrew, visibly alarmed as he hurried back to Madam Pomfrey who embraced him. Before he could explain, Snape's bat swooped from his shoulder, coming to land on the bedpost beside Harry.
"You can feel it too then?" Laraine asked.
Kulang curled tight into a ball and shivered while Madam Pomfrey tried to settle him. Einaris took a few tentative steps forward as he also sniffed the air.
"Potter is empty," Kulang whispered.
Einaris slit eyes widened as his fur stuck up on end. It was almost like he was sensing a threat but was unsure about how to approach it.
"Physically, Potter appears to be fine," Madam Pomfrey said as she clutched Kulang close. She beckoned Harry to drink up. "But something is terribly wrong."
"No wonder," McGonagall said. "First, the trial and now Death Eaters!"
"I don't think that's what our dæmons are referring to," Snape said as he held out his arm for Larine to return to him. She took one last sharp look at Harry before swooping away.
"Potter, what happened?" McGonagall asked.
It hurt to say it. Instead Harry took Madam Pomfrey's advice as he pressed the glass to his mouth and downed the potion in one. It took effect immediately as the torture on his soul lessoned. Harry sank further into Tom's embrace.
"She left," Harry said. "I said I didn't want her-"
It happened simultaneously. All three dæmons froze as the the true horror of what had occurred became clear.
"Who left?" McGonagall asked as she looked anxiously between Einaris and Harry.
"Harry's dæmon left, his real one," Tom said quietly. "During the trial."
"Your dæmon left?" McGonagall gasped.
At Harry's numb nod, Madam Pomfrey raised her wand and flicked it twice. A dozens more potions flew across from the cabinet on the wall. She began shifting through them as she selected a few to pass to Harry. When Harry didn't move to drink them immediately, she pushed one to his mouth causing him to cough and splutter.
"Severus, I'm going to need more Draught of Peace," Madam Pomfrey said.
However, Snape wasn't listening. He looked deadly pale and was totally fixed on Tom.
"What was the sentence?" he asked.
"Separate us and destroy me immediately," Tom answered, "Naturally if my Death Eaters hadn't arrived, they would have succeeded."
Tom's gaze deliberately settled on Snape's left arm which caused Laraine's eyes to finally shift away and a furious expression to cross Snape's face. His hand closed around his wrist. Snape opened his mouth as if wanting to say something, but when Tom's gaze remained unwavering, Snape turned with Laraine on his shoulder and stormed out of the room. Harry was totally confused, however he was distracted as Madam Pomfrey uncorked another potion and pushed it into his hand.
"Well thank goodness for that."
"Poppy!" McGonagall exclaimed.
The matron fixed her colleague with a sharp look.
"Well, we're all thinking it, removing a dæmon from a child. I can't think of a worse crime. It could have killed Potter or worse!"
McGonagall sighed.
"You know I agree on that. I meant the Death Eaters."
"I find it difficult to differentiate who is the lesser of two evils, to be honest," Madam Pomfrey clipped.
"Well the Ministry aren't winning any favours," McGonagall agreed. "But this is Death Eaters we're talking about. Their return is only going to make things more complicated."
It was exactly as Harry had feared. Tom was going to get the blame and was going to be held responsible for all those who died or were injured in the attack. He should never have listened to Voldemort, they should have just run while they had the chance.
"Does anyone know that Potter has been found?" McGonagall asked.
Madam Pomfrey shook her head.
"Severus bought the boys in," she said. "I don't think alerting the ministry was his initial concern."
McGonagall sighed heavily, while Einaris came to paw at her legs. She raised her wand.
"Don't-" Harry started. But it was too late, in a flash of gold Fawkes appeared.
Harry couldn't help it as his hand tightened in Tom's. Fawkes turned, large eyes taking in both Harry and Tom, before he disappeared in another flash of flames. Panic consumed Harry, but he had no strength, no ability to protest. He tired to stand, only for Tom to pull him back to the bed.
Sure enough, they didn't have to wait long for two very unwelcome people to enter the room.
Tom was up before anyone could move as he positioned himself in front of Harry.
"Touch Harry and I will kill you," he hissed.
Harry eyes scanned over Dumbledore and Scrimgeour with his ginger tabby. Scimgeour had a nasty looking cut across his face which was clearly oozing fresh blood.
