A/N: Hey guys, I'm back after what appears to be the worst cliff hanger ever according to you guys 😀. This is it, this is the cumulation of all the drama between Harry and Tom, so I really hope you like it.

Warning: Definite slash, language and mentions of violence.

Disclaimer: Seriously guys, not JK

Parseltongue

Chapter 53:

Tom entered the room and slowly shut the door throwing up the most powerful wards he knew, sealing him in the room with Harry. He understood the groups' hostility, they were worried about their friend but he didn't want any interruptions. He could just make out a human shaped contour in the bed which he presumed was Harry, but it was the teens magic that got him. Harry's magic was much like the teen, like an extension of himself, it bounced around free and full of energy, but now it was lifeless and flat, it was there, just, but there was nothing in it. Tom walked over and sat on the bed, he pulled the covers down to look at Harry and paled when he saw the glassy black eyes that used to be the bright green he cherished.

"Harry?" He called softly running a gently hand across his cheek, the teen was cold to touch much to Tom's ever-growing alarm. The connection between them was dead as it had been since Harry had left, and during his own exile Tom had not been eager to change that. Now, on the other hand, he threw everything at the barrier between them and relentlessly pounded on in to try and get it to break.

"Harry?" He tried again and still got no response. Harry was nearly gone, the teen hadn't reacted when he and entered which wasn't like him as he was as paranoid as Tom, the teen hadn't moved when he spoke and didn't even blink when he was touched. Not only that, but he still couldn't feel anything from the teen whatsoever. Harry couldn't shut down his emotions, it would drive him insane and Tom knew from experience.

He had done it himself and he was only sane now thanks to the teen in front of him, Harry had involuntarily ruptured the casing Tom had placed around his emotions to shut them down when he had overtaken the possession of Nagini in the previous Yule. It had been a blessing because Tom was able to get his ideas and goals sorted correctly, working to correct the damages created over years of madness, and he realised his mistake then. Emotions may be a weakness, but they were also a strength, and a human, not matter what, needed them to or insanity would consume the mind.

"Don't do this to me." Tom murmured, gently rolling the teen over so he could get a better look at him. "Not now." The total lack of reaction freaked him out more than he cared to admit.

Snake, Tom hissed switching to Parseltongue in the hopes that the use of the language only the two of them shared would get through. Harry, you must listen to me. The issue of an order in Parsel finally got a reaction, Harry's magic spiked, if only briefly.

Harry, he hissed and there was a ripple in the flat magic, Come back to me, Harry, Harry blinked once and his magic spiked again.

Come on, Harry. You have to come back to me. Now!

The teen blinked once again, and slowly he began to move. He sat up, drawing his knees up with his hands pressed to his chest, a pained gasp chocking its way out of his throat. Tom clutched his head and chest as their connection burst open violently he was flooded with the agony currently eating its way through Harry's system; good Merlin, no wonder he was trying to get rid of it. The Dark Lord sucked in a sharp breath as he worked on Occluding his mind enough to distinguish what was his and what was coming from Harry. Once he felt he had control, Tom moved closer, running his hand through Harry's dark hair and tilting the teen's head back to look him in the eyes. Something flashed through those horrible black eyes and a confused expression came to Harry's face, tilting his head to the side in an almost childlike manner.

Tom? It was almost inaudible, but it was actually spoken words with a touch of confusion in them much to Tom's relief.

Thank Merlin, he breathed, I was starting to believe…

Harry's head tilted to the other side, he regarded Tom blankly, the black eyes making the expression appear almost lifeless. He remained motionless for a few moments, staring unblinkingly at the Dark Lord before his eyes narrowed.

Your presence is causing me pain. Why are you here?

You know why I am here. Tom responded calmly, watching as Harry's eyes narrowed further.

Do I? You have always prided yourself for being unreadable.

And yet you do the impossible. You know me better than-,

Don't! It came out like a snarl and Harry's expression twisted in to something vicious, Don't you dare finish that sentence.

Why? You know it's the truth. Did you not illustrate it so? Tom's reply was cutting, and Harry bared his teeth and hissed wordlessly at him. His hand had unconsciously come up to clutch at his chest as he pushed himself back from Tom.

And look where it's gotten me. He spat, his eyes flaring green before the blackness overcame them once again, You being here is like ice being ripped through my chest and yet it burns!

Tom's eyes flashed with something and he moved forward with his hand outstretched but Harry withdrew as if burned, Tom clenched his teeth to mask the pain that action caused.

Don't. Harry warned, those cold black eyes burning in to him, Haven't you, of all people, caused me enough pain? Haven't you put me through enough?

You know I was not the instigator, Harry. Tom responded coolly, refusing to be baited by his words. He would not be swayed from his goal, not now. Harry turned away, his knees drew up to his chest and he settled his head down, falling completely still.

Oh no, do not even think about it. Tom's voice suddenly went icy, and, moving quicker than Harry obviously expected, grabbed the teen, forcing his head back to look in to his eyes. You can scream, shout and curse me all you like but you will not continue this ridiculous notion of shutting down your emotions.

As expected, Harry lashed out and he moved just enough to avoid the fist aiming for his jaw, but he wasn't lucky enough to escape the violent shove and only just stopped himself falling from the bed.

I can't do this! Harry's voice was almost hysterical, his hands gripping his hair so hard that it was close to being pulled out, It's like I'm breathing but there's no air, and it hurts.

If Tom never had to hear Harry's voice break like that again it would be a blessing, he took a slow breath and watched his teen closely knowing that he had to wait for Harry to speak before he did anything. Harry sat forwards resting on his knees, his hand came up to hesitantly trace his finger softly under Tom's eye, where there were dark circles through lack of sleep.

