Author's Note: Thank you guys for being so patient. I recently acquired a new Beta, Dorkchic! I'm really happy to have her and hope to work with her more in the future. Anyway here is the new chapter.

Chapter 14: Twilight

As the night gave way to morning, the number of guests dwindled. The party itself had been wildly successful. Everyone in the Wizarding world was gossiping about the fact that this young and enigmatic lord had just managed to display tradition and then displaced it with a gala that asked people to question just what magic was about. All night witches and wizards waited for their chance to converse with Marvolo, each of them fidgeting nervously before him as though somehow this young man could appraise their lives with a single glance. His ruby red eyes, the color of the finest cabernet, had a certain power over an individual. It was haunting how simply making eye contact could cause a chill to travel down the spine of even the boldest of men.

Despite all of the warmth in the elaborate estate and the grandeur of the party, it was all truly an illusion. Few people had learned of the egregious event that had occurred in one of the corridors of the estate, those who had overheard were obliviated for fear that somehow they would tell another soul. Not a soul knew what lurked behind the eerie orbs belonging to the young Lord. Behind the charming smiles and the debonair gestures was a man who was no doubt on the track to become more powerful than anyone else. A determined and infuriated Dark Lord, whom until that evening had nearly forgotten just who he was.

While the young Potter had managed to worm his way into the Dark Lord's nearly frozen heart, it didn't change the fact that he had a goal. He desired nothing more than to protect the wizarding world from damaging exposure and free it of the ever constant haze of monochromatic thinking. The world wasn't black and it certainly wasn't white, it was all shades of gray, and he knew that better than anyone. Marvolo smiled as the final guests left the premises, leaving himself with Harry as well as the Malfoys and Severus. He stood in the middle of the foyer and with the snap of his fingers the massive mahogany front doors closed. He listened to the bolts drop in place before calling back the crystal.

The stone flew into his waiting palm. It was cool, despite the power it radiated. Red eyes locked with the teal object in his hand, the symbol of his power and wealth, "I will make this right," he whispered darkly. Tom quickly summoned an elf and handed over the crystal. He had become so focused on protecting Harry that he forgot just what he wanted. He wanted power, he craved control, and he desired nothing short of forging a new world. A world where children would never face pain and where their way of life would change. He didn't agree with the lack of knowledge of traditions and, even more to the fact, that people were now forgetting how important schooling was. Rather than thinking, they were allowing one man to manipulate them.

Images of Harry on the floor in his arms, drained from attempting to pull away from Albus' iron grip on the young wizard's mind, flicked in his head. He knew Harry had been in pain. He could still feel small hands twisting into his robes and the young boy's trembling form. It was wrong for Harry to be involved in this. It had been wrong for the boy to lose everything simply because he and Albus couldn't agree. It was time to make everything right.

Tom slipped around the corner, his lush black velvet robe billowed behind him. Narcissa had put the boys to bed after Severus had checked them over. With every step the Dark Lord took the illusion was shattered, it was as though a massive mirror had fallen to the floor, sending shards about him, while he himself was left unscathed. Anger radiated from him in waves as he headed down yet another corridor. He had had enough.

After several more steps he was standing before the doors of the dining room; with ease he opened them simultaneously, causing everyone on the other side to pause for a moment. The room's stillness didn't grate on his nerves, in fact it spoke many volumes on just what had transpired that evening. Sitting at the massive mahogany table were several individuals including Lucius, Narcissa, Severus, Barty, the Carrow Twins, Yaxley, and, oddly, Antonin Dolohov. He had had no idea the man was still alive, but had a feeling that he wouldn't be present if he hadn't known something of value. Each and every one of them rose and greeted him, causing Tom to shiver. It had been years since he felt that kind of power. He knew he always bewitched individuals with his charm and cultured tone; however, this was different. This was an honest display of respect.

Without hesitation he glided forward, his yew and phoenix feather wand between his fingers as he did so. His eyes were locked on one particular place; the one place that he had craved since he was a child. The ultimate symbol of power; the seat at the Head of the Table. As he walked past each individual bowed and greeted him; "My Lord," each and every one of them whispered. Tom didn't desire ultimate control, yet they seemed to give him power over their lives that no one else ever had.

