The world outside the window was enchanting especially on a wintery day. The normally cheerful forest that was filled with birds and animals was still, and filled with frost. The branches of the trees had layers of ice, crystallized from the combination of rain and snow. The white formed a veil, until nothing else could be seen from the distance.

Hadrian Slytherin was patiently sitting next to the window, waiting.

"There. Done." Adrianne combed his hair one last time, and rotated the chair so he was not facing the window but the large mirror.

The boy stood up with her help, and smiled, "Thank you, Adrianne. You're really good at doing this… I look so different now."

"Oh, not at all, young master. You should thank Master Salazar and Master Vorici for doing most of the work."

The boy did a twirl, and his robes fluttered around him... His robes were made of spider silk bleached white with runes stitched in silver for protection. His back was bare and upon it were pure white wings. Covering his front were thin strips of fabric that looped around his neck. It was a clever piece of transfiguration that his father did for him. His nails were painted white. He wore no shoes - just invisible ones made with the skin of a lethifold to give the illusion of flight.

His eyes were lightened, to the point that it looked electric green. Dust motes floated around him and he emitted a faint glow. This was Vorici's work, a master of both charms and transfiguration. They kept his hair black, after much arguing in his part that they did not need to turn him into a snowflake.

"Do I really look fine, Adrianne?" He asked, unsurely. He was never one to dress up. His wings seemed to close around himself, echoing his subconscious wish to hide.

"You look angelic, young master. Your father and brother are already in the foyer. Let us not keep them waiting."

He put both hands around his face, and slapped himself gently, as if mustering courage. "Let's go."

They left his rooms, and outside, maids were running about. The elves were busy doing last minute fixes, ensuring that each part of the castle was clean and as mesmerizing as the grand hall, where the main event of the gala was being held. Their grand hall was round where normally, pillars would have been emblazoned with the Slytherin crest, but all that was taken away in favour of having candles, glittering silver, polished floors, sparkling mirrors and archaic windows.

It was not all, there were floating refreshments, everywhere the guests could go.. Their chefs have outdone themselves, cooking delicacies from different parts of the world so everyone's tastes can be satisfied.

It took awhile until they reached the foyer. Harry found his steps going faster, and he was almost impatient. It took everything in him to not come running when he heard from the servants that Thomas finally arrived. At that time, they were in the middle of fixing his robes upon him and fitting his hair.

He argued that it can wait, that they usually have enough time to prepare anyway… that it was unfair he couldn't see Thomas right away when he was just there.

But his father said no, and Vorici merely laughed at him.

But he waited long enough, patiently until it was Adrianne's turn… and he couldn't act like a spoiled brat around her, so he kept still.

When the doors to the foyer swung open, Harry found that he was almost too giddy with excitement.

"Brother! Welcome back!" Harry tackled Thomas in a hug.

"Harry… I can't breathe," Thomas said after a while.

Harry tightened his hug, and eventually let go, "I missed you… so much. It wasn't fun without you."

Immediately, Harry was struck at how much taller his brother was. He tiptoed until he was level with his brother's shoulder. He seemed to have grown an inch or more, in the short span of four months he's been away. In comparison, Harry hardly grew an inch.

Thomas began patting his head, before pushing him away for more space.

Harry held on to Thomas, just to make sure that his brother wasn't suddenly going to leave.

"I'm not going away, Harry. You can let go now,"

"No."

Thomas wore similar robes, just completely opposite to what he was wearing..

He had pitch black wings. The white of his eyes have turned black, and his pupils were slit like that of a snake's. His brother's normally blue irises were transformed into molten red.

Upon his head were horns that looked so real. He wore black, and he was completely covered in it. He looked almost cruelly detached, as an eleven year old child.

Thomas began petting his brother's head. After awhile, the two began poking at each other's attires. Harry started examining Thomas's horns, marvelling at the texture, "It really does feel like bone."

Then Harry spread his wings out wide, a few feathers fluttered about and Thomas could not help a small "Ohh," escape his mouth.

Almost immediately, the Thomas was stroking it, "how soft… do you feel anything at all, when I touch it?"

