Disclaimer: Nope. Still don't own it.

A/N: Honestly I felt like this chapter rambled on longer than it should have. I tried to cut out some things to make it flow better, but I'm not completely happy with it. I've re-written it several times, but if I took anymore time I knew I would never be satisfied. So here's chapter 11. Even though I dislike it so.

Reaching Through Time

Chapter 11: Winter Holidays

For months Harry would visit Tom on Saturday's and they would practice their magic together. Since the younger only had 1 day a week to learn everything Tom had learned in a week it was slow going. Tom on the other hand was looking ahead in their text books and working on spells that were more advance. Once in awhile they would work on potions together, especially the ones that Tom had found that would help Harry in case he was ever in trouble.

Each time he visited, Harry would ask about Abraxas and about how he was doing. Tom was still hesitating on whether or not he should tell the Malfoy boy about Harry's secret visits, but his resolve to keep the sweet small boy to himself was weakening.

Tom was able to stay strong and fight against Harry's big green eyes until December rolled around. By then Tom was able to reason with Harry to wait to tell Abraxas until after the holidays.

The last Saturday before break Tom and Harry were working on a type of summoning spell that also acted like a locator spell.

"I was able to go to Diagon Alley yesterday." Harry told Tom as he watched the older boy work at the spell without his wand. It was a difficult spell to hold and focus on and it required quite a bit of magic to maintain it. Luckily the room was small enough they didn't have to hold the spell for long. To make up for the lack of distance one of the boy's would hold onto an object at the other end of the room to keep it from flying right away to the other.

"Yeah? By yourself?" Tom asked once Harry let go of the pillow Tom had been attempting to summon. Beads of sweat rolled down his forehead and he had to take a moment to catch his breath after catching the pillow.

Harry nodded and picked up the next pillow for Tom to call for. "Aunt Petunia took me. I took the Knight Bus back."

They'd learned all about the Knight Bus while at the Malfoy's. It was probably Harry's favorite mode of transportation. It was also the only one Harry could take without relying on another wizard. Thankfully the younger boy had enough magic that he didn't need a wand to summon the bus.

"She left you in London?" Tom frowned and his hands became fists at his sides. He wanted to be angry over the neglect, but he was tired from how much wandless magic he'd been using.

Harry shrugged a bit. "I told her I didn't need a ride home. She did offer." The boy knew his aunt had only offered because of the threat of Madam LeRue.

Tom hummed softly. He was still upset that Harry's aunt had left a 7 year old alone in London, but at least she hadn't been completely irresponsible. All that would change as soon as Harry was old enough to stay in the past.

Summoning the last pillow wore Tom out completely and the two settled on the couch in the second room. They had tea to drink and sandwiches that Harry had brought.

"So why did you go to Diagon Alley?" Tom asked once he had enough strength to do so.

A sneaky smile appeared on Harry's lips and he tried, and failed, to make himself look innocent. "No reason." The skeptical raise of Tom's brow broke Harry and he let out a strangled sigh. "Fiiiiine! I was buying Christmas gifts!"

"I told you Abraxas's parents were going to take us shopping during break." Tom was all frowns. "Going by yourself for a reason like shopping was dangerous Harry. What if someone tried to kidnap you? Or hurt you?" Not to mention they had to be careful about what Harry brought back from the future.

Harry flopped over on the couch and sighed again. "I'm not a little kid Tom! I went in the middle of the day and stayed close to families." It was something he and Tom had worked out in the past whenever they'd left the orphanage and wandered around shops.

When Harry sat up his long bangs flopped over into his eyes and he pushed them aside with a huff.

"Your hair is getting really long again." Tom let the subject of Harry's shopping trip go for the time being. Instead he reached over to play with Harry's naturally messy locks.

"Stoooop!" Harry complained as he tried to push Tom's hand out of the way. "You know I like my hair long! It covers my scar."

Honestly Tom liked Harry's scar. Whenever he looked at it or touched it Tom always felt a warmth fill him.

Out of curiosity Tom had looked up magical symbols. Lightning bolt symbols appeared in many different cultures and had many meanings magically. Tom particularly liked the one where it represented the sun. In magic it meant boundless energy, wholeness of the spirit, clear vision, and even hope. It fit Harry so well that Tom wondered if the scar had more meaning.

Harry continued to try and get away from Tom's hands, which had moved on from playing with Harry's hair to tickling his sides.

For several long minutes Tom attacked relentlessly, forcing Harry to squeal loudly and flail around. The two boys ended up on the floor with Harry trapped under Tom and breathing heavily.

Tom sat back victoriously and crossed his arms over his chest. "I win yet another tickle fight."