The velvet robe whispered as he walked around the table and looked at the high back chair resting at the end. It was covered in ornate scroll work; it was truly fit for a lord. Tom curled his fingers around the top of the chair and looked at the collective; he could feel their curious gaze on him. It was as though they had expected him once more to assume the position as their Lord and command them. A smile curled his lips, "I see we are all here, at least those of us who are aware of just what has occurred in the past month." he stated.

Crimson eyes glided over the collection of individuals who at one time he had viewed as followers, now they seemed to be his only allies. There were more of them than he had expected, especially since Barty Crouch Jr. was sitting at the table. He half expected the young man to run. "Before we begin, I must tell you, that this will not end until the world sees Albus Dumbledore for who he is. If that means death, then so be it." he stated bluntly. He would prefer it to be Albus'; however, he knew the old codger wasn't that easy to kill. There was a reason he had been around for so long. Not a single person moved, they all watched Tom raptly, it was clear that despite the dangerous instability they had met in the past, each person at that table was willing to assist him in reaching his goals.

The corners of the Dark Lord's lips curled as he took a seat at the head of the table, his yew wand between his fingertips as he twirled it. "Things will be different this time, and this is to be handled with the utmost discretion. For those of you who are here... you are my trusted allies, those I know on whom I may rely," he announced. "Lucius, Severus, Narcissa - you three are to be my council. I will rely on you three to tell me what is happening and assist in making decisions."

The three stared at him for a moment. It was easy to ascertain how surprised they were, it was written on their faces after all. "Yes, my lord." replied the three simultaneously with a slight bow. Tom pursed his lips, he was going to talk to them in private later and request that such address change. "Crouch, aid Lucius in all he needs, you are one of the few people we have in the ministry. If Lucius is to be caught I need you to get him out, Draco is enrolled in Hogwarts and I fear what the Headmaster will do to the boy." Tom commanded. Large brown eyes blinked owlishly, it was true that prior to this he would have never given such a command, but he also had a feeling that whatever treatment Draco received Harry would also feel the effects of. "Yes, sir," said Barty as he looked over at Lucius. He ran a hand through his messy hair before leaning back and drawing a deep breath.

This posture was one of the man's signs that something had occurred that had been unsaid that was important, and perhaps even life threatening. "Barty?" asked Tom curiously. The young wizard rubbed the back of his neck and responded, "There has been an issue already sir." Out of the corner of his eye Tom watched Lucius stiffen and shoot Barty a scathing glare. There was a pause and just before Tom was about to goad Barty to continue the wizard stated, "Lucius' life and his family's have been threatened by Albus."

Silence fell over the room, it smothered it like a blanket as the pieces in Tom's mind fell into place. Dumbledore was ahead of him, and now he understood the bizarre behavior of Lucius as of late. Narcissa's hand was on the man's shoulder, he watched her give it a squeeze as a mild look of fear swept across her features. Tom hissed with displeasure, "Why didn't you inform me?" his tone was cold and his irritation shone clearly as his red eyes glowed like an inferno.

Lucius slowly raised his gaze from the table as he slipped a hand over his wife's, "You had enough to worry about with the gala; I didn't want to concern you." he said slowly, "I didn't think he would try to harm Harry at the party." This changed things, Albus was going to harm Lucius and his entire family, yet the motive was unclear. "Lucius, why?" he asked, his question hung in the air above their heads for a moment.

The blonde's molten silver eyes met crimson as he replied simply, "I was looking into the location of the School Charter, only to learn it was missing." his reply was lacking the information as to just whom had suggested such a thing, yet Tom had a feeling he would learn the tipper later. Now he had to shift plans, the issue was Draco had been accepted to Hogwarts and there was no question as to if Harry would be, he was a Potter after all.

