Chapter 13 – Farewell … for now

Luna looked around the empty room with interest. As soon as they had arrived, her new – and only – friend had bounced around the entire set of rooms in an attempt to find his make-shift family. Instead of pouting, as she had half expected him to do – the hyperactive teen had muttered something about tea and bounced into the kitchen after telling her to make herself at home.

She giggled softly as one of the glimmering humdingers from her new friends' nest flew over to her, chattering in an agitated way.

"I'm sorry, I'm not very good at Humdingish yet," she apologised to the glaring creature. "All I managed to catch was 'mutter mutter mutter TROLL mutter screech TURNIP scree scree mutter mutter TURTLE.'"

"He said, 'Trust the *expletive* troll of a turnip-headed mutt to do something like this to his nest-bed. I wonder how hard it would be to turn him into a turtle,' " a deep voice chuckled, making Luna jump.

"Thank you for translating for me Sir," Luna stood and gave a shaky curtsy. "I started learning Humdingish a few days before returning for the school year. I'm Luna Lovegood. It's a pleasure to meet you."

Tom smiled and gave a shallow bow in return. "I am Tom Riddle, Miss Lovegood. Tell me, what other languages are you interested in learning?"

Luna returned to her seat and rubbed the head of the now calm creature with her pinkie.

"Father has taught me several already," she smiled. "I already know troll, mermish, sasquatch and dwarfish but there are so many left to learn. I think we are moving onto gobbledegook after I master Humdingish."

"A noble goal," Tom agreed with a nod, also taking a seat. "It is always a good idea to know the native language of those you do business with on a near daily basis. Have you given thought to …"

A loud crash from the kitchen bought both of them to their feet. As one, they rushed to the door and gaped before Luna dissolved into a puddle of giggles whilst Tom fought his own laughter. There, seated on the floor, was Harry. He had a wide-eyed innocent look on his face while around him tea leaves, sugar and flour lay spread out and mixed with broken glass. Wrapped loosely around the mischief maker was a long piece of dark blue wool and a silver ribbon was dangling over his left eye.

Hermione, Severus and Remus entered the room, only to hear: "It wasn't me, honest," and laughter as Tom lost his battle with his control.

Severus gaped as he took in the destruction of the kitchen. They were only ten minutes behind the other two. How in the name of all things magical did one person do so much damage?

"And this would be why he is Sirius' problem," Remus sighed in resignation as he stared at the mess in his kitchen. "He's the only one hyperactive enough to keep up with him when he is like this."

"Please tell me Harry has something good planned to go with tea this afternoon," Sirius groaned, rubbing his temples as he glared at his two extra assets. "I swear I'll never look at a girl for her boobs alone ever again."

"We aren't having tea this afternoon" Remus growled. "And did you, by chance, give Harry catnip tea again?"

Sirius looked at Remus in surprise. "Do you honestly think I'd do that after they did this to me? I'm terrified of transforming to dog form: What if Padfoot is also female and goes into heat? I know for a fact that neither Fang, nor the beast Hagrid named 'Fluffy' has been fixed!" he started to hyperventilate. "I can't chance it! And I can't do anything like I used to because I'm not used to this body! I want my own back!"

Remus and Hermione exchanged horrified looks, both being certain that Sirus was the culprit. Before they could react, Harry was before them, bouncing on the balls of his feet with a giggling Luna behind him.

"Hi Remi! Hi Siri!" he shouted, waving his free hand around frantically. "This is Luna. She's my new friend! Luna this is my Uncle Remi and Uncle Siri. Siri is a girl now because he's being punished. He was a very bad puppy!"

Severus and Remus snorted in amusement as Sirius lowered his head onto his arms and groaned softly. He really didn't need this right now. He was tired, stressed, frustrated and almost in tears. All he wanted was a cup of tea and a sweet to hold him over until supper time while he over saw his and Minerva's combined detention. He did weep when the door opened and Harry squealed, "Draco!" and ran to the blonde, still dragging Luna with him.