Madam Pomfrey marched up to them as she waved her wand wildly.
"Out, out!" she snapped, "This boy needs rest."
"Stand aside, this is a ministry affair," Scrimgeour instructed gruffly. Although his own wand was drawn, he did not raise it.
Harry really hoped that no other people had died in the Death Eater attack, but judging from the darker red stains across Scrimgeour's uniform, he really doubted it.
"I don't care!" Madam Pomfrey continued. "This boy is in my charge and I won't have you traumatising him any longer."
Kulang, although small, jumped forwards and snarled at Nala. Nala arched her back and hissed, ginger fur sticking up.
"Poppy, please," Dumbledore raised his hands. "I have no intentions of removing Harry from your care at this current time. I only wish to speak to him."
Neither Madam Pomfrey or Tom moved. Kulang snarled and made a snap of his teeth towards Nala.
"Minerva, Poppy, if you would please excuse us?" Dumbledore asked.
Professor McGonagall looked between the group, eyes lingering on Harry and Tom for a moment before she nodded. She called softly to Einaris who followed. Madam Pomfrey stared at Dumbledore, gaze stern. She looked ready for a full blown fight, so Harry was startled when she relented.
"Five minutes only," she snapped. She scooped up Kulang and proceeded into her office. The door slammed shut.
Tom's grip was iron tight on Harry as Dumbledore approached. Dumbledore however, stopped just short of Harry's bed as he waved his wand. Harry flinched, his mind flashing back to the silver blade. Tom noticed and he ran his own thumb across Harry's hand in what little comfort he could offer.
"I am sorry for what you had to go through, Harry." Dumbledore said calmly as he summoned two large arm chairs. He sat down in one, while Scrimgeour remained standing.
"No you're not," Harry retorted. "You'd do it again."
Dumbledore peered at him closely, blue eyes still behind his half moon glasses.
"From what I understand, you have spoken to a reporter called Rita Skeeter?"
Harry blinked, surprised. Had Dumbledore been watching Hogsmede, or had Voldemort arranged for that to be leaked as well. Caught off guard, Harry nodded slowly.
Now, Scrimgeour raised his wand, his irritation apparent as he scowled.
"I have aurors in position at the Prophet, but you know the Minister is unlikely to move now, not until he knows the direction the public will swing."
Dumbledore sighed.
"I am aware of that, Rufus, however, censorship of the press will only make things worse, I warned the Minister and he failed to listen, which now leaves our options rather limited."
"I would like to reiterate my concerns on that particular option, Albus. The boy has been found guilty, you know I cannot allow Riddle to remain unaccounted for."
Dumbledore smiled sadly.
"And Harry is innocent in all of this. As I have already explained to the Minister, I am satisfied in keeping them at Hogwarts for now."
"We cannot leave them here!" Scrimgeour snapped. "I don't care what either of you have to say, I have every right to contain them."
"You have every right to contain Tom, certainly, but I cannot allow your department custody of Harry. Unfortunately, this would clash with other arrangements. "
Scrimgeour fumed as blood trickled down his face as his untreated wound opened up.
"The least you can do is let me put a guard on Riddle?"
Much to Harry's surprise, Dumbledore shook his head.
"I am satisfied with the security already in place, unless of course you think this has been compromised?"
Harry felt as if he'd been plunged into a bucket of icy water.
"What do you mean by that?" Harry asked, he knew they'd been watched but had the teachers really gone beyond this.
Scrimgeour ignored his question, shaking his head in reply to Dumbledore.
"So you're really not going to take us back to the Ministry?" Tom interjected.
Scrimgeour glared at him.
"That is to be seen."
Dumbledore however, seemed to have other intentions.
"Where did the Death Eaters take you, Harry?" he asked.
Harry was almost giddy with relief, would they really get to stay at Hogwarts,
"I don't know. It was old and dusty, I didn't recognise it."
Tom squeezed Harry's arm painfully.
"Why did the Death Eaters bring you back to school?" Dumbledore asked.
Harry's chest was tight, his heart hammering as he failed to think of an answer. Tom however, tilted his head as his expression darkened.
"Because I told them to," Tom said.