Harry scrunched his eyebrows in thought, "It's very faint. I can feel something, like something touching my skin, but not. Like touching your nails? You know you can feel something but it's very faint? Father said it's better if it only responds to my emotions since I have no experience of having wings… and I can hurt myself?" Harry offered the gist of what he could remember, but he was sure his brother already knew.

"What about yours?" Harry asked.

"They're real."

Harry's eyes widened. "Really?" He inched a little closer, itching to satisfy his curiosity. Thomas sighed, and gave his permission with a simple nod.

Harry began touching the wings, unable to help himself and Thomas held in his breath, "Stop, Harry. They're quite sensitive."

"Sorry. They're so nice."

Thomas smirked, "I didn't need father's help. Instead, I used a partial animagus transformation. I used a charm to dye them black. I can fly with them too if I want to."

At the mention of flying, Harry pouted, thinking he still couldn't do it. Then, the excited kid smiled. "You must show me later."

"Of course."

Salazar silently laughed as he observed his two sons. He looked more reserved in his golden clad attire. Salazar chose a very subtle way to enhance his look, which was merely to make his hair and robes to float with him, as if he was underwater.

"If you've calmed down, Hadrian, we must inspect the halls one last time. The guests are set to arrive in two hours. This will be tiring. Let me know when you feel tired and we'll have Adrienne carry you to your room."

At this, Harry nodded, walking hand in hand with Thomas.

The winter gala had always been held in celebration of the winter solstice. Their aim was to imbibe the coming of winter while embracing magic, and giving back. The inside of the castle was turned into a frosty paradise, where snow was not cold, but warm. The Sun and Moon symbols hung about. Special runes have been etched to heighten the coming of magic that was set to arrive once the sun began to set.

Everything had to be perfect so they made a game of spotting mistakes.

The foyer had to be mesmerizing enough to look at, and the chandeliers that hung above were not burning blue flame, but yellow. They quickly had that remedied. They found the Slytherin crest missing in one hall, and immediately had one hung on the ceiling. Where dust had accumulated an elf was sent to clean.

They had the food tested for poison, and of course the usual things like presentation, aroma, execution and taste. Salazar had other servants do it for them. It was possible to do that themselves but Salazar mentioned that he didn't want to spoil their appetites. The food was already tested many times prior to this one final test, however one can never be too careful, given that enmity could easily start from simple mistakes.

The bathrooms were briefly examined, for it needed to be the cleanest among all rooms. The sitting rooms, a total of twelve were prepared for private gatherings.

The ritual chambers, reserved for the adults have been stocked with blood, salt, water, dirt, and firewood. Salazar promised to share with them what exactly they were for when they grew older. Thomas merely rolled his eyes at this thinking it was obvious.

The ballroom where everyone would gather was perfect in every sense. They hired gypsies, a songstress and a small band of musicians. They have all arrived and Harry was delighted when they gave him a demonstration.

The rest of the castle would be inaccessible to guests, but they've prepared guest rooms as well for those who decide to stay for the night.

Finally, they checked the gardens. It was beautiful as always.

"Everything seems to be in order. Shall we rest for the remaining time?" Salazar asked. The last remaining light from the sky was just about to fade.

Harry nodded, already feeling sleepy. They went to Salazar's private chambers. Their father began inspecting the guest list one last time. He sat next to the fireplace and began drinking a glass of wine.

Harry crawled into the sofa next to Thomas, who was conversing softly with Nagini. " You've missed me too, didn't you? I asked Rowena if I can have you there, and she agreed so you're coming with me after the winter break"

"I envy Nagini," Harry pouted. To this, Thomas pulled his brother closer and Harry fell down upon his chest with a yelp. "Shall I do the same with you? I am surrounded by imbeciles. Having you there would be a blessing, Harry."

Thomas began caressing Harry's hair to which the younger boy began making pleased sounds. "I think it'd be nice. Do you think father will let me?"

Harry's wings twitched at this and he took one look at his father who seemed too serious and preoccupied in one side of the room.

"You can ask father anything… He normally listens to you." Harry nodded, looking hopeful.

Thomas traced the younger boy's cheeks, "What will you do if you were in Hogwarts? Shall I keep you in my room? How will you even manage without Adrianne?... The students will be busy attending classes… will you attend them and pretend you're a first year? You'd be rather small for a first year"

Harry blushed, "I'll find something to do… I don't need Adrianne all the time. AND I'm not small. One day I'll grow up and tower over you!"

