HE WHO MUST NOT BE NAMED RETURNS
Cornelius Fudge, Minister for Magic announced at a special address yesterday that the Dark Lord, who previously
terrorised the wizarding community for eleven years has returned. The recent Death Eater attack on St Pancras...
Harry tore his gaze away from the text to stare at a photo of Tom taken the day before. Tom was standing in front of some sort of lectern which had a dozen floating quills scribbling away in front of him. Fudge and Scrimgeour were positioned just behind him. Harry skimmed over the rest of the article before his eyes settled on a section which was printed in slightly smaller text.
It has been confirmed that Tom Riddle, the dæmon attached to Harry Potter, is only a fragment of the Dark
Lords predominant soul. Head Auror, Rufus Scrimgeour, explained that this information has been known to the
Auror Department for awhile, however, it has only been deemed necessary to inform the public now due to the
imminent threat that the return of the Dark Lord now poses.
'It was one reason which influenced our decision to allow Tom Riddle to attend Hogwarts with Harry Potter,'
Minister for Magic, Cornelius Fudge said. 'Given that Tom Riddle was merely a child with no crimes committed,
it was only natural to allow his support to Potter to continue.' Read more about Harry Potter and Tom
Riddle on Page 4.
Harry flicked the page, only to find a heading which took up half the page.
HARRY POTTER AND TOM RIDDLE ALIVE AND WELL
It has been confirmed that both Harry Potter and Tom Riddle are safe and are now back in the care of Albus
Dumbledore who was named their primary guardian two years ago. The Ministry however, are keeping tight lipped
about what went on at Hogwarts last year, which was temporary closed after the death of a student, Zoe
Westwark [dæmon: Noah] and the disappearance of Harry Potter and Tom Riddle.
'The matter is confidential,' the famous wizard catcher, Alastor Moody said. 'Potter is now secure and that's
all you need to know.' Speculation about Mr Potter's current condition has only been reinforced as he
was suspiciously not present at the Minister's address on the return of He Who Must Not be Named.
Tom Riddle, who was present, spoke briefly when queried about his position on his main soul. 'My loyalty
is with Harry only,' said Tom Riddle, although when pressed further Tom was adamant that Mr Potter's
loyalty does not lie with the Dark Lord.
The Ministry continue to remind the public to look out for Harry Potters true dæmon, which has been
identified to most likely be in the form of a pine marten. Although, Amelia Stoutworth, a healer at St
Mungo's explained that it is likely that Harry Potter's dæmon could take the form of any animal. 'It is
uncommon, but in those rare circumstances where a child temporarily loses their dæmon, their soul
distorts, allowing the dæmon to chose what form is most appropriate at that time. This could explain
why the Ministry has failed for two years to locate Harry Potter's dæmon.'
An exclusive update with Rita Skeeter has been arranged with Harry Potter and Tom Riddle which
will be published ahead of Hogwarts reopening on 1st September.
Another photograph was printed beneath; it was the one taken just after Lyra had left. Harry traced his withered hand over the photo as Tom's image smiled slightly as he tugged Harry's own image close. It was odd to see Harry's own face untarnished, to see his pale skin unblemished from decay. Even the fact that both of his own green eyes looked back at him made Harry feel oddly detached. Harry tore his single good eye away to focus on the next heading.
MINISTRY GUARANTEES STUDENTS SAFETY
The Minister for Magic, Cornelius Fudge, spoke about the tough new measures taken by his Ministry
to ensure the safety of students returning to Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry this autumn.
'For obvious reasons, the Ministry will not be going into every detail about its stringent new security
plans," said the Minister, although an insider confirmed that measures include defensive spells and
charms, a complex array of counter curses, and the use of dementors who will be guarding the
parameter. Professor Dumbledore has assured all those concerned parents that the dementors
will be a safeguard given the strategic position the castle holds...
Harry flicked the page, dislodging a purple leaflet emblazoned with the words - Issued on Behalf of the Ministry for Magic PROTECTING YOUR HOME AND FAMILY AGAINST DARK FORCES, beneath this another blazing headline spanned across the page.
BLACK UNREGISTERED ANIMAGUS
Sirius Black, possibly the most infamous prisoner ever to be held in Azkaban fortress, is an unregistered
animagus, Head Auror Rufus Scrimgeour confirmed today.
'We are doing all we can to locate Black and Mintaka, of course, we have a significant advantage
now we understand how Black has been eluding capture. I am also confident that the security
measures at Azkaban remain adequate with regards to the remaining prisoners. We are certain
that no other Death Eaters will escape. We have naturally however, increased the security given
the imminent threat that an attack on Azkaban is likely.'
Minister Fudge has been criticised by some members of the International Federation of
Warlocks for informing the Muggle Prime Minister of the current crisis.
'Well, really, I had to, don't you know,' said an irritable Fudge. 'Specially after that stunt
Black pulled at St Pancras, the sheer amount of Muggles we had to sort out, we had the
whole of the department of Magical Accidents and Catastrophes working around the clock
just to fix the damage. If we hadn't of had the Prime Minister's cooperation, the whole incident
could have been a lot more complicated. Not to forget that now with the return of He Who
Must Not Be Named, it is vital we have the full cooperation of the Muggle authorities for
any emergent issues.'
While Muggles have been told that Black is carrying a gun (a kind of metal wand which
Muggles use to kill each other), the magical community lives in fear of a massacre like
that of twelve years ago, when Black murdered thirteen people with a single curse.
A large poster of Sirius Black and his dæmon covered nearly the whole page. It was clearly an old photo, taken before Black's imprisonment, and although Mintaka looked just as ferocious as the first time Harry had seen her, her form wasn't nearly as wispy. She was untouched from the terrors of dementors and held such a wild beauty. Even Black, who had looked like a ghost at St Pancras was bursting with energy, with eyes full of such angry pain.
Beneath this, there was a small section noting a list of wanted death eaters. Lucius Malfoy's portrait was about an eighth of the size of Black's, with a small printed title which read - Malfoy Manor raided for Dark Artefacts.
Harry set the paper on his knees and looked across at Tom who was studying a blue leaflet on defensive spells. Tom had his wand held high before he cleared his throat. A shimmer of light flicked around where Harry sat on the squashy Gryffindor sofa, but whatever effect it was supposed to have wasn't clear. Tom lowered the wand with a frown as he noticed Harry's stare.