This lie was chilling enough. Scrimgeour seemed to think so to as he raised an eyebrow.
"They listened to you?"
Tom's grin sharpened.
"Of course they did."
Scrimgeour turned to Dumbledore.
"How can I leave him here, for all we know he orchestrated the whole thing."
"Oh yes," Tom began sarcastically and without hesitation. "Because I would willing walk into the Ministry, subject myself to trial and then, only then, allow my Death Eaters to intervene."
"Tom has not had any contact with any of his followers, I can assure you of that." Dumbledore added.
Scrimgeour coughed at this.
"I would remind you that-"
"I have assured the Minister myself regarding that situation," Dumbledore said sharply.
Scrimgeour huffed. He didn't look happy as Nala hissed. Scrimgeour turned to Tom with a scowl on his face.
"You better tread carefully, boy. Any word that you are using Potter's wand, or threatening students. I will have someone tailing you dawn till dusk. Do you understand?"
Tom flicked his eyes towards Scrimgeour with a smirk.
"Yes."
"Your wand," The Scrimgeour grunted as he placed the small wooden box down on Harry's bedside table.
Harry grabbed it at once, but he held off his desperation to open it and give it to Tom. Although Harry would feel safer, he didn't think it would go down particularly well.
"You will subject your wand to random periods of investigation. Any spells or curses that aren't on the Hogwarts first year curriculum and I will have your wand confiscated."
"But how am I meant to learn magic then?" Harry protested.
"Under strict supervision," Scrimgeour answered coldly. "If you cannot follow these rules, then you will lose all privileges and will risk arrest."
"But Dumbledore said-" Harry started.
"Aiding the Dark Lord in any form is against our laws, Mr Potter. If I have just reason to lock you up as well, then not even public support will save you."
It was hours later when Madam Pomfrey finally let Ron and Hermione into visit. Harry forced a smile onto his face as he blinked back his exhaustion. Ramiron bounded up to Tom and jumped into his arms.
"Dumbledore explained what happened," Hermione started as she retrieved Ramiron out of Tom's stiff grip. "I'm so sorry, Harry."
Even Sephronia, although avoiding Tom, skirted around Harry as seemingly wondering how to offer comfort. Ron had his hands stuffed into his pocket, and had an awkward expression on his face.
"How much did he tell you?" Harry asked, watching for their reaction.
"Everything," Ron replied. Hermione shook her head slightly, just enough so Harry would notice.
"He said your dæmon left and that the Wizengamot tried to remove Tom and failed. Is the bit about the Death Eaters really true?" he added. "Did they really abduct you?"
Harry nodded.
"Whoah!" Ron seemed impressed. "How did you get away?"
"They didn't expect Tom to be so good at magic," Harry lied before Tom could get a word in. "Then we just ran."
"Cool," Ron grinned.
Harry ignored Hermione's rolling eyes and Tom's raised eyebrow as he grinned back.
"What?" Ron asked pointedly, looking between the two of them.
"Nothing," Tom replied lightly.
Hermione however, huffed as Ramiron jumped out of her arms.
"You need to tell him, Harry. It's not fair."
Immediately Ron was on the defensive.
"Tell me what?"
Harry glared at Hermione.
"It doesn't matter, it's none of her business."
Sephronia barked at him, before Ron turned back to Harry. Ron seemed to be want to push it, but at Hermione's hurt expression he faltered. Harry turned away from her. He didn't care that Ramiron was whimpering.
"So why did your dæmon leave?" Ron asked hesitantly.
"Harry chose Tom," Hermione sniffed.
"Yeah, I know that," Ron stuffed his hands in his pockets. "But dæmons don't just leave. I mean if Tom was going to be removed, Harry's dæmon would get Harry anyway?"
Hermione stopped short, wiping away the tear that had been threatening to fall down her face. Tom however, leaned back and crossed his arms. He surveying Ron with a lot more interest than he had ever shown before.
"That is a very good point," he said softly.
Ron shared a confused look with Sephronia. "It is?"
Hermione bit her lip and nodded.
"It means we've got it all wrong," Hermione began as turning to Harry. "It means your dæmon didn't leave you because you chose Tom."
Harry looked at her, sceptical. "What are you on about?"
