Harry meets someone- develops a crush?- gets his hands on some shticky icky, does homework with Tom and company and gets a better feel for them by observing.

No Tom's POV this chapter, sorry.

WARNING; mention of drugs (pot), no actual smoking of pot (not yet at least)

Harry's POV

Tuesday seemed to be a bit more of a normal pace, as opposed to Monday. Harry woke up at four am, took a shower, got dressed and spent the next hour checking over his homework from Monday. Thankfully there were no mistakes- at least none that he could easily point out. By the time he finished, curfew was up and Harry practically sprinted out of Hogwarts to smoke some more cigarettes.

It was only the second day of the second week of school and Harry had basically smoked the equivalent of three, nearly four packs of cigarettes.

He could- potentially- consider quitting, but when living in the same proximity as someone like Tom Riddle and living on the same grounds as someone like Dumbledore, Harry didn't think he'd be trying any time soon.

Plus it was about another forty years before people really started paying attention to smoking and things like nicotine gum were invented.

Just as Harry was finishing off his last cigarette he walked right into someone and fell back onto his arse. When he looked up his heart stuttered in his chest.

"Ced… ric?" Harry stopped a moment and really looked at the tall bay looming over him before he realized that no, this was not Cedric, but most likely his grandfather.

"Oh, sorry. I honestly didn't see you there." The Cedric look-alike commented as he offered a large hand towards Harry who perhaps grabbed it a little too eagerly.

Cedric had been the one to make Harry realize that perhaps he did like men.

His whole pining for Cho Chang* hadn't actually been for her, but for Cedric, but he had been young and confused and went with what he thought was expected of him.

It wasn't until years later that Harry realized how unbelievably attracted he was to Cedric- and quite a few others for that matter such as Blaise Zabini, Fred AND George, Charles Weasley, and god forbid even Draco when he actually grew into adulthood and lost that nasty attitude of his. Never of this went said, of course, because by the time Harry realized this fact about himself his friends were all long gone and dead.

And now here Harry was, standing in front of Cedric's grandfather, still holding his hand and looking like a downright fool.

"Oh, sorry." Harry quickly pulled his hand back and gripped his uniform's robe, noting how sweaty his palm had gotten.

'He's only sixteen, this is still gross. I'm around a thousand years old, this… it isn't right.'

Harry cursed both his heart and his hormones right then and there.

"It's no problem. Uh, do you mind if I-?" Cedric's grandfather motioned towards the cigarette in his hand, along with his wand and Harry simply smiled and waved his hand.

"I just got done myself, actually." Harry offered a crooked grin as he felt himself relax for the first time since he'd gone back in time.

"No way, I don't smell anything on you, how? My roommates keep complaining that I smell like smoke and force me to chew gum all the time. Oh! Right, I'm Cormac, by the way." Cedric's- Cormac stated as he lit his cigarette with his wand.

"Oh, it's a spell I made, actually. You just take your wand, motion a circle around yourself and say, "Odorapsens." It completely gets rid of all smells, though, but it works if you smoke or sweat a lot." Harry showed the motion to Cormac. Cormac took a moment to smell the shoulder part of his uniform and noted how it smelled of cigarettes, then did the spell and realized there was now no scent at all.

"Woah! Thank you! What's your name anyway?" Cormac took a long drag from his cigarette and even offered it to Harry who tried to fight the oncoming blush.

'Merlin I hate this. Hormones are a nightmare and I have no one to help me because I'm technically over a thousand years old and doing anything with anyone near my "age" feels downright horrific. Why did Cormac have to be pretty?'

Perhaps you should find someone to relieve your "frustrations," Master. It's not like they know you're a thousand years old. Plus, Cormac is sixteen.

'Death, do you have any morals at all? That's disgusting. They're children . He's a child . I'm not touching anyone or letting anyone touch me in such a way until they're at least of legal age so it doesn't feel nearly as disgusting as it is.'

I am Death, does it seem like I truly care for morals, Master?

'It's still gross to think about, though. My mind is over a thousand years old, but my body is glamored to look fourteen, while truly looking seventeen. It feels gross to consider such things.'

The "glamor" I used is an interesting one, because you are pretty much fourteen, and will "grow" to your true looks in three years' time. This means, of course, you are going to be affected by the hormones a fourteen year old boy would have.

'Still feels gross to consider dating anyone, let alone getting a relief to my "frustration" as you put it.'

How do you think someone older would feel if a fourteen year old- who isn't actually a fourteen year old- wanted to relieve frustration with them?

