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When the Clock Defies the Time

Chapter Five:Lost Souls

Harry left the bathroom and Tom finished up, then he got out of the shower. After drying himself off, he darted into his closet, and got dressed. Harry got into the shower, taking in a set of clothing with him. Both got ready in silence, if they passed they didn't say anything. It was as if nothing was wrong, no fight had occurred, they had slept in separate beds, even.

Harry went into the den first, sitting down on the couch and watching the fire. He looked around, idly, as if he had before but hadn't really cared at first glance. But it was just a den, and quickly Harry lost interest. He rose, and languidly walked over to the kitchenette. He opened the small icebox, and found nothing but liquor, mostly fire whiskey. Harry shook his head as he closed the door.

"Find anything, Harry?"

Harry turned around quickly to see Tom buttoning up his shirt as he walked out of the bedroom. Tom eyed Harry, carefully, calculative with his observation. But satisfied that the young man of the future was merely nosing around out of curiosity, Tom lost the stern gaze.

"Ready to go to Hogsmead?" Tom asked, grabbing a coat from a hook on the wall. He took another down as well and tossed it to Harry. Harry caught it, and nodded.

Putting on the coat, Harry followed Tom out into the common room. Not many Slytherins were out; most were still asleep, or in the bathrooms paying homage to the porcelain gods that resided there. For once Harry was proud that he could hold his alcohol.

But Harry's eyes soon found the back of the person he followed. Strong shoulder blades beneath the coat, then a thin, lean back, then… Harry shook his head as he began to lust for Tom again. He swallowed his want; he was not about to screw up. But then, he was a teenage boy with raging hormones…

Tom could feel Harry's eyes on him, knew where they had landed. He smirked inwardly, amazed at the sexual appeal he possessed.

"We still need to get your clothes," Tom said, turning his head back and looking at Harry; "Carriages leave at ten. It's nine-thirty now. Do you want to eat in the Great Hall, or perhaps grab something to eat once we get to Hogsmead?"

"Um, Hogsmead, if that's okay," Harry said quickly, matching pace with his companion.

"Of course it is," Tom said; "I much rather prefer Hogsmead to this hellhole any day."

"Hellhole?" Harry asked.

"Yes," Tom said, looking down at his feet for a moment as he gathered his thoughts. He quickly looked up though as a group of fifth years rounded the corner ahead of them. They were all girls, and giggled and whispered as Harry and Tom passed. Harry glanced back, but Tom only smirked.

"What?" Harry asked suspiciously, looking at Tom.

"I know those girls," Tom said simply; "They run a small little paper here, and they always devote a page to an annual rating they give of all the best looking chaps here."

"And they were giggling because…?"

Tom smirked as he shrugged; "Well naturally," he said, "I've been within the top three for thethree years."

"Top three, eh?" Harry said, looking up and stopping.

They were in the foyer outside of Great Hall, and he stood bathed in green. Tom stopped as well, and turned around. Upon seeing Harry, he had to pause. The green set off the young man's eyes, bringing out a hidden fire in them. He really did look well in House colors. Tom coughed as he felt a familiar stir in his groin. He looked away, but could feel Harry's eyes on him.

Harry stared at Tom. He knew that the other young man had been staring as well, and he sighed with exasperation and defeat. He had already messed up horribly, and for once, he was seeking a relationship after the sex. Tom seemed to be a companionable person. Already, he was having trouble seeing the evil Voldemort. He was beginning to lose the loath he felt for Voldemort. This Tom Riddle did not yet know what he had done, or what he was going to. Harry was still very unsure of why Tom would become Voldemort. Yes, Tom had a hatred for certain things, Harry could tell, but it did not seem to be any hatred great enough to promote a madman. But then again, skin may be thin but it's not transparent…

"Think we could catch an early carriage?" Harry asked quietly.

"Hmm?" Tom asked, looking at Harry, "Oh, probably not. But, we could take a walk around the lake, to pass the time."

Harry nodded, and together they left the school and entered the outside. It was a crisp and chilly morning, but coats were sufficient enough. Tom and Harry walked down the path, the lake in plain view, yet they did not speak. Though still tense, the air seemed to hold a bit of serenity, and their companionable silence seemed just as well.