Hermione looked tentative before she continued.
"Well, you're tied to your dæmon and to Tom. It's only natural your dæmon cares about him as much as you do. I guess you don't understand as much because you've never seen her, but your dæmon is you, a piece of you just on the outside. Your dæmon wouldn't care that you choose Tom, because she would choose Tom too."
Harry bit his lip, not convinced.
"Hermione's right, Harry," Tom said quietly. "Your dæmon could have left at any point. But she didn't, she wanted everyone to see."
"I said I didn't want her-"
"After the Minister said removing me might kill you if your dæmon wasn't there," Tom said.
"So...she left so the Ministry wouldn't have a choice?" Harry said. "They would have to keep us together?"
Tom nodded.
"Unfortunately, the Ministry didn't care. They had made up their minds regardless of the risk to yourself."
Harry felt a surge of fondness for the dæmon he had never knew.
"D...do you think she'll ever come back?" Harry asked quietly.
Hermione's expression turned somber at this statement. Fortunately, Ron and Hermione didn't have to say anymore.
"Right that's enough, I said ten minutes," Madam Pomfrey bustled back in. "This boy needs rest."
The hospital wing plunged into darkness as soon as she had scooted Ron and Hermione out, and Harry was finally left alone with Tom.
"You do know Ron is going to find out about me when Skeeter's article comes out," Tom said.
"I know," Harry sighed. "Just I couldn't tell him...not yet."
Tom was silent for a long while. It was unnerving how Harry could detect his disappointment.
"I've asked you before if you're ashamed of me?" Tom said softly.
"I'm not ashamed," Harry insisted, tugging at Tom's sleeve as he lay down. "Anyway, we need to do something about my wand. Do you think Quirrell would get you one if we asked?" he mumbled as his eyes flicked closed.
Tom didn't move. He perched on the bed as Harry drifted off into a restless sleep.
The next morning, Harry woke to a pounding headache. Groaning, he rolled over, reaching for Tom. He wasn't there. Harry sat up in a blind panic, stomach twisting as he blinked rapidly. He tried to focus but he room started to spin.
"I'm here."
At once warm fingers curled around him. Harry felt the rush of comfort, but the hole was still there, the painful absence which Tom had never filled. His glasses were pressed into his hand and Harry fumbled to put them on as he tried to keep as much contact with Tom as he could.
"Madam Pomfrey left you those to drink," Tom said as he came into focus. He pointed to the half dozen bottles on the table beside them. "They'll help."
Harry's stomach churned. He was unable to shake his rising exhaustion and terror. Instead Harry looked towards his bedpost where Hedwig was perched. She chirped loudly, flapping her wings at the paper at her feet before she proceeded to rummage in the cereal box which had also been left out.
"I've not read it yet," Tom offered, taking some of the potions and pushing them into Harry's clammy hands. Harry's stomach churned, unsure about whether he wanted to read it or not.
However, they didn't have to wait very long.
"This is brilliant," Hermione beamed, waving the article in front of them as she bounded into the Hospital Wing. "The Ministry has no room to manoeuvre now."
Harry caught a glimpse of the headline. He looked over at Tom who picked up their copy that Hedwig had dropped.
"Tom Riddle, Dark Lord or Dæmon?" Tom read as a slight smile appeared on his face.
Harry felt like burying his head in the ground. He'd been sort of hoping his interview with Rita Skeeter wouldn't get published. Sure enough, there was a picture of him and Tom entering the Three Broomstick's. Harry stared at himself. He winced at how pale and totally lost and confused he looked.
"It's not a bad thing," Tom added, as his photograph leaned into pull photograph Harry close. "Sympathy will go along way."
"I don't want sympathy," Harry grumbled.
Tom just ruffled his hair. He read silently for a moment before he looked at Harry and picked out a particularly embarrassing statement.
"Mr Potter was surprisingly brave and coherent," he read. "It was clear that Mr Riddle's presence was the only thing sustaining Mr Potter, considering the trauma he had just been forced to endure."
Harry winced but Hermione only beamed.
"It mainly focus' on the trial and the disappearance of your dæmon," Hermione said as she scratched Ramiron behind his ears. "Of course it also mentions the Death Eater attack, but they've spun that in defence of you."
