Wand light shone around the room, casting shadows across the dusted corners and revealing the extent of the damage that the battle had caused. The shack had been torn apart and large holes decorated its walls. The cauldron which Quirrell had been hunched over was lying cracked open and the fire beneath it had been extinguished.
Tom however, was still crammed into the cage and even though his face showed nothing but anger, Harry could feel every heart beat and every ounce of fear.
An auror hobbled up beside Scrimgeour.
"We should just finish this," Moody said. His blue eye spun once in its socket before it came to rest on Tom.
Tom was truly at their mercy.
"You can't-" Tom started.
"No Dark Lord, no deal." Scrimgeour said.
"What do you think Voldemort will do to me if I ever wanted to return to him?" Tom hissed. "Do you think he would let me keep Harry?"
There was silence, apart from the sound of Nala hissing. Harry desperately wanted Tom to look at him, at least acknowledge that what had happened really had. That Tom's intention had never been to leave.
But aside from Tonks who was steadying Harry, not even the auror's glanced his way.
"To buy your loyalty, yes," Scrimgeour said.
Tom slammed his fists against the mesh.
"Do you not think I would have taken that option if it were available?" Tom said. "If I thought for even a second I could convince Voldemort to let me and Harry stay together-"
Scrimgeour laughed, and he really did look ruthless. His cut from the battle at the ministry had healed into a nasty looking scar. Dumbledore however, pocketed his own wand and he shook his head.
"I'm afraid I have to agree with Tom, Scrimgeour," Dumbledore said. "Voldemort would never have spared Harry. Tom had no other option but to seek our help."
"You don't know that," Scrimgeour said.
Dumbledore smiled sadly.
"There are other things that drive Voldemort desire to kill Harry. Even if Tom does not know the reasons, he would certainly be able to feel Voldemort's intentions."
Tom's head snapped to Dumbledore at this.
"You know why Voldemort wants Harry dead?" Tom said.
But Dumbledore didn't offer any explanation, in fact it seemed that Scrimgeour knew as well for he laughed again.
"That hardly has any relevance now. Potter is only a child," Scrimgeour said.
"And yet Voldemort has already acted on it," Dumbledore said. "And will act again."
But it seemed Scrimgeour could not been convinced and suddenly the guillotine was just as terrifying, hanging above. Tom had also come to the same conclusion.
"You know what will become of Harry without me-" Tom's voice died in his throat. Raw pain ricocheted through Harry. It was intense, like Harry had forgotten what it was like to really feel Tom. To know that he was there unconditionally, uncensored and with that desperate longing to connect.
"Riddle has a point," the wizard with a lynx dæmon said. And he like Dumbledore lowered his wand.
"I don't care if he has a point, Kingley," Scrimgeour said. "I did not agree to this. Riddle was collaborating with the enemy, same with Potter. I have more then a good reason to deal with them appropriately."
"There is no need, Rufus. Our opportunity for separating Harry and Tom has long past. We have discussed this," Dumbledore said.
Harry thought he had misheard. But Tom didn't flinch, he didn't even look surprised. So what had changed.
Moody grunted and he looked distinctly unimpressed while Scrimgeour only glanced across at Harry.
"Contain them at the ministry until we've sorted this mess out," Scrimgeour said.
"Scrimgeour-" Dumbledore started.
"Do it now. And prepare the guillotine for transportation."
The auror's started to move, but Harry only had eyes for Tom.
The cage door clicked unlocked and Tom slipped out. It was only then Tom finally turned to Harry.
Tom stepped forwards but he didn't get very far as a number of auror's raised their wands again. Even their dæmons were crouched low, ready to attack at the slightest instruction.
Harry could feel Tom's desperation but he didn't even get time to speak. Moody gripped Tom firmly and Harry collapsed into Tonks arms.
"I'm sorry, Harry," Tonks said as she twisted on the spot.
Apparating was horrible. Harry had only done it a couple of times before but this time was worse because Moody was holding Tom. Harry landed, and he would have fallen if it hadn't been for Tonks. She held an arm around Harry's shoulder as his vision spun.
"Place Riddle in a holding cell," Scrimgeour said gruffly. "And tell the Minister I'll be with him in two minutes."
Moody let go of Tom and Harry staggered out of Tonks' hold. Tonks' Jack Rabbit started bouncing down a corridor Harry didn't recognise, as Tonks tried to encourage Harry to move.
Harry followed numbly, hyper aware that Tom was right behind him. They were led down several narrow passageways until they came to a row of heavy looking doors.