They reached the lake, and stood a good distance from the edge. A giant tentacle rose out of the water and seemed to greet them as it waved slowly back and forth before submerging again. The wind blew around them, brushing up leaves to circle in a short tornado of gusty air. Harry watched the rippling water; watching how small waves splashed the earth and left a faint outline. Tom watched the sky, and with amusement he saw to crows sparring midair.

Harry glanced at Tom, and then took a step towards the young man. Tom noticed but acted as if he had not. Harry stepped closer yet again, and tentatively he took Tom's hand in his own.

"You do know how sorry I am, right?" Harry asked quietly, his eyes never leaving the rippling water.

Tom only squeezed his hand and looked at the water as well. Harry inwardly sighed; though he felt forgiven, he still felt obligated to fix the damage. But his thoughts were dispelled when they heard laughter coming down the path. Quickly Harry and Tom separated, Harry stepping forward a bit, Tom backing away.

It was Otto Potter and the redheaded young man from earlier. They were joking and laughing, both carrying brooms, but when they saw the two Slytherins, they quieted and set stony glares into their eyes.

"Riddle," Otto muttered as the two Gryffindors walked up.

Tom's eyes narrowed as he glared at him; "Potter," he all but hissed.

Harry stood with his back to the encounter, but turned anyway and walked over to Tom.

"Ah, Otto is it?" he asked calmly, holding out his hand to his unknowing grandfather.

Otto looked at Harry's hand, then shook it; "Yes," he said, voice softer and glare lost as he looked at Harry; "This is Roger Weasley, by the way," Harry nodded and shook the redhead's hand; "So,"Otto said, smirking; "Survived your first night in the den, eh?" he asked with mirth, he and his friend chuckling.

But Harry was not amused; "Well, I would hardly call it a den, per se," he remarked smoothly, "But yes, I have, and I can't complain."

At this, Otto and Roger stopped chuckling, and Harry smirked a bit; "You'll find that I rather enjoy the company of others who are at my level of society." he said

"Level of Society?"Otto repeated, flabbergasted; "Well, Tomelson is not the regal name, now is it?"

"That is not my mother's maiden name, but she was one of fine class," Harry said; "Now, Otto, I would rather be acquaintances than enemies, wouldn't you agree? But please do not insult the house mine and my friends. No need for things to get ugly, eh?" he mimicked Otto on the last phrase, chuckling.

"Oh ha-hah,"Otto sneered; "You know Tomelson, I held out hope that you had just been misplaced when you arrived here, but I see that once again, the sorting hat hasn't failed yet."

"Sorting hat? What sorting hat?" Harry asked innocently; "I chose Slytherin, Otto. Now, if you don't mind, you interrupted an important conversation Tom and I were having." Harry looked at Tom and nodded once before purposefully shoving between the two Gryffindors.

"I warned you, Tomelson,"Otto whispered as he passedHarry and paused; "Stay away from Slytherin, else you risk death." his eyes lingered on Tom, threateningly, almost, but Tom did not falter. He only looked back apathetically.

"Like a lion should worry about a snake," Roger sneered.

"Oh, but it's the snakes that kill ever faster, Weasley," Tom remarked, and then he went to catch up with Harry.

- -

"Harry! Harry! Slow down, it's not like you're off to war!"

Harry stopped, turning to see Tom walking up to him. HE smirked and watched as the Slytherin Walked up to stand beside him, a look of pure elation in his smirk; "You know, Potter will have you on his list for sure by now. Hmm, and under an entire day," he said thoughtfully, stroking his chin as he looked at he sky; "I do believe it's a record."

Harry laughed; "A record? Since when do you keep track?"

Tom shrugged, stuffing his hands in his coat pockets again and staring ahead; "Look, carriages," he said, "Let's catch one."

"I feel like being immature," Harry said with finality, and without warning, he smacked Tom's shoulder and started running, shouting; "YOU'RE IT!"

Tom blinked for a moment, then the action registered and laughing he followed. He chased Harry around the front yard. Harry laughed as he went back down the path a bit, darting into the forest and hiding behind a tree. He sighed when he thought he had lost Tom but when two strong arms wrapped around him he knew he was wrong. Tom came around to face Harry, and Harry found himself against the tree.

"I believe I've caught you," Tom whispered, his nose a mere two inches from Harry's.

