'Each friend represents a world in us, a world not born until they arrive, and it is only by this meeting that a new world is born.'
~Anais Nin

The week was relatively uneventful - by Harry's standards anyway. Hermione still had to show Lysander around but Harry could tell she was enjoying to get to know the blonde and he would probably be staying with them after that. Blaise was fine with the arrangements but Malfoy was being... well Malfoy, albeit without the usual malice since his two bodyguards were gone. It was strange, but Harry was almost enjoying himself, he knew he was here for a mission but he couldn't really help it. He associated the castle with home and safety and although that had changed he couldn't bring himself to feel threatened. He supposed that was part of their plan, lull Dark wizards into a security they couldn't afford.

He was however mystified by Demeter Fairchild. Lysander reckoned that she was part elf but he wasn't sure about the vampire part. Luna agreed with this assessment, apparently Professor Fairchild was part of the water elves clan. Harry had absolutely no idea what this meant but thought better than to press for more details - Luna had taken at that moment to start on a lecture about humdingers and he wanted to escape as soon as possible.

Now however it was Friday and as Harry spooned cornflakes into his mouth he could help but feel the gaping hunger that the cereal was doing nothing to sate. He had slowly began to get symptoms as the days had worn on and now he was down right parched. If only he… No, he couldn't go there! As a distraction he looked around at his friends. Hermione was berating Ron for his table manners and Harry felt his stomach clench slightly. He remembered Tom complaining about his manners, the way Tom's lips brushed together as he talked, how his eyes lit up when he was discussing something he felt passionate about, the way his skin had felt so smooth against his own…

"Earth to Harry" came Ron's voice. Immediately the images ceased and Harry tried not to blush as he recalled them.

"Sorry?"

"Honestly Harry you should pay attention more" said Hermione disgruntled.

"We were saying that the one on one between you and Lysander is scheduled for Sunday, I already checked it with Blaise" interjected Ron quickly.

"Oh, I had forgotten about that" said Harry.

"Mate are you feeling okay?" asked Ron, his forehead creased with worry.

"Yeah, I'm fine, just tired" lied Harry, trying to ignore the pulsing blood he could hear rush through their systems.

"You really should go to bed earlier" scolded Hermione, but her eyes too were filled with worry.

"No, I'm fine. Look lets get to class" he said hurriedly, slinging his bag over his shoulder and standing up.

Hermione and Ron shared a look that clearly told Harry the discussion wasn't over yet. Internally sighing, Harry walked briskly to DADA, Hermione and Ron quickly fell behind but he couldn't bring himself to care. Reaching the door he saw Professor Fairchild was already in the classroom, writing on some parchment with what Harry thought was a phoenix feather quill.

"Ah Harry Potter, you're early" she said, her voice melodic and almost hovering in the air between them.

"Yes, you don't mind do you?" She had the same air around her as Nimthîriel and Harry felt himself slip into formal speech.

"Of course not, are you alright?"

"Yes, I feel quite well thank you" replied Harry, sitting at his seat upfront. An amused look flitted through her purple eyes at this. Harry remembered the first time he had seen her up close, he had felt himself fall into their dark depths only to surface and wonder where he was. Thankfully the effect was rather diminished now and he was able to appreciate her teaching. She was on par with Lupin he would have to say. The way she taught it was obvious that she was passionate about the subject, she injected her enthusiasm into others and the class generally did tasks with a lot more gusto than they had years prior. So far they had been learning more advanced methods of disarming. Hermione had been shocked that Harry had gotten it faster than she had but thankfully attributed it to his prowess in the subject. Other than that he had managed to hide his newfound abilities and magic well, his marks were slightly elevated than usual and he planned on raising them steadily to avoid suspicion. It was strange though, before he hadn't noticed it but now he could feel people's magic. It was a lot like what happened in the arena back home but less potent. He was grateful for this and as his class filed in he could feel their magic lapping at his skin, almost gently caressing him.

