Disclaimer: *is sleeping*

A/N: Seriously guys. I have a tumblr. It's useful and I update all the time. I also love random questions and comments. Tumblr: Ethrildragon

Reaching Through Time

Chapter 8: Trust your Instincts

Apparition was probably one of the worst experiences Harry had ever had in his young life, besides being attacked by a dog. It felt like he was being pulled by his shoulders through a really tight tube. Not to mention, since he'd left his eyes open, the world was swirling, smudging, and blurring all around him. Sometimes he could make out Tom, but mostly his friend was a pale smudge. At least Harry could still feel Tom's hand in his own.

The entire experience made Harry extremely grateful that his time travelling was quick and easy.

As soon as the trip was over there were hands holding Harry up.

"First time apparating? I apologize for not warning you." Mrs. Malfoy looked contrite in her apology and her hands were warm and gentle against Harry's shoulders. The hands were gone the moment Harry was able to stand up on his own.

"Simmer."

With a crack that made Harry jump and Tom move to stand in front of Harry, a strange little creature with floppy pointed ears and the biggest muddy brown eyes appeared. The creature bowed to Mr. Malfoy with out a word.

"Prepare some tea and biscuits for our guests and add two place settings to the dinner table."

With another crack the creature was gone.

No one moved after the creature vanished and silence stretched between the two adults and three boys until finally Mrs. Malfoy huffed and gestured for them to move into a room just off from the main entrance hall.

Tom should have been paying attention to his surroundings, but his mind was on Harry. He could see how uncomfortable Harry was and he could see how fast his small friend was breathing. Something about the Malfoy home had him nervous.

So Tom gently squeezed Harry's hand in his own and led him into the sitting room that the Malfoy family had already entered. The two of them took seats on the available love seat.

Silence settled around them again for several long minutes before the creature, Simmer, returned with a tray containing a tea pot, cups, and some cookies.

"You said your guardian doesn't know about your magic?" Mr. Malfoy's voice broke the prolonged silence after his wife had poured tea for their two guests. "Gaunt isn't a muggle name, that I know of. But you are being cared for by someone without magic?"

This was not an outcome Tom had been expecting. He'd planned for some questions, sure, but not being taken to another person's home and questioned. He had miscalculated.

"I am." His mind was working faster than he was used to and Tom was still having trouble figuring out a way out of the entire situation. He knew now what he should have done in the beginning, but dwelling on the past wouldn't fix anything.

He should have just told the Malfoy's that he and Harry would be unavailable for the Malfoy function; even if it would have set him back in the eyes of the wizarding family.

The pre-teen figured he could attempt to change the memories of the Malfoy's, but he didn't know if his power would even work on them. Harry could always sense whenever Tom was using his powers so the Malfoy's probably would be able to as well. Tom's powers barely worked on Harry, and that was only when he was trying to put his friend to sleep after a particularly nasty nightmare.

It was clear where the questions would lead though, so Tom made the quick decision to just head off what he was sure the Malfoy's would ask.

"My mother was Merope Gaunt. She died shortly after I was born."

Harry knew Tom was trying to sound as emotionally distant as he could, but he could see the hurt in Tom's eyes and could feel the pain in his heart. The woman that had given birth to Tom had been a witch and yet she had still died.

"I know my father was Tom Riddle, but I have never known him." Tom shrugged a little in indifference, but when Harry's hand slip back into his Tom gratefully squeezed it. "My guardian is the woman that runs Wool's Orphanage."

"Raised by muggles," Mr Malfoy sounded disgusted by the very word. "It's not right. You should have been found years ago and taken in by a proper wizarding household." The man turned to his wife. "Haven't I always said that there should be a better system of tracking magical children? We can't always depend on Hogwarts and their Book and Quill."

Mrs. Malfoy put a gentle hand on her husbands arm to remind him that they still had guests.

The older Malfoy man sighed softly and cleared his throat. "We saw this happen a great deal during the last war. There were many orphaned muggle born and half-blood children. There were even a few pure blood children that were lost due to unforeseen circumstances." He shook his head sharply in anger. "They were only found once they were old enough to attend Hogwarts."

"What we're trying to say," Mrs. Malfoy said with a frown as her husband insisted on exposition instead of explanations. "is that you're welcome to stay here if you would like. We opened up our home before during the last war. It wouldn't be a problem."

Tom was in shock. He really was. This was definitely not what he had been expecting.

"What about you Hadrian dear?" Mrs. Malfoy turned to ever quiet Harry.