Why are you still here? Harry asked, shaken. Tom took the hand that was detailing his face and pressed a light kiss to the pulse point, Harry's eyes darted down to watch the movement without blinking.

I'm here for you, Tom told him honestly, Because I want you.Harry reared back, shaking his head as he pushed himself away from Tom once again. His hand went to his chest as he clenched his eyes shut.

No you don't. He denied quickly. I saw your how you reacted. I never expected anything different.

I was very surprised. Never had I even imagined anyone having felt as such in regards to me. Tom stated, And I want to keep those feelings.

You've always rejected it. You do not want it. Harry insisted, but as his eyes were still closed he didn't see Tom follow his movement so he was knelt in front of him. His eyes snapped open when the man took his hand away from his chest and gently covered it with his larger ones.

I do, Tom assured the teen, who bit his lip and looked down at their joined hands. You have no idea what you do to me. I want you, every part of you.

Y-you shouldn't, Harry murmured.

Why shouldn't I? Tom asked, and Harry looked at him as if he was insane.

Why shouldn't… it's you and me! It wasn't supposed – this is… You just shouldn't.

Tom quirked his eyebrow at Harry's broken response, he sat back against the headboard, bringing Harry with him so the teen was straddling his legs.

Then there are a lot of things I shouldn't want. Tom pointed out, I shouldn't want to be around you all the time, I shouldn't want to wake up with you next to me every day, I shouldn't want you in my arms and I shouldn't adore everything about you.

Tom watched as a light blush covered Harry's pale cheeks, and he couldn't help but run his fingers gently over the colour in a mixture of pleasure and relief at a visible sight of Harry's emotions. Harry himself couldn't help it, his emotions were raging under the surface, amplified by Tom's presence and his words.

And I shouldn't love you. Harry admitted, and this time he was fully aware of exactly what he was saying. His head dropped down and he looked so utterly defeated that Tom felt a stab of pain in the pit of his stomach. To see Harry of all people looking like that was something he never wished to see again. The teen had been in the face of certain death, had nigh on his entire family ripped away from him and had to face up to the fact that Dumbledore was leading him to his death when he has believed the man to be a saviour and he had still stood up strong, proud and determined not to be broken. Yet, here he was brought so low by an emotion; why Tom ever believed love could be a weakness when it was able to such damage he had never known. He did know that by the pulsing emotions raging through the teen, Harry was expecting to gain a rejection to his admission and that really wouldn't do.

I do not know what I feel,Tom admitted slowly, unsure. Harry's head snapped up so fast he was lucky he didn't get whiplash, he was looking at Tom with wide, disbelieving eyes so Tom continued before the teen could speak. But I know I care about you more than anyone or anything in this world. Harry's eyes were brightening as they searched Tom's face for something, he was looking for a trace of deceit or hidden agenda, but he found nothing, the crimson eyes he loved were open and clear.

Really? He was hardly daring to believe, but hope was blooming no matter how much he tried to stop it. Tom pressed a feather light kiss to Harry's palm.

Yes, he murmured, And I want you to be with me

You do?

Yes,

I-, Harry swallowed.

Say you will, Tom implored, but Harry was torn. He loved Tom, there was no doubt, it had consumed him and ripped him to pieces from the inside out, he wanted nothing but Tom and he couldn't take it. It was too much and it hurt, the pain of knowing he could never have the one thing he wanted more than anything was excruciating and Harry had never felt anything so painful in his entire life. He wanted to give in, to get rid of the pain and be with Tom, but if he did he would be placing everything in the others hands, everything he was would be on the line because he knew that Tom could brake him. And that was an all knew kind of fear.

I don't know… he hissed softly looking down, he didn't know if he could risk it and become a shell if it went badly. But then again, what was he now? He had been minutes away from shutting down his humanity permanently and becoming what he had labelled his demon. Oh he knew he was an evil bastard normally, he was a complete sadist who got off at the sight of blood and someone screaming while being tortured, but his demon was ten times worse; and he never remembered what he did during those times when it came out.

Like when he first arrived at the Malfoys Manor, he didn't know what he had actually done, he knew he had killed his family, but that was only because he had been able to break through the haze during his healing sleep. He would be uncontrollable all the time and it seemed like a lose/lose for him, if Tom got bored then he would shatter in to a million pieces, if he rejected Tom them he would become his demon full time where he wouldn't have any pieces to shatter. He was stuck.

Give me a good reason for us not to be together. Tom said to him, he was mentally begging Harry to say yes, to him to agree to come back to him. He needed him, he didn't even want to think he would do without his Harry and he would do anything to make sure he didn't have to know.

You could break me. Harry finally admitted and his voice shook, he visibly pulled himself together as a stray tear ran down his face.

I won't, Tom replied adamantly, he was sure of that. He would never want to break someone who was a million times better when whole.

But you could, Harry countered, I would be placing everything I am with you, I'm already lost and I know I couldn't handle if you got bored or left me. You would literally hold my entire being and I don't know if I can risk that, More tears ran down his face and his hands clenched, it was killing him, he was sure he was dying and he just wanted all the pain to stop. Tom decided he now hated it when Harry cried, it was one of the worst feelings he had ever experienced and he would do everything in his power to make sure it never happened again.

Harry, please,

Harry didn't think he had ever heard Tom sound so vulnerable, it made him look up and his breath caught at the completely open expression on the man's usually guarded face, he looked so lost, and Harry could see and feel he was hurting too.

You can't leave me, I need you. I don't know what's happening to me, but you-you are… everything to me; everything and more. I won't break you, I wouldn't, I couldn't do that, not to you… Tom closed his eyes and fought to keep his emotions in check, they were whirling around his mind faster than which he could decipher them and it was making his head spin. He had never felt something so intense, it was like it was pumping in his very veins and while it was painful, it was also pleasant at the same time and he opened his eyes to look back in to deep green ones. Harry searched the crimson eyes for something, anything that would tell him to say no, any misgivings to warn him against giving in which he felt himself doing.