Harry chewed his tongue as he decided to take the plunge.
"They didn't mention Riddle," he said.
Tom shrugged and waved his wand again as this time the shimmer of light flicked around the both of them.
"They'll be enough panic to know that Voldemort has returned, let alone that I'm not the only piece of his soul running about," Tom said.
"And what do they mean an interview with me? Scrimgeour never mentioned-" Harry said.
Tom smiled and this time he lowered his wand as he scanned the blue leaflet for another spell.
"That's because he didn't agree to it. Rita Skeeter was pretty insistent yesterday that she wanted an exclusive chat with us both, she said her readers had a right to know how their favourite young wizard was doing."
Harry's brow furrowed at this.
"You agree?"
"I think it's better than everyone turning up at Hogwarts and writing back to their parents about how you're going to eat their precious dæmons-"
Tom stopped, his attention diverted suddenly towards the common room window. Hedwig was perched against the glass and next to her was a smaller owl, Harry hadn't seen for a long time. Tom flicked his wand causing the glass pane to swing in its bracket.
Hedwig spread her wings and glided across the room, coming to land elegantly on the top of the sofa, while the ruffled grey coloured sort of owl fell into the room before it hopped ungracefully across the floor. Hedwig had a large brown parcel attached to her leg which Harry hurried to untie. Wrapped around it was a small piece of paper with a neat familiar scrawl.
Harry, Tom,
Thank goodness you're both safe, the Daily Prophet was so vague; it didn't say anything about
what had happened to either of you. It was terrifying when you disappeared as well Harry, I assume
you went to look for Tom? Although you really shouldn't have just disappeared like that. I'd
never seen Dumbledore look so worried. What happened? I've been researching as much as I
can at home but the only things that are capable of taking a dæmon away are of the darkest
sort of curses.
At least the Ministry have finally acknowledged that Tom isn't solely You Know Who. That has to
count for something. It should hopefully alleviate the focus on Tom at least. Although it's terrifying
he managed to regain his body, did you know what happened to Quirrell, the paper didn't
say anything about him.
I'm going to Diagon Alley with my parents week after next, I think Ron's going too, it would be lovely
to see you both if you can make it, especially after this long. Have you decided what classes you're
going to be taking? I hope they don't hold you back from going into third year.
I'm sorry I missed your birthday – I think Tom will like your present, it's a book on external spells
I actually picked up awhile ago. It teaches you how to set up your own parameters to guard
against intruders.
Looking forward to seeing you soon.
Please be careful, both of you.
Hermione
Harry - You never said Lyra was a pine marten. I can't decide whether I'm surprised
or not. I guess I'm just so used to you having Tom. Ramiron was convinced you'd have some sort
of deer or something, I think he's a bit put out that Lyra's more like Adara though...
Tom ripped into the parcel to reveal the small neatly bound book which had a large glowing circle on its front. Harry meanwhile turned his attention back to the straggly looking owl who promptly tipped over with its leg held out. He took it tentatively, very aware that no letter had arrived from Draco, but in all honesty Harry hadn't expected one.
Harry,
I knew it! I knew you were alive. Why didn't you write sooner? I bet Scrimgeour's being
a right pain. Mum was over the moon when they said you were safe, do you think you'll be
able to visit properly this time? My dad said that you had the whole castle to yourself, is that true?
How did you find Tom then? There was so much panic when you disappeared, we were locked
in the common room for days while they searched the castle, but you probably know that now.
How the bloody hell You Know Who get his body back? I thought he was still stuck on the back
of Quirrell's head. I hope he doesn't try to do you in again. Although I guess he'll be getting
more concerned at getting Tom away from Dumbledore. Dad said you'll be safe at Hogwarts,
but that's where you went missing in the first place...
We're going to get school supplies in a couple of weeks, so you could come and stay then. You Know Who
won't suspect you're not at school. Do you know what extra classes you're going to be taking?
Hermione keeps going on about Runes, but I can't think of anything worse.
Btw I can't believe your dæmon is a pine marten. Although I won a couple of galleon's
from Fred and George, they bet your dæmon was a dragon.
Ron,
P.S Sephronia says hello btw.
Harry's throat was oddly dry and scratchy as he reread the two letters. He hadn't given much thought to anyone else, or what they would think of him now. Harry itched to reach into his pocket and withdraw Riddle's parchment, just to see if any fresh words has appeared.
"Harry?"
Tom lent over Harry's shoulder, peering down to see what was causing Harry so much concern.
"I'm never going to be ready," Harry said quietly. There was no way either that Dumbledore would let them out of the castle for a day in Diagon Alley, not when the promise of returning back to school was still so far off.
"You've still got plenty of time," Tom said, although his smile didn't meet his eyes as he picked up Hermione's letter. "Snape stopped shouting at you yesterday so you must be making progress."
"That's because Snape knows I'm a lost cause," Harry said quietly. "I tried to attack Niamh twice in Professor Lupin's last lesson."
"Which is half the amount as the previous," Tom said as he gave Harry's hand a small squeeze. "You're getting better."
"Am I?" Harry said as his withered hands clenched around Tom's own as his absent heart ached. "I think about dæmons all the time, Tom. I just don't know how to control it...I don't want to stop-"
Harry squeezed his eyes shut, but this wasn't enough to hold his attention fully on Tom. He couldn't pretend anymore. A flicker of the purest light pulsed in Harry's periphery, the same light which had been dancing so enticingly for the past half an hour, ever since she'd entered the castle.
"Harry?"
Harry tore his eye open; Tom was staring at him, his elbow pressed against the top of the squashy armchair as he twisted a strand of Harry's hair between his fingers.
"Sorry," Harry mumbled.
"You said it's less distracting when they're further away," Tom muttered.
"It usually is," Harry said. "But it's harder when there's more than one-"
Another flicker and this time Harry's attention was completely stolen from Tom. Tom's brow furrowed as he turned to look in the direction that had captured Harry's attention.
"Nala," Harry breathed, answering Tom's silent question. "She's with Niamh."
Tom sat back at this, his hand falling to his side as an odd look crossed his face. Tom seemed to be deliberating something before he spoke softly.