There was only one person who could protect the boys, and while Draco would certainly get into Slytherin, he wasn't sure if Harry would. The boy displayed some of the traits but Potters were always Gryffindors, it didn't matter the era, they always were. If he was sorted into the house of the lion, there was no way he could protect them, Severus was the head of Slytherin and it was unusual for a snake to associate with a lion. His eyes swept over the Carrows, he didn't want them to be in the school, even if they were superior at dark magic and spell creation as well as ward breaking he had another task for them. He needed them to look into just who was in the Order and watch them, Severus may have been trusted but Dumbledore wasn't a fool, he had been at the party and knew there was something different.

While Yaxley was excellent at organization, the man already worked as a Ministry Official in the Department of the Unspeakables, he need to keep Yaxley where he was if he was ever to defeat Albus. Dolohov, he was young and charismatic but not studious enough to pass for a professor, and since the position of janitor was filled by Filch, he would have to find something else for him to do. Tom had planned to be a Ministry Liaison on the Board of Governors with Lucius, however now it seemed he had a new role.

The Dark Lord drew a deep breath, he and Severus had discussed this decision a few weeks before, but he had no idea that he would end up deciding to take the position. The Defense Against the Dark Arts professor was retiring, and the subject was his specialty. If he could get into the school he would be able to hide in plain sight from the Headmaster and protect Harry. Tom crossed his arms and thought for a moment, it would give him the grounds to adopt Harry. He had just launched himself into society and with his grand show had proven himself to be a very powerful wizard.

"There is also the issue of Albus desiring to find you." Severus interjected, rattling the man from his thoughts, "He has targeted Harry to learn more about you, and he hasn't pieced together that you are actually the man he desires to kill." There was logic in this and he could hear the unspoken words the Potion Master had left out, he could harm Harry in an attempt to get the information out of him.

Tom sat up in his seat and replied, "I have decided to apply for the now open position of Defense Against the Dark Arts Professor. It will allow me to protect the boys with the aid of Severus, learn what he is doing, how to counter, and stay safe in plain sight." Lucius looked as though he were about to object when the black eyes of the potion master sparkled, "That could actually work. Lucius is on the Board of Governors so, technically, he can appear at the school as well." he said slowly.

The blonde patriarch still looked stiff, he could tell the aristocrat wasn't enthusiastic about this idea but they had little choice. "Dolohov, I need you to see where the others are. I don't trust Lestrange or the wolf." Tom said quickly. He had nearly forgotten about them until he glanced over to see the tendrils of Narcissa's black hair, the only evidence that she was a Black.

Dolohov nodded and Tom said quickly, "Everyone except the Malfoys and Severus leave. I need you to start working on your projects immediately." It was true, he did need results. The sooner the better, however, there was also the fact that the three weren't saying something and he needed to know just what they hadn't told him. The doors closed with a hint of finality leaving the four in the room. Immediately Tom relaxed and leaned back in his seat, the exhaustion from the weeks worth of planning and the evening from hell had worn on him. Albus had managed to skew his evening and now things seemed to be getting progressively worse.

Slender shoulders heaved a sigh, "Okay, what don't I know?" he asked after a moment. He had lost all desire to flaunt his florid vocabulary, he was too tired. Severus looked to Lucius who looked at him with a hint of ire, obviously it started with Lucius. It really wasn't a surprise since Albus had recently threatened the man's life, but it did make the Dark Lord wonder just what he had started to investigate that Albus hadn't liked. He had a feeling he wouldn't like it either, to be honest. The only reason he was interested was the fact that Albus had found the topic worthy enough of a death threat.

It wasn't the first time that one of his followers had been threatened, but it certainly was one of the few times the elderly wizard had threatened to kill their family too. "The day I went to the office and everyone was scrambling to find Harry Potter, I was visited by Salazar Slytherin," he began hesitantly, his voice was soft as though he himself was still unsure if the exchange had occurred, "he had suggested that I look into the Charter because the Headmaster had been abusing his power. The Board of Governors had been stripped of it's power and rights, a direct violation of the original Charter."

Tom sat up in his seat, this was a legal way to remove the headmaster, it hadn't occurred to him to look for a law based solution. He had always thought Albus was one for the law, only to now realize he should have had Lucius look into it sooner, he was a solicitor after all. "There is also the fact that each of the founding families must have an heir present as well as the Peverell family," Lucius explained. Immediately Tom's eyes snapped to the molten silver's of the Malfoy Patriarch.

