Tom's eyes widened, he tried to back away, but he felt the air being sucked out of his lungs.
I'm dying, again. Shit.
You're already dead. Passing's mournful voice whispered.
Screw you, bitch. I beat you more than once...I hope...
Ah but you see, dear Riddle, my sister isn't here to help bring you back. Because of you and that nasty little temper...
Tom floated in the vast nothingness of death, it was a familiar place, an almost comforting thing, but it was so empty...
I could make you suffer you know. Passing murmured, Let you experience every death you've dealt. Every pain you've suffered.
What more could you do...You took away my family...I don't give a shit about the other people, I've paid for that, seven times if I remember right...Tom was losing what little sense of being he had left, it was all slipping away into the void.
Ah, family. . . the thing most precious to you, yes? Then you of all people should know I want what is best for mine. It needed not end this way, Tom.
You can't hurt me anymore. Just leave me alone...
Do I bother you, Tommy?
Fuck off! And don't call me 'Tommy', it's just Tom.
I can call you anything I'd like Tommy-boy. Why must you be so difficult. You always were, every time. Sad really, we could have gotten along so well.
Can't hear you. !
Would you rather I use her voice?
…..go away...
Why don't you like me Tom. Why couldn't you have listened? Poor Rose, she's angry at you, you know. If you've met me before, you know better then to taunt me. And oh, poor Quirrell... He's a wreck. This reminds him of Azkaban you know.
Stop it, they're dead too.
So sure of that? I seem to recall otherwise. You forget Tommy boy...
No, they would have died too...
Oh? Well, they would have, 'cept I happened to seperate the strands of soul. I can do that you know. Lynn knows. She understands me...
But...Rose shouldn't be alone again...not right now...Volderrell...stop it...
Would you rather if they both joined you? Selfish don't you think. Lynn wasn't so, no, she'd give anything. Let's Rev walk while she is here, taking being stuck in a wheelchair just to see my sister smile. Why don't you want my family to be happy, Tom? I could make yours happy.
No, stop it, I'm not selfish. You don't deserve-...
I don't deserve? Oh tell me why, Tom.
…...why me?...Happiness...but then neither do I. I don't deserve any of this, not one thing that I have, I haven't earned a lick of it...shit this hurts...
Ah, so he learns. . . You know how long we've been alive Tom?
no.
Terribly long time. We've been alone, doing everything without question. Do you think death is easy. Far from it. The constant need. Souls crying for me. Some beg for me to take them instead. I cannot. Others don't want to leave. There are some who go willing, but those are far and few. We've worked without question, each doing our part. Wondering why, why we must do what we do. Do you think we like this? I certainly don't. My sisters and brothers, they have it easier then I. Life... Sound... Space... Dreams... All good come from them, and what is it I am forced to do day in and day out? I must send souls away from this Earth to a higher plane.
Passing?
Yes?
What do...broken souls sound like?
Sound like?
Yes, what do they sound like, you said some souls call to you. What do broken souls sound like? Do they even make a sound?
Yes, they make a sound. But depends... Are you asking about yours Tom?
….yes...
It sounds like a broken heart. There are souls like that you know Those who's souls break because they have nothing left to lose. . . Yours sounded like that the last few times we met... Rash and foolish, yet afraid. This time... It sounds like a harp playing a sad melody. Not for what you had, but for what you lost. Your soul... It is not self absorbed like all those times before... No, it cries for your family. That was why I hoped you would understand... Was it silly of me to think it be different this time, Tom.
…..I want to go back, but I can't can I? I don't have anymore pieces of my soul left...
...No, that you don't... You can go back, but I wonder if you understand why I do what I do...
No...I just want to go home...
I do it for my family Tom. I've seen them struggle, curse and want to die. They've begged me to end it. Then a girl found us, I am not sure how that came to be. But she wasn't afraid. Lynn cares for my family. I've never seen them so happy... So at peace. . .
Yeah, she and Rose have that affect on people...
I can bring you back. But the way you act to my family … It makes me question what's best for them... Tom, I've never planned on hurting your family or harming you. It pains me to do so, but I want you to understand... I need you to understand... What I do, is not what I'd like, in fact I hate it. . . I do what's best for my family...
I...I …..don't know. I just think this is too close for comfort...I'm sorry I went in the door, I won't do that again...An image started to come into view, it was Tom's body, and people surrounding it. What...What's going on?
Oh, it seems you are waking. Tom, I don't care you went through the door. It's the way you acted the caused concern for me. You hate us because of what we did. . . That isn't how we are you know. . . Lynn and Rose... We like them... We enjoy hearing about it all... A life we ourselves can never experience. . . I just wish you'd let go of what happened between us in the past. You are different now then you were then. We had to treat you that way before... There was no other way around it... You were a horrid man back then you know... It is glad to see things have changed. You don't have to hang here when you go to the other side... No one likes this part of the plain... There is better things then this, you know... In due time, you can see it for yourself...