Thomas rolled his eyes, "Don't lie."

"I'm not lying. I've grown a little, ask Adrianne..."

"I suppose you did… but you're still very small."

Harry then looked at his father, wondering if he would accept his sudden wish to come with his brother and visit Hogwarts. He suddenly started laughing.

Thomas tilted his head, poking Harry's tummy, "What's funny?"

Harry tried to stifle his giggles, "It's just that… we normally dress up for All Hallows' Eve, but look at father… He's almost as bright as the fireplace… and look at what we're wearing…"

Harry found himself pulled closer to Thomas until he was all but straddling the other boy.

"I think this suits you."

"You mean it?" Harry asked.

"Of course I do."

Harry resisted the urge to shy away. Thomas was being touchy, not that Harry himself minded. Thomas had been gone for so long and he was relieved to have him back. To the young boy, it was definitely a mystifying experience, to miss someone so terribly that his heart ached.

Harry thought it was normal to feel hurt when the other one was away, because he and Thomas grew up together. For the longest time, he was following his brother's footsteps, trying to match up to him. He was his constant companion… and to finally have his brother's with him was nice.

Thomas was just busy admiring his little brother. He spent some time reading up on matters regarding marriage and love. He did not consult with anyone regarding it, for he preferred to tackle such matters on his own. He was not just about to share his feelings to someone else.

He was caught in a dilemma.

Thomas was not sure if he was merely infatuated with the Hadrian, or if he was already in love. Love was something more complex and irrational, and yet it was celebrated by all.

He did not understand love completely… but the thought of his brother being promised to someone else made his blood boil. The thought of others even daring to say they want to get married to him made him murderous.

'Is that not already a sign?' He thought to himself.

And yet they were merely children. There was room to grow… room for change. He was not sure if his little brother would remain the same… Marriage in the wizarding world was eternal. To them, it was something more intimate than mere promises and vows. Marriage is blessed by magic.

To tie yourself to another through magic and live for each other… that was how ideal marriages happened, and yet… to those of them who held power, marriage became a game of who wins more.

It became a tool to keep lines pure, and ensure that family ties between stronger allies are formed. That is why Salazar ended up marrying their mother, even though she was ugly and stupid.

She was part of the Slytherin family.. By marrying her, his father was able to remain in power, without any repercussion. Her only true purpose was to be a broodmare. He provided minimum care, kept her out of sight, locked up, and mostly forgotten.

By that reason alone, marrying Hadrian… or Harry, his beloved little brother was something he knew his father would agree too. Politically, once it was revealed that Harry is the heir to the Gryffindor fortune, it would ensure that the two lines would merge together and not fall apart.

But the dilemma was… what if it was not love? What if it was a mistake to pursue his brother, and ruin the relationship they already had? And yet could not think of anyone else more suited for him.

Thomas kissed Harry's forehead. He watched the younger boy falter, and touch his forehead, cheeks blooming to a pretty red.

This treasure of his… was too adorable for words. Thomas waited for it to pass, but his fondness was just steadily growing, together with a little monster in his chest, that selfishly wanted Harry all to himself.

He worried about the possibility of Harry changing as he grew up… It could easily be remedied though… by ensuring that there was no chance of that to happen. He could essentially, groom Harry to become the perfect bride. He just wanted to keep his brother pure, safe, and his .

The idea brought him great pleasure. Harry would belong to him… He still could not understand why, but it would mean no one else could have his brother. That, by making it known to the world, no one else would take his brother away. No one would touch Harry.

Harry's laughter, sorrow, pain, hopes and dreams… all would be shared with him.

Harry already wrote him a letter asking for his hand, and that was all the consent he needed. He's going to take every advantage of it… and he was a hedonist by nature so he always put his own pleasure above another's without care of what other people thought of him.

Thomas hated it, how easily these thoughts consumed him and almost wanted to rid himself of the emotion. It was an addiction that he was corrupting him from the inside out.

So pretty. His pretty little brother.

"Thomas… is there something wrong?" Came Harry's sweet voice.