Harry stepped inside and his stomach gave a horrible jolt as he noticed that chains lined the walls.
Moody had his wand pressed firmly into Tom's back. His leg clunked across the stone floor as he marched Tom up to the wall. The chains reacted at once, reaching out as they enclosed around Tom's wrists and ankles.
And for one fleeting moment, Harry thought he would also be chained to the wall, but Moody only hobbled by him before pausing at the door.
"Are you coming, Potter?" Moody grunted.
Tom took a step forwards but the chains held him back.
"Harry-" Tom started.
"Don't-"
Harry needed to think, he needed space to breathe. He was almost relieved that Tom couldn't approach. Tom had proven that he could influence Harry's own emotions and Harry needed to be able to do this on his own. Without any distractions.
But Tom was filled with an urgency that flooded into Harry's own desires.
"Harry please, there was no other way."
Harry desperately wanted to trust Tom, it would be easy. Everything would go back to how it was. But how could he, after all the lies. After Tom had put him in the guillotine himself. The Tom he cared for would never have done that. Never.
"I had to-"
"Just stop it, stop it."
Harry pushed his own hands to his ears as if this would help his horrible buzzing thoughts organise themselves. Tom could just be playing games again. He was capable.
But Harry could feel Tom again. Like really feel him. It was just them. Together. He wished he could stop shaking. Had Tom really shut himself off knowing that Harry had been drowning without Lyra. When he needed him more than ever.
"Harry don't-"
But Harry only turned and walked away.
A couple of auror's had positioned themselves outside their cell. Tonks tried to offer Harry an encouraging smile but Harry didn't find any reason to return it.
There was a room opposite and Harry followed Moody in. If it wasn't for Dumbledore sitting on a wooden chair inside, Harry would have thought they were going to lock them up separately.
"Thank you, Alastor," Dumbledore said.
Moody only grunted and hobbled out the room. Dumbledore gestured to a chair but Harry didn't take it. Instead he remained standing by the door as his own heart twisted something painful.
"What will happen to me without Tom-" Harry's voice caught in his throat.
Harry hated how tired he sounded and how Dumbledore observed him, the headmaster's blue eyes twinkled as Dumbledore peered over his spectacles.
"The truth can be a cruel thing, Harry," Dumbledore said.
"And I have a right to know," Harry said.
Dumbledore nodded.
"Yes, but perhaps when you are older. For now, I would not dwell on it."
Harry stepped forwards, thoroughly furious.
"But you were prepared to before," Harry said. "Whatever fate would have taken me, you still put me in the guillotine the first time. What changed?"
Dumbledore didn't even flinch at Harry's raised voice, instead it infuriated Harry that Dumbledore remained as calm as always.
"When your dæmon left initially, it increased the danger to yourself significantly," Dumbledore said. "But I believed your dæmon would have returned to you, that she would have saved you in time."
"That still doesn't answer my question," Harry snapped.
"Lyra hasn't returned, Harry," Dumbledore said gravely. "She is now far away, and if we separated you and Tom she won't be able to find you in time. It would be too late."
"But Neville didn't have a dæmon?" Harry said. "And he's okay."
"Neville is very fortunate. He was younger, and it was before his dæmon had appeared and fully developed."
"Quirrell then?" Harry said.
"Professor Quirrell has Lord Voldemort sustaining him, and is in a similar position to yourself. If Lord Voldemort decided to leave then I imagine he too would would also fall."
Harry clenched his fists, he wanted to lash out and get an answer. But Dumbledore didn't look like he could be convinced.
"So why do you think it will happen to me?" Harry bit out.
Dumbledore sighed and he took off his glasses to wipe them on his robes. He looked tired.
"Because it always happens, Harry. No matter what. And we have gambled with your future too often. From your deterioration this year, it has only been because of Tom that you have survived."
Harry's stomach coiled at this.
"Tom didn't do anything," he said. "He didn't care what happened to me."
Dumbledore placed his glasses back onto his crooked nose.
"Now, Harry. You can't really believe that?" he said.
Of course Harry could. Tom had put him in the guillotine. Harry didn't even want to think about it. Instead he nodded, because he thought he would be sick if he tried to answer.
Dumbledore lent forwards and placed his hands together.
"Tom acted solely for you. Every action was to keep you safe," Dumbledore said.
"You don't know that," Harry snapped.
Dumbledore only responded by pulling out a piece of parchment from his robes. He unfolded it and handed it to Harry.