The two boys looked at each other. This proposition was unexpected, but it could have many benefits for both Tom and Harry. If Harry decided to stay in the past then he could live with the Malfoy's while Tom went to school.

Harry would be safe.

But Gothrack had made the suggestion that they wait until Harry was at least 11 years old though. The goblin was the only other living creature that knew what Harry was and Tom was more willing to follow his advice than to risk Harry's life with strangers.

Tom didn't have to say anything for Harry to understand his slight frown.

"I'm fine at home. Tom just doesn't like my relatives." Harry grinned at that. "Especially my cousin. He's really loud and spoiled. But they let me visit Tom whenever I want."

Mrs. Malfoy seemed to hesitate at that. With Tom it was easy to take him into their care; he had no relatives that could fight the change in guardianship. Harry on the other hand obviously had family that would possibly fight for guardianship.

"Abraxas dear, why don't you show the boys where they can get cleaned up for dinner." She told her son who had been respectfully quiet during all of this. "Your father and I need to discuss a few things."

The youngest Malfoy nodded and stood with a smile. "This way."

Now that the stress had lessened and Harry was used to the overpowering magic in the air, he was able to actually look around and admire the Malfoy home.

His first impression was that everything was very shiny. The floor was made of a black and white marble that had been polished excessively. There was gold carefully set in between the tiles of the floor. The sconces on the walls were gold as well. The front hall, where they had arrived, had beautiful flowers in intricate vases.

One major thing that Harry found interesting were the snakes that were carved into the gold banisters at the stairs, the dragon statues and figures, and the silver swirling with green in the wallpaper.

Tom was having a better time at keeping in his awe, but not by much. He had never seen so much wealth before in his life. At least not up close like he was now. Harry was the first to spot the moving paintings on the walls, but Tom took note of how the sconces were lit without any power source.

"My parents mean well."

Tom had almost forgotten that they were following after Abraxas.

"I'm sorry if they're being pushy and rushing to try and help you. They've always been like that." Abraxas explained as he took them to a door down one hall. He leaned against the door frame as Tom and Harry went in.

It was obviously a powder room with a door leading to where the toilet would be. One wall was covered with a huge mirror with twin sinks set before it.

"Their offer is very kind." Tom agreed as he helped Harry wash his hands. "I would be insane if I didn't consider it."

That got a grin out of Abraxas. "My parents will probably offer to let you two stay the night to get you used to the manor."

Tom shook his head sadly. "Mrs. Cole will be wondering where we are. She's not a horrible person, and she at least does her job." If Tom didn't arrive before bed time she would probably call the police to file a missing person's report.

"Will you stay here Tom?" Abraxas asked as he took his turn to wash his hands and face. "If you don't want to then my parents could find you a different family to live with."

Now there was a prospect that Tom hadn't consider. The Malfoy's obviously had means to make his life better, even if it wasn't with them. But would Tom be willing to deal with new people he had no current knowledge of?

The other problem? How in the world would he explain Harry's sudden appearances and disappearances? It was easy at the orphanage; all Tom had to do was alter a few memories. Here though he had no idea if he had the power to manipulate the Malfoy's. They knew more about magic so Tom wouldn't be able to fake it with false answers.

He'd think about it once he got himself and Harry back to the orphanage for the night.

"I would like too, but I think I need the night to think about it." He smiled kindly at Abraxas, who was leading them back down the hall now that the three boys were all cleaned up. "It's a big decision and I'm still getting used to the idea of spending the school year at Hogwarts."

As much as Abraxas wanted Tom to say yes he could understand the other pre-teen's thought process. He liked the idea of having someone his own age living in the manor. Tom didn't prattle and give Abraxas false compliments like his other 'friends', and honestly it was nice to have someone around that treated him like an actual person.

There was also something about Tom that made the young Malfoy want to be close to him.

Thankfully the offer wasn't brought up during dinner. Instead the elder Malfoy's asked about Tom's early life, how he and Harry had met, and what sorts of things the two boys liked to do. Harry especially enjoyed telling them stories about the trips to the beach.

Like Abraxas had predicted, his parents made an offer for both Tom and Harry to stay the night in their manor, but after explaining how Mrs. Cole would worry, and dropping a lie about how she might contact Harry's family to warn them about a possible kidnapping, the Malfoy's took the two boys back to Wool's orphanage.

It was obvious when they arrived how disgusted the adults were with the structure. Abraxas had stayed back at the Malfoy home which made it a little easier on Tom and Harry.

"We shall speak with this Mrs. Cole and assure her that the two of you were perfectly safe." Mr. Malfoy told Tom and Harry. "We'll also tell her we'll be back tomorrow to hear your decision."