He found nothing, Tom's eyes were open and showing him the man's own equally raging emotions, Harry closed his eyes with his decision made. His wrapped his arms loosely around Tom's neck and kissed him, it was soft and slow at first, but it deepened as a fierce need awoke, Tom's grip on his hips tightened and Harry pulled himself closer to the man. His magic flared around the room and mixed with Tom's, it swirled and pulsed as they broke apart both flushed and Harry leant his forehead on Tom's, his eyes blazing the familiar Avada green as his emotions flared within him.

Yes, he would rely on his instincts, he would place his trust in Tom not to break him, and he would be with him. Tom looked delighted, his own eyes lighting up and he kissed Harry with much vigour, and Harry gave him a small smile. "Yes," he repeated it again in English and Tom pulled him closer.

"You'll be mine forever. Mine alone." Tom stated, pleased by the thought as he trailed a finger lightly over the teen's jaw. "I own your mind, your body and your soul. I own your smile, your problems and your feelings. All of it is mine. I do not share and I do not tolerate betrayal."

"Can you promise me the same?" Harry wondered, his voice still low but his smile still lingered. Tom looked him in the eye and thought to all the times he had rejected courtships, relationships and feelings as a whole; he had always been so disgusted of the people who would dare as him of such things; as if they were worthy of his presence, let alone his attentions. Yet, for Harry, it wasn't even a hard decision; it shouldn't have even been a proposed question.

"I will." He spoke like a vow and was rewarded with that smile, the one he had been subconsciously coveting for why else would he go out of his way to get it aimed solely at him. They sat just enjoying each other's presence for quite some time, allowing their magics to flare around them absently and they both calmed and were soothed from the emotional upheaval they had both experienced since the first night back at Hogwarts. It was Harry who moved first, pulling back to look Tom's face over, and a small frown marred his features.

"You don't look well, Tom." He told him and Tom raised an eyebrow, a small smile on his face.

"You do not exactly look the epitome of health, either."

"Yeah. Well," Harry shifted slightly, "I've been hiding in my bed."

"Where do you think I have been?" Tom questioned, though his voice was light it didn't belay the seriousness of his words and Harry blinked, it took a few moments before Tom's words registered and he sat up quickly.

"Why were you in bed? How did you teach? Were you sick?" Harry even reached up and felt Tom's forehead in concern, Tom shook his head, gently taking Harry's hand in his and pressing it to his cheek.

"I ordered Severus to cover my lessons." Tom told him and Harry frowned.

"But why?"

Tom looked down.

"When you left, I could not bring myself to move." Tom admitted quietly, causing Harry's eyes to widen, both at the admission and his open expression. "It was as if my will had left me, I didn't want to do anything other than lay in my bed, where it smelt like apples." Tom didn't see it because he was still looking down, but Harry positively beamed at that, knowing that he was the one that made Tom's bed smell like apples. He brought Tom's face up and kissed him sweetly, still smiling when the broke apart.

"Did you know I love you?" Harry whispered, looking him in the eyes and adoring the smile that came to Tom's face with his words.

"Say it again,"

"I love you,"

"Again," Tom insisted and Harry laughed lightly, kissing him again.

"I love you, Tom Marvolo Riddle." Harry stated firmly, and he was under the distinct impression that Tom very much liked hearing that by the bright smile he was receiving. Tom just couldn't believe it. Couldn't believe that someone could love him, the person most believed was completely heartless. He had once heard that people believed dementors had more of a heart than he did; though he had to admit he had found that quite amusing when Theodore had told him.

But here he was, with his official… what would one call Harry? Boyfriend was much too trivial, lover seemed understated and partner didn't really explain what Harry was to him. He decided that Harry was just Harry, his Harry and nothing else needed to be said. Harry was following Tom's thought through his feelings and grinned when the familiar possessiveness drifted through, he leaned forward to claim Tom's lips and sent back his own raging possessiveness that he kept hidden. He let it flow around him and he couldn't help the smirk that came to his face when Tom raised an eyebrow, he was well aware that the Dark Lord would recognise that particular emotion very well.

"You, Mr Riddle, are mine." Harry murmured, and it was exhilarating to be able to say that. Now he knew how he felt, he could recognise why he hated it when people would throw themselves at Tom, subconsciously he had already believed that Tom was his. Oh how he hated it when some of the Death Eaters would gaze up at Tom with lust and desire, crawling at his feet like snivelling rats, like if they kissed up to him enough Tom would choose them to warm his bed. But they would learn. He had an open claim on Tom now, from the Dark Lord's own lips, and he would make sure everyone knew it. He may be relying on Tom not to break him, but Harry would fight with everything he had to make sure that didn't happen; he wouldn't allow it. Tom was his now, he had said so himself, and it would stay that way.

"Is that right," Tom drawled, his tone somewhat amused.

"Yes," Harry replied simply, and Tom smiled slightly.

"Which makes you mine?" Tom asked lightly.

"Completely and only," Harry answered instantly, unsurprised at the pleased expression that came to the Dark Lord's face.

"I do so very much like the sound of that."

"It does have a nice ring to it." Harry agreed, "It gives me plenty of ammunition to curse those pathetic sycophants that bid for your attention."

"Oh so possessive all of a sudden." Tom noted, quirking his eyebrow.

"Not sudden, I just hid it better than you did." Harry said and then he smirked, "Besides, you knew enough of my quirks to use against me. I couldn't let you have that one when I had so much fun exploiting it on you."

"Is that right." Tom murmured, "And just how did you exploit it?"