"Tom wrote to me," Dumbledore said.
It was definitely Tom's writing, hurried and scrawled.
"When-?" Harry started and then he remembered.
Harry's hands were shaking as he read, chest pounding horribly tight.
Professor,
A letter will not convey the urgency in which I write to you, but I am at a loss. We are being watched and I dare not step out of line.
Harry is in so much danger. And so, despite our differences and the risk to myself, I have to believe that you have Harry's safety solely at heart.
You said it yourself, I am not the one controlling my Death Eaters, which begs the question who is?
I will not condemn Harry to a life locked up but his fate will be far worse in the hands of his enemies.
To put it simply, when the time comes Harry will need your help. I will need your help. I cannot tell you the details, or we may lose the one opportunity to gain visibility of the guillotine. I have to remain loyal or we will be taken and there will be nothing to stop our separation. The guillotine must be found.
I will give you the one responsible if I can remain immune from any further ministry investigations. I understand that you will be reluctant, but if you consider this to apply until myself and Harry have graduated Hogwarts, that is all I ask. Harry will be free to choose his own path without interference.
Also, if you would permit it, Harry would like to stay with friends during the summer. I trust this is acceptable?
Tom Riddle
Harry's fingers crumpled the edges as tears fell on the parchment. There was so much confusion, but at the same time clear ruthless understanding.
Harry wanted to tear up the letter. Tom had betrayed Voldemort and all this time, Tom had been fighting for Harry.
This was why Dumbledore had barely blinked when the unicorn had been killed. This was why Dumbledore hadn't thrown them to the mercy of Scrimgeour and why Harry's wand wasn't being checked as promised. Everything was because of Tom. Controlling everything behind the scenes.
"Tom was right to draw out the guillotine. It ensures your bond can never be broken if you ever were to fall into the hands of Lord Voldemort," Dumbledore said.
But Harry could only read the letter again. Heart pounding in his ears. It was horrible how everything made sense but at the same time only more questions were buzzing in Harry's head.
"Why did you agree?" Harry's voice barely held.
"Before Tom's trial, I was convinced that he was solely Lord Voldemort." Dumbledore said. "It was only afterwards did I realise that Tom was only a piece." He was watching Harry carefully for a reaction, but Harry only felt numb as he stood there.
"Oh, so Tom wasn't a threat anymore?" Harry said.
Dumbledore nodded.
"Certainly not the main threat, but regardless, it is encouraging to see Voldemort's soul turning on himself."
Harry didn't know what to say to this. He really needed to talk to Tom but he didn't know if he wanted to yet.
Instead Harry rubbed his neck, hoping it would distract him from the horrible chill which was seeping through his body. His neck was still a little sore, but Quirrell had apparated away before he had done any lasting damage.
"How come Quirrell can't touch me?" Harry asked.
Harry thought he wouldn't get an answer, so he was surprised when Dumbledore only smiled.
"When your mother died, she gave you the greatest protection she could offer." Dumbledore said. "Her sacrifice prevents Lord Voldemort from killing you, even touching you. And as Professor Quirrell has decided to share his soul with Voldemort he is unable to harm you either."
Harry was stunned.
"My mother died to save me? But why did Voldemort want to kill me in the first place?"
Dumbledore shook his head.
"That is a question for when you are older."
Harry head was pounding, although his scar itself was oddly peaceful.
Dumbledore stood abruptly and moved to open the door.
"Tom is better with you, Harry. I would not push him away for long."
"You just don't want whatever fate to take me," Harry said bitterly.
"Very true," Dumbledore nodded. "But it also doesn't do us well to drive our dæmons away."
Harry stared at Dumbledore tiredly, unsure what to think about this. Harry would never be able to forgive Dumbledore for placing him inside the guillotine, which also lead to the question, could Harry forgive Tom?
Tom was watching the door when Harry walked in, and his relief was almost overwhelming.
"How long?" Harry hated how his voice wavered. "How long have you known Voldemort was going to separate us?"
Tom stepped forwards but his chains were taut and held him firmly in place. Harry could feel Tom's pain. It was so fresh, like Harry had forgotten their connection. But Harry was determined to not give in to it, and so he lent against the far wall as his legs shook uncontrollably.
"Harry, are you okay-"
"How long?" Harry snapped. His voice stronger this time as he glared at Tom. Of course he wasn't okay.
Every feeling from Tom was screaming in concern, and Harry shut his eyes briefly, if only so he didn't have to look at him.