"What does Scrimgeour want with Lupin?"
Harry gazed longingly in their direction as he shook his head slowly.
"No idea. Scrimgeour had plenty of opportunity yesterday."
Tom squeezed Harry's hand and he flashed a daring smile.
"Let's find out, shall we?"
Harry and Tom tiptoed the last few meters down the corridor which led to Lupin's office. They ignored a knight who was clunking along in the adjacent portraits. He was brandishing an oversized sword while shouting at his dæmon, a fat pony, which pranced along ahead of him.
Tom stopped just outside and peered around the door that was slightly ajar, not that that mattered, Harry could see Nala and Niamh perfectly and the thin dust layer which clung around Lupin's form showed that he was positioned just behind his desk.
Harry itched forwards, until Tom caught Harry's waist with one hand and slipped his other over Harry's right eye. It was like a blanket as Harry's desires diminished. No longer was he itching to hunt, instead he pressed further into Tom, savouring the odd peace as Nala and Niamh temporarily vanished from sight.
"I already explained everything to Dumbledore," Lupin's voice drifted into the corridor. His voice sounded strained and Harry could hear Niamh growing.
Scrimgeour's boots clicked across the stone floor and for a moment Harry thought he was heading towards the door. Instead, he stopped abruptly, his toe tapping twice as he said in his usual gruff voice.
"I want to hear it from you," Scrimgeour said.
"There's nothing more to say," Lupin said before his voice raised slightly. "Yes, I knew Sirius Black was an unregistered animagis, but I didn't think it was relevant, he'd been in Azkaban for nearly twelve years."
"Not relevant," Scrimgeour's laugh was cruel. "The most notorious Death Eater breaks out of prison and you still didn't see fit to inform anyone about his little trick, did you give no thought to the consequences?"
"What does it matter now?" Lupin said, his voice sounded oddly stiff. "Dumbledore is satisfied that Harry is safe at Hogwarts."
There was a distinct cold laugh at this.
"Is he?" Scrimgeour said. "Funnily enough, I only count half of Potter, well...technically less than half."
Tom grip tightened at this, his nails digging into Harry's dead flesh but it was Niamh's deep rumbling growl which echoed into the corridor.
"Sirius has as much chance of finding Lyra as you do," Lupin retorted sharply. "And we all know how much success you've had. Lost dæmons stay lost-"
"Until they want to be found," Scrimgeour added. "Although, Black does have a distinct advantage."
There was another deliberate pause at this and Harry ached to see Nala and Niamh again, just to gauge their reactions.
"Lyra won't reveal herself to Sirius," Lupin said, although there was something distinctly off about his tone. "She has no reason to-"
"Hmm," Scrimgeour said, the disbelief in his voice was apparent. "There is enough of a connection wouldn't you agree?"
The pause was notable and Harry couldn't help but steal a confused glance at Tom who was listening with rapt attention.
"Harry doesn't know anything about Sirius-" Lupin started.
"He knows that Black is targeting him," Scrimegour grunted. "But of course if Black is unarmed he shouldn't have a chance-"
Lupin made a strange noise.
"You would let Harry destroy him-"
"If Tom doesn't kill him first- you're looking a little pale Remus, not feeling sentimental for an old friend?"
This time Tom did look towards Harry, his own mouth parting slightly as if to say something, but Lupin was already responding.
"They are both children," he said. "I would not see either of them drawn into this."
"They are a part of this war whether they like it or not," Scrimgeour said. "Although perhaps Potter would've been better off if Black had killed him at St Pancras-"
Tom jerked abruptly at that, his fingers slipping slightly from Harry's eye in a single moment of fury. Harry gasped his own giddiness genuine as Nala and Niamh appeared in a sudden burst of light. Tom had no time to rectify his mistake as Harry shifted forwards.
"Harry-" Tom hissed.
But it was too late.
Harry had already pushed the office door wide open to come face to face with two suddenly aggressive dæmons.
Niamh was snarling, her teeth braced with her hind legs ready to pounce. Nala although minuscule in comparison looked just as livid as she hissed, her back arched with her claws drawn. Tom was back by Harry's side in an instant, his hand skirting upwards to his face, but he froze short of covering Harry's eye as Scrimgeour's wand itched in his hand, a curse half way on his lips as Harry's movement halted.
There was a moment's silence, a second where Harry was poised to attack, held only by Tom's invisible restraint, his fingers digging into Harry's flesh, almost tearing away his flaking decayed skin. Scrimgeour however only straightened his robes as his gaze seared across Tom's wand and his tight hold on Harry.
"Fully in control, you said?" Scrimgeour said coolly as he fixed Lupin with a very hard stare. In response, Nala slunk forwards, deliberately slowly as dust swirled around her form that Harry's breath hitched, his own body tugging against Tom's unrelenting hold as Lupin stepped ever so slightly to stand between Harry, Tom and Scrimgeour.
"Considering the brief time Harry has had to adapt, he's reacted very positively to his initial lessons," Lupin said as he gave a weak smile. "Harry was probably startled by Nala's presence-"
Scirmegour's eyes moved directly to settle on Harry whose dead eye didn't waver from Nala and Niamh.
"Of course, the start is always going to be rocky," Lupin continued as he wrung his hands together. "But as I've said yesterday, I am fully confident that Harry will be ready when term starts-"
"Really?" Scrimgeour said lightly. Harry really didn't like the grimace which was crossing over Scrimgeour's face as Nala's large slit eyes lingered solely on Harry.
Tom's own grip hadn't lessened on Harry's arm, in fact it seemed that all of his restraint and desperation was coursing into Harry, urging him not to move an inch. Tom remained tight lipped as his eyes darted between the two wizards.
"A lot can change in a month," Lupin continued. "Harry has the potential to be more than capable, you said it yourself."
The auror had a grim expression on his face as he withdrew a golden pocket watch, he clicked it open as Nala slunk back to his side.
"I did, however, there has been a change in circumstance," Scrimgeour said without looking up from his watch. "I had planned on calling past Dumbledore's office, but given that Potter is here-"
Harry felt a stab of foreboding flash across from Tom, but it wasn't enough to solely steal his attention away from Niamh and Nala, that was reserved for Scrimgeour's next sentence.
"Fudge has decided to remove Potter from the castle."