"You remember my conveniently planned date for Halloween…" Harry trailed off when Tom clearly did remember said date, and Harry felt the all too familiar flare of anger and possessiveness.

"You are very cunning, Snake." Tom muttered and Harry smirked, he tilted his head back when Tom started to kiss up his neck, sighing happily at the feather soft lips.

"It is a trait I am rather proud of." Harry admitted, gasping when Tom bit down on his neck. He allowed himself to relish in the mark he knew was going to be there, he wanted it to be there because it was Tom putting it there. His hand threaded their way in to Tom's hair and pulled until their lips met, it was slow and soft and full of a whirl of feelings that flowed between them. As usual, they fought for dominance until Tom relented and Harry explored every part of his mouth gaining a pleased moan from the stoic man. Harry bit Tom's lip and then trailed little bits and kisses down his neck until he bit down hard which made Tom hiss.

"Much better," Harry said and Tom rolled his eyes, but smiled slightly. Harry turned himself around so he was sat on the bed with his legs over Tom's lap and his head on the man's chest. Tom wrapped his arm around his teen and pressed a kiss to the dark hair, and sighing in contentment.

He had his Harry back.

They must have fallen asleep sat there together, because Harry awoke with a choked cry, gasping for breath and clutching at his chest where it burned. Tom woke instantly at Harry's cry, soothing the teen as he continues to gasp and claw at his chest. He was filled with that agonising pain again, hissing through his teeth as he tried to battle it back from his own mind so he could calm the other.

"Breathe, Harry. Calm down." He soothed, running a hand through his dark hair, making Harry suck in a deep breath, "That's it, breathe for me."

"T-Tom?"

"It's me, Harry. Just calm down."

"Y-you c-c-came for me?" He hiccuped green eyes bright and wild. "You're here."

"Always!" Tom swore, "You're mine forever, remember?"

"I don't – I – you." Harry swallowed and shook his head, pulling himself closer to Tom and breathing in his scent.

"Tell me what you need," Tom whispered and Harry's breathing shuddered.

"I need to feel," Harry breathed, scattering kisses along Tom's chest. "I need to feel you." Tom rolled them over, pinning Harry to the bed and looking him over closely. He must have seen what he wanted because he pressed a searing kiss to Harry's lips as his hands deftly slid his pyjamas off and banished them. He whispered a spell to coat his fingers in oily liquid and slowly slid one in to the waiting body. Harry sighed at the feeling, focusing all of his attention on the digits thoroughly preparing him, gasping when pleasure licked up his spine as those wonderful fingers found his spot. He whimpered when the fingers drew out, clutching Tom closely wanting to feel him, Tom kissed him and slowly entered him, swallowing Harry's moan.

It started slowly, relishing in every movement and every feeling between them, and then it grew to a fiery passion, Tom drawing Harry's legs around him, directing his thrusts to hit that bundle of nerves over and over, drawing cries of ecstasy from his lover. When his release hit, Harry felt his body arch and his head fell back, inviting Tom to bite down and mark him as they rode out their orgasm together. Harry slowly dropped his legs, allowing Tom to lie down next to him and draw him closer after a muttered cleaning spell. Harry had his ear pressed to Tom's chest, listening to his heart beat rhythmically, letting it lull him in to a full sense of peace.

"I will never break you, Harry." Tom's voice was soft and quiet, but had an underlining layer of steel and belief that couldn't be missed. Harry didn't speak for a few moments, the room falling silent bar their individual breathing breaking through the air, before he squeezed Tom lightly.

"I'll hold you to that."

Harry woke up slowly, he was a bit groggy and disorientated, his mind was foggy and he couldn't remember why he felt like he had been sleeping for a week. There was something different about him, he could feel it within himself, and it was an odd sense of peace. He was a bit unsure as to how or when he fell asleep, wasn't he in pain? It had come since he left Tom, then he blinked; Tom!

He went to move but a strong arm was wrapped around his waist keeping him close to a rather solid object. An object that was breathing… Harry felt a smile curl on to his face as everything rushed back to him, a sigh of relief rushing past his lips. Tom had come for him, Tom wanted him exclusively, Tom had stayed with him and promised not to break him. He was still asleep, but he looked many times better than he had the previous day and Harry couldn't help but reach up and trace Tom's jaw, pressing kisses over his heart. The man stirred and Harry smiled, sliding up to press kisses along his collar and up his neck.

"Wakey wakey,"

Let me sleep, Tom muttered in response, it coming out in Parseltongue to Harry's amusement.

"Nope, you have to get up." Harry insisted.

Don't wanna,

Harry laughed at that. Tom using such a slang word was unheard of, the man must be tired.

"You know you just said 'wanna', right?"

I did no such thing. He denied and Harry snickered.

"Sure," He dragged out the word in obvious disbelief and Tom huffed, his eyes blinking open to look at the grinning teen.

"Fine, fine, I'm awake." He sighed and Harry's grin stretched.

"Wonderful."

"You are very cheerful this morning." Tom noted and Harry shrugged.

"I know," He agreed, "Now, I find myself incredibly hungry and in great need of a shower."

"Yes, I believe those are excellent suggestions."

"Winky!" Harry called and his elf popped in, she was squeaking and bouncing much more enthusiastically than usual and Harry took a moment to understand what she was saying.

"Master Harry is better now, Master Harry is ok."

"Yes, I am feeling much better," Harry confirmed, smiling slightly at her happiness.

"Could you go to Tom's rooms and collect him a change of clothes so he can shower here, please? Then could you fetch us a meal? I feel as if I could eat a feast." He asked and she nodded.

"Right away, Master Harry." She agreed, popping away to follow his instructions. Harry climbed out of best, stretching his body out to remove all of the kinks in it, he went to head to the shower when Tom caught his wrist and pulled him in for a slow kiss.

