Title: Crystal

Rating: PG-13/R

Genre: Romance/Humor

Summary: AU; "He's as… fragile as crystal…" To wear matching rings is believed to be the ultimate expression of love… complete detail inside
Pairing(s): Harry/Tom R.

Warnings: AU Yaoi, slash, Boy/Boy
Disclaimer: Don't own fandom. Concept behind story doesn't belong to me either. Story itself does. So does Moorinto… and various cameo characters. So don't sue me or have me erased because I'm not going to lose my very first-ever paycheck to people who don't know how to read a disclaimer.

Summary: The ultimate expression of love… In the small town of Moorinto, it is believed the ultimate expression of love is to wear a matching ring with the one you love. It could also be the deepest sign of friendship, depending on which finger you wear it on. When the semi-loner Harry Potter suddenly finds his matching ring with the person he least expects, it's an up and down coaster ride to discovering if this person could be his worst enemy… or his greatest love.

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AN: You must be in shock, seeing this out already. I posted early for two reasons, though. One, it was finished and I didn't want you guys to wait too long. And two, I forgot to tell you about my website last chapter, which is another reason that chapter was super late. It's nearly complete, I just have to fix one more thing, and then I'm done! But everything that matters is up, so it shouldn't be a problem.

You can find the link under homepage in my bio.

Enjoy your early chapter!

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Each beat of his heart pounded painfully heavy in his chest. He was already regretting his promise, but Nadi would never let him live it down if he backed out now.

"Well, might as well find a place to get this over with as painlessly as possible," he muttered to himself, clutching the gift with both arms.

The school hallways were mostly empty, given that the first bell wasn't due to ring for twenty minutes. With any luck, he would find Riddle, unload his cargo, and never see him again. Ever.

Voices from around the corner caught his attention. He ducked into the nearest empty classroom, sitting behind a desk as far from the door as he could manage.

"But Mr. Riddle… I love you…" Harry's brows furrowed. Hermione? He clutched the gift tightly to his chest, not wanting to listen in but no longer having a choice. "Can't you just give me a chance?" Tom Riddle answered in the kindest voice he had ever heard from the other boy.

"I'm sorry, Miss Granger, but I can't return your feelings. Please try to understand…"

He didn't like this. He couldn't leave without being found out. He felt guilty listening into such a private conversation.

And he certainly couldn't let Ron know about Hermione's confession of love to Tom Riddle.

'His rejection was flawless,' Harry suddenly realized. 'He was kind but firm and cool. She didn't even cry… I guess he's earned his popularity.'

"What are you doing?" Startled, Harry jumped, hitting his head against the underside of the desk.

"Ow!" He hissed, rubbing his head, sending Riddle an annoyed look as he stood. Tom Riddle raised an eyebrow at him.

"Fancy seeing you here… Harry Potter." Harry ignored him and look around the otherwise empty room. "Granger went to class, if you were wondering," Riddle said, answering his unasked question. "And you know, if you persist in carrying around that package the teachers might think you're too young to be wandering around the hallways. It makes you look even smaller, you know." Harry growled.

"You…"

"What are you doing here, anyway?" Riddle interjected, not letting him finish his thought. "Planning on becoming a spy?"

"No. I wasn't…" He frowned. "Whatever. I was worried about Hermione. My friend has a crush on her. Have to make sure you don't go ruining his chances." Riddle stared at him.

"Did you know you're a terrible liar?" Harry narrowed his eyes.

"It's not like I chose to hear all that. Besides, you may act calm and collected, but can you honestly tell me you aren't regretting…" The look in Riddle's eyes threw him, a mixture of emotions he couldn't describe.

'What is it about me… that makes him look at me that way? That stern, upset look… He's never looked at anyone else that way. Only me…'

He lowered his eyes. The thought unsettled him for some reason.

Riddle flicked his forehead. "What's you're problem?"

"I know I'm not some cute girl, or something," he snapped. "And I know you hate sharing a ring with me…" Riddled stared at him, bewildered.

"What are you on about?" He leaned forward, looking at him curiously. "What's gotten into you?" Harry clenched his teeth and look away.

"Nothing. I don't know. I have to go to class."

"Hey, now, wait a minute!" Riddle grabbed his arm as he turned away.

"Let me go!" Harry snapped, shaking roughly out of his grip. The surprise on Riddle's face made him pause, but it didn't last long. A cold look swiftly entered his eyes.

"Don't follow me again," he said coolly.

"I didn't follow you."

"Whatever. Just go."

Harry stood for a moment outside of the closed door, his eyes downcast and wondering. He looked silently at the door, sighed, and walked towards his first class.

'What did I do to deserve such a severe look and those harsh words? And where is that kind smile I used to see? The soft voice and the gentle gaze… around me, it's like they never existed…

'Why does that thought… make me sad?'