'Extremely disgusted, as I feel now.'

Then you can either work solo on your frustration, or find someone to help you out.

'Not until I'm sixteen, at the very least. Everything else feels gross.'

I only want you happy and healthy, Master.

' No , you want to see me flounder as I try and pick up on people, is what you want.'

That… might be true, yes.

"Huh? Oh, sorry, I get lost in thought sometimes. I'm Hieronymus Silas Peverell, but that's entirely too much of a mouthful, so please just call me Harry." Harry took the proffered cigarette and took a drag as well before hanging the cigarette back to Cormac.

Isn't that what they call an indirect kiss?

'Aren't you many millions of years too old to be saying such rubbish?'

You're my only source of entertainment, Master, of course I have to push your buttons sometimes.

'You're like a cat I fed who won't go away.'

We are stuck together forever, after all, Master.

"Oh, right! The new fourth year who transferred. Sorry, I wasn't really paying attention during the Welcoming Feast. Yaknow?" Cormac took a moment to pinch his forefinger and thumb together and dabbed them against his lips.

So it seemed even at this time there was marijuana? Harry paused for a moment and considered asking for some since relaxing lately had been difficult. If he spelled his drapes to also keep smells inside, then perhaps he could get away with smoking it before heading to sleep.

"Can I get some? I can pay you?" Harry asked excitedly, not quite aware of the growing blush on Cormac's face.

"Er- Ahem! Yeah, sure. It's 3 galleons for a joint. I know that's expensive, but I have a limited supply until the Holidays and I won't be getting any in the mail for another week or so." Cormac covered his voice cracking behind a clearing of the throat as Harry nodded happily.

"Here, then." Harry pulled three galleons out and placed the coins in Cormac's larger hand.

Cormac shuffled for a moment before pulling out a somewhat thickly wrapped joint that was only about a pinkie's length and handed it to Harry. Harry was quick to place a few charms on the joint so it wouldn't get crushed or noticed and placed it into his bag.

"Thank you Cormac, pleasure doing business with you." Harry grinned crookedly as Cormac nodded and resumed smoking his cigarette.

"Oh, don't miss breakfast, it's just about to start." Harry waved his hand as he headed back inside and towards the Great Hall.

Despite the hiccup in finding himself attracted to Cormac, Harry needed to think of what he was going to do for the nearly two months he would be spending in Wool's Orphanage. He knew food would be scarce, which is something he's not unused to. He'd died of starvation quite a few times, so it wasn't like he'd be suffering too much, but there was also Tom to think about.

Harry had a theory that the reason Tom was so insistent on becoming immortal was due to something happening during the upcoming summer.

Tom had to have witnessed or seen something that made him want to make a horcrux so desperately. Perhaps he saw someone die and realized just how close to death he had been, and thus began Tom's descent into madness?

Perhaps, once Harry turned fifteen and got his family's estates, he could give Tom a room?

A sharp chill crawled up Harry's spine as he realized he might have to live with Tom, the guy who would grow up to kill his parents.

Well not this time, Lily Evans and James Fleamont Potter would live long, healthy lives with a happy family.

Something Harry never got, but perhaps the new Harry- the boy Lily and James would have, assuming they got together still- would have a happy life with many friends and be able to develop normally.

Tom wasn't evil- yet- and Harry could guess why Tom went down the route he went with the nudging of Dumbledore.

Tom grew up in an orphanage where not only the adults did not like him, but the kids did not like him.

If Tom was quiet or he was meek in any shape or form, he'd have been destroyed by his fellow kids.

The only thing that matters to somewhat lawless children- or lawless anyone, really- was power.

So Tom adapted, just as Harry had to adapt to his surroundings when living with the Dursleys.

Harry hated to admit that he was somewhat jealous that Tom got the chance to push around those that probably hurt him, while Harry had to be a meek, quiet little thing that only appeared when called on.

Tom faced power plays, and Harry was treated as an abused house elf.

Their situations were similar, yet still so different.

This time, however, Harry would make sure Dumbledore didn't get his grimy claws into Tom or any of his followers.

Perhaps he could set up a temporary shield for each of them that worked against magical hints?

But then he'd have to upkeep these shields and he would have to upkeep seven shields…

Also what was he to do about food, should the food become extremely scarce?

He could always apparate to The Leaky Cauldron and pick up food for him and Tom. Maybe Tom would even owe him a favor? Harry could do magic outside of Hogwarts, namely because of his adept wandless and wordless magic- and perhaps Death helped somewhat with the trace on his wand, though Death would never say so. Tom could also do magic outside of Hogwarts, but only within Wool's Orphanage.