"Are you certain he said Peverell?" asked Tom sternly. Lucius nodded dumbly, an expression of confusion appeared on his face as he began to formulate a question. "That makes this difficult, since that family has been lost." Tom said slowly. He had been searching for them, yet nothing. He couldn't turn up a single thing except a famous children's story. Lucius hummed, "Not necessarily, he said 'Nothing is ever lost, especially blood.'" Tom rubbed his temples, riddles, of course they were only giving them riddles. It was never simple when it came to old magic and even more elaborate when it came to something as complex as Hogwarts.

The Dark Lord leaned on the table, his eyes fell on the grain of the wood as he began to mull over his plans. If he could get into Hogwarts he could protect Harry and stop Albus from harming anymore innocents. It shouldn't be hard since he was now the most enigmatic Lord of the age with a family filled with knowledge. "I had checked the Archives, and the Archivist stated it had been removed by Albus once he acquired the office; she doesn't know where it is currently." Lucius added after a moment.

In that moment Tom had never felt so hopeless. Of course, the one thing they needed had been snatched by Albus and hidden. If they could find the original copy, then they could end it.

Severus was the next to speak, "Salazar had spoken to me a few hours after Lucius had finished with the Archivist, since he had crashed into the floor of Hogwarts. I still have no clue how that occurred." he paused and smiled as the blonde aristocrat glared at him with a hint of fake malice, "He had stated that the Sorting Hat had been denied its right to select the headmaster since Dippet. There is also the fact that the potion you asked me to brew requires a journal from Salazar's study which is also lost."

Tom smirked, the study wasn't lost, at least he didn't think it was. He had managed to find the Chamber of Secrets and had a feeling the study was part of it, only he could never locate it within the Chamber. It at least narrowed down his search. It was a surprise in reality to hear all of this. He had only been made aware of a few issues because he had been so focused on protecting Harry and destroying the Dursleys that he had neglected to listen for what else was going on.

It wasn't until he remembered the Dursleys that he remembered the physician shouting about a glamour he didn't even know was on the boy. He hummed, he was going to keep that to himself, he had a feeling the paternity potion would amend that. "There is one more thing." said a soft voice beside him. Tom looked over to see Narcissa wringing her hands nervously, it was odd to see the typically powerful and stoic woman displaying nervousness.

She was the epitome of etiquette and yet she seemed to helpless. "Draco and I discovered a room, where we met Amar Hashish and one of your ancestors, an Alcestor Gaunt. They aren't typical however and Alcestor was an Archivist." she said slowly. Lucius was hit with a bolt of recognition as he sat at attention, "Archivist, he's an archivist?" he asked rapidly, his eyes locked on Narcissa's face as he asked. "Yes, why?" she replied,.Tom disliked it when people answered questions with other questions.

Crimson red eyes danced with intrigue as he looked at the pair. "Archivist?" he inquired as he steepled his fingers under his chin, his elbows resting on the armrests as he did so. He had heard the term before in his advanced readings, but didn't know he was a descendent of an archivist or what one did for that matter.

Lucius turned his gaze to Tom, and he could see the concern in the man's eyes. "The Archivist is the one who knows all, they have the ability to access material pertaining to every part of history. Their job is to ensure that there is order to the chaos and provide aid to judges." he explained. "They are the masters of references, they can find anything as long as it's within those walls."

She sounded like the ultimate resource, it would explain his natural affinity for books and documents as well as the ability to locate rare articles on magic. "I'm a descendant of one?" he asked hesitantly, his eyes widened. Narcissa nodded, only for Lucius to add, "They are ranked in the same niche as an unspeakable." Tom paused, he had always wanted to know just what the Unspeakables did, however, he never thought that one of his family members could have been one. Most families with a single Unspeakable became guardians and were trained to become an Unspeakable at an early age. "What does Amar Hashish have to do with it?" asked Severus keenly.