Harry blinked.
"What, why?"
"The Ministry don't want panic, and the combination of You Know Who returning and a Death Eater attack is going to do just that. This article slams the Wizengamot, of course, but it's stirred up enough of a debate while the Ministry seem to remain in control. It makes sense after all, Death Eaters were always for blood purity."
"And blood purity links directly with dæmons?" Tom asked.
Hermione nodded.
"Well, sort of, muggles don't have dæmons after all. It certainly puts you in a favourable light, or at least identifies you as the sole thing to keep Harry alive and safe."
"So Tom's untouchable?" Harry asked.
"Well, yes and no. It means the Ministry are going to need a lot of public support to attempt anything again. People are furious, Harry, don't you see? Nothing should come between a person and their dæmon. Nothing."
Tom was positively smiling now.
"And because Harry's dæmon left?"
"Let's just say you've stirred things up big time. There's an inquiry ongoing about what happened," Hermione said.
"There is?" Tom grinned, however, Harry had a more pressing question that had been bothering him since only Hermione and Ramiron had stepped into the Hospital Wing.
"Has Ron seen it?" Harry asked tentatively.
Hermione's face dropped and she bit her lip, clearly not sure of how to proceed.
"He just needs time," Hermione offered as Ramiron nudged against Tom. Tom ignored the otter, he couldn't care less if Ron was ignoring them.
Harry deflated as he sat back against his pillows.
"I can speak to him," Hermione said. She gathered Ramiron up hurriedly in her arms when Tom glared at the small creature. "I'll try and get him to come and visit."
It was pointless to say it, but Harry just nodded as his stomach twisted.
"Thanks, Hermione."
Tom turned back to the paper, unconcerned, before his face drained of all colour.
"What?" Harry asked. He sat up too quickly which only caused his head to spin.
Tom looked at him carefully, while Hermione looked between the two of them nervously.
"It says the Silver guillotine was stolen," Tom said.
Harry's eyes widened as his heart beat raced.
"The Death Eaters?"
"I would assume so," Tom replied softly. He turned back to the paper. "Apparently because it's broken there is no need for concern."
"Well good," Hermione said with a nervous smile, but Harry couldn't ignore Tom's flash of terror, nor the smile which was so clearly fake.
Harry and Tom were in the hospital wing for the rest of the week. Madam Pomfrey has been determined to keep a solid eye on them both and Kulang often appeared to check on them. Hermione and Ramiron popped in whenever they could, but it had been fairly tedious and uneventful.
It wasn't until the fifth morning that Madam Pomfrey finally released Harry and Tom her clutches. Harry skipped breakfast and went straight to the library.
Ron and Sephronia still hadn't been into see them since the article had been published and Harry had no desire to go and find him.
When Harry still hadn't moved after their first class. Tom was getting restless.
"You can't hide in here forever."
Harry remained unmoving as he turned a page of his book. He'd be quite happy if he managed to avoid the rest of the school for the remainder of his time at Hogwarts, unfortunately this plan didn't last very long. There was a gentle tap at the end of the aisle.
It was Hermione.
"I got you a copy of the notes," she offered. She moved forwards and set herself down beside Harry.
"Thanks, Hermione."
"You know, it's not going to be that bad."
That certainly earned her a look.
"You ran away when you first found out," Harry said.
Ramiron who had been shifting around her ankles, squeaked at this. At Harry's complete lack of movement, Hermione sighed.
"Come on, we'll be late for Potions and Snape will kill you."
"Is Ron going to be there?"
Now it was Hermione's turn to give him a look.
"You can't avoid him forever."
"I can try," Harry huffed.
Unfortunately, Tom was set on pulling Harry out of the library and it happened to be right when the students made their way between classes. It was consuming and everything Harry feared. They knew, they all knew. He would have stopped walking if it wasn't for the slight nudge in his back.
The crowd opened up as they walked. Harry really wished he'd waited and gone to Potions late. Nothing was worse than the hundreds of eyes following him, the hushed whispers and the fact that every dæmon drew away.
Tom squeezed his shoulder, but this only caused more whispers and cold looks. Some older students even had their wands out as they held back slightly so the younger students come rush past.