It was somewhat tempting, now that the boy looked so much like an angel, to rip those wings and put him in a cage but Thomas controlled himself, suffused the cruelty playing underneath his skin with calm, because as much as he liked the thought of hurting Harry, he really treasured his smile.

He began petting the boy again and cast a wandless sleeping charm. The boy fell asleep, and he left him there on the sofa.

Thomas sat next to his father and began, "I have something I wish to tell you…"

The guests have started pouring in.

The Slytherin family was there, a good twenty seven of them. Their branch family, the Gaunts have followed as well. A few from the Ravenclaw house visited, bringing in with them some of the Albanian nobility.

Rowena would have visited but she was a prisoner of Hogwarts and she could not stomach being in the presence of Salazar when the man hardly offered an apology for what happened.

Their allies from the nearby borders have all gathered - the Malfoy family, the le Fay, Blacks, and Selwyn. The Emerys family was also there, though Salazar was not sure if they were coming at all considering it was their son that he invited. Merrys Emerys, the talented lad was a waste, devoting himself to muggles. The boy crafted a new name for himself after being granted further nobility and fame... as Merlin.

The Peverells have sent their delegates, but chose to melt in the shadows. Certain light and pro mudblood families were barred from attending.

The guests have spared no expense in showcasing their wealth. Jewels, silver, gold… exotic creatures and costumes - majestic, nightmarish, and absurd were worn..

From across the world, they have a few delegations specifically visit.

Emperor Ichijō arrived with a white dragon that's been tamed by their family for generations. Thomas was immediately awestruck, wanting one for himself. The emperor came with his servants together with three of his five Empresses and a young daughter. They have painted themselves as oni or demons, and yurei or ghosts.

Select members of the Chandra family flown with their magic carpets. They have depicted themselves as gods, and chosen to enchant themselves as different beings, with many hands, or as part animal.

The Chinese Song (Zong) family travelled with their water nymphs, opting to arrive underwater.

Members of the nobility have gathered, the lesser known ones, like the Bellarosa, Dolohov, Grindelwald, and Vogler have also come.

Salazar was a great host. Everyone was in good spirits, because it was rare that the uppity purebloods had fun when all they cared about was power. Hadrian and Thomas were busy entertaining their younger guests. It was tiring, and when Harry got tired, he sat next to Luna and his mother, hiding.

Luna chose to come as a mermaid, however this meant that she could not walk on her own, and her mother had to carry her around.

She enjoyed herself nonetheless. "Tom, how good to see you! I see the nargles are not with you today."

Luna spread her arms wide however Thomas preferred not to indulge her. She just mutilated his name without his permission.

"Harry, my friends are here, would you like to meet them?"

"But… I'm tired," Harry said petulantly.

"That's not what you told father earlier. Come."

Harry reluctantly left Luna and was introduced to the select few that his brother chose to invite. They were gathered in a private table, above the balcony and were already eating.

Thomas did most of the talking as Harry shyly greeted them, as what was proper. "Hadrian Slytherin. It's a pleasure to meet all of you… I hope you're all enjoying yourselves and if there is anything you might need, let us know."

After his rehearsed speech, Harry bit his lip

A blonde came forward, and his cold gray eyes softened, "I am Armand Malfoy. Parlez-vous Français?"

To this, Harry answered, "Oui, je parle français."

"Je suis très enchanté de vous rencontrer Hadrian." Armand kissed Hadrian's knuckles.

Harry blushed and hid behind Thomas, his wings shielding him from view. To this Armand looked at Tom and exclaimed "Regarde-le, il est trop mignon."

Thomas sighed, "Stop teasing my brother Armand."

"You must lend eem to us, Thomas. He iz so adorable..."

"No. We have a lot of work to do. Hadrian, he won't eat you."

To this Harry pouted, "I'm not a girl."

Thomas laughed and pried open the wings around his brother. He introduced Harry to the Lestrange heir, and Rowena's daughter.

The rest of his brother's friends haven't arrived, and Thomas began to share stories about the Slytherin castle. Harry was still unsure of himself, but his brother was there so he just stuck by his side.

Moments later, while Harry was fidgeting and his wings were flapping around in discomfort, he received a hug from a younger girl.