It shouldn't have been a surprise, it was inevitable really. Harry and Tom's future had been nothing but a pipe dream, they had been foolish to think that they had any chance of a normal life, but Scrimgeour's words still cut deep.
Every inch of Harry's skin, decayed or the otherwise patchy remains had gone slightly numb. Even hot unfiltered anger, direct from Tom wasn't enough to scratch his absent heart.
"Well when you've made up your minds what you want to do with us-" Tom spat.
But Scrimgeour was undeterred as Nala battered her tail side to side, her tabby eyes unchanging.
"You're a delicate situation," Scrimgeour said. "Any wrong action can result in devastating consequences; you should know this more than anyone."
Tom looked deadly, not missing the jibe as his wand itched in his hand, but Harry couldn't react, his throat tight as his darkness pooled inside of him.
"If Fudge wants to use me as leverage over Voldemort he should just go ahead and do it," Tom said. "He needs to stop pretending he gives a damn about what happens to Harry-"
Scrimgeour actually had the audacity to smirk at this, his stained teeth matching Nala's own as she hissed, her fur sticking up on end.
"Fudge would be right to do so, the threat of the Dark Lord is rising every day and we've yet to gain any understanding on his initial movements," Scrimgeour admitted gruffly. "However, Fudge is not a forgiving man, and the Dark Lord is not his only enemy."
Tom rolled his eyes at this but Scrimgeour continued regardless.
"Fudge is acting in spite after Dumbledore removed you from St Mungo's."
Niamh lowered her snout and growled as she raised her front paw. One swipe was all she needed to tear Nala apart, but she remained obediently still as Lupin weaved his fingers through her scruff.
"Dumbledore will not allow it," Lupin said sharply. "Harry is under his charge."
Scrimgeour's next words sent chills though Harry.
"Not for much longer."
"What do you mean?" Tom asked as his own nails bit deep into Harry's dead skin.
"The Minister has asked the Wizengamot to revoke Dumbledore's guardianship over you and place you under custody of the Ministry," Scrimgeour said coolly.
"Can he do that?" Lupin asked.
Scrimgeour shrugged, his sudden nonchalance apparent as Nala retreated, her large bushy tail batting back and forth once again.
"He can certainly try."
At their puzzled looks Scrimgeour continued.
"Fudge is adamant that Potter cannot be saved under any circumstance. All he needs to do if convince the Wizengamot that Potter is too dangerous to integrate back into society."
"Ah, I see," Lupin said as be pinched the bridge of his nose. "And Harry needs to demonstrate otherwise."
Scrimgeour nodded before he fixed his hard yellowish eyes on Harry.
"People don't want to give up on you, Potter, specially given the current circumstances. However, the Wizengamot will unanimously side with Fudge if you so much waver in your resolve. You won't get another chance."
Harry flicked his haunted expression across to Scrimgeour, savouring Nala's discomfort as the ginger tabby clung to Scrimgour's side.
"I won't need one," Harry said coolly.
There was a moment when Tom's hand squeezed tightly in Harry's own, clearly agitated, but the auror was satisfied enough.
"Good." Scrimgeour clicked his watch closed suddenly. "I expect you to be ready first thing tomorrow morning, you can demonstrate your perfect control to Fudge and to the Wizengamot."
Now that certainly caught everyone's attention. Tom tensed as he took half a step forwards, but Niamh cut across him with a deep growl as her dust swirled towards Nala.
It was too much.
There was nothing which could stop the rising darkness inside of Harry. It was swelling, rising exponentially as it burst to the surface. Tom was helpless, his will alone defenceless against Harry's raging chill.
The room plunged into cold, Harry's influence casting out like an angry shadow as he took a single rattling breath. Nala hissed, her back arching as Scrimgeour raised an eyebrow almost as if daring Harry to move. But Tom's grip reacted just as quickly, his own wand twitching as his soothing lull barely held Harry at bay.
"That's not realistic-" Lupin started. "Surely a few more days-"
"The Minister is adamant that this will go ahead tomorrow," Scrimgeour said. "If Potter isn't stable enough now, then I'm not convinced a few days will change anything."
Lupin's eyes were creased as he ran his hand over his face. Niamh brushed against his side but it did little to settle the pure terror that was seeping into Harry.
But there was nothing they could say to protest. Tom's hand was clenched around Harry's hand, their fear mixture of them both. If Harry hadn't known better, he'd have said the auror looked disappointed.
Scimgeour's eyes swept over Harry and Tom for one final time, before he left without another word.
Tom's steel like grip loosened without any resistance, his fingers slackening as his knees gave way. Harry didn't need any further incentive. He twisted towards Niamh, Harry's darkness was so cold and unyielding as Niamh had no choice but to flick to white.
There was nothing Harry could do. Niamh was suddenly untouchable and so terribly close as cords sprouted from Lupin's wand, curling around Harry's wrists and ankles as they cut deep into his rotting flesh.
Harry twisted against his restraints, snarling as he yanked his arms forwards, but Niamh's form was dominating and unrelenting as waves of pure power vibrated through Harry.
Lupin was next to Tom in an instant, his hand hovering just above his forehead as his own wand scanned carefully across his body. Harry winced, his breathing hard against his chest as Niamh held any gap between him and Tom.
"Leave him," Harry gasped. His head dizzy and his vision blurred as he staggered.
But Lupin ignored him as Niamh stood guard.
"What happened?" Lupin asked.
Tom shook his head, his eyes scrunching up as he pulled his arms tight around his chest.
It never used to be this hard, Tom had always managed to hold Harry's desires off, to some extent at least and with Snape's Occulumency lessons they'd not had a problem connecting in weeks. But something was terrible wrong, Tom was deadly pale, weakened more so from Niamh's onslaught on Harry. Tom's hands were trembling, his whole composure broken as he whispered.
"How many members are there in the Wizengamot?"
Harry's own memories flew back to first year, but everything had been such a blur. Tom had been the only one who mattered then, he'd barely paid enough attention to how many people there were.
"At least fifty," Lupin said hoarsely.
There was no hiding Tom's pained expression as he shook his head.
"Fifty- fifty dæmons?"
They were the same people that had voted to put Harry and Tom in that guillotine, who had wanted to tear them apart. Harry's anger pooled as his frustration towards Niamh grew all the more deadly. Harry would destroy them all.