Wait, so I'm not dead?
No... We are in a dream state. I would need my sister's help to give back Quirrell and Rose's life after seperating. But I need you to see, and not judge by the past... Rev made this area from your memories...
Couldn't you have picked something more, I don't know, less terrifying?
I needed it for that very reason. Not to mention I can convey myself without her assistance in the state of your dream mind. And besides, you wouldn't listen to me otherwise, I'm afraid. We aren't bad people Tom. Oh, Rev tells me you can wake up now... She doesn't wish to hold this dream much longer, you see. . .
Oh, okay...So, now what? I don't really get how to 'wake up'...
Wake up how you normally would. Or I suppose I could let Lynn smack you awake... We heard everything you two were talking about, you know. Her face was bright red...
Really? Wow, those doors are not soundproof are they? Well, I only speak the truth. He did so giggle, and I know he still does...
Passing chuckled, I believe you.
I'm not kidding, the guy is constantly blushing, I think it's permanent...I don't giggle...Rose never giggles...
Difference in personality, I suppose. . . Oh and Lynn wants me to tell you that the symbols are not a Frogger game. And I'd have to agree... The symbols don't need to be smacked, mearly touched.
What's Frogger?
A older muggle game. Reverie plays it with Isis... I don't think you've met Isis. . . Have you?
Ah, that's why I don't get it...I must really be out, normally I don't have this much trouble waking up...Hm? Oh, no I haven't.
Cute kid. She's about three... Lynn babysat sometimes, if you'd believe that...
Hm, I already made a mental note that if Lynn ever babysits, I need to get a babysitter to watch her watch my kids...Man, this is taking forever...You didn't drug me, did you?
She's good at it. And no, I didn't, hold on, this may tingle slightly. Rev's going to wake you up...
"Morning sunshine." Passing said, "You can open your eyes now."
"Only if when I open them, my beautiful wife is there." Tom rolled over and threw up. "...damn."
"Ew gross." Lynn said tucking her face into Quirrell's torso. Quirrell took out his wand cleaning up the puke. He then bent down, holding out his arm to hoist Tom back up, "Sorry we aren't what you're expecting."
"Still hate us?" Reverie asked curiously, looking at him from her wheelchair.
"I'll decide that after I decide whether or not I like thinking I'm dead." Tom shuddered.
"Hey, better then actually being dead," Lynn said. Quirrell nodded in silent agreement.
Tom blinked, "Lynn, have you ever died? It isn't fun even thinking that you're dead. No, I don't...hate you, per-say, I would just rather we keep the relationship professional. Now can I please please please, leave?"
"I have, once. Sorta... A few months prior to meeting you two..." Lynn said, "And yes, Tom, we can go. Passing, Reverie, it was good seeing you again. Sorry I couldn't see the whole gang..."
"It's understandable." Passing said as Reverie clung to Lynn's arm. "Promise you'll come back."
"I promise." Lynn said with a smile. "Tell Isia hi. And give a hug to Aetas for me."
"Maybe you can persuade, your mate to come back," Passing said, a smile crossing her lips as Quirrell blushed. Her gold eyes flicked to Tom. "I figure you probably won't come back, but tell Rose hello for me, won't you?"
"...sure." Tom stared at his feet, "No, I don't think I'll come back..."
"I figure as much. Just know the door is always open if you want to drop by. And next time you'll wind up here in this area instead of where you had. . . " Passing said before walking over to the black door with gold writing along the edges. She lightly pressed a few, opening it and bowing. "A pleasure."
"As always," Lynn said grasping Quirrell's hand and dragging him through the doorway.
Tom stood where he was, "You did that on purpose, making me so pissed off, then I went and dared you to kill me...Right, like I could cheat death again, who the hell do I think I am? Harry friggin' Potter?" He looked at them, "Thank you, Passing." and he turned to the door and walked out.
They were back in the hallway, the door closed behind Tom and Lynn yawned saying as she stretched, "Well that was a nice visit. Too bad we couldn't stay til Aetas showed. I still owe him a dance. . ."
Tom made his way to the stairs. He climbed them without a word. Curious, Quirrell followed after him, leaving Lynn to her own devices. He found Tom face-down on his bed.
"Tom?" Quirrell asked.
"What, Quirrell?" Tom's voice was muffled against the pillows.
"You alright?"
"No, Quirrell, I am not alright. I thought I died, again."
Quirrell sat on the edge of the bed. "I see..."
"I'm not going to ask if you have any idea how utterly terrifying that is."
"I doubt anything could compare." Quirrell said fidgeting, "What she even say to you?"
"...Nothing that you need to hear right now. I just want my wife and some hot chocolate..."