"Harry! Oh… you look so handsome..."

"Ginny! You came." Harry finally smiled, relieved at the refuge of finally being with someone he knew.

Ginevra looked adorable. She wore a yellow dress that somehow managed not to clash with her ginger hair. She had butterfly wings.

Ronald thought he could pull off looking like a lion, however it didn't quite work out and made him look rather comical.

Harry turned around to see Thomas staring at him. "Harry, who are they?"

"Oh, you haven't met them… These are my friends. Remember I wrote to you about them."

Harry blinked when Thomas smiled at Ron and Ginevra, "It's a pleasure to meet you both. I'm Thomas Slytherin."

Ginny did shy curtsy, "Ginevra Weasley."

"Ronald Weasley."

"Harry mentioned you a lot in his letters. It's nice to finally meet you. Especially you, Ginevra. You've troubled my brother a lot."

To this, he took the younger girl's hands and kissed it as was customary.

"Don't listen to him, Ginny…"

Harry grinned and began chatting. At this Ginny shyly responded, asking questions like, "Did you help your father prepare?... That must have taken a lot of time."

"Well, Father said in the future, we would be hosting it ourselves so I had to."

Ron began patting Harry's back and said in a hushed voice, "I have good news for you, Harry. Charlie wrote back and said Alexis gave birth to baby dragons. He's willing to give you one."

"That's good news, brother. You wanted a baby dragon remember? We should visit Romania soon!" "That would be a wonderful gift, Ronald." Thomas acknowledged.

"However, I'll have to steal Harry away since we have business to attend to. Excuse us."

Thomas began to lead Harry away towards the other guests. When Harry was headed towards the Slytherin family, he started trembling, "not there…"

"What's wrong? Are you still afraid of Aunt Leila? Father will have her head if she touches a strand of your hair… and I'll protect you. Come on, we simply have to say hello, and we can return to father's side."

Harry was dizzy with the attention he was receiving. It felt like everyone was being extra kind to him, even his aunt Leila.

They were whispering behind his back though. Thomas told him to ignore it.

Harry made friends with a young japanese princess who didn't like the social gatherings too and she mentioned the secret was to keep responses ,"Short. If you don't respond, and if you don't smile… they'll leave you alone."

Harry thought it was good advice but he didn't think he had the heart to be so dismissive of other people.

The Chandra family was very accomodating. Their father's friend, the king's advisor, sat down with Thomas and said, "Time will pass, slowly but surely. Do not fight it… for magic has her ways. I've heard from dear Salazar that you will celebrate your twelfth birthday soon so, for you, a gift. Keep it a secret."

Thomas received a small golden cube. It seemed like a solid block of gold. He could not open it but kept it in his pockets.

Dinner soon passed. Before the celebrations truly began, Salazar called everyone's attention.

"My treasured allies, I am pleased that you have all gathered here to celebrate the winter solstice. I hope that you enjoyed a hearty meal. Since tonight is a celebration, I would first like to make an announcement. Hadrian Slytherin is not my true son."

Gasps of disbelief came all throughout the hall.

Hadrian who was smiling moments before suddenly fell silent and was in shock.

"His father, Godric Gryffindor raised him secretly and it was unfortunate that four years ago, he passed away. He left me with his child and asked me to take care of him. To others, Godric and I can be thought of as rivals, or enemies for he and I have different beliefs. His belief was that mudbloods must be treated equal to those of us purebloods."

Harry wanted to run away but Thomas held him.

"The only truth was that we disagreed and I would never think of Goodrich as my enemy, far from it."

Harry found himself crying then, but Thomas held his hand, and whispered, "Harry, calm down. Breathe.." Thomas hugged his brother.

Salazar continued, "I loved Godric very dearly, as a brother and as his dearest friend. When he approached me, I could not say no, and I conducted a blood ritual, accepting his only son as my own. Hadrian is still, and will always be my son. I bring you this knowledge now for I have decided to give blessing to the complete union of the Slytherin and Gryffindor families through my sons. Once Thomas reaches maturity, they will be wed. Tonight, they will be formally engaged."