It was after Harry had chattered away for almost half an hour to Blaise – who was attempting to escape the talkative demon – and an amused Draco that it happened. Somehow Harry touched Draco's skin with his own hand and a brilliant flash of light filled the room. When everyone could see, they laughed at seeing the now shy and deeply red Harry trying to hide his face in Draco's chest as the blonde male laughed.

"Thank you for the fun afternoon, Harry," Luna's voice said, making the teen look at her in confusion. "It was the most fun I've had in a long time, but I must be going."

"Why?" Harry pouted. "Couldn't you stay just a little bit longer?"

Luna gave the slightly older teen a brilliant smile. "Thank you for asking, but I have a few things to do homework wise. I would also like to read over and make a summary of tomorrow's lessons."

"What are you doing tomorrow after the main meal?" Harry asked.

"I'm not sure. Why do you ask?"

Harry flushed slightly. "Several reasons, really," he mumbled. "The first is that I really enjoyed your company and was hoping you would like to continue being my friend."

Luna beamed at him. "I would like that very much. I know you are a very busy person, so when I come tomorrow I'll bring my schedule and diary so we can organise a few times a week to spend together."

"How about three times a week: two social and one 'tutoring' session?" Harry asked hopefully. "I remember you mentioning you needed to practice ingredient preparation. I was thinking that I could teach you the basics of potions preparation while also teaching you to cook a few simple recipes – it's safer to teach with herbs, spices and vegetables and not as expensive. You also get to feel, smell and taste the difference – something you can't do with a potion."

Luna stared at Harry, who met her gaze without hesitation, allowing her to search for what reassurance she needed. After a few moments, she smiled.

"I would like that immensely," she chirruped. "I'll write Father immediately to tell him about it. I'll remember to tell him you are a claimed submissive as well, so he won't charge up here with threats."

Harry laughed as he hugged the girl farewell while leaving most of the people in the room in a stunned silence.

itsasmalllineafterall

"Can someone explain what that was about?" Blaise asked as Remus and Harry began clearing the table and Sirius – now very thankful to have been able to gain his true, male form back – started to organise his things for the detention he was supervising, a cup of very sweet tea beside him.

"It turns out that the hyperactivity was a result of Draco's magic reaching out for Harry. After all, the contract between the two of them was accepted only two nights ago and since then neither had spent much time together. Harry wasn't as badly affected since he slept curled up in Draco's bedding last night, while Draco didn't get any physical contact between the two of them this morning to reassure himself that his mate was okay, nor to feed. That is the reason that as soon as Luna left, Draco pounced."

"What about his reaction to Miss Lovegood?" Severus asked.

"Luna is a submissive creature herself," Tom chuckled. "I'm not too sure which one, however."

"Nymph," Harry said with a small smile. "She said I could tell you all before she left. She communes with the elements, which is why she always seems to be a little bit dreamy and is why she can see the hidden ones. She also gave me a message for you Tom. She said we had to talk to Salazar about a Chamber for there you will find what you are looking for."

Tom nodded in confusion. He decided to talk to the human serpent-speaker once curfew arrived. That way, no student could annoy him with insidious questions. Honestly, fancy asking him if he only ate rats when he had a plate full of the same food they themselves had just eaten before him."

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Tom smiled at his two kits. When the two of them had discovered him talking to the Founder of the serpent's house, neither of them allowed him out of their sight and he had had to allow them to come with him. Privately he was overwhelmed with a warm tingling feeling sitting in his chest when it hit him that they wanted to do this with him – not for their own curiosity, but to be there for him should the small flame of hope that had re-ignited at the young Nymphs' words be crushed yet again.

"Go in the door on the left," Salazar murmured. "When I was alive, this was just a washroom – a place to clean up after potions or Herbology – not a female chamber pot room."

Harry and Hermione giggled and followed their mentor into the room, blinking when one of the basins moved at a hissed 'open'. The three demons exchanged looks then ran over to the slide-like entrance. All three of them jumped – one at a time – into the hole, all releasing sounds of enjoyment at the treat.

"Have fun?" Salazar asked with poorly concealed amusement.

"An immense amount," Tom replied with a rarely seen spark in his eye. "I'm assuming we follow the trail of skeletons."