"Immediately," Tom said. "Voldemort's intentions towards you were only malicious."
Harry's head spun. Tom had told him time and time again that Voldemort was their only way at staying together.
Tom sighed, and for the first time in months Harry could see Tom. There was no hard exterior and no stiffness between them. Now Tom only looked exhausted, his stance desperate to reach out and for Harry to believe him. But how could he.
"You lied," Harry said.
Tom nodded and he did not look ashamed as his eyes bore into Harry.
"I had to, I needed to behave as Voldemort expected, do everything as instructed." Tom said. "Voldemort does not care for you, so why should I? Aside from anchoring me to life, you were nothing but a tool and something I could use to gain what I wanted, when I wanted."
Harry had wanted the truth but it burned. Tom pulled against his chains, frustrated that he could not approach.
"Voldemort had to believe I wanted him, Harry," Tom continued his voice barely a whisper. "Or he would never have let us return to Hogwarts. Voldemort would have left immediately and taken us, without hesitation and without the stone. And in the hands of Voldemort and contained by his Death Eaters they would have shown you no mercy."
It seemed like Tom had been desperate to tell Harry and to make him understand. But it was hard to find any amount of sympathy or compassion to his explanations.
"How was any of this your decision to make?" Harry snapped. "You should have told me, why didn't you tell me?"
It was almost worse than Tom choosing Voldemort. At least then, Harry would have known where he stood and that Tom was against him. But the fact that Tom had chosen him all along and had still kept secrets only hurt more.
"Voldemort is a master of reading minds," Tom said with a very sad smile. "And you are connected to Voldemort. If you'd have known, he'd have known. How do you think Voldemort knew that I told you about the stone? He was obsessed. Voldemort spent every waking second watching us and digging at our link. If you'd have felt any amount of reassurance from me, Voldemort would have never trusted me. We would have been silenced."
Harry had a retort ready but it fell on his lips as another sour taste was filling his mouth.
"You used Occlumency against Voldemort?" Harry said.
Tom shook his head hurriedly.
"No, Voldemort trusted me and had no need to press into my mind. And even if he did, I barely thought on my actions, I never let my intentions linger. But Voldemort was still watching every emotion. Do you remember when the mirror disappeared? He found us instantly."
Harry did remember but that didn't make him feel any better.
"But you said Occlumency would have stopped my scar hurting, you said you could block Voldemort out?" Harry countered. "Why didn't you? You could have told me then!"
Now Tom fixed Harry with a very hard stare.
"Do you remember the first time I tried it?" Tom said.
Of course Harry did. It had been almost as bad as when Quirrell touched Tom. Tom had cut himself off completely.
"I thought it would help but I separated us, just for a second and I dared not do it again. I couldn't."
Harry could feel Tom's fear, it was intense, and Harry almost wanted to turn away again. He needed his own thoughts and his own emotions, not this horrible mixture of the two.
"But Voldemort wanted you to learn?" Harry said.
Tom nodded.
"Of course he did. He wanted me to distance myself from you, he wanted you to suffer. And so-"
"And so I suffered," Harry whispered. "Otherwise Voldemort would have wanted to know why you weren't pushing me away."
Tom didn't say anything because it was clearly true.
They fell into an awkward silence. Tom had hurt Harry deliberately and without hesitation. Even though the guillotine was now secure and their bond safe, it wasn't enough.
Harry ran his hands over his face. He wanted to break down and give in. He could have Tom back so easily but it wouldn't be right, no matter how much he ached for it. Something had changed beyond repair.
"Fine then, what about the unicorn blood? You were going to drink it." Harry said.
"Anything," Tom stressed as his chains clinked. "I would do anything to keep you safe. One action out of place and Voldemort would have known. I had to be perfect or he would never have trusted me to bring you to the guillotine."
"And if we'd have told the ministry about Quirrell, it wouldn't have mattered. Voldemort would have found a way to take us anyway. We wouldn't be together anymore," Harry finished.
Harry turned away from Tom. He had his answers but that didn't make things easier. If anything it only made Harry feel worse.
"Harry-"
Harry wouldn't even look at him. Maybe Tom had pushed it too far.
Tom had torn Harry apart and now he had to hope Harry would let him piece him back together. But Harry was strong. There was evidence for that.
Tom had known Harry was lacking and that he had been manipulated agaisnt his own will. Harry was unstable without Lyra, particularly as he had had no time to adjust before Tom had pulled him in too deep. But Tom would have done the same again. It had been the only way to give them any sort of security.