Everyone began clapping, cheering and saying their congratulations. He spotted Ginevra Weasley in the crowd and she was bawling her eyes out. Good. On the other hand, Thomas began leading Harry away to a private room, deciding to leave their father to handle the vicious hounds in favour of comforting his brother.. He knew there would be repercussions, but he thought the decision to reveal the truth was brilliant.

Harry was still quite shocked, and shaking. His hands were sweaty and the boy looked very unsure, "I'm… going to marry you, Thomas?"

Thomas kissed Harry's forehead, "Who else did you have in mind?"

Harry was silent and trembling.

"Adrianne," Thomas called out sharply.

"Yes, master." Adrianne appeared from behind them. "I need Hadrian's medicine. I'm afraid the shock hasn't worn off and he's still upset. Tell father that we will be joining him shortly."

Outside, Salazar began outlining what was in store, "Tonight we will be conducting Dukia, an ancient Aramaic ritual. We will flood the room with water. It will cleanse us. In return, we must give back something from ourselves… and surrender it to the water. Then, we will take in the earth, sow seeds of growth through the rune Jeraz. The gardens have been prepared for this specifically. Everyone is welcome to join. Finally, in homage to light and dark, death and life, we will conduct the ritual of Dagan. This will continue until we see the light of the coming morning."

Harry soon came out with Thomas, and he was heavily drugged with calming potions. The night passed like a dream. There was silence once they returned to the ballroom. The candles have been doused. The curtains were left open to let in the light of the moon. The cutlery, tables, chairs and everything that decorated their ballroom was stripped bare. Soon, they began pouring water, flooding the hall until it reached their knees.

Salazar began chanting, and the others followed.

The circular ballroom had walls carved with runes which began to glow. As the chanting grew, the water began forming a mist, until it was hard to see anyone around them, and until they were all but isolated from each other.

When everything else faded, the eerie silence began. Hadrian felt nothing at first but was soon assaulted by fear and an insurmountable amount of sadness. It was as if he was remembering the sadness that pervaded his life, from the moment that he was born, how his mother died, to how his father soon left him… How growing up was difficult because he was always so weak, and how it hurt at first, to pretend that he was strong.

That no one truly loved him. He was reminded of how he saw all eyes turn to him when Salazar declared he was not his true son. How it stabbed him in the heart and made it impossible to breathe. That his throat hurt from trying not to cry but being unable to stop it anyway.

How he lost Sirius, one of the only gifts that remained from his father.

It hurt so much that he could not stop shedding tears. It flowed into the water. He stopped kneeling, and found himself submerged, entirely.

Water was all around him… and it was warm, and pleasant, like a loving hug. Under the water, nothing could be seen, not even his tears and slowly, the feeling comforted him.

It was as if, the water washed away his pain.

" So… this is what it feels like…"

Harry suddenly had the sudden need to gasp for air after being submerged for so long.

He felt light headed and it was as if his body and mind felt like exhausted and empty… like he was floating.

Once cleansed, they gave back to the earth. The people of Chandra were the ones leading it, they began by saying, "For a life of good harvest, there must be sacrifice. Jeraz."

They sacrificed a dead witch and burned the body in the middle of the garden.

Fire consumed the body until ashes remained.

Salazar slit his wrist and mixed his blood with the heads of each family in attendance.

They mixed it with the ashes, and began putting the mixture of blood and ash on the bodies of those who attended in the form of Jeraz ᛄ

"May this bless the land, enrich our magic, and our progeny."

Salazar carefully wrote the symbol on his son's foreheads. After which, Salazar embraced Hadrian.

"You foolish child. I will not abandon you. You are too precious to me..." Salazar hissed in parseltongue.

Harry just pressed closer, murmuring, " father…" His seven year old mind was too hazy with the amount of magic being summoned in the air. Salazar turned to Thomas and said, " The next ritual will continue until daybreak, but before that, we will bind you... The ritual chambers will work. Go there and take Harry with you."

Salazar gathered a few close friends, and in the dark chamber, they gave their blessings.

It was a simple ceremony that would bind the two together. Thomas opted to bind Harry to him, but not the other way around at the advice of his father.

Harry wore a Slytherin engagement ring. Tom wore the Gryffindor version.

Harry would not know it yet, but it was that night that he signed his soul to what could be the devil.