Naturally the Potion Master had picked up on the name of another master, "He was in the room," replied Narcissa, "with Alcester Gaunt. Apparently they were a couple. I'm not entirely certain what they were, they were a piece of magic I had never seen," she mused. Tom watched the lady intently, while her eyes fell on Severus. Naturally, they were both aware that the Potion Master could probably lecture on the wizard in question, but what they desired to learn wasn't something from a potion's text. "They were corporal, yet they had both been dead." she elaborated hesitantly.

Death had always been a fear of Tom's, yet oddly it didn't plague him as much as it had previously. In fact, it was as though something soothing had settled over him upon Harry's arrival. Now, all that mattered was ensuring his life lasted long enough to protect Harry and right the wrongs. "They were ice cold?" asked Lucius after a moment, his eyes narrowed. She hummed and replied, "I'm unsure, I didn't touch them."

The Dark Lord looked at the pair, "Whatever they are, something tells me that the Archivist is made of the same magic as those two." he mused. It was the only way to explain it. It wasn't as far fetched as it may have sounded, after all Alcestor and the current Archivist were made of the same magic, the only question was how Amar factored into it.

"Curious," Severus mused, "Amar Hashish was a master potion maker, one of the greatest in fact. He created revolutionary healing potions such as skelegrow, blood replenisher, muscular reconstructive, and a variety of others, yet there was one more." Severus' black eyes closed for a moment, it was as though he were searching his memory for it. Tom bit the inside of his cheek to keep himself in check, it was taking everything he had not to skim the Potion Master's memory.

~~WL~~

Amar Hashish was one of the few Masters who wasn't given enough credit. A master in healing potions, and one of the first to fuse muggle theory with wizard medicine. He was an indispensable resource when it came to how the body worked. Yet, for all the information in Severus' head from his hours of reading, he couldn't remember his finest achievement. The one thing which had set him apart; he remembered coming across it when he was a child. It was in a tome he had found in his mother's books, after her death he took to them. It was only in an old tome; one bound in leather, human leather. It was the rarest and most expensive work in his collection.

He could remember the feeling of it against his fingers; he had learned it was bound in human skin years later. It wasn't uncommon for works to be bound using human skin as binding, it was normally taken from corpses of runaways and street vagrants, those who wouldn't be missed. After the 19th century it was considered illegal to bind anything with human skin. There was something about the book, the very way it felt in his hands, the hum of it's magic, wasn't normal. He could still see the name signed in the cover, Amar Hashish in bright red ink. It looked as though it had been penned only moments ago, yet it was over 400 years old.

The binding had been stitched with bright red thread, it was so fine it looked as though it had belonged to a spider. That was when his eyes slipped open, thread, the very same he had used to repair Tom's soul. The forbidden technique was Amar's greatest contribution, only now did he realize just how dark the magic was in that book his mother owned. He couldn't tell him, he couldn't tell Tom what he had done.

Severus felt as though he were trapped, "I can't remember, I'll have to look in my library," he said after a moment, he was careful to keep his expression blank. He had to find a way to tell Tom without the others knowing. That night he had sacrificed himself, in return for saving the man, yet he couldn't remember why. Tom's expression fell in that moment, he hated not telling him, but there were few moments he could. To admit that after having managed to repair his soul that he had somehow missed a piece of it wasn't how he wanted to start a conversation.

Severus watched Narcissa numbly as she asked, "What will we do?" That question seemed to be the one ringing in everyone's ears. He had no idea. "It's simple, I will fill the position of Defense Against the Dark Arts professor; Lucius will push the Ministry to take more interest in the school; Narcissa, I have a feeling that you are going to get more calls thanks to my event. Take them, we need to look open and since you are one of the top interior designers in the world, both wizard and muggle, I can only imagine the possibilities for you." he explained.

Severus stared at Tom, "You're going to be the key, London isn't easily swayed without our neighbors. I heard the Ministers of Germany, France and Italy conversing, they would be more than happy to work with you." he stated. Severus chuckled as a look of glee swept across Narcissa's features and she clapped her hands together, a grin threatening to split her face in two. She couldn't maintain the aloof mask of a Malfoy after hearing such news. She was, after all, about to be contracted all over the world. "With that being said... Be careful, I don't know how far Dumbledore's reach is, or if other nations will side with us. Don't jeopardize your work though, only if they are interested in what is happening here." Tom advised.