Mrs. Malfoy smiled and leaned down to give both Tom and Harry hugs. "It was wonderful meeting both of you. You're such polite and sweet boys." Her maternal instinct was kicking in and she was loathe to let the boy's stay a second longer in the muggle establishment.

With a final goodbye, and an introduction between a worried Mrs. Cole and the Malfoy's, Tom and Harry went up to their shared bedroom.

"Finally!" Tom said with a groan as he sat down on his bed. The entire day felt like it had taken weeks instead of hours.

A groan from Harry marked his agreement with Tom's exclamation. When Tom looked over at his younger friend the boy was flopped over on his bed.

"You'll fall asleep in your clothes if you stay like that." Tom fondly told the boy before going over to Harry's bed to prod him into an upright position. "We still have to read the letters."

That was enough to get Harry to sit up. "I'd forgotten about those." He admitted sleepily. Tom reached into his bag for a moment before pulling out the two envelopes.

Harry happily took his envelope and clumsily ripped open the top so he could read what had been written. Where Harry was enthusiastic, Tom was hesitant. Ever since Gothrack had given them the letters, Tom hadn't stopped thinking about them and their contents. Now that he had the chance to read it he felt apprehension and worry.

What if he'd already messed things up and this letter had meant to warn him about not talking to Abraxas? What if the letter told him not to go with the Malfoy's?

Tom chewed on his bottom lip for a moment before mentally berating himself for stalling as long as he had. With careful fingers Tom Ripped the envelope open and reached in to pull out several pieces of paper.

The first few words on the paper put Tom at ease and had him relaxing from the stressed state he had been in.

"The Malfoy's can be trusted."

Whoever their benefactors were definitely knew what was going on in the past. Tom was starting to suspect that the mysterious benefactors were in fact himself and Harry in the distant future.

It would make sense really. Who would know more about themselves than themselves? Their future selves would know exactly what would happen and at what time. They could even warn their younger selves of things.

Then again too many warnings could mess with time line.

Tom was definitely going to need to do more research about time travel once school started.

"The Malfoy's can be trusted.

Whether or not you chose to go with them is up to you, but they can be trusted to keep you safe and to make sure you integrate into the magical world.

Knowing you though you will keep the truth of Harry from them. That is fine. Let them prove themselves to you before you and Harry tell them anything.

With that in mind just tell them that Harry's family set up an anchored portkey in the park across from Wool's Orphanage. Tell them that Harry will need to go home once a week and that they can pick him up in the park at the big tree when he returns. Harry has a second letter that he can give to the Malfoy's that will explain things. That way they won't ask too many questions.

That is if you decide to stay with them.

I wish I could tell you everything Tom, but you're a smart boy and I am sure you have already figured out that the future relies on you learning certain things on your own.

Trust in your instincts.

Trust in Harry.

Try not to be too hard on Abraxas. He just wants a friend. A real friend. It won't be easy for you to trust him, but keep an open mind.

When the Malfoy's see Ladon and Ophion for the first time you can tell them the truth. Knowing that you are from the Gaunt family they will not be surprised by your ability to speak with snakes. Try to keep that information from spreading after that. Speaking to snakes is considered dark magic and many wizards and witches fear dark magic.

I would suggest next time you go to Diagon Alley that you get the book "Light, Dark, and the Shadows Between". It'll explain quite a few things.

There is one thing I will warn you about, but you might already know: Do not trust Dumbledore. He will say and do many things to try and convince you to become his follower, but you can't fall for his traps. Pretend if you must, but do not trust him.

You'll know what to do as time passes. Watch him and learn as much about him as you can. The Malfoy's have information, as do several other pure-blood families, and there is truth in gossip.

This is a game you cannot lose.

Take care of Harry. You will be in need of a place where you and Harry can meet in secret. There might be something useful on the 7th floor of Hogwarts."

Tom read the letter several times before setting the papers on his lap. It felt like the letter had been written by two people, but in the same hand. Gothrack had mentioned benefactors, so two people would make sense.

Again Tom suspected that the mysterious benefactors were his future self and Harry. He let out a small laugh at that. He wouldn't find out the truth of the matter until both he and Harry were full grown and living in the future.

The irony was not lost on Tom.

"What does yours say Tom?" Harry asked as he finished reading his own. "Trade?" He held out his own letter for Tom to read.

Harry's letter was a lot less formal compared to Tom's.

"Hey Harry,

I hope you had fun in Diagon Alley today. Congrats on your wand! It's cool right? I bet you never imagined that all those things you could do were actually magic.