Ron and Hermione sat together, they had obviously been waiting outside the whole time, feeling impolite to just barge into the classroom before it was time. To his great surprise - and that of the rest of the class - Draco sat next to him right in Gryffindor territory with Blaise and Lysander behind him. He guessed it was due to the loving (translation: scary) looks Pansy was giving him however he wasn't given much time to mull over it properly, instead Professor Fairchild decided at that moment to begin the lesson.

"Now, as I am sure you remember, we have been practicing the contego charm. This is used primarily for defence but can be used to box an enemy in as well in effect trapping them. Only those who have mastered it fully shall be able to try this this lesson and so think carefully before you attempt it. It is an incredibly draining spell and I do not wish you to drain your cores to the point of exhaustion if you are not ready. The incantation is contego optimus, begin" she drifted away to the corner to watch them.

Only Hermione, Harry, Blaise, Lysander, Parvati and Daphne felt comfortable doing the charm. Professor Fairchild paired them up and Harry was put with Hermione. He felt bad at upstaging his friend but, as he saw her struggle against his shield he couldn't help but feel a tinge of pride at his abilities. For years he had thought himself a mediocre wizard at best but now, now he was finally proving himself worthy of the praise and adulation he was given on a daily basis. Looking around he saw that only Lysander had been able to trap his partner, Blaise glaring at him behind the invisible barrier demanding to be set free. Harry chuckled and lifted the spell off Hermione. Feeling a prickling on the back of his neck he turned around and saw Professor Fairchild staring at him, her eyes narrowed slightly as she surveyed him. Wrenching his eyes away, Harry felt Hermione cast the charm on him. Immediately his movements felt sluggish, as if he were immersed in a viscous solution, and he could feel something pressing at him on all sides. To say it was unpleasant would be an understatement. Mercifully Hermione lifted it quickly and he gasped slightly, feeling his lungs expand luxuriously.

Sitting back down they watched the class work, Pansy and Malfoy (she had dug her claws into him as quickly as she could), Ron and Neville were finally getting the hang of the shield charm, Lysander was doing his best puppy dog eyes at Blaise who was having too much fun holding him under the charm. The rest of the class were doing well Parvati and Daphne had managed to cast the charm for a few seconds and everyone else by the end of the lesson were able to cast one or both of the charms much to the approval of Professor Fairchild.

"Harry, a moment please?" asked Professor Fairchild, glancing at his friends he said he'd see them in Potions and waited for the class to leave.

"What is it Professor?" asked Harry, bewildered and more than a little on edge.

"Tom requests that you be at the room of requirement tonight at nine, bring Lysander and Blaise."

"How do I know you speak the truth?"

"Tom said that you would say that and so he also gave me a letter to pass on" she handed him the piece of parchment before dismissing him.

Walking along the corridor, Harry descended to the dungeons, feeling the familiar chill wrap around him, drawing him into the dank place. Unfolding the note he scanned it quickly:

Demeter is working with us and speaks the truth. Bring the others and I look forward to seeing you.
Love Tom

It was ridiculous, Harry told himself, to feel so elated by just one word. However Tom had never said he loved him before and, although he technically hadn't said it, it still meant a lot. Gazing at the words once more, Harry regretfully folded the parchment and stuffed it in his pocket.

Today was going to be a long day.

Come quarter to nine Harry was buzzing. He kept glancing at the clock every few minutes, infuriating Hermione who was trying to focus on her potions essay. Harry knew he should be doing the same but he couldn't help it and, glancing down at his parchment, he saw he had only written the question. As seventh years they were allowed into the library whenever they wanted they just had to request the key from their head of house. McGonagall had obliged and so they had all gathered in the library, finding the common room too noisy to be able to focus on anything. This had also given a good reason to get Lysander and Blaise with them, it had been too risky to communicate to them during the day and so Harry took this time to write them a note under the pretence of asking for help.