"Can you hold Harry, keep him stable?" Lupin asked.
Tom's eyes blinked open as his desperate gaze found Harry's. Harry's absent heart pulsed, his breath harrowing and his darkness recoiled against Niamh's shield.
"What's the point?" Harry snapped. "Everyone's already decided I'm a monster, there's nothing Tom can do to change it."
Harry hadn't expected Lupin to react as much as he did. His shoulders sagged, his brow creasing. Even Niamh withdrew slightly, her usual beast like form flickering as she sunk back towards Lupin.
"Harry, you're a human," Lupin stressed as he turned his attention from Tom. "Regardless of what Fudge thinks-"
"Why aren't you listening?" Harry hissed as the coldness spiralled around his body, the stone floor surrounding him now covered in a frost as Harry drew a rattled breath. "All I want to do right now is rip Niamh apart and do you know what, I'd enjoy it. I know I would, I crave it."
"Harry-" Lupin started his mouth wide in horror. "You need to stop and think. This isn't what you want."
Niamh growled, her hind legs raised as if ready to attack.
"We just need to get through tomorrow," Lupin continued urgently. "Even if that only buys you another week or so, you've already made so much progress-"
Harry kept his dead eye fixed firmly on Lupin as his lips curled into a sadistic smile.
"Which means nothing," Harry said as he held bandaged withered hands before him. "Before the darkness overpowered me, now it belongs to me. Why should I deny what I am?"
"But you've made so much progress-" Lupin's voice was strained, his own eyes full of despair, that even Niamh in her ferocious form ducked down to nudge him gently.
"So what?" Harry seethed, "You think I should be disgusted at being demented, that I should hate myself like you did, because you have to lie to yourself, you just can't accept that you are a monster."
Harry had never seen Lupin angry before but something had clearly shifted.
Lupin stood abruptly, his face set with a frosty look as he jerked his wand sharply downwards. In response Niamh pulled back allowing Harry's chest to loosen.
"Get Severus. Now."
Niamh didn't need to be told twice. Her claws scratched the floor as her hind legs pushed her with such a fierce strength that her very presence vanished from Lupin's office.
Harry's attention wavered, not caring that Niamh was gone despite her usual tether to Lupin. The dust like particles still clung to Lupin's skin, untouched from whatever magic he had cast. Harry grinned, his new target chosen as he tugged against his restraints as he relished Lupin's open fear.
Beside Lupin, Tom stood slowly. He didn't quite meet Harry's gaze as he took an unsteady step towards him.
"Harry-"
But Tom didn't get very far. Lupin thrust out his arm, blocking Tom's path.
"You need to put a stop to this, now," Lupin practically growled at Tom. "Harry can't do this otherwise."
Tom didn't move. Instead his whole demeanour shifted as his eyes narrowed something fierce. Tom's voice dropped to something deadly.
"What are you implying?"
Lupin gave Tom a very pointed stare in return.
"You are the one thing that stands in-between Harry and his prey, and yet you are solely responsible for pushing Harry further away from his humanity."
Lupin took a deep breath, his brow knitted together as his mouth twisted into an unpleasant scowl. Harry could sense the disappointed and disgust in Lupin's next words.
"You don't care if Harry devours someone."
Surprisingly Tom's mouth curled into a cold smile as he titled his head to the side, the danger in his expression apparent.
But Lupin was either oblivious or didn't care as he continued.
"Severus has been more than aware of what you've been trying to hide in Occulumency, that you crave souls nearly as much as Harry. I believe that is why you bought Harry up here despite knowing how foolish it was. It needs to end now before you do irreversible damage."
Tom's eyes were fuelled with a deadly amusement and his next words were so perfect to Harry's ears.
"I don't deny it," Tom said softly.
Harry tore his attention away from Lupin's glowing skin, a small genuine smile tugging on his lips as his own want flicked across their connection.
"Y-you feel it too?" Harry's absent heart practically ached at this.
Tom's dark expression lifted, his own pain flicking across their connection as he stepped around Lupin and closed the gap between them. He took Harry's hand and ran this thumb carefully across Harry's damaged skin.
"I'm filtering out what I can," Tom admitted, his own voice breaking slightly. "I can ignore it most of the time, except when dæmons are nearby and you're feeling particularly…hungry. It's intoxicating despite how repulsive it feels."
"You should try one," Harry grinned suddenly, his smile half cracked and decayed as he tugged Tom closer.
Tom looked genuinely torn, his teeth biting hard into his lip as he shook his head ever so slightly.
"Harry-"
"But you're curious," Harry pressed as he rested his own withered hand on Tom's chest . "Don't worry, we can do it together-"
For a moment, Harry thought he had Tom convinced, despite the clearly obvious denial screaming in his eyes. Not that Tom even had a chance to answer.
A sudden burst of energy exploded throughout the room, disrupting any coherent thought. Tom tore himself away as Harry coiled back in pain, his eyes burning from the bright white that was Niamh's influence.
Snape stood in the entrance to Lupin's office. It only took a moment for his eyes to sweep over the scene. He lingered on Harry's bruised and shackled hands and the black welts that covered Harry's wrists before his gaze slipped across to Tom who had shifted to deliberately stand between them.
Lupin in turn raised his wand, allowing Niamh's protection to drop. Harry didn't need any further incentive and Tom made no movement to calm him in his restraints.
"You understand the severity of the situation?" Lupin asked. "Scrimegour will be back in the morning."
Snape nodded once as he took a step into Lupin's office.
"Dumbledore is on his way to the Ministry now. Although he suspects that Fudge has had this planned for awhile, therefore we'll have to prepare Potter accordingly," Snape said as he drew his wand and levelled it at Tom.
Tom didn't react, if anything his own nails dug into Harry's withered skin as he remained standing firmly between them. But Snape wasn't having any of it as he crossed the office, his boots echoing on the stone floor as he came to a halt right in front of them. He towered over them, his face twisted into a nasty scowl as he glared at Tom.
"The longer Potter goes without devouring a dæmon the more inhuman he becomes," Snape snapped. "I thought at least you wouldn't be idiotic enough to encourage any sort of temptation-"
Harry wrenched himself away from Tom only to be halted by his restraints.