"Now you can go." He said and Harry smiled; that was the very same thing Tom had done the first night they had been together. He vanished in to the shower and washed his hair, the hot water felt so good and Harry sighed happily. When he was clean, he got out and dried himself off, Harry pulled on baggy grey joggers and a white muscle t with white ankle socks, he left the bathroom and flashed a smile at Tom who was now up and moving. Winky had laid out the man's clothes out and Harry pressed a kiss to his cheek as the man passed to enter the shower.

Harry summoned his wand and cleared up his room, flicked open his curtains and sent a freshening charm to free the murkiness of the air. Tom came out dressed in a black long sleeve shirt and black trousers, missing the tie and leaving the top two buttons open. Harry took the man's hand and pulled him over to kiss him lightly.

"Breakfast?"

"Sounds delightful,"

Harry led them down in to the main room only to stop in shock at the gargantuan amount of food presented on his breakfast counter.

"You know, I believe your house elf took your words of a feast literally." Tom noted amused.

"Thank Merlin I'm hungry." Harry said once he had recovered. He helped himself to a bit of everything on the menu, he discovered once he had started eating it was very hard to stop. Winky popped in to removed their empty plates and Harry stopped her to ask the time and day, he was left stunned when she told him it was half past three on Thursday afternoon. He had been out for six days, and he looked to Tom in bewilderment only to find the man giving him an equally puzzled look.

"I did not realise that much time had passed." Tom said shocked and Harry shook his head.

"Neither did I," He admitted, and then he blinked. "Dear Merlin, where are my friends?"

"They were where when I arrived," Tom told him. "They were greatly worried about you."

"Oh no!" Harry groaned, "I didn't mean for this to happen."

"I am sure they will understand." Tom assured and Harry sighed.

"I hope so,"

"Do not fret," Tom told him, tugging him up by his hand and pulling him over to sit by the fire on his lap. Harry sat with his legs over the arm of the chair and his head resting on Tom's shoulder, relaxing in to the man's body with a pleased sigh.

"I will have to catch up, of course." Harry murmured, "This came at quite a bad time, though I cannot say I am unhappy."

"No, unhappy is the furthest from my mind." Tom agreed, his fingers brushing over the bite mark Harry had on display. "Although, you are correct. We have both been unavailable for six days and the Wizengamot is fast approaching."

"Holy fuck I'd forgotten about that." Harry yelped, jumping to his feet to pace in front of the fire. "It's in three days. Circe almighty, I have so much to do."

Tom shook his head at Harry's minor panic, catching the teen and pulling him back in to his lap.

"I highly doubt that your friends would have let your plans fall to pieces." Tom pointed out, "You need not worry, you will be fine."

"Tom, why must you make me feel better when I am trying to panic?" Harry complained, but he was smiling when Tom rolled his eyes.

"I have a gift." Tom deadpanned and Harry laughed. They sat there, Harry going through some of his back up plans, knowing the main ones were with his friends, while Tom read a book he summoned from Harry's room. They exchanged meaningless conversation ranging from random facts about snakes to things they wanted to pan out in the next session. Tom had Harry laughing endlessly at the thought of Lucius breaking out in an excitable dance if Fudge or Dumbledore was removed, when the portrait opened and Harry's friends walked in. Harry was up and in front of them in an instant, a soft exclamation left his mouth when he saw the run down state they were all in, feeling terrible because he knew it was his fault.

"I am so sorry," He whispered, "I didn't know – I – it came from nowhere. There was so much pain – I didn't – I couldn't-," He was cut off by Ron, who threw his arms around him and hugged him tightly.

"Thank Merlin you're back." He breathed, "I thought you were gone."

"I am so so sorry," Harry repeated, holding on to his very best friend. Ron stepped back with a squeeze, allowing the others to rush forward and Harry was caught in a group hug. He laughed, allowing the warm feelings at being surrounded by his friends – his family, he felt light, so alive. They finally let him go, there were a number of bright eyes but everyone was smiling and they were all happy.

"Go and get some rest, all of you." Harry instructed, "You are all exhausted, I can see it in your faces. I'm ok now, and I'll be fine."

"Are you sure?" Badger asked, his worry apparent. Harry cast a look over his shoulder, looking at Tom unobtrusively reading his book and giving them a moment, the red eyes flashed up to meet him and a soft smile came to Harry's face before he turned back to his friends.

"I am definitely ok now." Harry assured, and they looked him over, as if weighing his words.

"We'll be back in a few hours." Draco warned and Harry nodded with a grin.

"I wouldn't expect anything else." He said and they chuckled. They moved back towards the door, leaving a single person stood in front of him. Before he could speak Luna attacked him, she was hitting his chest repeatedly and Harry caught her hands pulling her in to a tight hug until she stopped struggling and broke down.

"You complete idiot," she sobbed, "Do you have any idea how worried I've been?"

"I'm sorry," he told her gently rubbing circles in her back, "I am so so so sorry,"

"You should be," she told him, Harry wiped her tears away and kissed her cheek.

"I didn't mean to worry you." He assured and she nodded, Harry tucked her in to his side and held her tight.

"If you ever do something like that again, I will kill you." Paws warned from the door, as she wiped her own eyes.

"I didn't do it on purpose." Harry defended.

"I don't care," she snapped.

"We thought we had lost you, Snake," George said softly and Harry sighed.

"I'm sorry ok, it was unexpected." He tugged at his hair. "It hit me from nowhere."

"We know," Fred stated and Harry smiled slightly.

"Thanks guys,"

Luna hugged him tightly before following the others out. Harry sighed as the door shut, he walked over to the kitchen and leant against the counter. Tom followed him over, resting on the opposite side and taking his hand.

"They will never forget this." Harry murmured.