Ramiron moved between Hermione's legs as she walked, and she offered Harry a weak encouraging smile.
Harry didn't know if it was a relief or not when they finally made it into the potions corridor. The buzz of chatter instantly fell silent.
Draco welcomed them both with a grin, Adara who had been curled around his shoulders perked her head up.
Harry swallowed, grateful that at least one among the hostile faces looked pleased to see them. He took an apprehensive step forwards, although he didn't get far.
"I believe we started off on the wrong foot," Blaise smiled as he stepped forwards. He held out his hand as Lalini, his cheetah dipped her head, large eyes fixed solely on Tom.
Harry paused and stared warily at it. He could feel the Gryffindor's eyes bearing down on him and he knew that Ron was among them.
When Harry didn't take it, Blaise's smile flickered.
"I only want to make sure there is no bad blood between us," Blaise added, hand still held out.
This only left a soul taste in Harry's mouth. He may as well take the plunge.
"In other words, you're scared of Tom?"
Lalini shifted at this comment and the intake of breaths was simultaneous.
"I'm not scared," Blaise said as his eyebrows creased. It didn't help when half of the Slytherin's snickered.
"You're a fool not to be," Draco added, as he flicked a grin towards Harry and Tom.
Blaise looked taken aback. He looked towards Lalini and the other Slytherin's but when none of them offered any advise he dived straight back in.
"You knew then?"
The other Slytherin's turned to look at him expectantly. Harry just wanted to shrink back, he really was outnumbered here.
"Yes," was Harry's only contribution as he crossed his arms annoyed. He didn't want to be here anyway. It was like being dissected.
Some of the dæmons shifted uncomfortably as his classmates broke out into hushed angry whispers.
"So, why do you hang out with the mudblood then?" Blaise asked surprised.
Harry frowned, both Draco and Voldemort had used that expression before when referring to Hermione, and from the sharp intake of breath from their classmates it could only be offensive.
"She's my friend," Harry retorted.
Blaise's smile slipped.
"I wasn't asking you,"
The effect was instantaneous. This was apparently a step too far.
"Blaise," Draco warned as Adara hissed at Lalini. "Know your place."
Blaise ignored him while Lalini bared her sharp razor like teeth.
"I'm only asking," he muttered. He looked at Tom apologetically and shrugged.
Harry however, gritted his teeth as he glared at Draco.
"Don't," he said. "Tom is not above any of you."
Draco held up his hands. Adara dipped her head too.
"I'm only being respectful," he muttered.
"It's not respect," Harry stated coldly. "It's fear."
Tom only grinned as a smile tugged onto his face.
"It still works the same way, Harry. Either way, I could get used to being called Dark Lord."
It was the first time Tom had spoken and their classmates gaped. The Gryffindor's looked practically horrified by Tom's words. Some of the Slytherin's looked torn between amusement and shock.
"You're sick."
Harry felt his stomach plummet. It was Ron.
"He's You Know Who," Ron jabbed his hand towards Tom. "And you're treating this like some sort of joke! Do you know what he has done?"
Harry's face drained of all colour. He had read about Voldemort but that didn't mean he knew of the extent of the Dark Lords crimes.
"Voldemort killed my parents," Harry answered coldly. "I know what he is capable of."
There was a chorus of gasps as his classmates stared at him in horror.
"And you're okay with that?" Ron demanded as Sephronia growled.
"Of course not, but Tom is not the same person," Harry said.
"You're kidding yourself," Ron responded. "He's a cold blooded murderer, you should hate him!"
"I grew up with Tom," Harry snapped. "Don't you dare tell me how I should feel about him."
His wand was out now as sparks spat from it. Harry wished he'd learnt a few more curses. He was almost tempted to give it to Tom.
"So?" Ron countered. "That doesn't excuse what he's done."
"He's not done anything," Harry snapped, ignoring Sephronia who was still growling.
"He's a murderer," Ron hissed.
There was a cough, just loud enough to catch their attention. Harry spun around, only to find Tom with a smile on his face. There was an instant hush among the others.
"What?" Ron demanded.
Tom's smile widened.
"If you've got a problem with Harry, don't use me as an excuse," Tom said, as he leaned against the corridor wall.
Ron flushed bright red.
"What are you on about?" Harry spat.