"You cheated!" Harry cried out as he sat up on his elbows. "You didn't even warn me!"

With a wiggle of a finger Tom disagreed. "You have to be prepared for an attack at all times! You never know when a situation will change."

"I guess." Harry looked contemplative before his emerald green eyes twinkled. He reached up to try and tickle at Tom's sides only for the older boy to swat the reaching hands away. "See! You cheat!"

"No, you're just predictable."

Tom eventually got up from where he was straddling Harry's hips and helped the younger boy up, but only after he'd lectured Harry about being more observant.

"Dinner will be soon." Harry was looking down at the beat up old watch on his wrist. "I suppose I should head back." His eyes were big as he looked up at Tom. "Couldn't I just sleep here for the night? I won't leave this room, I promise!"

As tempting as it was for Tom to say yes, he knew Harry couldn't stay. Tom had made plans with his house mates tomorrow and if he tried to cancel they would only ask questions. If Harry stayed the night Tom would be tempted to stay with him and that would definitely raise some red flags with the other students in his dorm.

So with a sad sigh and shake of his head Tom told Harry no.

"The train leaves Monday anyway Harry. Have you wrapped your presents yet?" When Harry shook his head Tom chuckled. "Spend tomorrow doing that. We'll see each other Monday night."

It had been planned, with the help of Abraxas' parents, that they would go and 'pick up' Harry at the tree after Tom and Abraxas had been picked up at platform 9 3/4.

Harry and Tom were sure Harry would be fine staying the entire break without needing to go back to his time. It'd be stretching his strength, but Tom had found a ritual that would allow him to pass some of his energy over to Harry to give him more power.

When Harry tried to argue about staying, Tom put his foot down and told Harry sternly to head back. He hated being serious with Harry, but he was the older of the two so it was up to Tom to be the mature one.

Still, sending Harry off like that had left a bad taste in Tom's mouth and he snapped a little more than he intended when he went down for dinner.

For the last few months the majority of Slytherin had been at least polite with him. He was a Gaunt, one of the sacred 28, but he was also a half-blood and somehow that little tidbit had gotten around. Tom suspected Dumbledore had let it slip.

There were also some people that knew the Gaunt family hadn't simply become hermits, but that for the last few generations they'd gone a little crazy due to inbreeding.

So there were a few people that, even though they seemed polite, were dismissive of Tom. The little snubs and jabs bothered Tom, but he was used to worse.

That night though, with him being in a bad mood with himself, the 'polite' jab from one third year sent him over the edge.

"You know Parkinson," Tom's voice was scarily smooth and delicate as he looked at her with his darkening eyes. "Professor Mulberry asked me to help you with your Charms work, but seeing as how you're so far behind I doubt even my help would make a difference." He altered his voice to sound apologetic and filled it with as much pity as he could fake.

Everyone knew Tom was ahead of his year, that he had probably finished all of his homework for the year, and that he was learning things from the professors during private tutoring sessions. It wouldn't be hard to assume he already knew things that 2nd and 3rd years might know.

The Parkinson girl flushed brightly. The red color was unflattering and came out in splotches over her cheeks.

"You're in a mood." Abraxas commented once Tom was seated between the Malfoy and Mulciber.

"She's been on my nerves all year." He did feel better after jabbing Parkinson so that was at least a plus.

Alf nodded. "She needs to learn her place. No intelligence and no looks, the only good thing about her is her bloodline." He rolled his eyes a little. "She's been trying to cuddle up to all the noble families. Probably looking to catch herself a good match for when she graduates."

"My father has already turned down a courtship request." Abraxas sneered at that and rolled his eyes. "Hasn't stopped her from trying to be coy and flirty with me. Disgusting really."

Tom was at least thankful that he wouldn't have to deal with any sort of relationships for some time. A Gaunt he might be, but there were still a great many rumors that his family had very little power.

Little did anyone know Tom had a great deal of money thanks to his 'mysterious' benefactors and quite a few seats within the Wizengamot thanks to his inheritance.

He had a lot more power than just his name.

"Is your family still hosting a Christmas party Malfoy?" Mulciber asked now that they were done discussing Parkinson.

"Of course." Abraxas lifted his head proudly. "Tom will be staying with us as well. It should be a very pleasant Christmas."

Several of the boys began discussing the various things that they and their families would be doing over the winter break. Tom joined in when he was asked a question, but otherwise he chose to listen and smile charmingly.

At one point Winky chimed in and invited the group to her winter home in Southern Italy. Both Abraxas and Tom politely turned her down since the Malfoy family had already made plans. The girl looked a little disappointed, but Tom turned his most charming smile on her and promised to write her a letter. That made her smile.