Harry slumped further against the back wall and turned his head further away. It shouldn't have hurt as much as it did. Tom expected it and he knew that Harry would not forgive him. How could he even ask without it being an insult. But he still had to try.
"Please, Harry. Just come here."
But Harry didn't move. He didn't even look tempted. And that disturbed Tom more than anything. Would Harry chose not to keep him. Would he really turn the other way.
"You promised me," Tom's voice was stiff and his voice oddly empty of emotion, but Tom knew Harry could feel his racing heart. "You said you would remember."
Tom had said the same back in the forest but Harry still didn't show any sign of any recollection.
"I told you I would always choose you," Tom said hurriedly. "After the trial, when we were walking back to Hogwarts. I knew then what I had to do."
Surely Harry would remember.
"Funnily enough your actions said otherwise."
It was brutishly true.
Tom fixed Harry with a very hard stare. Harry wasn't meant to have gone through this alone. Sure, Tom had done questionable things, but did Harry really genuinely believe that Tom could have done anything but chose Harry. There was no comparison. And it hurt. Had Tom really driven Harry that far away.
"You actually believed me?" Tom said. He hoped that Harry had always known. That he'd guessed Tom had been trapped playing Voldemort's games. But it had just been a stupid hope with no subsidence to back it up. And Tom asking Harry to remember, that was just an excuse so that Harry couldn't be mad at Tom.
"You were pretty convincing," Harry said.
At least Harry was talking again. Yet he still didn't even glance in Tom's direction. Tom just needed that connection, that one opportunity for Harry to know how much he cared.
"I thought you knew me better then that," Tom said quietly.
"That was before you put me in the guillotine," Harry said.
Tom's panic was rising. Harry obviously noticed, for he finally at least looked up.
"Look, Tom. I get why you did it but that doesn't mean I'm okay with you. What did you expect?"
Tom's stomach twisted under Harry's gaze. Harry's green eyes were brimming with not pain but just totally confusion and loss.
"Pretty much this," Tom said.
Harry looked away again and it almost destroyed Tom then and there as he yanked against his chains.
"So just leave me alone," Harry said.
"Harry-"
"Maybe I don't want you anymore."
The words burned into Tom's head. It was like icicles had stabbed into his heart.
"Don't you dare say that," Tom hissed and he dug his nails into his own palms as he struggled. He needed Harry. After everything he had sacrificed, he couldn't lose Harry now.
"You said it," Harry said and again he looked up.
Tom nearly melted under Harry's gaze.
"But I didn't mean it," Tom whispered. How could he ever have meant it.
There was a cold edge to Harry's expression which Tom had never seen before. In fact Harry looked almost mad as a cold smirk crossed his face.
"Well I do."
Tom couldn't accept it, he wouldn't.
"You're just saying that," Tom said. "You just want to hurt me."
Harry tilted his head and his expression remained unchanged from his cold exterior.
"Is it working?" Harry said.
"Yes."
And now Harry stepped forwards so he was just out of reach. Tom wanted the ground to swallow him up.
"If I get rid of you, what will happen to me?"
Tom bit his lip. He would have answered anything but that. Anything. For the truth was too horrific.
"Harry, I can't tell you-"
Harry snapped.
"You're still hiding things from me, even now!"
"Anything but that," Tom shook his head.
"That's not good enough."
Of course it wasn't, but how could Tom face what had nearly happened. What could still happen.
"You put me in the guillotine after everything that had happened. I at least deserve an explanation. Stop hiding things from me, I'm sick of it."
"I did everything to protect you," Tom said as his own voice broke. "Everything was so we could be together. No matter what the cost."
"Well maybe your cost was too high."
Tom's gaze shot up and he was surprised to find Harry even closer.
"Why should I care what the Ministry does to you?" Harry said.
"Finally, the boy is talking sense," Moody said.
Harry had been so absorbed in Tom that he hadn't even noticed the door opening. He looked startled as he turned around. Scrimgeour, Nala, Moody, the Minister and his dæmon entered.
Tom pulled against his chains, he could not lose Harry. Not now.
Harry watched warily as the others entered the small holding cell. It seemed they had come to some sort of agreement and Scrimgeour's scowling face gave no indication if it was good or not. The Minister's bulldog was eyeing Tom up but unlike Nala she remained quiet.
"Collaborating with the Dark Lord is punishable to life in Azkaban," Scrimgeour said.
Harry's breath caught in his throat. Tom's anger also flared up as he yanked against his restraints. Nala hissed at him her back arching, but Tom ignored her.