"No," Tom agreed, "But neither would you if it had been one of them."

"You are correct." Harry allowed, "I can hardly blame them."

"It will not happen again." Tom said firmly, "You can reassure them of that." Harry looked at him, reading his face before a small smile appeared.

"Yes." He acknowledged, "I can."

"What do you wish to do before your friends return?" Tom asked and a grin came to Harry's face. He called for Winky for a list of ingredients, all the equipment he needed was already stored in the kitchen; she had gotten used to Harry's random bouts of cooking.

"You are going to sample a few things for me." Harry told him, pointing to the breakfast bar stool for Tom to sit on.

"What are you planning?" Tom questioned looking over at the assembled items Harry was looking over.

"Now wouldn't that be telling?" Harry teased and Tom mock huffed. Harry placed 2 large bowls on the counter in front of him and began creaming butter and sugar together in each, he also place a cup of coffee in front of Tom.

"What are you making?"

"Chocolate orange fondant with an orange sorbet and maybe a chocolate orange cream. And a black forest gateau with scotch soaked cherry syrup and cream." Harry answered. That sounded like heaven to Tom and Harry knew it, he laughed at Tom's pleased expression and got on with his work. He charmed the spoons to mix on their own and he began squeezing oranges in to a new bowl.

"I know it was because of your relatives that you learned how to cook and bake, but where did you learn to do all of these things?" Tom questioned as he watched Harry easily manoeuvre his way around the kitchen, he was adding ingredients almost unconsciously as he poured the orange juice in to a saucepan and placed it on the heat. He'd never really gotten the chance to just sit and watch Harry cook before, despite being the reciprocate of many of the delicious things he had made.

"I just expanded my skills because I found I liked creating new sweet things, as long as they tasted good then they didn't care. I was able to be in the kitchen for as long as it took to cook a meal, and none of them needed to know that I spent a lot of that time reading through Petunia's cook books." Harry said with a shrug, "The only books I was allowed to read were the ones that would benefit them."

It was a sad thing, Tom thought, that they were already dead, because they really did deserve a great deal of prolonged torture and suffering. Harry stirred in sugar and some golden syrup in to the orange juice letting it bubbled up and watching the sugar dissolve. He poured the liquid back in to the bowl and cooled it, he grabbed a spoon and tasted it, he grinned and tossed a spoon to Tom.

"Sweet enough?"

Tom tried it and nodded.

"Nice," He relented and Harry grinned, he placed a gradual freezing charm on the bowl, the spell was originally a dark spell designed to slowly freeze someone to death, but Harry had found it was brilliant for making ice cream. He charmed the spoon to slowly stir as the charm got to work, he began adding chocolate to both of the cake mixes.

"Have you got a limit to what you can actually do or do you just see how things work?" Tom wondered, "The dishes you created for the Malfoy ball were fantastic, though I may be bias and say what you made for my birthday were better." Harry smiled slightly at the compliment.

"Usually I get the flavours I know work well together and see what else they can create. Like when I made the black forest cheesecake, you remember? I knew the flavours worked together, and I just changed them to fit what desert I wanted." Harry explained, "I do have favourites to make though, cookies, strawberry cheesecake, strawberry crumble, brownies and sorbets for deserts. And chicken is my favourite meat."

He placed butter and chocolate in a bowl and melted them together until they were creamy, he added a touch of orange essence in to the mix and put it to the side.

"Mix that for me please." Harry asked, placing a bowl with eggs and sugar in front of Tom.

"This is for the fondant?" He questioned and Harry nodded looking slightly surprised.

"Yes,"

"Don't look so surprised, I can cook," Tom told him and Harry kissed his cheek as he passed.

"I'll remember that."

He placed the chocolate cake mix in to 4 circular tins and placed them in to the oven.

"I'm sure you will, now let me taste those cherries."

Harry laughed, he had seen Tom eyeing the cherries which had been soaked in scotch by the wonderful elves, who had even cut and seeded them. Harry fished out a cherry half and ate it slowly while watching Tom watch him, the bite of the scotch against the cherry was good and the cherries were filled with juice.

"Taste?" He asked coyly and Tom smirked, he got up and kissed Harry hotly pushing him back against the counter, he loved the taste of scotch and cherry from Harry and said teen grinned.

"I'm guessing you like them?"

"Let me make sure." Tom said and kissed him again, Harry eventually pushed him back when the scent of chocolate filled him.

"Ah, ah, sit and let me cook." He ordered and Tom did a mock salute, retaking his seat. Harry pulled out the cakes and set them to cool on their own. He picked up the whisked eggs Tom had done and added them to the chocolate butter mix and stirred them together, Harry poured it in to separate cases and placed it under a cooling charm. Tom stole the bowl and decided to dip his finger in to the excess completely distracting Harry from beginning the cream for the cake.

"That is good," Tom told him smirking at Harry's somewhat glazed look.

"Bastard," he muttered and Tom laughed, he did it again, but he wasn't expecting Harry to beat him to it and suck lightly on his finger.

"You're right, it is good." He said with a smirk of his own, he was pulled in for a searing kiss and he gasped when he felt something cold on his neck.

"You smeared chocolate on me," He exclaimed and Tom gave him an innocent look.

"Did I?"

Harry whacked him.

"Get it off," He ordered and Tom smirked.

"Gladly," He accepted and proceeded to lick it off much to Harry's immense pleasure.

"Mmm Tom," he moaned and found himself bitten, he had no doubt that he would be left with a massive mark.

"Yes Harry?" the man was looking and sounding entirely too please with himself.

"You are impossible," Harry groaned even though he was smiling.

"I know,"

Harry went back to his cream making and kept hitting Tom away from the cherries, he placed the fondants in the oven and began stacking the cake. Harry grabbed a black plate and put the base on, he spread the cream and then put the cherries on with some of the syrup they had made, he added the next layer and then coated the top with cream, he created a dip in the centre and filled it with cherries and syrup.