"Leave Tom out of it," Harry hissed as he glared back at Snape. "This isn't his fault."
"No?" Snape sneered. "I suppose from your complete lack of effort, the blame lies entirely with you, Potter. One would almost think you want to be removed from Hogwarts, of course St Mungos may not be suitable to hold you long term, perhaps the Department of Mysteries will be more to your liking?"
Harry flinched, his chest tight as he withdrew. But Snape's expression remained just as cruel, his expression not once flickering.
"Although the Ministry won't want to contain you indefinitely. Either you'll be reduced to a form fully under their control or deemed too much of a risk that they exterminate the both of you."
"Shut up," Harry hissed. "Just shut up-"
Deep fear was coursing through his soul, cutting away any shred of composure or hope that Harry had remaining. Tom's grip only tightened on Harry's wrist, securing his hands gently.
"Harry-" Tom started, his voice was so calm it was disorientating. "I won't let that happen-"
Harry ran his tongue over his cracked lips, his teeth biting harder than he meant to.
"Fudge going to shut us away somewhere I will never taste or see another dæmon again," Harry whispered as he stared blankly, the intense fear routing in. Cold was creeping around him, reaching out to pull any remaining warmth from the room.
Tom was clammy, his own grip weak as he pulled Harry's chin around so that their terrified eyes locked.
"I won't let him."
Harry shot Tom a despairing look, as his hands slipped away to thread his nails through his own hair.
"We still have to find Lyra," Tom urged as his knees shook. "We can't give up on her."
"I want her more than anything," Harry said, his voice hoarse as all warmth faded from Tom, even Niamh wasn't spared as she slunk back towards Lupin. "More than I want any other dæmon. I see her link, she's so close, its torture knowing that she's mine yet I can't have her."
Tom didn't say another word, instead he pressed his hand over where Harry's heart should have been, where the only evidence that Lyra belonged to Harry still existed.
"I just don't care anymore," Harry said as his own nails returned to dig fiercely into his own skin, as if the pain would somehow make it any easier. "I'm done trying to be something I'm not. I can't do this."
Tom shook his head, having no strength to pull away as his face drained of all colour.
"You don't have a choice," Tom bit back.
"No, you don't," Snape interpreted and Harry savoured the opportunity to dismiss Tom as his dead eye slipped back onto Niamh. Lupin's own breath was fogging up in front of him as he relived his most terrible memories. It was the only thing to give him any energy, any hope that there was a reason to go forwards.
"Now you need to concentrate, Potter. And clear your mind."
Harry ignored him.
Snape stepped up beside them, his wand purposely held at his side as if ready to direct it at either one of them.
"We have two options. Either you master Occulumency in the next twelve hours, or we find another way to dispel your desires, Potter," Snape said. "Given that the first is next to impossible; I suggest we focus on the latter."
Tom's expression twisted back into a scowl as he tore his gaze from Harry to stare at Snape and Lupin warily.
"I'm not strong enough to block out Harry's desires, you know what happened with Scrimgeour. If I'm not careful Harry can have me incapacitated in a moment, I will not risk tomorrow solely on my ability-"
"And you're willing to risk it on Potter's?" Snape sneered, "Fortunately you have more of a chance of mastering control than Potter."
Tom's expression soured, but Snape wasn't finished.
"There are other ways to control a person," he said coolly. "And from what I have observed you have all of the Dark Lord's capability."
A flicker of uncertainty flashed between their connection, and Tom didn't say anything. Harry shifted closer so that Tom was tantalisingly close, his fear seeping so erratically between them.
"Potter glorifies dæmons, it's seeping through into your own desires, causing conflicting emotions. You need to influence Potter's craving at the source, halt his own temptations rather than trying to overpower his will with your own."
And then Snape did something Harry would have never anticipated. He held out his own wand to Tom.
"We'll need a dæmon to try it out properly," Snape said.
"Niamh?" Harry asked, his hungry gaze falling onto the werewolf.
But Tom's attention remained fixed on Snape. Tom's body tensed, despite his own hand reaching out to take hold of the black wand.
"I believe you know the incantation?" Snape said.
Tom nodded but he had an odd look on his face. Even across their connection, Tom was hesitating, something holding him back.
Snape rolled his eyes, a sneer appearing on his face, but he never got a chance to utter an insult.
"Fine," Tom bit out, his own shoulder's relaxing despite being anything but okay. He shoved his own wand into Snape's hand as his hand gripped the black wand.
Tom let out a tantalising breath as he turned to Harry.
"We'll start slow; I don't think I can hold you off for long."
"Potter, you need to let go. Let Tom enter your mind," Snape instructed.
Harry opened his mouth to argue, but as Tom's pleading eyes he nodded, an odd calm settling over him like the dozen times before. Connecting to Tom had never come easier.
Tom stepped in front of him, blocking out little of Niamh's light as she prowled behind him.
"Okay?" Tom asked.
Harry stole one last desperate glance at Niamh, drinking in what he could as he bit his lip. He nodded once.
Tom's voice was so soft, his wand flicking ever so carefully as he whispered.
"Imperio."
It was like a blanket was seeping over him, a numbness so cold and clear yet so familiar and warm as Harry sunk into Tom's open embrace.
Look at me with only your good eye.
Harry didn't need to be told twice, he pressed his forehead against Tom's own, so that they were entwined completely in both mind and soul, until all traces of dæmons had gone.
Good. Now, hold my image.
The voice was distant, that Harry wanted to sink into it further, to do what it wanted.
Look towards Niamh, but hold my image, don't let it go.
Tom was so clear, more so than usual. There was no darkness, only his perfect image.
Look at the dæmon, do it now.
Harry pulled his forehead away from Tom, his head tilting to seek what the voice was so eager for him to see.
The wolf had her snout rippled as she bared her large teeth in Harry's direction. Her form was smaller, her presence less meaningful. Everything about her was so dull.
I'm going to remove your restraints. Just hold my image and take one step towards Niamh.
Harry felt himself nodding despite himself as he took one single step forwards.
Okay, just concentrate on the dæmon, but don't move.
And then the small voice in the back of Harry's own.
Why, though?
Another voice had awoken in the back on his brain. You can't take her soul if you can't see her true form.
Look with only your good eye!
The voice was harder this time, more commanding.