Tom wasn't remotely interested in Winky, but her family had investments in several companies that imported and exported a variety of potion and spell components. If Tom was ever going to gain influence he would need allies in all areas.

Although Tom didn't encourage Winky's flirting, he was at least cordial and pretended to be friendly with her.

"Can you believe how much homework we've been assigned to work on over the break?" And with that the discussion shifted once more.

For all of Sunday and Monday on the train ride back to London, Tom played his role of charming classmate. As soon as he and Abraxas were free of their 'friends' and with the elder Malfoy's he was able to finally drop his facade and just relax.

"It is good to see you two." Mrs. Malfoy lightly hugged her son and then Tom once they were apparated to the tree where they would pick up Harry as well. "I hope the train ride was comfortable."

"It was fine mother. Though I do wish the Parkinson girl would give up her advances on me." Abraxas had written his father about the entire situation with the girl several times, as well as his suspicions about Dumbledore.

"I'll speak with the girls family." Was all Mr. Malfoy was able to say before the sound of small feet running through the snow interrupted him.

With an 'oof' Tom tumbled over as he was tackled by his closest friend. He hadn't been expecting Harry to actually tackle him like that, but he figured it was Harry's way of getting revenge for not being allowed to stay Sunday.

The younger boy was all smiles though when he lifted his head to look up at Tom.

Tom's heart stopped for a moment as those green eyes sparkled up at him. His fingers twitched as he fought the urge to brush the snow out of Harry's messy black hair.

Mrs. Malfoy was giggling softly at the sight while Mr. Malfoy was obviously fighting the urge to smirk at the antics.

"Where's my hug?" Abraxas complained with a whine, which earned him a scowl from his father that he ignored.

Harry climbed free from Tom's arms, which had instinctively gone around Harry when they'd fallen into the snow, and gave Abraxas a tight hug as well.

"Well! let's head to the manor shall we? Get you boys out of your wet clothes and in front of a fire with hot chocolate." Mrs. Malfoy giggled again as Abraxas helped Tom up. "We have a lot of work ahead of us to prepare for the Solstice!"

Abraxas had explained things to Tom some time ago, but it had slipped Tom's mind to tell Harry about the different Christmas traditions that the Malfoy family followed.

"Solstice?"

It was well known that Mrs. Malfoy was infatuated with Harry's innocent cuteness. The one word had her smiling and cooing at the young boy as they arrived at the Malfoy manor and the house elves were asked to get some hot chocolate made.

"We follow the old traditions dear. During Winter Solstice, or Yule, we commune with Mother Magic and ask her to rejuvenate our magic for the coming year." She helped Harry out of his thick scarf and even took up a seat next to him while Tom sat on his other side. "During the day friends and family gather for singing, eating, and merriment. The hosts give their guests Yule logs to burn for their private rituals. Then, in the evening, we set our own yule log ablaze and offer tributes to Mother magic. We thank her for being with us as the light dims and the dark grows and we ask her to bless us as the light begins growing in strength once more."

"You'll get to run around and take offerings from all the guests for the ritual bonfire." Abraxas almost sounded envious. "You and all the little kids under 11." Last year had been Abraxas last year collecting the offerings. "They'll also give you sweets and treats."

Mr. Malfoy shook his head a little at his son's barely concealed jealousy. "You and Tom will get to go into the ancient forest with me to gather the mistletoe and yule logs Abraxas. And you'll get to help with the wreaths and welcoming the nature spirits."

That calmed Abraxas down a bit as he considered the more adult responsibilities that he was being given.

There were other things about the solstice that Tom had studied up on. Dark magic was always stronger the closer Winter Solstice came while light magic always became stronger the closer they got to Summer Solstice. It was during the midnight hour of both days when all types of magic were equal with each other.

If Tom was to believe the myths and legends of the ancient holidays, it was also a time when one could look past the veil and learn ancient secrets from the gods. Certain rituals, spells, and potions couldn't even be done until the midnight hour of a Solstice.

The ash from the yule log made a potent potion ingredient and an extremely useful tool during rituals.

Tom was really looking forward to participating in his first real ritual celebration. Abraxas had told him about Samhain with his family, but Hogwarts had followed more of the muggle traditions. Despite that though Dippet had allowed a bonfire for those that followed the old ways. Tom had felt how the magic swelled and he had sworn he had heard the whispers of the spirits that existed just past the veil.

Now though he'd see a ritual done correctly and he'd get to participate.

"The yule log stays lit for 12 days and on the 12th day we extinguish the flames and gather the ashes." Mrs. Malfoy was still explaining how things would happen to Harry.