While the idea was genuinely Slytherin, the fact that he was concerned for her career was certainly new. Tom had changed greatly with Harry around, yet at the same time he seemed to harbor the same old animosity toward Albus. It didn't help that the elderly wizard had decided to manipulate everyone. He even took advantage of a child, and he was still interested in learning just what the man had done to Harry's accounts. He had a sinking feeling he had been embezzling funds from the Potters. Tom's eyes flickered over to the windows and Severus followed his gaze, it was twilight.

The Dark Lord rose from his seat and stood before the windows, his hands were in his pockets and his robe swept around him. "It appears I have to make an appointment with the Headmaster." Tom said slowly. Severus smirked, he had a better idea, one with a little more finesse and the kind of elegance that was befitting of the young noble. "Actually, you don't have to. In fact, you can just walk onto the campus. All you have to do is state that you would like to send Harry to that particular school." he stated.

Tom looked over his shoulder at Severus' his dark brows were lifted as the Potion Master smirked, "Come on, who would deny you? You are after all the hottest Lord not to mention a single one." he stated. Tom's lips parted as a faint blush touched his cheeks, clearly he hadn't thought to do such a thing. While Severus liked the fact that Tom was attractive and rather elegant, he couldn't help but think about what he was about to suggest. Tom was currently the most eligible lord, and he was certain if the families had learned that he was looking for a position at Hogwarts that everyone would be behind him. He had more than proven himself with the party.

Narcissa was smirking as she nudged her husband, "Imagine the noise the press would make if they learned the enigmatic lord wanted to teach." she remarked. Lucius smirked, "Yes, and think of all the madness that will occur as soon as the world realizes Tom's skills." He leaned back in his seat and crossed his arms, "Who knows where this story will come from." Severus could only imagine the chaos of having the man step onto campus and challenge them, it was surely going to be something to put the world on it's head.

Tom drew a deep breath and asked, "Lucius, are you suggesting that we allow it to slip to the press that I'm thinking of taking the defense post?" The blonde patriarch shook his head and held his finger up to call for pause, "No, I'm saying we announce your interest and then when you have the post. Being a professor is prestigious; why not embrace it? You will be one of the only lords to teach, besides Severus who never mentioned his lineage." Lucius stated simply.

The idea did have merit and Severus could imagine the influx of students rushing to enter his class, "Well then, that's settled." Narcissa said with a hint of finality, "I'm off to get out of this sari." Lucius hummed as she slipped her hand over his shoulder and left. Severus mentally chuckled as the aristocrat remained seated. He could hear the soft and lush chuckle of the Dark Lord and looked over to see a pair of very amused ruby red eyes.

"Lucius?"

"Hm?"

"You do realize what she just said right?"

The blonde stared at them as though they were daft before jumping from his seat and looking at the door, "My Lord, I have some late business to which I must attend." he said rapidly before leaving the room, chasing after his wife. Some things never changed.

Severus shook his head as he looked over at Tom. The man was leaning against the window, his arm rested above his head as his legs crossed at the ankles. His head rested on his forearm and his left hand was slipped into his trouser pocket. His figure was outlined by the fresh flames of the morning sun. His powerful features were highlighted by the light; he didn't look like Tom in that moment. He looked like the elegant and powerful lord he was. His chocolate brown hair gained a golden hue, as his pale skin glowed in the light.

Severus slowly walked over to the man, he ached to touch him, he was dying to feel his skin, yet knew to keep his distance. "Severus, thank you for tonight. Without you, I'm sure I would have lost my temper." Tom said hesitantly. His voice carried through the empty room with every hint of sincerity the man had meant. The dour potion master paused and looked at Tom's back. "Sev, I need to know I can trust you to look after Harry if anything were to happen to me. Keep him safe, and Draco as well." he added softly. Severus shivered, this wasn't what he wanted to hear. He was listening to the man he had fallen for ask for him to keep the boys safe in case of his death.