When he deemed it suitable, he placed it under a cooling charm and set it ready before repeating the process with the other cakes and pouring the remainder of the syrup in to two china jugs to be used as sauce. He checked the timer and saw that the fondants would be done soon, he quickly whisked up some double cream with orange essence and melted chocolate until it thickened. Harry took the fondants out of the oven, he placed one on a plate letting it slide out of its case, he placed a scoop of the orange sorbet on the plate and a spoon of the cream.

"Ta dah," he presented with an exaggerated flare, Tom looked impressed and took the fork offered to him. He tried the cake first and Harry smiled when the chocolate ran out of the centre like it should, Tom took a bit and made a noise of approval.

"That is so good."

Harry all but beamed.

"I am rather talented." He agreed trying some of the sorbet, he hummed impressed with himself.

"I agree,"

Tom enjoyed the desert, with Harry helping of course, and then kissed Harry senseless, the teen was lifted easily on to the counter and he wrapped his legs around Tom. This is how they were found when the group returned from their rest, the eight of them froze and Luna released a sigh.

"It's like walking in on the world's hottest erotic scene," She said.

"Only with too many clothes," Paws added wistfully. Harry cracked up at that and so did Tom, Paws and Luna went bright red and the guys were looking at them as if they were insane.

"Hello to you too," Harry said with a grin at the two blushing girls.

"It's nice to hear you think so highly of our appearance," Tom drawled and Harry snickered when they went redder.

"I wasn't supposed to say that out loud." Paws groaned and Luna nodded.

"Apparently," Draco said, "You decided to go on a baking spree then?" Harry nodded a bit sheepishly and they seemed to perk up.

"What have you made, Snake?" Swift asked looking at the many treats with interest, Harry laughed lightly and hopped down neatly, he pressed a light kiss to Tom and moved over to point to all the things they were allowed to eat.

"Don't touch one of the cakes and the cherry juice, the rest is up for grabs." He told then and then had to step back as they dived on it like a pack of vultures and Harry grinned.

"Well, I never thought of bribery, but this works." He commented to Tom, who rolled his eyes with a small smile.

"I have to speak to Severus and tell him he is relieved from covering my lessons," Tom remembered, "I also need to buy Theodore a very large and very expensive bottle of scotch."

Harry raised an eyebrow at that.

"You do?"

"Yes, that and much more, but the scotch is the best offering I have." He said, "I know where I shall purchase it."

Harry pouted slightly.

"Awh, I had other things planned."

Tom kissed the pout from Harry's lips.

"And what did you have in mind?" Tom asked and Harry looked at him with hooded eyes.

"Oh there are many things I have in mind," Harry murmured, trailing his hand down Tom's chest, stepping closer to the man and Tom gripped his hips hard, leaning forward to bite Harry's lip.

"Care to share?"

I want you to make me scream, Harry told him and Tom hissed lowly.

You should be careful, Snake, Tom murmured, kissing and biting his neck.

There's no fun it that Harry said with a smirk, Master he took pleasure in the darkening of Tom's eyes, knowing he would never get sick of using that as a way to get what he wanted.

"One hour, my rooms," Tom stated and Harry nodded, he was given one last heated kiss before Tom apperated away and Harry sighed with a happy smile. He went to begin clearing up when he realised he had eight sets of eyes on him, Harry blinked in shock having completely forgotten they were there.

"Um hi?" He tried and Paws shook her head ruefully, giving him a smile.

"You look happy." She said and Harry returned her smile, walking over with a slice of cake and sitting down in his chair, moving his arm so Luna could curl up on him. He asked Winky to clear up for him and place Tom's cake and sauce on the man's counter under preservation and cooling charms as an afterthought, they would need something to eat after dinner later.

"I am happy." He told her, "I really am."

"Good,"

"By the way, the cakes were great." Swift put in as they moved passed the tense stuff, Harry grinned.

"I felt like baking," He said with a shrug. "So what have you been planning?"

"We've gone over everything and we are ready for the Wizengamot meeting this weekend." Paws said snapping back to business.

"Good, Dumbledore will have a heart attack when we are sworn in." Harry said and they shared smirks.

"We stuck to your ideas, we only changed what we would do without you voting." Swift told him and Harry nodded,

"Ok, so everything is still in place. I am going to be there and we are getting rid of Fudge, Dumbledore will follow."

"Agreed,"

"Brilliant, I want to go to Gryffindor rooms for more research, and to see Moony."

"We didn't tell him anything, we didn't want him to worry or explode." Venom told him and Harry nodded, looking somewhat relieved.

"That is good, the last thing you would have needed was an enraged werewolf on your hands." Harry said and Badger laughed.

"Yeah, that was the general idea."

"We'll also need to work out an alibi to where you have been." Draco pointed out, "As you and the Dark Lord will be returning at the same time, could we possibly collaborate a reason?"

"That's a good idea," Paws noted, "Everyone knows that you have private lessons with Professor Drield, meaning you are in close contact with him more than any other student."

"I can speak to Tom, he will have to answer to McGonagall and I am sure he has the ability to lie his way out of everything, he can bale me out too." Harry suggested.

"Much easier." Swift said pleased. "Now, let's have a nice relaxing evening before we are forced to go back to our dorms." Harry called Winky to fetch them drinks as they sat together.

"How has She-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named been?" Harry questioned and Swift, the twins, Badger and Venom choked on their drinks as the others burst out laughing.

"That is a bit of genius, Snake." Manic told him and Harry smirked.

"I've been saving that one." He admitted and they snorted.