No, I don't want to, said the other voice more firmly. I want to see her...I want to taste her.
Don't-
There was no stopping it. Niamh's true form exploded outwards, revealing what Harry knew to be hidden. Harry didn't need more incentive as he twisted forwards, his darkness at his beckoning as he sucked in a deep rattling breath.
There was a flash of white, and Harry's hands seared with an unbelievable pain, blisters burst onto his skin as the stench of rotting flesh overpowered the room.
Naimh had flashed into her patronus form, if only briefly. But Harry still wanted her despite the taste of burnt ash in his mouth and the fresh bruise, bleeding out across his chest. He dived forwards, ignoring the sharp pain that seared across his body.
And then everything came to a screaming halt. Harry was no longer free, his hands suddenly bound in those cursed chains. It just wasn't right, wasn't fair.
Niamh was taunting just out of reach as she growled at him.
But it was Tom who was solely responsible for holding what remained of Harry's attention. Snape's wand lay discarded across the floor, and Tom looked completely pale, his face drained of all colour when compared to Harry's decayed own.
"Why are you useless at all the wrong things, Potter?" Snape said. He stepped up to stand directly in front of Harry as he shone Tom's wand down into Harry's eyes.
Harry blinked at the influx of light, his hand rising automatically to cover his left eye as he stepped away.
"Why, what did I do?"
Harry looked to Tom, who distinctly didn't answer. If anything he was trembling, his own hand twitching as he pulled himself up tentatively from the floor. It seemed clear to the other four that he'd done something wrong.
"You can fight off the imperious curse," Tom said at last.
Harry blinked.
"I-what?"
"You see me with your good eye," Tom said. "If I can force you to remain in that perspective then it should be the same as when I cover your right eye physically. You won't be able to see dæmons and then won't be tempted by them."
"But-"
"You fought off my curse," Tom explained. "You're too strong, you wouldn't listen."
"Can we try again?" Harry said. "I'll listen this time-"
"It doesn't work like that, Potter," Snape said, as he summoned his wand from where Tom had dropped it on the floor. "The problem is that you want to devour dæmons, it's instinctual, your natural desire. You can't just decide not to attack them if that's what you want above all else. Even when someone else if feeding you clear instructions."
"Oh, right-"
Tom's rising panic was suffocating, the clear indication that their future was disappearing. But there was nothing Harry could say that would make it okay. He'd failed.
Fear clenched what remained of Harry's soul, it was just like being back in the guillotine. Where they could do nothing but resign themselves to the horrible unknown where their circumstance would be nothing but worse.
Tom's composure was normally so calm when in company, but there was nothing hiding the fear in his eyes.
"There must be something," Tom whispered. "Dementors can control themselves, it shouldn't be any different for Harry."
"Harry is still human," Lupin said as he weaved his fingers through Niamh's fur, "He still reacts to his human tendencies, he just needs more time."
"There is no more time," Tom spat, his fists clenching as he took one step towards Lupin. "That's the whole point in all this, Harry's expected to do something that should take years to adjust too, he's thirteen and yet a part of him is of the utmost evil. What the hell does anyone expect from us?"
It was clear from Lupin's broken expression that he didn't have a response to this and Tom was left digging in his nails through his scalp as he sought out an answer from the oddly silent potions master.
"There must be something else," Tom stressed. "Magic has endless possibilities; I can't believe we've tried everything."
There was something about the way Snape moved, his robes draping to the floor as he crossed his arms.
"There is one other option," Snape said, his cold voice unusually quiet. "But it depends on what measures you are willing to go to."
At this point, Harry was sure Tom would do anything.
"It's not legal is it?" Lupin asked warily.
"It's not legal or ethical," Snape answered calmly.
Lupin's lips thinned at this and Niamh growled, her tail flicking.
"You were happy enough when I cast the Imperious Curse on Harry," Tom muttered.
Both Snape and Lupin ignored this comment.
"What is it?" Lupin asked.
"For the last few weeks I've been developing a potion," Snape said. "Theoretically, I hope it will allow Potter to remain in control, keep his rationale thoughts unhampered. Think of it as similar to how the wolfbane potion works."
"And what's the illegal part of it?" Harry asked.
Snape's eyes narrowed as there was a deliberate pause as he surveyed Harry carefully.
"The ingredients," Snape said softly.
Harry frowned, as he sought out Tom, who inclined his head ever so slightly.
"We'll try it," Tom said.
Snape nodded.
"Wait here."
Snape didn't take long to return. At least it didn't feel like any time had passed for Harry. Niamh had remained in her normal form, her huge body towering over him in a whirl of distracting temptation. Tom had been silent the whole time, his deep breaths barely holding steady.
Snape stepped forwards and placed a small oval shaped bottle on Lupin's desk. Beside Harry Tom actually shivered and took a slight step back, his own realisation ricocheting through Harry in a mixture of horror and desperate hope. Harry wetted his cracked lips as his dead eye slipped away from Niamh.
The bottle held a solely black liquid, but that wasn't what drove Harry's rising excitement. There was an odd mist oozing around its contents, seeping out from around the cork. The contents could only be one thing which was only confirmed when Snape removed the stopper.
A mixture of death and rotting burst from its contents. The mist was coiling outwards as if its desire was to flee from itself, and yet at the same time there was the most perfect sensation, small flickers of golden particles which danced captured within.
"A dæmon," Harry breathed, totally mesmerised from the potion. "How did you-"
Lupin was staring at Snape very carefully now. Even Niamh was momentary distracted as she growled and bared her deadly teeth.
"Knockturn Alley?" Lupin questioned sharply.
Snape didn't answer as he made to hand the small vial to Harry.
Quick as anything Tom's hand was tight around Harry's wrist, stopping him from reaching forwards.
"Who?" Tom asked.
"Does it matter?" Snape retorted coolly.
Harry shook his head. A dæmon was a dæmon, it made no difference who they belonged to. He just wanted to taste them and he twisted his arm to free himself from Tom's grip.
Tom diverted his gaze. There was a moment when Harry was sure Tom would protest and deny him what he craved. Only Tom gave a single sharp nod to Harry. Harry didn't need to be told twice.
Harry breathed in the mist, almost giddy as he pressed it to his cracked lips. It was by no means the real thing but it would do.