"Harry doesn't have a dæmon," Tom spat. "You know it was entirely my influence. If Harry was whole, he would never of cooperated with Voldemort."
None of the others responded to this. Scrimgeour instead gave Tom a very pointed stare before he continued.
"However, given these extreme circumstances and with severe restrictions, you will be allowed to return to Hogwarts."
Harry couldn't believe it and his mouth actually dropped open in shock.
"And Tom?" Harry asked.
"Riddle will be accompanying you," Scrimgeour said gruffly.
Harry thought he had misheard and even Tom was surprised.
Fudge stepped forwards and his dæmon moved by his side obediently as Fudge cleared his throat.
"Mr Riddle, your cooperation regarding the whereabouts of the Dark Lord would be very much appreciated. If you have any information?"
Harry watched as Tom stood back. Harry thought Tom would refuse, so he was surprised when Tom nodded his head.
"Fine," Tom said. "However, I want your promise that you will treat me separate from Voldemort from now on. That means I'm acquitted from all his crimes."
There was a long pause.
Harry expected Scrimgeour to immediately decline, to laugh in their faces, so he was surprised when the auror only looked to the Minister.
Fudge looked torn and his dæmon skirted around his feet.
"That is not a good idea," Moody grumbled.
However, for whatever reason Fudge didn't need any convincing.
"Agreed."
Harry couldn't believe it. The Ministry had every reason to lock them up even if they didn't plan on separating them.
Harry would have pressed further but he didn't want Fudge to change his mind.
"Quirrell met Voldemort-" Fudge's dæmon actually jumped at this, and Tom only rolled his eyes. "In the forest of Albania, although I'm sure you already knew this."
Tom looked across at Scrimgeour who only nodded curtly.
"We had our suspicions, but it was unconfirmed."
"As for Voldemort's location now, I don't know. Although I have a my suspicions for what he will do next," Tom said.
Moody looked unconvinced but Fudge looked positively delighted.
"Voldemort will gather his most faithful Death Eaters-" Tom started.
"The Dark Lord hasn't done so previously," Scrimgeour said curtly. "He had a whole year, so why would he do this now?"
"Because Voldemort was forced out into the open and now everyone knows how horribly weak he is. He has to act fast and so he will strike Azkaban, regain his old support as quickly as possible."
Every face in the room paled, even Harry felt some amount of dread. He remembered reading that most of Voldemort's most loyal followers were locked up there.
"Let him try," Moody growled.
"Voldemort will also try and regain his body. He failed with the Philosopher's stone, but he not stop there," Tom said. "All of his other plans are secondary."
It was unnerving how Tom sounded so confident.
"He may try and get to me and Harry," Tom added quietly. "However, if we reside in Hogwarts the control of the Ministry will have to come first. But only after he has secured his body and his most loyal followers will Voldemort attempt to strike at the core."
Harry waited breath held, but apparently this was enough.
Fudge nodded, and Scrimgeour raised his wand to unchain Tom from the wall.
Harry could barely believe they were back on the Hogwarts grounds. The sky was dark now as they trudged back up the castle.
Tom was brimming with a mixture of delirious relief and pounding nerves. He kept shooting glances in Harry's direction but Harry wasn't ready. Not yet.
"Of course it would be you again," Madam Pomfrey said as Dumbledore lead them back into the Hospital Wing. "I knew I should never have let you out of my sight."
This time Harry didn't need persuading as he sunk down onto a bed. He didn't even complain when Madam Pomfrey set down a number of potions and began checking over his neck.
Satisfied that Harry wasn't going anywhere, Dumbledore started to take his leave.
"Sir?" Harry said.
There was something that was still bothering Harry, but he was sure it was true.
"You argued for me and Tom to return to school, why?" Harry said.
Harry was getting sick of Dumbledore's smile as the headmaster paused briefly at the door.
"Perhaps another day, Harry."
Tom frowned and it seemed like he for once was also in the dark.
"There's a dreamless sleep potion," Madam Pomfrey instructed as Kulung nudged the bottle with his nose. But Harry didn't want it. He couldn't sink into oblivion yet.
"I'll check on you in ten minutes and you better be asleep," Madam Pomfrey said before she made her way back to her office.
And then they were alone.
Tom until now, had been hovering at the end of Harry's bed. He'd kept his distance all the way up to the castle too but Harry had been too exhausted to care.
Tom looked unsure of what to do, so he took a hesitant step forwards.