It hurt, Severus hurt as he listened to Tom's concerns. He wouldn't allow Tom to leave him - not after giving up so much to save him the first time. "Yes, but Tom, I would never allow you to go." he said slowly. Severus took another step forward before placing a hand on his shoulder. Tom looked over at him and smiled lazily, "Careful, you're about to jump into deep waters." the Dark Lord mused.

A dark chuckle left Severus as he looked into a pair of glimmering crimson eyes, they looked as though they were gems in the light, "Didn't you know? I already have, now you're just threatening to drown me." he replied. His voice was huskier than he had intended, but he couldn't help it. The man before him lusted for power, and had managed to grasp it. He was insatiable and yet, yet there he was before the sun just as hot and powerful, with the ability to plunge the world into darkness with the snap of his fingers.

Tom's lips twisted into a smirk as his hand slipped out of his pocket and slid up the potion master's arm, sending shivers of excitement in it's wake. His long, talented fingers slipped up Severus' neck, threading through his hair. It was a gentle and yet aggressive the way the Dark Lord moved. Tom was truly a snake, beautiful, dangerous, cunning, and, most importantly, devious. With little warning Tom pulled Severus' head toward him and pressed his lips against the man's. Severus froze, that wasn't what he expected, he hadn't anticipated someone returning his affection. The Dark Lord's tongue slipped between Severus' lips, causing the darker man to moan at the intrusion. Apparently, the man who could speak to snakes was just as talented with his tongue as any serpent.

Severus felt as though his nerves were on fire. His fingers found themselves gripping Tom's robe with need, as he moaned. He needed this man, he had to have him, he was starving for affection. Tom's tongue danced with his skillfully; they caressed one another as they searched each other's mouths, mapping out each and every inch of it. Tom pulled away slowly, a devilish smirk on his lips, "You taste nice." he mused.

Severus was panting, he hadn't expected that. Tom's cheeks were a faint pink and he had a feeling that Tom hadn't really planned such a moment either. It was instinct, the only thing he wasn't sure of was if it was truly his emotions or the powerful and ancient magic he had used to repair Tom's soul. A wave of guilt washed over him as he slowly pulled away, causing Tom's once joyed expression to turn to one of sadness.

This was how it had to be, "I am going to bed." he said, "I have to leave for Hogwarts in a month, why don't you join me." Tom nodded as he watched the man leave, Severus didn't have the heart to look back. It hurt, but there had to be separation, he couldn't risk Tom's life, he had no idea what the ancient magic's side effects were and didn't want to inadvertently kill the man he had saved.

~~WL~~

Dawn was approaching and as the sun breached the skyline Harry's green eyes slowly left the windows. He couldn't shake the feeling of having someone in his head, he felt violated. A shiver swept through him as he burrowed even further into the lush comforter of the bed. Tom had saved him, but the question was what would happen when they grew tired of him. He didn't want to be thrown away. Of course, everyone said it was irrational, and to a certain degree Harry agreed with them, yet, he couldn't shake it.

Albus was right about only one thing, the circumstances were odd - after all, he didn't even truly know Tom. He knew that the man could talk to snakes, that he was powerful, liked jokes, was very good at defensive magic and mind magic, he liked the color green, had a thing for lilies and sandalwood, spoke several languages, was hardly awake in the morning, danced like a professional, and sometimes felt weak when he used too much magic. However, that wasn't what he wanted, he wanted to know who Tom really was.

The way the Headmaster had acted, it was as though Tom done something so terrible that, in no way shape or form, it make any sense for Harry to be with him. The young scion shook his head, he loved Tom, he loved everyone. They were the ones who made him feel safe, but there was this feeling that something terrible was about to begin.

"I can hear you thinking." remarked a familiar voice, it was light and teasing as a body a similar size to his own tackled him and enveloped him in a hug, Draco. Harry could feel the young blonde's body heat seeping through the blanket and looked up into silver pools, "What's wrong? Still feeling weak after last night?" asked Draco with concern. Harry smiled, Draco seemed to act as though he were Harry's protector, it was as though the other boy wanted to keep Harry safe from the evils of the world.