After the winter solstice, Salazar was hounded by his family and allies for lying and for hiding the fact that he held the house of Gryffindor in his hands. Gryffindors were outraged, and just as expected, they wasted no time at trying to acquire Harry.

Harry was traumatized by it all, and remained in hiding within the Slytherin castle until it was time to go to Hogwarts. He soon learned what it meant to be wed to someone. He remained blissfully aware of the duties it entailed.

Years passed...

Thomas could remember it very clearly. Coming home to celebrate his fourteenth birthday was sweet as honey. Harry was ten years old. He was still shy, and he was still very much his.

Their relationship drew in hungry eyes, and people judged their every move, many condemning them for their decision despite the fact that many families practiced incest . Harry was only his brother through magic, which was even less intimate than those who married their real siblings.

It was perhaps because of the ongoing feud between the Slytherin and Gryffindor house. Once it was finalized, the feud would be extinguished and both houses will belong to his father.

Thomas had not gone unscathed when the Gryffindor family attacked him in Hogwarts, demanding he hand over the heir of the Gryffindor house to them. It got to the point that Salazar himself had to intervene.

It was to this reason that they were wed in the quiet of their castle with only their father in attendance.

Marriage had to be consummated. Thomas had plenty of practice, often times fantasizing of when he could finally touch what was his.

Hadrian was laid on the bed like a sacrifice. Drunk with wine, and entirely ripe for the picking. Thomas took his time, slowly untying the robe, and looking at his brother intently, as he wriggled on his back, naked.

Harry tried to cover himself but with magic, he simply locked his brother's hands and feet on the bed with invisible ropes.

Harry moaned weakly at this. "What… what are you doing?"

The innermost thighs were very soft to touch, and his fingers glided across, until the boy was letting out mewls.

No one.

No one else has ever touched his brother the same way. He was the first, and he will be the last. He did not waste time.

Climbing over the bed, and looking at him with eyes that have long gone red, Thomas knew he might have looked terrifying… and his brother was still so small.

He pushed the legs further apart, and blew on his brother's member.

"It's cold, Tho-ah..." came the soft voice.

Taking his brother's sex in his mouth, and sucking made the boy shut up. He inserted a well lubed finger and he began to explore.

"Dirty… that's… dirty…. Thomah… take.. Take it out… please."

"No… Harry… you'll just have to take it all in. Be a good boy for me… you'll love it and you'll be begging for more when I'm done with you."

In and out it went, inside his brother's hole. His mouth was sucking, and given how small his brother's member was, it was deliciously simple to have him all but writhing, gasping and calling out his name.

At this moment, he pressed in with something much bigger and longerand it was so tight, and heavenly.

"Hurts."

He was fully seated, and Harry looked so pretty when he was crying and in pain.

So he plowed in, fucking Harry like a rabid animal.

Harry began crying in earnest, screaming. The boy was probably bleeding but it was hard to stop.

"Harry, you're so tight… I'll never let you go." He punctuated this with a strong thrust to which the younger boy screamed.

Soon, he found the special spot, that had Harry's toes curling in pleasure.

Thomas fucked his brother silly, saying repeatedly, "I love you."

Harry was left with confused and betrayed feelings… of what was sex and why… they had to do that. He was still too innocent but it could not remain for long so he grew up fast. Salazar stayed away and left Thomas to educate his bride what it really meant to be one.

It took awhile until Harry began to quietly accept, and begin to reciprocate the love his brother held for him.

Sometimes Harry wondered at how accepting he was. Normally, people would feel resigned, but for some reason, he was happy. Everything began to fall into place.

Once he joined Hogwarts, it was evident that the they were in love. When the Gryffindor house came to visit, he appeased them with mere words, citing that no one else can change their minds.

In those years in Hogwarts, he ran out of the number of times they desecrated the sacred spots of learning for a quick romp. Life was good.

Harry was happy enough to live that way, just quietly enjoying what he had with Thomas. When his brother turned seventeen, he shared the secrets of his research to Harry.

Thomas said his life long goal was to ensure Harry got cured of his sickness. They made plans to live forever. It was easy enough to convince a child so starved of a proper life and who was also naive enough that magic can solve their problems like it always did that it was possible.