"Harry-"
"I swear, if you lie to me again-" Harry interrupted. He didn't want anymore excuses. What had been done had been done and now they both had to live with the consequences.
"I won't," Tom said.
Harry took a steadying breath.
"And I still don't forgive you."
"I'm not asking for you to forgive me," Tom said hurriedly.
Harry's chest swelled, this only made it more difficult.
"Plus as soon as I find Lyra, I'm totally getting rid of you."
Tom choked and a sad smile tugged at his lips as a tear fell down his cheek. Harry stared. Tom was rarely sad but never did he cry.
Tom stepped forwards slowly and each footstep closed the gap between. He sat down beside Harry and Tom tentatively moved his hand to grip Harry's hand.
Harry didn't even react. He just sat there numbly. Tom's contact wasn't comfort, it was just raw sadness and pain.
Harry wanted to cry and scream and shout. He wanted to push Tom away. But it was too much. They'd been apart too long and not just tonight. Harry just wished he could stop shaking and that he could stop the tears threatening to fall down his face.
"I hate you," Harry muttered, and then he was on his knees. Tom fell onto the floor too, arms wrapped around him as his forehead pressed against Harry's.
"I'm sorry, Harry. I will never let you go again, I swear it."
If only it could stop hurting.
The next few weeks went by in a blur and Harry found himself feeling better than he had in months. He no longer felt disconnected and even his exhaustion had turned into a long distant memory.
But the biggest change by far was Tom. He hadn't left Harry's side. He'd been there regarding every concern and every nightmare.
It had been overwhelming at first but Tom had assured Harry he just needed time to adjust now he had a proper dæmon again. And that was certainly true. The last time Harry had felt this complete was when he had stood in front of the mirror of erised.
Harry's detentions had also ended, and Tom had gone to great lengths to complain about Dumbledore.
"He knew we were being watched," Tom said. "It's not like we could have done anything else but cooperate."
But Harry had hardly seen Dumbledore, even at dinner and the fact that Quirrell had been supporting Voldemort had also been hushed. There had been no explanation to the sudden lack of Defence Against the Dark Arts classes.
"I guess the Ministry don't want more panic," Hermione offered when they were studying one night. "If they pretend Tom is Voldemort then it's a lot less scary isn't it?"
"I don't know," Ron said as he flicked open a charms textbook. "Tom can be scary enough."
Tom flashed his teeth at this which only caused Sephronia to disappear behind Ron's back.
They were spread around the comfy chairs in the common room. Ramiron was on Hermione's shoulder and he seemed disinterested in the conversation as he peered down at her textbook. Harry was currently leaning into Tom's shoulder as he attempted to read a potions book.
However, it was difficult to concentrate. The amount of homework that Harry had somehow managed to accumulate was ridiculous. It seemed that when he had been unwell his teachers had been very lenient. Harry hadn't even noticed and now he had to try and catch up before the end of years exams.
It was odd that Harry could think back clearly and see how he had been. The affect of losing a dæmon had been overwhelming and he was surprised he'd managed to cope at all. Which only reminded Harry what he had meant to ask Hermione.
"Hermione, what happens to people who lose their dæmons?"
Harry expected Tom to interrupt and demand she be quiet, so Harry was surprised when Tom only remained mute.
Hermione bit her lip as Ramiron shifted his gaze up from the textbook.
"Oh, that. It doesn't matter," Hermione said.
Harry frowned.
"You said I had a right to know."
"Well yes, but it doesn't matter anymore, you and Tom are okay now. Tom should keep you from-"
She stopped and wouldn't say anything else no matter how much Harry pressed.
"Well at least tell me how you found out," Harry finally asked.
"I read it," Hermione said.
Harry groaned.
"Good luck," Ron offered, "Hermione must have read every book in the library. I could ask my dad if you want?"
Tom seemed horribly satisfied by this as hummed and ran his fingers through Harry's hair.
Harry frowned and twisted away from him. This was the only thing that Tom was still keeping from him. Every other question that Harry had thought up in the following days, Tom had done his best to try and explain.
"You do know I'm still mad at you, right?" Harry said.
Tom only smiled as he tugged Harry closer.
"I know."
"Then stop looking so happy," Harry said.
Tom's smile flicked into a grin.
It would take a long time before they were okay again but everything was certainly better. Harry had been surprised by his lack of nightmares recently. He was sure it was something to do with Tom.