Harry felt Tom's breath on his face and neck and shivered; "No, now I'm supposed to be it," he said quietly, smirking.

"I still have to tag you," Tom said and closing his eyes he then closed the gap between them.

When warm lips met his own Harry closed his eyes and gave in, opening his mouth slightly. Tom's tongue plundered Harry's mouth, and he pressed himself against Harry. Harry felt a stirring in his groin, could feel the heat from within Tom radiating to him, and he couldn't stifle a small moan. Inwardly Tom smirked as he ran his fingers through his partner's hair with one hand and held the tree with the other as he grinded into Harry's groin. Harry gasped and broke the kiss as he leaned his head back. Tom sucked and kissed at Harry's neck, pushing back jacket and collar to get a chance at Harry's collarbone.

Harry whispered out a quick spell, and thick trees sprouted from out of the ground around them, giving them ample cover. Another spell and things got decidedly warmer. One more and furs appeared.

Tom caught on, and whispered a silencing charm around their new spot. He grinded into Harry again, their erections meeting through all the clothing. It was his turn to moan then, but Harry joined him.

"…Need… you…" he panted, kissing Tom deeply and desperately, "Now… need you…"

"As you wish, Harry," Tom said, smirking as he kissed his lover again and stepped away from the tree. He took Harry and gently laid him down on the furs, and proceeded to remover Harry's clothing. Soon Harry was in only his pants, and Tom quickly found himself in the same state. He went tot kissing Harry again, on his lips, his face, his neck, his chest… he moved steadily lower with each passing minute. Harry ran fingers through Tom's short locks, and finally he couldn't stand it.

Harry sat up and brought Tom up by his shoulders. He stared into Tom's eyes, and whispered; "I'm yours."

Tom's eyes widened slightly. He had assumed that things would be reversed, him being the submissive. But Harry was obviously giving the lead to him. He nodded, kissing Harry again and gently pushing him to lie down on the furs again. Soon, they were both naked.

There was no strong love in the sex, only a feeling of want, need, and a feeling of attraction. As Tom connected him and Harry, made them one, he couldn't help but wonder how he had come upon such a beautiful and willing creature. Harry's sudden appearance into his dark and hopelessly lost life had already brought sunshine.

Harry on the other hand, could not believe the act he was partaking in. This time, he was sober, able to conceive rational thoughts. His head was screaming no, that it was tampering with destiny itself. But both his heart and his groin said to let it be, that this… was natural, and fine. As he moaned out Tom's name with his climax, he had to admit he was not feeling bad in any way.

Tom pulled out of Harry and laid down beside Harry, both young men breathing heavily and spent. They held onto each other as thankful lovers would, content with the silence, oubliette the breathing.

"Harry…" Tom said in a breath, propping himself up on one elbow as he lay on his side.

Harry looked up at Tom, and Tom felt as if he could drown in the bright emerald pools. He looked away from them for a moment, and then looked back at Harry; "I…I never thought I would ever need anyone else, for anything. I thought that I could be fine on my own. But you… in only a day… somehow you've reminded me that… I did, I do…" he looked at Harry firmly, not braking the stare; "Harry, I… thank-you."

Harry stared back at him. What had happened? What… had they slept together… again? It was all so fast, so wonderfully bittersweet. Yes, they had! Harry's mind raced. What could he say? He said nothing, only closed his eyes for a moment and nodded. Tom continued to watch him, and uttered the words Harry dreaded to hear, yet had not given them much thought.

"What does this… make us now?"

Harry stat up, wrapping a fur around him, shivering; "I… I'm not so sure, Tom," he whispered, staring off into space, though it seemed he was staring at his own feet.

Tom hung his head for a moment; "This…us… it conflicts with the future, doesn't it?"

Harry nodded, biting his lip as he thought. How could he have done such a thing, and twice?

"How?" Tom asked, sitting up fully and watching Harry intently.

"I've just slept with the enemy," Harry whispered.

Tom's eyes widened; "what, the 'enemy'?" he asked; "Harry, what have I done to make me the enemy? Harry? Harry!"

"I can't say, Tom, I really can't," Harry said, looking at Tom.

Tom saw how desperately confused Harry looked, and how looking at him made a gleaming realization fill Harry's eyes. Tom was not sure why, but the thought was not reassuring.

He had to know.