Salazar chuckled softly. "That would be correct."

The three demons shrugged and carefully made their way towards the opening on the other end of the wide tunnel.

~Open~ Salazar spoke once more, causing the serpentine locking mechanism to unlock.

Once again the three demons entered the room cautiously just before an annoyed voice called out:

"Who the bloody Hell are you and what are you doing here?"

Tom gaped as Hermione called upon her flames so the three demons could see the speaker properly. Standing before them was a tallish woman with acid-green slit pupils, black scales framed her face and covered the rest of her head and her teeth were small, sharp and pointed backwards.

"Forgive our intrusion, my Lady," Tom purred, bowing in the traditional fashion between demon of the same rank and/or species. "My name is Tom Riddle – last surviving member of the Gaunt Clan. The two half-hatchlings to my side are my former students and part of my extended adopted family, Miss Hermione Granger and Harry."

Both teens gave a bow of a subordinate to an older, more experienced demon, causing the mysterious lady to relax slightly from her defensive position.

"I am Nagini. I was discovered by Bathilda – the protector of this place – when I was but a snakeling. I've been here ever since – leaving only when Bathilda or I heard of possible demon clans I might belong to."

"I too, have been searching for other snake demon clans. I stopped my search momentarily when my kits called for my presence, but now they are both grown and have met their mates, I have decided to resume my search. You are welcome to join me if you wish."

Harry let out a small, sad mewl when Tom revealed his plans, but did his best to stifle the sound. Tom had already spent twelve valuable years teaching him and Hermione and he couldn't blame him for wanting to find a family of his own now that he and Rinie were on the verge of starting their own families.

Tom chuckled softly and knelt before Harry to look into his eyes. "It's only 'see you soon,' not 'farewell'," he stated softly. "No matter what I do or where I go, you and Hermione will always be my Prince and Princess. Nothing and I mean NOTHING will or can change that. I'll still be in writing distance and I will visit every few months, not to mention visit for birthdays, holidays and weddings."

Harry nodded. "I know Tom, I'm just being silly." He wiped his tears away and gave a giant grin. "You have to find yourself a Clan and a mate. You promised us that we would have younger siblings and I'm still waiting!"

Tom laughed and ruffled Harry's hair as he stood only to be engulfed in a hug by two teary-eyed kits.

Nagini smiled slightly at the sight.

~Hello Bathilda~ she watched in shocked amusement as Tom and his kits froze at the new presence before all of them shifted to their animal forms as a defence. She smiled wider as she saw the green-eyed kitten curled protectively under a red fox while both smaller creatures were wrapped protectively in the coils of a white and silver king cobra with red eyes.

Hissing laughter came from behind Nagini. ~Hello snakelings ~ a feminine voice which was deep with age hissed. ~You must be the guests Master Salazar guided here. I am Bathilda, the Slytherin family guardian~

Nagini and Bathilda watched in interest as the kitten uncurled and slowly returned to his human form.

~Forgive us for our response to your presence, my Queen~ the boy hissed softly with a deep bow. ~We have met others of your kin before and it almost cost us a member of our family~

Bathilda paused in surprise at the Kit's words.

~We are also used to it being just the three of us in a human inhabited area so everything non-human was considered a threat – particularly with an unclaimed submissive with us~ the fox demon added, standing in front of the young man now she had also transformed.

~It is alright~ Bathilda hissed, watching the still weary snake demon as he returned. ~It is my own fault for appearing as I did. Salazar did warm me against it~

"If you don't mind Mr Riddle," Nagini interrupted softly. "May I talk you offer over with Bathilda?"

"Of course," Tom replied with a smile, now he was assured of the basilisk's word. "I will not be leaving until dawn, so take all the time you need. I would like to stay in this room, however, if neither of you mind."

~I do not mind. Come along Nagini, I feel we have several hours of talking to do~

Nagini gave a shallow bow to the three guests and hurried after the ancient basilisk.

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Harry held tight to Hermione's hand as the two of them followed Tom, Nagini and Bathilda along a well-worn path. It was only a few minutes before false dawn and they were being led to where the school's wards ended to farewell Tom and Nagini as they started their joint journey. He desperately tried to be happy for Tom – he could feel the waves of joy flowing from the older demon from where he was – but there was a small part deep in is chest that hurt immensely.