It hadn't helped how he had met Draco; he still couldn't remember that night clearly. It must have been a sight, his uncle had really hurt him and he had a feeling the blonde was too stubborn to leave the adults to tend to him. "A little," replied Harry weakly, he didn't know how to tell the other boy he was questioning just what he was involved in. Tom had been nice, but the way he acted before Albus scared him.

He had never seen the older wizard that angry before. It wasn't that he was scared of Tom, it was what he didn't know that would cause Tom to get so angry that scared him. "Draco, who am I to the wizarding world?" asked Harry tentatively. He had a feeling that whatever Albus was alluding to had to do with him. There was no other explanation, these past events had everything to do with just what was so odd. He felt the blonde stiffen, before the weight that had once been across him was gone, Harry slowly uncurled and sat up on the bed.

Sitting at the end, watching him nervously was the young Malfoy scion. His fingers were twisting over themselves - something he had never seen the boy do. "Harry, that's…" Draco drew a deep breath, "it's difficult. I really think you should ask Tom." Harry shook his head, he didn't want to upset the older man, he had done enough of that. He had doubted Tom enough, "Please, Draco, I need to know." Harry begged.

The blonde haired boy folded his legs under him, "Alright, just keep an open mind." he warned as he scratched the back of his head. It was as though he were searching for a place in his memory, a bookmark of sorts that would allow him to begin just where he needed. "Ten years ago, there was a great war, one between two sides: the Light and the Dark," Draco began as he crossed his legs and gripped his shins after doing so. "The Dark simply wanted to preserve our ways and heritage and asked that muggle borns try not demolish wizarding traditions, they sought to find a peaceful equilibrium, one where neither side would be jeopardized. No one wanted a repeat of Salem."

"However, the Light had other ideas. Albus had always been envious of Tom's skill and desired for the muggle borns to change our world - that way he could remain in power. On more than one occasion he had called for an open policy with the muggles. It ended with the muggles threatening to kill us." Draco said softly, "And then it was whispered, a prophecy of one who could defeat the Dark Lord and act as the savior to the wizarding world. Naturally when this was made public people leapt at the opportunity to destroy the Dark, even if they didn't understand it."

Harry stared in shock, no one would even give the Dark a chance to speak, and to actually believe that magic and muggle worlds could live in harmony seemed impossible. People were greedy, and while wizards were as well, there were limits, he didn't like the idea of being abused or taken advantage of over what he could do. "Ten years ago, in a small cottage in Godric's Hollow a horrible tragedy occurred. The Dark Lord visited the Potters in hopes he could kill the one the prophecy had marked as his equal, or at least that was what the Prophet had spread." Draco said simply and shrugged. The Prophet was known for tampering with stories, at least he had learned that from his incident with them while he was out with Tom.

Draco placed his hand on Harry's, "That night, Harry, your parents were killed. They were murdered, and the Dark Lord had attempted to allegedly kill you. Only it didn't work, it back fired and the Dark Lord fell." Draco said softly his grip on Harry's hand tightened, "I'm so sorry Harry. Albus placed you with your Aunt and Uncle to keep you safe, however that was clearly a poor choice on his part."

Harry's head snapped up, Albus had placed him in that hellhole, the young boy grit his teeth, "What does that have to do with Tom?" he hissed. Draco shivered as he placed his hands on Harry's shoulders, "Harry…"

The young boy closed his eyes and locked his jaw, he physically looked as though he were in pain. Draco's eyes were dim as he opened them again, his lips parted a little as he held Harry in place, "Harry… we don't say his name." Draco said lamely. Harry glared at the blonde, fear of a name was ridiculous, it only increased the fear of the thing itself, and if that thing were human it had to be mortal. Therefore the fear was ludicrous it wasn't as though it were immortal, all things died.

Draco's pink tongue slipped out of his lips as he replied, "Lord Voldemort, we call him the Dark Lord." Harry hummed, the name was strange to his ears, and sounded vaguely familiar. It was strange how these things worked. Draco gently nudged the raven haired boy, "Come, let's get something to eat. I'm sure Nagini is chasing the elves by now and we both know someone has to call off the killer snake." Draco teased as he jumped off the bed.