Tom crossed his arms.
"Come on, Harry. You can't be surprised that he's mad at you. This isn't even about me."
"Yes it is," Harry bit out as his fist curled tighter around his wand.
"Please, you Gryffindor's are idiots. Ron has never liked me so why do you care now?"
Harry opened his mouth to retort, but he couldn't find an argument to this. Instead he reverted back to what Ron had been saying.
"You're not dangerous!" Harry fumed.
"His reaction is perfectly normal, what did you expect? You lied to him," Tom shrugged, ignoring Harry's last statement. "Plus Hermione agrees with me."
All heads darted in Hermione's direction. She drew Ramiron close. Harry gave her a disbelieving look.
"You had plenty of opportunities to tell him," Hermione said.
"You did know then?" Ron demanded as he turned his fury to Hermione.
Fortunately for Hermione, Draco cut in.
"Granger worked it out weeks ago you moron."
This only caused Ron's face to redden and Sephronia to bark.
"You knew as well?"
Harry stared at them all in disbelief. Ron was mad at him because he hadn't told him, not because of who Tom was.
"I didn't plan on anyone finding out to be fair," Harry started exasperated.
Tom ruffled Harry's hair as he grinned. "I always said you were naive."
Now it was Harry's turn to flush red, he pushed Tom away.
Fortunately, that was when Snape decided to appear.
"Get in, now!" he snapped.
Ron stormed past him with Sephronia at his heels. The others followed, as Blaise only looked amused as Hermione shot Harry a pleading look.
Potions was fairly normal in comparison. Harry paired up with Draco and Adara as he didn't want to hear Hermione's lecture. Snape prowled around the class, snapping at everyone's poor attempt at the draught they were meant to be making.
Ron continued to ignore Harry as he threw his ingredients into his cauldron violently, which had already made several large smoke clouds appear in the room.
Harry tried to ignore him in return, but he couldn't get help but sneak anxious looks across the classroom.
"I'm sorry about your dæmon," someone behind him said.
Harry nearly dropped his insect wings. He hadn't noticed Neville appear.
"What...?"
Neville shuffled on his feet.
"She will come back," Neville continued as he glanced around to check that Snape was still on the other side of the classroom.
"You don't know that," Harry whispered. He tried to ignore the consuming emptiness which was again taking hold, the feeling that was always there.
Neville distinctly didn't meet Harry's gaze this time.
"Just don't give up on her, Harry."
Harry couldn't help it. His gaze slipped automatically over at Cyrilla. She was currently a rabbit and remained sitting back near Neville's own potion.
"Neville, d-did you lose your dæmon?"
The bell rang.
"Potions to the front now!" Snape demanded.
Neville jumped a mile as he hurried away from Harry. Neville left class before Harry could say anything else to him.
Harry's week didn't get any better, Ron and Sephronia continued to ignore them and Harry has been dreading Defence Against the Arts. He'd tried to convince Tom to skip class and hide in the Library again, but he'd had no luck.
Tom was clearly affected, more so then usual. He couldn't stay still, he was almost hypersensitive as they walked to class.
The lesson itself was normal enough. Quirrell stuttered about a few dark creatures and demonstrated how best to identify them. Harry spent the entire time stabbing his textbook with his quill and massaging his pounding headache.
As soon as the bell went, Harry was on his feet, gathering up his text books. He didn't get very far.
"P-Potter," Quirrell stammered. "W-wait behind, I-I need to run t-through the work you missed."
"Sir, I have transfiguration next and I don't want to be late," Harry said as he threw his bag over his shoulder. "Plus, Hermione went through the notes with me anyway."
It was a blatant lie and Harry felt a flash of pain pierce through his head.
"It's alright, Harry," Hermione smiled. "I'll tell Professor McGonagall."
Harry dropped his bag back to the floor as he watched his classmates leave. He couldn't help but feel a bitter disappointment towards Hermione, Ron would have caught on.
Tom was right by his side and it was his rush of exhilaration which made Harry's stomach twist as the door shut.
Quirrell pulled out his wand as his timid expression disappeared.
"What do you want?" Harry asked. He took an immediate step back.
"You will leave us for a moment," Quirrell said to Harry.