"Hey can you help me with this? Hermione has threatened to make me another study timetable if I ask her again" Harry's voice permeated Lysander's work space. Okay by work he meant drawing a picture of drowning Snape in a cauldron, seriously the man was a pain. Looking up he was greeted with the sight of Harry, there was a strange glint in his eye - joy perhaps? - and Lysander wanted to find out what it was. One glance at Harry's homework was all he needed for an answer.

Tom's coming, at the room of requirement at nine, wait for me outside the library.

Nodding his head, he went back to drawing Snape. Add one more line… and there perfect! Now that was done he could focus on what Harry had told him. Tom was coming? Judging by the look in Harry's eyes things were definitely working between them. Glancing at Blaise he felt happy for his friend if he had found something like what they had. Blaise had helped him through so much - his parents pressuring him to get good grades, their reaction to his sexuality to name but a few. Blaise too had been in the same situation and together they strengthened each other, supported each other even if could only have been through letters. Sighing, he glanced at the clock, it was almost nine. He could always do his essay at the weekend, now it was time to scar some Gryffindor's. Oh he loved this place.

"We're going to go back to our dorms" said Lysander, wrapping an arm around Blaise's waist and destroying what ever truth there was in that statement.

"I don't even want to know" muttered Ron, the tips of his ears going red.

"If you fail you'll only have yourselves to blame" warned Hermione.

"Relax Granger we've got all weekend" retorted Blaise, leading Lysander out. Once the door closed Hermione groaned and began writing furiously again. Ron meanwhile was looking up memory draughts in the vain hope that they could erode the mental images Lysander had placed in his mind. Stretching, Harry yawned loudly before proclaiming that he had had enough for the night. Packing away his things, Hermione shot him a disapproving look but never said anything.

Exiting the library, Harry caught sight of Lysander and Blaise standing next to a suit of armour. Approaching them he motioned for them to follow, too excited to really talk much. They seemed to understand this and made no comment. Pacing three times Harry thought 'I need a place that is safe' and the door appeared, spreading out over the bricks like a mold. Looking at Lysander he saw that the blonde was trying to contain his awe, Blaise merely looked bored having seen it all when he had been a member of the Inquisitorial Squad. Smirking, he strode inside, admiring the couches and armchairs that were scattered about the room. A fire burned in the hearth, fiery tendrils stroking the grate and spreading warmth throughout the room. The carpet was red and the walls cream making the room seem spacious and cosy all in one. Splaying himself on one of the couches, Harry sighed softy watching as Blaise and Lysander did the same. He was nervous he had to admit. Excitement mingled with this and it was taking all his willpower not to pace and wear a hole in the carpet. The clock on the mantelpiece signalled that it was nine and sure enough black mist soon formed in the centre of the room before solidifying and forming Tom. He looked as he always did, Harry wasn't quite sure what changes he was expecting to occur in one week.

"It is good to see you all" said Tom, his face betraying no emotion when he took in the sight of his pupils. He sat down next to Harry and Harry had to resist the urge to touch him as Tom obviously wanted this meeting to be formal if his entrance was any indication.

"How did you get in here without activating the wards?" asked Harry, trying to distract himself from Tom's proximity.

"Vampyres are exceedingly rare, so rare in fact that the founders nor any head teacher since has thought of putting wards up against us. Of course there is also the reason that no vampyre has ever willingly collaborated with the wizards of Hogwarts" answered Tom, smirking a little.

"Why did you want us to meet?" asked Lysander, holding Blaise's hand firmly in his own.

"What you are saying the Wise Ravenclaw can't figure it out" teased Blaise, grinning playfully at his lover.

"The Wise Ravenclaw forgot to mention he was nearly placed in Hufflepuff" interjected Tom, his eyes shining with amusement.

"It was only for a moment!" defended Lysander, glaring at Blaise who was barely containing his laughter.