"Well she's been having a bit of a hard time keeping all of her things." Paws told him, a smirk on her face, "She's become quite forgetful."

"It's hilarious," Swift said to Harry with a grin, "She gets so mad, and she's so tired and aggravated that she can't find her stuff that it doesn't give her time to complain about you."

"Win/win then," Harry laughed, "In three days' time the charade will be up. Ahhh, I can almost taste it."

"It's going to be glorious. But it's the Monday morning I am looking forward to." Draco sighed, "To see everyone's reactions to the paper and then for them to actually see you."

"You are coming back as yourselves, aren't you?" Venom confirmed and Harry nodded.

"Oh yes, do not worry about that. Once it's out in the Wizengamot there is absolutely no point in trying to hide." Harry said, "Like Draco said, the news will hit the paper and we will make sure we run in to Rita."

"You know, it's not fair that we are not in this school anymore." George pointed out and Paws scoffed.

"You spend more time in this school than most of the students." She exclaimed and he shared a grin with his twin.

"We know."

"Besides, we all know you are going to be somewhere in the Great Hall at breakfast on Monday." Swift added and they smirked.

"Of course,"

"Ok, so we're back to normal tomorrow." Paws said, checking the time, "Do we need to meet or can it wait until Saturday?"

"We don't need to meet, we have nothing other than the Wizengamot this week and we can focus on our background details." Harry said, "Unless anyone else has something to bring up?"

They all answered in the negative and Harry smiled.

"That's ok then. I'll see you tomorrow anyways, and it barely matters if we talk or interact any more. We only have a day of lessons before the weekend and then freedom."

"Sounds perfect."

"I'll see you later guys," Harry said, waving as they rose to leave, "And thanks."

"Don't worry about it, Harry. You're stuck with us." Ron told him and Harry nodded with a smile. They said their goodbyes and left leaving Harry alone with Luna.

"I owe you Ray." Harry told her softly, "I know you stayed with me and I thank you."

"You scared me Harry," She said after a minute.

"I know,"

"I thought I'd lost you."

"I know,"

"Please don't do that to me again,"

"I'll try not to."

Luna sat up and moved to sit on the arm of the chair.

"So what happened?"

"Tom came,"

"I know that, I let him in," She rolled her eyes and Harry smiled.

"He told me that he wanted me to be with him." Harry relented and Luna looked surprised. "Yeah I know,"

"He actually said that,"

"Yes, those words and a few others." Harry smiled in remembrance.

"Come one, the least you owe me is the sweetest things said."

Harry rolled his eyes at her pout.

"Well after I had agreed to be with him, I realised he looked like shit and I asked him why. He told me that he hadn't gotten out of his bed because he didn't want to move and guess what else?"

"What did he say?"

"He didn't get out of his bed because the bed smelt like me."

"Awh,"

"I know, it was the sweetest thing, and he's turning me in to a pile of mush." Harry shook his head, though there was no heat in his voice and he was smiling.

"Did you tell him again?" She asked and Harry nodded.

"He seems to like it; a lot."

"Just be careful," she warned him and Harry laughed.

"I think it's too late for careful Ray." Harry stated.

"I know, but I can hope."

"I'm going to need you," Harry told her looking in to her eyes, she looked at him and saw the unsettled raging emotions swirling within them. She knew exactly what he meant, Harry was now feeling most, if not all, of his emotions, even the ones he didn't know about and she was needed to help him understand – something she was only too happy to be able to do. Luna made him lie out on the sofa with his head in her lap and she gently ran her hands through his hair making him sigh.

"Explain to me how it feels." She instructed and Harry was silent for a few moments.

"Its more than happy, and-and its everywhere. When I think of him, what he said, it makes me want to burst, but I also want to cry. It's strange, I want to cry, but not because it hurts anymore."

"You love him," Luna said and Harry nodded smiling, "And you are deliriously happy, ecstatic, with everything that has happened. For once, you main feelings are not stress, anger, hurt, betrayal or grief and that is down to one person."

"My Tom,"

"I did wonder when that possessive side of yours was going to show." Luna said laughing and Harry grinned.

"Let those mangy Death Eaters try to get in to his bed now." Harry said, "That's my spot."

"Just how did you manage to not curse them before?"

"A mix of my mindscape and a hellava lot of self-control,"

"I pity the next Death Eater," Luna said and Harry smirked.

"Pity isn't going to help them, dear sister, do not waste yours."

Luna laughed at that and kissed his scar.

"I think you're going to be ok,"

"I can feel them, and I don't want to lose control."

"I have a suggestion for your Occlumency," Luna said after a moment,

"Do share."

"You can create a side room, and separate all of your emotions in to labelled phials so you can identify them."

"That sounds like a good idea," Harry mused, "I might try that later,"

"Good, now I believe you have somewhere to be," Luna said.

"Rooms all yours, you are right of course." He pressed a kiss to her cheek.

"I love you my sister," Harry murmured, "And anything you want, I'll get you."

"I'll keep you to that." She warned him and Harry grinned, asking Winky to grab his leather trousers. He shadowed to Tom's rooms and quickly changed in to the trousers, Harry threw his top to the side and smirked; this should be fun. He waited for the other magical presence to leave Tom's rooms before walking to the door and pulling it open silently. Harry leant against the doorframe and let his magic catch Tom's attention, the man's eyes snapped to him and darkened.

"I believe there was something I wanted you to do," Harry said dropping his voice slightly.

"Was there? Remind me," Tom's voice was husky and Harry repressed a shiver of desire, he wrapped his arms around Tom's neck and leaned up to breathe in his ear.

Make me scream.

The reaction he got was expected, Tom was kissing him in an instant and Harry knew he was going to enjoy the rest of the evening.

There we have it: Tom and Harry are finally together!

As always, I'd love to hear what you think.

Jess*