"No," Harry protested. He moved to grab Tom's wrist. Tom shifted immediately so that he was closer to Quirrell.
Tom looked at Harry, while his eyes sharpened.
"Just do it, Harry," Tom said.
Again, a stab of terror pierced through Harry. It was the same that had flooded through Tom before, but Harry didn't care. Nothing would excuse Tom's reaction.
"I'm not leaving you alone with him," Harry said as his scar burned.
Quirrell moved before Harry had any chance to react. He closed the gap between himself and Tom in an instant.
Harry felt his lungs empty while the room spun. Harry collapsed. Intense agony, even worse then before, ripped through his very soul. The hole his dæmon had left was burning and suffocating. Harry just wanted to die.
Finally, Quirrell let go of Tom.
"Remember who you are addressing, Potter," Quirrell said coldly as his own wand pointed at where he lay on the floor.
Harry spared Tom a pleading look. He was desperate for any sort of interaction, but Tom wouldn't meet his eye. He remained standing by Quirrell's side.
Harry gripped a desk as he pulled himself straight. He wouldn't give Quirrell the satisfaction, but the way Tom was ignoring him made his chest burn.
"You owe me a favour," Tom said.
Harry's mind flashed back to the troll, fists clenching.
"Fine," Harry spat as he shoved deliberately hard into Tom's shoulder. Harry hated how the brief contact was soothing. He forced himself not to turn back, making sure to slam the door behind him.
Almost at once Tom's emotions seemed to intensify. He was buzzing between pure terror and excitement. Harry had to swallow some bile. He stared back at the handle, he was tempted to open the door and interrupt.
It was locked. Harry tugged at it again, harder this time. When this still didn't work, Harry slammed his wrist against the door.
His scar flashed with a searing pain which almost caused his legs to buckle. Harry clenched his forehead and when the stinging didn't subside, Harry banged harder. He didn't want to be alone, it was just like being back in his cupboard. He needed Tom and he needed him now.
"Potter, what an earth are you doing?"
Harry spun around.
Snape's cold eyes swept over him, noting the absence of Tom. In less then a second his wand was out and Harry had to jump hurriedly out of Snape's way.
The classroom door unlocked with a click.
Harry pushed past Snape, causing Laraine to flap out of the way indignantly, but Harry didn't care.
Instant relief flooded through him at the sight of Tom who was now standing further from Quirrell.
"S-Severus," Quirrell stuttered as Snape followed him into the room. "H-how can I-I be of a-assistance?"
"I found a distressed Potter in the corridor," Snape said, "And considering recent circumstances, I wouldn't deem it wise to keep Potter away from his dæmon."
"It was my fault, Professor," Tom said. "Harry's had trouble adjusting and I thought Professor Quirrell might have some advice given that he has also lost a dæmon."
Harry stood hopelessly as Tom's voice washed over him. The relief of seeing Tom was diminishing fast.
"And you found it necessary to exclude Potter from your discussions?" Snape asked, eyebrow raised. His wand was still out.
Tom shuffled on his feet slightly.
"Harry's been distant," he said quietly. "I didn't know what to do."
Harry's mouth fell open. He didn't care that Laraine was watching him as he forced back a retort.
"I would advise not separating yourselves for a start," Snape instructed coolly. His eyes moved to Quirrell's. Laraine screeched, and Harry winced, hands covering his ears.
"Leave," Snape snapped at Harry and Tom.
Harry didn't need telling twice as the door swung shut behind him and Tom with a bang.
Tom didn't wait as he broke out into a brisk pace.
"Well?" Harry asked as he moved to keep up with him.
Tom didn't even look at him.
"Come on, we'll be late for Transfiguration."
Harry's stomach twisted, instant shock reverberating through him as he froze.
"Y-you're not going to tell me?"
Tom continued walking. He didn't even look back in Harry's direction.
"That would defeat the point of Quirrell asking you to leave."
Harry was left with a burning hole in his chest. He followed, shock turning into simmering anger.
"Did you speak to him?"
Now Tom stopped. He turned on his heel, tilting his head to the side, his usual friendly eyes now hard.
"No."
Harry breath caught in his throat, vision blurring from the shock.
"W-why are you lying?"
Chapter 12 updated May 2018