Thomas deigned to stay in Hogwarts as a professor, and their romance continued. They fucked, whenever they could, travelled the world, and fucked some more. They did all this and Harry still managed to do well in classes.

All this was to squeeze in as many experiences as they could… Through a mix of truth and lies, Thomas began to spin a tale of how he was going to keep Harry alive.

Hope.

It was hope that Harry clung to. By the time Harry was fully roped in, he was already knee deep into what exactly living meant. It meant sacrifices, and by sacrifices, it was not just one, but hundreds of lives used up for him.

At twenty two, Thomas had already dabbled in the darkest of magics, so much so that his sanity had begun to chip away, leaving room someone who only craved for power and indulged in unnecessary cruelty to take over.

Harry held on to hope.

With the guidance of their father, he began experiments in necromancy, finding a host that was suitable enough to house Harry's soul.

But the soul has not been extensively studied, and necromancy posed the risk of not being able to keep the individuality of the soul, breaking their minds in the process of keeping their bodies alive.

Harry could not ask for a better life, a better brother, or a better husband. Someone who was willing to sacrifice their life, for his life… It made him feel like he was a horrible excuse of a wizard whenever he saw how his brother deteriorated. His brother was turning into a monster for him. He hated it.

For hope.

He tried to turn a blind eye to the atrocities that he's witnessed in the Chamber of Secrets.

Hundreds of young boys lost their lives in order for him to live.

Because Harry selfishly desired Thomas as well. He desperately wanted to live. He knew he did not have long. The medicine losing effect. He was fainting, and days would pass with him asleep and unaware of the passage of time.

There were days where he would lie down in bed, unable to properly breathe, and all he could do is gasp like a fish, since his body rejected the very air he tried to breathe in.

It hurt.

To fall down like a cripple, and soon he lost his legs, unable to walk on his own. He cried. He cried so hard.

But he held on, because hurting was proof that he was alive. He didn't want to die.

He looked so peaceful when they found him, asleep but his body would not respond. His heart was beating slowly. Too slow.

They lost him.

With one last ditch effort, Thomas cast a spell that his father had been working on, the very same one that Salazar used on the Basilisk he kept in the castle.

It was a spell that would keep things frozen.

They kept his body underneath the stones of the Chamber of Secrets.

Asleep.

Forever.

A few days later, Adrianne found something hidden underneath Harry's pillowcase.

It was a letter for Thomas.

To My Beloved,

I love you… I loved you for so long I don't know when it started… Maybe it started as a crush. I followed you around, wanting to be like you. You hated me, but that's okay… because I know that's what siblings do. They hate each other. Eventually you grew to accept me…. And I really don't know what happened in between, but you fell in love with me and forced father to announce to everyone I'll be your bride.

I hate you for that.

To this day, I still can't believe that day happened. I think I will never get over it. I've never felt so embarrassed, so unsure, hurt and yet so loved at the same time. How dare you… Thomas. How dare you! Since that day, you changed… you… showed how much you loved me.

You gave me hope. I thought I was prepared to die but here I am clinging to life.

I did not understand that I loved you for awhile. I was a child… and I wish I did sooner. I was confused, and thought you were just my brother, but you would hold me, kiss me, and I could not reciprocate….

I wish I understood, so I could have spent more time, just being with you… and doing naughty things with you. I knew I loved you when not a day passed by without thinking of you. It made sense then and.

I told you. I love you. So much. Please don't ever doubt that.

So there...

You've made me happy. Without you, I would have long given up.

I could not ask for a better life. You know… wizards live long lives… but it's funny… I think I'll die at eighteen… but age doesn't matter. I'm afraid

But I'll be okay

We' tried our best

You tried your best. You more than anyone.

You and father should stop.. You've both done enough.

I tried so hard to write this… And keep it hidden from you. Because I was never sure if I really needed to show it… because maybe I'll live, then I can just burn this letter… but just in case…. In case I can't say goodbye myself… because I really don't want to say goodbye… Because maybe I'll see you again? In some other life. Maybe?

I hope you'll take care of yourself because I couldn't... If you read this letter then...

It is not your fault… this is no one's fault…

Thank you.

I love you.

Sorry.

-Harry