"Anyway I need to discuss training schedules," said Tom, returning the focus once more to himself, "This year I feel you are old enough to join the Death Eaters but you must keep up your training in order to be effective. The meetings will only be an hour a week but I wish to train you all individually, this shall also attract less suspicion as you will not be disappearing together."

"Friday nights will be fine" said Harry.

"I'll do Tuesday" said Blaise.

"Okay Wednesday" said Lysander finally.

"Good, I will send you the times through Demeter, they may fluctuate depending on my own schedule. You may leave, but Harry I need a word with you" finished Tom.

"Of course" replied Harry, watching as Blaise and Lysander left the room. Finally when they had gone Harry turned to Tom. It was strange that how one minute the man could be cold and impassive and the next… Harry couldn't even describe it. Tom's features still retained the emotionless mask but his eyes, his eyes burned with such an intensity that it took his breath away. Leaning closer, Harry ran his finger down Tom's cheek, smiling when the older vampyre leaned into his touch. A groan seemed to sound in the back of Tom's throat and he clasped Harry's hand, his long fingers twining with Harry's short ones.

"I've missed you" sighed Tom, a hint of a smile playing about his lips.

"And I you. Did you mean what you said about us having to train for the Death Eaters?" asked Harry, narrowing his eyes and seeing Tom hesitate.

"No, things are… we believe something may happen soon. Our army is nearly ready and it is only a matter of time until we take back what it ours. We need to keep you on your toes and complacency can get you killed which is something I am not prepared to see happen," Tom untwined their hands and brushed his lips over the inside of Harry's wrist, "When was the last time you drank?"

"Um… when I fed from you" answered Harry, bemused by Tom's line of questioning. They were discussing the inevitable war and he was more concerned about Harry's blood intake!

"Hmm, why haven't you been hunting in the forest?"

"I, I never knew I was allowed!" Tom chuckled at this.

"How do you think I survived here?" he asked, amusement ringing in his voice.

"Shut up" mumbled Harry, gasping slightly when Tom began nibbling his wrist.

"Well I'm sure I can come up with a solution for the moment" said Tom smoothly, slicing his own wrist with his teeth and holding it to Harry's mouth. Harry felt his instincts take over and clamped down on the offered arm, eliciting a gasp followed by a whimper from Tom. He could feel the power surging through his veins and overwhelming his system. Tom wasn't faring much better, his face was flushed and his mouth agape. When he eventually let go, both were panting heavily.

"Sorry about that" gasped Harry, licking the rest of the blood from his lips unwilling to miss a drop.

"Don't apologise" managed Tom, slowly repairing the cracks the experience had made in his mask.

"Will I see you again next week?"

"I always keep my promises" said Tom, the flush fading from his face, "You better get back, they'll be wondering where you are."

"I don't want to" groaned Harry, cuddling up to Tom.

"I'm sorry but you have to, I'll see you again soon" said Tom, kissing him lightly, in sharp contrast to the passion earlier.

"I know" said Harry, moving dejectedly towards the door.

"Goodnight" whispered Tom. Harry watched him fade, his eyes were the last to disappear gazing sadly at him before nothing but his scent remained.

A/N: Thank you for the feedback! Not really sure about this chapter, I'm kind of doubting my writing skills for this fic at the moment... :/

I was asked who Demeter Fairchild is. She is a water elf sent to Hogwarts to keep an eye on Harry - Tom wouldn't just rely on his pupils to protect Harry, he is a little paranoid that way. I don't know if she'll have a bigger part in it or not, it depends where the story takes me - I do have a plan just not that detailed.

Also I wrote Lysander's POV because it was requested, I hope it makes him a more 3D character. If there are any more requests I'll try and fit them in :)

DISCLAIMER: I do not own Harry Potter.

I apologise for any spelling and/or grammar mistakes contained within this chapter - it hasn't been beta'd so there will probably be more *sigh*

Please Review!