"Harry, tell me," Tom said firmly.

"Tom, I can't," Harry whispered, shaking his head; "It would ruin so many things. I… I might not exist should I tell you."

Tom looked away, glaring at a red fur; "I cause death, don't I?" he asked, looking at Harry slowly.

"I… I didn't even hint or say that you could, or would, or did—!"

"But I do, don't I?" Tom asked again, with more force; "I murder, don't I?"

"I can't say!"

"Well it's obvious I do something to you in the future!" Tom said; "I have to have done something horrible for that… that sadness to fill your eyes and touch your skin with bumps!"

Harry hung his head; "No," he said; "No, you don't do that, you shouldn't think…"

"Harry, it's true," Tom said quietly and calmly, looking away again. He sighed; "I become a murderer," he whispered, then he chuckled dryly; "Hell, I already am…"

Harry blinked, staring at Tom. Then it hit him. Moaning Murtle, Harry thought with surprise.

"Tom, you're not," Harry said, wondering how far he could go. He reached out to touch Tom's shoulder, but Tom shied away.

"She was a mudblood, you know," he whispered; "A filthy mudblood, like me…"

"Who are you talking about?" Harry asked with implied confusion.

Tom looked at him; "I think you know, so I'll tell you," he said. "Murtle."

Harry was quiet; "Your snake did it that," he began.

"I ordered it to," Tom said.

"But why? Why would you?"

Again, Tom looked away; "Why should I say?" he asked.

"You seem to need an ear to listen," Harry replied simply

Tom stared at him; "What good would it do, Harry?" he asked, "I'm a lost soul…"

Harry was silent, watching as Tom stood up. He watched as his lover cast his hand over him and Harry found himself clean. So, Tom could perform a bit of wandless magic as well. Tom did the same to himself, and then began getting dressed. Harry did the same, and soon, he whispered the counter spells for everything he'd set up. They were silent until the trees cleared, and then Tom walked over to Harry and held his chin in his hand.

"But I'm a lost soul who's blessed with another," he whispered, kissing Harry lightly on the cheek; "Come, it's only ten forty, there might still be a carriage."

Wordlessly, Harry nodded. They walked back up the path in silence, found a few carriages, and picked one. They rode to Hogsmeade in silence. It was awkward. Both young men sat opposite of each other, both looking out opposite windows. But Harry stole glances at Tom every now and again. He was a mystery, a confused, hopeless mystery. Yet it was alluring, and dangerously so. Harry looked back out the window, but could not concentrate.

The carriage stopped outside of Hogsmeade, and they both climbed out. "Come, I'll show you to the robe store," Tom said, and Harry followed as the Slytherin began to walk off.

About an hour later, Harry emerged from the clothing store with bags he had shrunk down to fit into his pocket. He suggested that he and Tom stop by the Three Broomsticks, and Tom agreed. They went in, ordered a round, and sat at their usual table.

"Tom," Harry said, staring at his butter beer; "About earlier…" he looked at his companion, who was staring back attentively.

"Yes, Harry?" Tom asked quietly.

"I…uh," Harry fought for the words, "I don't think you're a lost soul, Tom…"

Tom looked away, closing his eyes to shake his head; "Harry, Harry, Harry," he said, looking at Harry placidly; "You're enthusiasm is admirable, but, it is a fact I'm come to embrace."

"You shouldn't, Tom," Harry said, "Trust me."

Tom stared at Harry for a moment, then spoke; "If you were any other person, I would laugh. But, you've seen a lot more than I have…"

Harry did not know whether to take that as a complement or as an insult, so he only nodded his head; "There's hope," he suddenly said, "For you, I mean…"

"Tell me Harry," Tom asked, looking out the window as he continued on airily; "Is the future as bleak as I perceive it to be?" once again oddly colored eyes rested on Harry.

Harry did not know how to react. He sipped his butterbeer, then replied; "If it seems so…"

Tom nodded, then he sighed; "Let's talk of better things," he said; "SO, are you ready for the Quidditch tryouts? We're holding them this Wednesday evening."

"I… might pass," Harry said; "I…can't risk too much, Tom, you understand that. If I did, they may find my picture, or read stories, and…" he shook his head; "But I'd be glad to watch."

Tom nodded; "well, let's finish up then head home, I guess…"

TBC

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