Don't believe what your aunt and uncle tell you. Having magic does not make you a freak. It's just who you are. Your mum and dad both had magic so maybe it's your aunt and uncle that are weird? Dudley is just a prat, but he has time to at least grow out of it.

You started school last year I think. Primary school. It's not as interesting as Hogwarts, but at least you won't be stuck at the Dursley's all day, every day. Work on dodging during PE. You're smaller and faster than Dudley. Also if he just happens to trip over his own feet well...that's his fault.

Back to your wand. As fun as it would be to have it with you back at the Dursleys, you need to leave it with Tom. You'll get to use it on the weekends when you visit him. Try using the spells he teaches you without your wand too. Shouldn't be too hard for a time traveler like you.

That reminds me! You need to give Tom a couple weeks after school starts before visiting him. He needs to find a super secret place where the two of you can meet and be safe. Maybe Barnabas can help him.

I can't really tell you if you should or shouldn't stay in the past. Gothrack has been told to suggest that you wait until you're at least 11. But really, it's up to you.

If anything happens and you need to get away from the Dursley's for awhile, go over to Ms. Figgs. Yeah her cake is stale and her house smells like cats, but she'll at least tell you fun stories and let you listen to the radio. She'll let you study and do your homework without bothering you as well.

You know that thing where you can feel magic? Don't fight it ok? Ask the Malfoy's to teach you how to meditate. It'll help.

That's all I can really tell you for now.

Oh and Harry?

Happy early birthday."

There were hints in both letters that Tom would need when he got to Hogwarts. The 7th floor and some guy named Barnabas were the keys to finding the safe space for Harry to visit. He would have two weeks before Harry would come for his first visit. It wasn't a lot of time, but the two clues would at least point him in the right direction.

It also made sense for Tom to keep Harry's wand while the younger boy was back in his own time. Knowing the Dursleys they might just snap Harry's wand if they saw it.

"So...are you going to stay with the Malfoy's?" Harry asked once he was done reading Tom's longer letter. "If you are I need to give them this." He reached over to his side where he had set down the extra letter.

The purpose of the second letter hadn't been clear at first and Harry had been tempted to open it, but he'd only stopped when he'd spotted the Malfoy's name written across the envelope in green ink.

Tom set both of their letters onto the nightstand that separated their beds. "I'll decide in the morning."

He didn't want to rush into the decision, but if the mysterious benefactor said he could trust the Malfoy's then Tom would probably say yes in the end. He would only have to live with them for a couple months before school started anyway.

"What do you think about Abraxas? Your letter says he wants a friend." Harry looked over at the papers laying out on the nightstand and then back at Tom. "He seems really nice! We spent the entire day with him and he didn't say anything mean."

It was true. Abraxas hadn't really done anything that would have irritated Tom and he had been very polite to Harry. The two of them had come across boys around Tom's age in the past that had treated Harry badly just because he'd been younger.

But could Tom actually trust Abraxas? The letter said he could, but...it had also told Tom to trust his instincts and his instincts were telling him to be cautious.

"I think I need to get to know him better. I won't push him away though." That small assurance brought a smile to Harry's lips which caused Tom to smile right back at him. "Get some sleep Harry. I have a feeling tomorrow is going to be just as busy as today was."

A yawn stretched across Harry's face and his eyes watered a bit. "Ok Tom." he pulled off his shirt and set it at the end of his bed. His pajamas had been folded up and stashed under his pillow.

For a moment the two boys were quiet as they prepared for bed. It really had been a very long and busy day so Tom figured Harry would sleep well.

"Tom?"

The older dark haired boy looked up from where he was crawling under his blankets.

"Can I sleep with you?"

The words were softly spoken and Tom would have missed them completely if he wasn't used to Harry's voice.

The green eyed lad was sitting on his bed, his blanket pulled back but his feet dangling over the edge. He was in the process of climbing into the bed, but could easily jump right out if given the chance.

Tom sighed slowly and nodded. "You'll need to get used to sleeping on your own again soon Harry." Even as he said that Tom was brushing his fingers through Harry's hair and wrapping his other arm around Harry to hold him close.

"I know...I just really don't want to sleep alone tonight."

With a nod and a soft goodnight Tom pointed a finger at the light switch. The little switch flipped and their room darkened. Morning would come soon enough and with it the Malfoy's.

Hopefully sleep would give Tom the answers he needed and he'd be able to make a final decision with a clear conscience.

A/N: Special thanks to: Louise To, Maurey