When Hermione squeezed his hand slightly, he looked up and gave her a real smile, noticing that she gave one back with the same sad spark in her eye that was in his. Both of them laughed softly at themselves before running to catch up with the rest of the group who were standing on either side of the hidden entrance.

"It is a lovely day to begin a journey," Nagini murmured, looking at the sky.

"That it is, my dear. That it is," Tom answered with a grin.

~Where are you planning on going first~ Bathilda asked as the two kits ran up to them.

~I was thinking of going through Europe first before going through the Americas, Australia then Africa and the Middle East~ Tom replied.

~Sounds good to me~ Nagini smiled.

Tom smiled and hugged Harry and Hermione to him tightly. "There is a letter for each of you on your respective beds. I want you to do me a favour and open them tonight instead of right away. Can you do that for me?"

"We can Tom," Hermione whispered, thankful to hear no waiver in her voice. "Don't forget to write us."

"Yeah," Harry cut in with a mischievous grin. "We want to hear everything! Where you go, what you see, who you meet, when your mate's eggs hatch…"

Tom let go of a laughing Hermione in order to attack Harry's sides with his fingers. Taking her chance, Hermione turned to Nagini and patiently waited for the female demon to finish her own farewell to her companion of several decades.

"Hermione?" Nagini asked when she noticed her.

Hermione smiled and bowed to the older female. "I hope you find what it is you are searching for. Remember to write us also and don't worry, neither I nor Harry will allow Bathilda to become too lonely."

"Yes, we'll visit every day," Harry chirped, bouncing over to the three females. He threw his arms around a shocked Nagini and hugged her tightly. "Take care of yourself and … and take care of Tom too please. He's horrible at taking care of himself," he whispered.

"I promise," Nagini whispered back and shocked the both of them by kissing the teen on the forehead. "I'll write frequently as well. Expect lots of small gifts too."

Harry giggled softly and released his newest family member. "Be safe."

Tom smiled. "We will Kitten. You take care of everyone for me alright?"

Harry nodded, waving as the two snake demons walked away and ignored the sharp pains coming from his chest and behind his eyes.

~Come Hatchlings~ Bathilda hissed after almost forty-five minutes had passed. ~Let's return to the Chamber. Would you like to stay for a few hours~

~We'd love to~ Hermione answered, glancing worriedly at her silent younger brother.

Bathilda nodded and gently nudged Harry's chin. ~Do not fret snakeling~ she said ~they will be back sooner than you think~

Harry nodded and smiled at the enormous snake. ~Thank you. We'll have to leave at about six to make it back in time to make breakfast, but we can stay until then~ the three of them re-entered the tunnel, laughing and chatting like old friends.

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When Severus, Draco and Blaise arrived at Remus' rooms that morning, it was to the sight of a mountain of food ranging from plain buttered toast to magnificent creation made of sugar and very little else.

"Father will meet us after breakfast," Draco told Remus as he sat down. He wanted to eat breakfast with mother."

Remus smiled before chuckling at Blaise' yelp of shock as another plate of colourful cakes appeared where his left hand originally had been. "Don't worry; we don't have to eat all this. Harry got a letter from Mrs Figg asking for a cake or plate of biscuits to contribute to the stall they are having today. Ever since he has been baking and making everything he can think of. This is his third batch of everything. I'm expecting an owl any minute now."

As soon as Harry walked into the room, Draco was out of his seat with his arms around his mate.

"What's wrong, Kitten?" he asked as he carried the teen back to his seat. Harry buried his fact into Draco's neck and refused to answer.

"What happened?" Draco asked Hermione when she entered and looked sadly at Harry.

"Tom left today at dawn," she answered robotically. "And a few seconds ago the mentor bond he forged with us broke."

Blaise flew out of his chair to Hermione's side, pulling her into a strong hug while Draco pulled Harry closer to him. No one said a word as soft sobs filled the room, everyone feeling useless to do anything about it.