He seemed a little sad though. He had been looking forward to giving everyone the gifts he had bought. It'd taken a lot of the allowance he'd withdrawn for himself so Harry had ended up going to Gringotts for a little extra money.

"The morning after Yule we exchange gifts." Abraxas told Harry with a big grin. He looked rather pleased with himself, as if he had found the perfect gift for Harry already.

Mrs. Malfoy smiled and nodded. "We'll go shopping tomorrow. You boys can go and get your gifts for each other while I do some errands." She and her husband had already bought the boys their gifts so any shopping was mostly for the solstice or were just little things that would make the holiday all the better.

Harry's excitement returned. He and Tom had exchanged gifts over the years, and Harry had even made little things for the few adults in his life that were actually nice to him, but this would probably be the first time Harry would get to have a Christmas in a family setting.

The Malfoy's explained more about the solstice celebrations for some time after that until Harry started nodding off and his empty hot chocolate mug almost fell out of his hands. With a chuckle Mr. Malfoy picked the sleeping boy up and carried him up to the guest room while Mrs. Malfoy shooed Tom and Abraxas off to their own beds.

When they went out shopping the next day Tom found he had a bit of a problem. He didn't want Harry to leave his side, but at the same time he couldn't exactly buy the young boy his Christmas gift while he was standing right there.

Thankfully Mrs. Malfoy had a solution that Tom agreed with grudgingly. Harry would go with her while Tom and Abraxas did their own shopping separately.

"Mrs. Malfoy?" Harry asked as the two wandered around the apothecary shop so the woman could buy a few extra potion ingredients for the ritual.

"Yes dear?" Even if she wasn't looking at the boy she was still paying attention to him whenever Harry spoke up.

For a moment Harry struggled with what he wanted to ask. Up to that point he'd never actually been alone with the woman.

"Why are you so nice to me and Tom?" He finally was able to mumble out. Harry's eyes were on the floor and his fingers were knotting together behind his back as he fidgeted nervously.

Mrs. Malfoy looked down at the little boy and her heard twisted. He looked almost frightened to ask her, but she could tell he needed to know.

Setting the jar down back on the shelf for a moment, Mrs. Malfoy knelt down in front of Harry. "This is just between you and me alright?" She whispered as she brushed his bangs out of his face so Harry would look at her. "My husband and I don't really talk about it...but some things happened years ago."

With a sigh Mrs. Malfoy made her purchases and then led Harry out of the store to the ice cream parlor. Once the boy had his scoop of enchanted ice cream she placed a notice me not spell up around their table.

"We had a daughter once, years before Abraxas was born." There was an old pain in her eyes as she spoke. "She was born during the last war while Drake and I were on vacation in France. We were both so young when we married and she was born within the year." It'd taken years for her to recover from her grieving. "The little town we were in was attacked. Drake and I were separated. There was so much chaos and the smoke! Putrid yellow smoke was everywhere. It knocked out so many witches and wizards. When I-" her voice broke and for a moment she was back there, in that small french town as it filled with the muggle gas that would disorient witches and wizards and make their magic almost negligible. "When I came too she was gone."

Many children had gone missing in such ways. The gas would knock out a witch or wizard and make them appear dead. It was theorized that the babies and children would react with accidental magic to protect themselves and that muggles would find the crying children and babies and take them away.

Mrs. Malfoy took a deep breath to steady herself. "My husband and I searched for years to find her. In our search we found dozens of other children that had lost their families. We couldn't just leave them to fend for themselves so we took them in. We swore on our magics that we would never turn away a child in need."

Harry silently ate his ice cream as he watched Mrs. Malfoy with big eyes.

"It was our hope that maybe another wizard family found our little Orianne and cared for her as we have for all the children we took in."

Mrs. Malfoy smiled sadly, but warmly at the wide eyed little boy across from her. "No child should ever have to suffer Hadrian. You're a sweet boy and deserve a safe and loving home."

That made the 7 year old blush a bit and he quickly made himself busy with his sweet treat.

"Now. How would you like to help me pick out a few more gifts for everyone?"

Everyone was able to get their shopping done by lunch and Mrs. Malfoy insisted they go to a little bistro that was out of the way over in Flamborough. When they made it back to the manor Tom and Abraxas scurried off to their rooms to wrap what they had bought while Mrs. Malfoy insisted on Harry staying with her to bake cookies.

When the day of the solstice arrived the manor and the grounds around it had been transformed. The grounds were covered in snow with fairy lights twinkling and floating over the frozen pond. Every window in the manor had a candle flickering brightly and merrily.