"Or you could maybe ask my dad when you come to visit," Ron continued, "Mum seems determined to look after you since that article in the Daily Prophet. And dad will probably be up for looking for Lyra."
Sephronia barked in approval.
Harry turned back away from Tom, although he didn't pull away. As well as telling Ron and Hermione everything about the last few months, he'd also told them about Lyra and he felt better for it. Sephronia and Ramiron had been particularly excited. Sephronia more so as she still hated any interaction with Tom.
"Yeah, but I still need to get permission from the Malfoy's," Harry said.
"Well you'll still write won't you?" Hermione added. "I doubt I'll see you until next year and I can't see the Malfoy's letting you associate with me."
Tom however didn't look concerned.
"We'll find a way, Hermione."
Hermione beamed at him but Harry couldn't help but feel doubtful. From the little interactions he'd had with Lucius Malfoy, the man had been very strict.
And with that, the rest of the year was thankfully uneventful. Surprisingly, Harry managed to pass all of his exams.
Harry woke up on the morning of the Hogwarts express feeling anxious to say the least. He didn't know how he was going to cope spending a whole summer with Draco.
Harry's trunk had been packed the previous night, so he was surprised to find Hedwig sitting on the the end of his bed, a parcel sitting on his covers. Harry frowned as Tom shifted over to retrieve it.
Harry unwrapped it to discover a cloak. It looked heavy and expensive. Tom spun it around his own shoulders and Harry's mouth dropped open. Only Tom's head was left.
Harry scrambled out of bed as Tom looked down at his own invisible body. He looked impressed.
"What does the note say?" Tom asked.
Harry picked up the single piece of parchment to see some very neat elegant writing.
Your father left this in my possession before he died.
I fear that the time has come where you will need this.
Keep it hidden and stay safe.
There was no signature. Harry stared at the writing. He had never owned anything from his parents before and he was a little bit thankful that Ron was still snoring away in the bed beside him.
He passed it to Tom.
"Mmm," Tom agreed. "You should keep the cloak on you always."
At Harry's puzzled look, Tom sighed.
"I'm certain Lucius Malfoy is a Death Eater, Harry."
Harry hadn't forgotten.
"So why haven't the Ministry done anything? Surely they won't want us anywhere near Voldemort."
"The Ministry has no evidence Malfoy is a Death Eater. Not to forget he's a school governor and very influential," Tom said.
"He is?" Harry asked. The amount of information Tom seemed to know was unnerving. "Did Voldemort tell you that?"
Tom smiled.
"No, Draco did. I knew you weren't listening. Anyway, Malfoy is of more use to Voldemort within the Ministry. So if he does establish contact, Voldemort will have to tread carefully."
"You're just saying that to make me feel better," Harry said. "Voldemort doesn't care about any of that if he can get his hands on you."
Tom couldn't help but grin at this.
"Was I that obvious?"
Harry only nodded, but he couldn't shake the sinking feeling in his stomach.
"So what does it mean?" Harry said.
Tom took Harry's hand in his and give them a reassuring squeeze.
"It means, I'm sure we're in for an interesting summer."
Chapter 17 updated May 2018
And so ends first year. Thank you for reading this far.
Also, see below for a complete list of dæmons.
Harry – Pine Marten – Lyra & Tom
Hermione – Otter – Ramiron
Ron – Terrier – Sephronia
Fred – Husky – Celendia
George – Husky – Demetria
Percy – Small pug – Bronwyn
Ginny – Horse – Galian
Neville – Bunny/anything – Cyrilla
Seamus – Fox – Ondine
Draco – White Ferret – Adara
Crabbe – Hyena – Camelai
Goyle – Gorilla – Olesia
Blaise –Cheetah – Lalini
Pansy – Black Swan – Patamon
Theodore – Sparrowhawk - Therru
Ernie – Boar - Honora
Dumbledore – Phoenix – Fawkes
McGonagall – Cat – Einaris
Snape – Bat – Laraine
Madam Pomfrey – Hedgehog – Kulang
Hooch – Hawk – Tiberius
Professor Flitwick – Dormouse – Tana
Hagrid – Hound – Ilaria
Fudge – Bulldog - Gracia
Srimgeour – Large Ginger Tabby – Nala
Tonks - Jack Rabbit - Corin
Kingsley – Lynx - Amabel
Madam Bones – Robin – Talon
Moody – Unknown – Itzel
Voldemort – Snake – Nagini
Lucius Malfoy – Peahen – Chandraki
Molly – Honey Badger – Caedmon
Rita Skeeter – Beetle – Orion