Despite the vial being cool to the touch, the liquid within was uncomfortably hot, it burned down Harry's throat causing him to cough and splutter. For a moment, sickness consumed him as a hot flush. Harry staggered to his knees, barely noticing when Tom's burning hands caught him around the waist.
"Harry-"
It was almost like when Harry had taken Quirrell's dæmon, the completeness so peaceful as if nothing could take this moment from him but at the same time something just didn't satisfy his itch.
Niamh was still there, her light faded almost, almost like the dæmons tainted from Azkaban. Harry attempted to stand, to move closer to his target, but Tom's grip was fierce.
"Harry?"
Something was different; at least Tom seemed to think so.
"I-it's not enough," Harry gasped. "I still want her-" Still wanted to rip her limb from limb and split her soul open for himself.
Tom shook his head, his eyes filled with terror despite the calm he was portraying.
"Hang on, let me try something."
Harry turned to him, caught out by the determined look on Tom's face as Tom pressed his lips tightly together.
"But-"
Tom was reaching out across their connection, prodding gently into Harry's mind. It was easy enough to let him in, just like they'd practiced and certainly something had changed.
"It's enough," Tom confirmed before he nodded to Niamh. "Look."
Harry didn't know what to expect, but it certainly wasn't a normal wolf.
Niamh was half the size of her werewolf form, her snout still rippled as she snarled in Harry's direction. Her usual dust was no longer present, hidden behind whatever barrier Tom had conjured. Harry swallowed, almost too afraid to take a breath and break the spell.
"I-how?"
"Something's changed," Tom said. "Before your senses were on point but now everything is distorted, not by much, but I can take advantage of the confusion."
An immense sense of relief washed over Harry as he stared at Niamh. It was almost a disappointment that any temptation was gone. Maybe if he looked hard enough-
Tom grabbed him suddenly, shaking his head as his eyes shone with terror.
"Don't push it."
Snape however had his wand drawn and his expression was fierce.
"That is exactly what I want you to do," Snape said.
Tom and Harry stared at this, their hands clinging desperately to each other.
"Do not think of your situation lightly, Potter," Snape continued coolly. "I am only considering this risk because you have a piece of the Dark Lords soul to keep you in check and manage your pathetic attempt at Occulumency. So until I am absolutely content that this potion remains potent enough for a sustained period, we will be testing how far we can push it. Usually ingredients need longer to acclimatise, but we have been left with no other option."
Tom squeezed Harry's hand, but it was clearly more for his own benefit than for Harry's.
Lupin was slumped back at his desk; he'd summoned a towel which he'd placed over eyes. Niamh was curled up beside him as tremors ran through her body, clearly shaken from Harry's constant influence. Her outline was blurred as small pieces of her soul bled out towards Harry's hold.
It was so tantalising that Harry couldn't draw himself fully away. Tom's influence had diminished slightly, his magic exhausted as he huddled close to Harry. Tom's face was pale as small beads of sweat ran across his forehead as his skin burned red hot. Harry pressed his own hand to Tom's head, savouring the moment as Tom lent into it to savour Harry's cold.
Snape was otherwise fine; he was currently leaning on Lupin's desk, with his wand pressed to his temple.
"I don't understand why they are helping us," Harry whispered. "Scrimgeour would throw them in Azkaban if he found out."
Tom shrugged, his strained eyes finding Harry's as he stifled a yawn.
"Snape's a Death Eater," he said. "Voldemort doesn't want you locked away and in the control of the Ministry, not if you can keep your independence and he can keep a close eye on you."
Harry's disbelieving look only caused Tom to shrug.
"Who do you think is providing Snape with a fresh supply of dæmons for his little experiments?"
Harry couldn't help but draw a sharp breath at this, his thoughts whirling.
"And Lupin?" he asked.
Tom crossed his arms and his next response caught Harry by surprise.
"Lupin's wants to believe you're not a monster, that you're like him and can still live a normal life. We can exploit this, take advantage of his sympathy. Or if he does have intentions of reconnecting with Black-"
Now this certainly caught Harry's attention, his thoughts flying back to Scrimgeour's and Lupin's earlier conversation.
"Do you really think he's working with Black?" Harry whispered.
Tom shook his head.
"Black's been in Azkaban for twelve years, but there's something odd about it don't you think? Lupin seems a little bit too interested in you; Niamh can't take her eyes off you."
"That's because she thinks I'm going to eat her," Harry muttered.
Tom almost cracked a smile at this, his eyes softening, despite the uncomfortable spike which hummed between them.
Harry glanced back to Snape, Lupin and Nimah, but they all seemed too preoccupied to look across in their direction.
Tom was clearly cautious of the same thing as he spun his wand between his fingers and dropped his voice lower.
"Do you remember what Black said to you in St Pancras?"
Harry faltered, caught off guard by the question. He bit his lip as his fingers wound into the front of Tom's shirt. But Tom was already answering.
"You said Black could find Lyra," Tom whispered.
"I-I guess," Harry faulted as he remembered how insistent Black had been. "At least he sounded convincing at the time."
But Tom didn't respond, instead he only nodded an odd sense of calm coming over him.
"I don't like it," Tom said softly. "Black's unhinged, he's been in Azkaban surrounded by dementors for years. He's not going to be thinking rationally. His soul desire has been to hunt you rather than return to Voldemort."
Harry looked down longingly at the thin chained link which splintered out from his absent heart.
"So you think Lyra is still safer away from me? Even if Black catches up to her?"
Tom's gaze deliberately settled away from Harry's dead eye.
"From what Lupin was saying to Scrimgeour, Lyra will only reveal herself to someone she trusts."
Immense relief flooded into Harry but it was short lived.
"So what, only I can find her? Or you, I guess," Harry asked.
It was an honest enough question, but Tom's lack of an immediate response lingered a little too longer than was comfortable. If anything Tom's fist had curled up and his whole posture had stiffened.
"Or anyone else you trust," Tom added softly.
Harry tried to ignore his tightening chest as each raspy breath drew less than the previous.
"Do you think this is right?" Harry finally asked, his temptation drawn back to Niamh. "If something goes wrong-"
"Tomorrow is your last chance," Tom said, his eyes oddly cold and his gaze unfocused. "I don't care if it's right or not."