Garlands of evergreen branches were hung over each doorway and under each window. At night fireflies would gather in the garlands and twinkle gently through the green needles.

Inside the manor were even more garlands strung up along the walls and wrapped around the banister, mistletoe and holly weaved into the garlands. The entire manor smelled of baking cookies and hot chocolate.

"You two ready to go get the yule logs?" Mr. Malfoy asked as he waited at the front door for Abraxas and Tom to join him. The first of the guests would be arriving in a few hours and they needed to get the logs to give to the guests.

Harry wished he could go with Tom, but Mrs. Malfoy had told him several times that it was tradition for the younger children to stay home and welcome guests by accepting their gifts and ritual offerings. It wouldn't do for Harry to be away from the manor if the first guest arrived early.

As Mrs. Malfoy predicted, the guests started arriving well before the trio returned with the yule logs. The Blacks were the first to arrive, seeing as how they seemed to be the closest related to the Malfoy's, and Harry took their offerings just as Mrs. Malfoy had taught him.

Orion Black joined Harry in collecting the offerings, seeing as how he was 9, which gave Harry someone to talk to while Tom was away with Abraxas.

The majority of the offerings were bundles of herbs that were meant to be burned in the bonfire. Some guests had gems or little packages that Harry was half tempted to open.

Finally Tom, Abraxas, and Mr. Malfoy returned with a huge stack of logs floating behind them.

The party itself lasted for hours. The children over 11 years old helped with making wreaths that would be wrapped around the yule logs to be given out, the few younger children running around to collect offerings or receiving treats from the adults, and the adults socializing or helping with the last of the ritual preparations.

As time passed the ambient magic in the air built to such high levels that Harry felt light headed and giddy. At some point Tom had to literally hold onto Harry so he wouldn't rush off back to the snack table for more treats.

"The cookies are so good Tom!" Harry whined softly as he tugged at his hand, which was being held tightly by Tom. "Just one more?"

"You'll ruin your dinner at this rate." Tom admonished as he shook his head with a fond smile. The magic in the air was getting so strong that even Tom could feel it, which meant Harry was being affected even more.

Thankfully dinner was served soon after that and Tom was able to distract Harry with actual food rather than the treats that had been set out.

"Do you see that Tom?" Harry whispered at one point and pointed up into the air. When Tom looked he didn't see anything, but Harry was mumbling about little colorful balls of light winking in and out. The Malfoy's had told the boys about how nature spirits would be invited into the home during the solstice so it wouldn't surprise the older boy if that was what Harry was seeing those spirits.

At the end of the night the guests left, each family taking one of the yule logs that had been prepared and the Malfoy's were left with just a few close relatives to join them with their own bonfire.

Harry was almost completely out of it as the elder Malfoys and Blacks began setting the ritual offerings around the yule log. The runes that had been drawn around the bonfire were glowing and Harry wasn't sure if he should be looking at the magic that was gathering on the yule log or at the glowing and fluttering lights.

The lights from the spirits and the runes were starting to blur together for Harry. Something was whispering to him as his head spun. The words were indistinct, but the voice felt familiar. It was sweet, warm, and reminded Harry of Mrs. Malfoy whenever she was saying goodnight.

It was a good thing that Harry was leaning against Tom for support, otherwise he would have toppled over when the magic thickened and pooled in and around the yule log as Mr. Malfoy lit it with a flick of his wand.

Multiple voices joined the one that had been whispering to Harry, each vying for his attention. Still, he could not make out a single word that was being said.

"Everything is done for the night." Mrs. Malfoy said softly once the ritual offerings were burning along with the yule log. Her eyes were misty and glimmering, as if she were close to tears as she spoke, but there was a content smile on her lips. "Go on up to your rooms and get some sleep. We'll open presents tomorrow."

Tom didn't need any more encouragement. He did not like how unresponsive Harry was as he pulled the younger boy along into the house. So instead of tucking Harry in his own bed in the guest room, Tom took his quiet and wobbly friend to his own room.

"Sleep well Harry." Tom whispered as he helped Harry into the large bed and under the covers. Once Harry was settled, Tom crawled in under the covers and slung an arm across Harry's waist.

The younger of the two fell asleep almost instantly once he was comfortable, his overwhelmed senses from the onslaught of the magical presence having worn him out. It took a little while longer for Tom to find his restful slumber.

Up until the moment Tom fell asleep, his gaze never wandered from Harry's innocently content expression.

A/N: Make sure to check out my tumblr: ethrildragon I'm always posting updates and stuff there about future chapters.

Special thanks to: Louise To, Maurey