"I can make you some hot chocolate..."
Tom picked his head up a little, "...with marshmallows?"
"Big fluffy ones or the small ones?"
"...little ones..." Tom looked up at him, "I love you Quirrell..."
Quirrell froze for a moment never having heard Tom say that before. "Oh? Well, I love you too Tom. In a brother way of course."
Tom's head dropped back on the pillow, "No one ever takes me seriously..."
"I took you seriously." Quirrell smiled, "Just a bit of a shock, you've never said that before."
"And I love Lynn too..." Tom mumbled.
"Love you too, Tom." Lynn said suddenly hovering in the doorway. "Tom, if you want I can pull some strings to get Rose and Volderrell home tonight, if you'd like."
Tom sniffled, "I want my wifey...and my baby...but mostly my wifey..."
Lynn turned her head talking to someone they couldn't see. "You think you could do that, Aetas. Perhaps get them back here in fifteen minutes or so... You can? No lie? Oh thank you!" She disappeared and came back smiling. "She'll be here in 15 minutes, Tom."
"Thank you..." Tom mumbled, waving his hand in her vague direction.
"You're very welcome." Lynn said disappearing out of sight once again.
"Quirrell, life is so messy and complicated..." Tom said into the pillow.
"It is." he agreed.
Tom scooted over so that he was next to Quirrell, he sighed and rested his head on his arms. "I hope Rose can make this okay..."
"No doubt she can. She's a miracle worker with you."
"Mm...She just makes sense to me." Tom half-shrugged and sighed.
"That is good at least." Quirrell said.
"I have hot coco," Lynn said from the doorway.
Tom's lower lip shook, "Thank you...little marshmallows?"
"Of course silly," Lynn said, bringing them two cups and gave one to each. "I don't overhear conversations about wanting hot chocolate and not listen to orders."
Tom blinked, "Um, yeah, about overhearing things..." he stared into his hot chocolate, "I'm, uh, sorry you heard all that...about Quirrell, I mean."
"It's fine." Lynn said. "You have to remember I heard worse from you about me."
"Wait, what?" Tom's head snapped up in surprise.
"You, you, pedophile comes to mind."
"Oh, that. Well, keep in mind that I thought I had to defend his honor. But I think he's retained some of that, considering he still blushes..." Tom sipped his coco.
Quirrell's cheeks tinged pink.
And Lynn ruffled Quirrell's hair. "It's alright. I like when he blushes. It's cute."
"And I like to be clawed up every night, don't hear me talking about it." Tom rolled his eyes.
"Oh, at least you don't know Quirrell at his more dirtier mo-" Lynn said grinning slyly which only made Quirrell blush even more as he groaned. "Lynn, no..."
Tom spewed coco, "Wait, Quirinius Quirrell has diry moments? Do tell, this I gotta hear."
"Perhaps another time, I think I hear Aetas back with Rose and your son." Lynn said tilting her head suddenly.
Tom leaped up and shot down the stairs. By the time Quirrell and Lynn made it down there, Tom was already at the door. "Rose!"
Lynn smiled falling back into Quirrell's chest. "They are cute."
"They are." Quirrell agreed.
Tom went over to them, carrying Volderrell. "Here, watch him." He passed the baby off to Lynn.
Then he picked up Rose and made his way back to the stairs muttering, "If I don't get some sex, I am gonna eat an owl..."
Lynn rolled her eyes, cooing at the baby before looking up and seeing Aetas, the boy looked barely older then her sister and had long dark blue-black hair tied back in a ribbon. His opal unseeing eyes shown in the light.
"Thanks," Lynn said with a said.
"My sister must have said something... Normally you never ask favors." The boy said walking over to Quirrell and Lynn.
"I know. I'm surprised you came by to be honest."
"Passing sent me." Aetas said and Lynn nodded knowingly. The younger boy cleared his throat and smiled softly, "Well I best be off."
"It was nice meeting you," Quirrell said.
"As the same to you," said the younger boy sticking his hand out and Quirrell shook it before the younger boy saluted and walked back out the door without any troubles despite his lack of sight.
Lynn smiled shyly at Quirrell. "You don't mind me knowing Passing and them?"
"Not really," Quirrell said lightly running his finger over Volderrell's tiny hand. "I'm more surprised Tom let you have the baby before they went upstairs..."
"Why's that?" Lynn asked slowly rocking the newborn in her arms. "I use to baby sit Rev and Isia all the time before the demon took over."
"You don't say."
"I do say." Lynn said smiling down at the sleeping bundle. She then looked up at Quirrell and he smiled. "You look adorable right now, did you know?"
"Why thank you." Lynn said, blushing. "I love you, Quirinus."
"I love you too." Quirrell said and then softly murmured. "I can't wait for the day I see you holding our child like that."
"Neither can I," Lynn replied grinning.