Harry had a theory as to why, but he wouldn't be able to confirm the blood wards until he actually got to Wool's. He figured it was somewhat like the wards that kept the Dursley's home safe so long as Harry was living inside of the house.

Too bad it only kept the home safe, and not Harry himself. There was a reason why Harry had been tugging his ill fitting pants up during nearly all his years at Hogwarts and it wasn't because he liked the baggy pants look, either.

It took years for Harry to be able to use a belt or look at a belt without flinching.

Thankfully all those memories of abuse were long since dealt with- or so Harry insisted- so now he had no problem with such things.

Harry hadn't realized he'd been stuck in his own mind until the bell signaling that the first class was starting had rung.

The only class Harry really looked forward to today was Care of Magical Creatures, as for everything else, he could care less.

He simply wasn't looking forward to homework with Tom and his followers, but he needed an in and he got an in, so he had to take this chance and run with it.

Perhaps he could put the mental shields on them during homework? Alternatively, Harry could constantly check them for any magical hints, but then he'd have to be in their business a lot of the time and he tended to like to be on his own. So temporary mental shields it was for the time being, at least until he could think of something better.

Maybe after they do consider him an actual friend, he could give them gifts that would keep a mental shield on them either via a charm or ward? Harry figured that could work, he'd just have to find jewelry from them to use and something they would like, which he couldn't do until he had access to the Peverell Vaults.

Classes came to an end and with his free period, Harry headed to the library since he'd been told by Tom that the library is where everyone would be meeting to do homework.

So far no one was there, but Harry figured he probably was the only one with a free period for the time being.

He started on his Transfiguration homework since he hated having to think of Dumbledore any longer than necessary.

Just as he was finishing his fifth inch on his Herbology homework, Tom and his crew came walking into the library. Harry noted the time and realized dinner had just finished, which meant he skipped a meal, again .

Abraxas seemed less than pleased that Harry was sitting at the table Tom had claimed as their own, but Tom was quick to sit down beside Harry and pull out his own homework.

"I am sure a few of you are confused as to why Hieron- Harry is here, but I figured he would do well with our group until we can see if he can be trusted." Tom introduced as the rest of the group- namely Orion Black and Adrian Avery, sat down and got their own homework out.

Abraxas and Dolohov were a bit slower to sit down, while Renatus Lestrange quickly sat on the other side of Harry. Across from Harry was Orion Black with Adrian Avery to his left. Antonin Dolohov sat down beside Adrian Avery, and Abraxas sat on the other side of Tom.

Dominic Rosier and Leon Mulciber didn't really seem to care where they sat, so Dominic sat on the other side of Orion, across from Renatus. Leon Mulciber just lazily flopped down next to Dominic and had no one sitting across from him. He pointedly ignored the less than pleased stare from Tom.

Everyone began shuffling through their bags and pulling out their parchments and quills to begin on their own homework.

Most of the chatter in the group is questions about homework, mostly with Tom offering help without giving actual answers. Leon Mulciber and Dominic Rosier seemed less interested in their homework, but whenever Tom looked at them, they quickly got back to work rather than playing games between the two.

Renatus Lestrange occasionally looked longingly at Dominic and Leon, seeming to want to join in on the fun, but reluctantly went back to his own homework.

From watching, Harry could figure a few of Tom's followers out just by watching.

Leon Mulciber seemed calm and was also the bulkiest of the group. Not that he was fat, but more than he just had a lot of muscles that Harry bet the Quidditch team was salivating over, assuming he wasn't on the Quidditch team. He'd make one hell of a beater, though he gave off the impression of a husky, as odd as it sounded. Somewhat prideful, but still seeking acceptance amongst the group. He looked to be really good friends with Dominic Rosier.

Renatus Lestrange seemed to enjoy fun, and just from observing the boy, Harry could see him mumbling spells beneath his breath and would watch as one of the other boys would twitch, then glare at him. When Tom glared at Renatus is the only time he actually completely stopped. Harry figured he was probably a jokester who liked fun, but was sly about it. Renatus reminded Harry somewhat of a fox or perhaps a coyote. Quiet, sly, but a scavenger through and through.

Dominic Rosier gave Harry the impression of a weak lion that still had its pride, as horrible as that sounded. He seemed to be on a high horse but very easily toppled over, yet still managed to carry himself with swagger as though nothing bothered him. Harry figured he fit under the not-so-strong Jock stereotype. Sporty, but not enough muscle to pack a punch behind it. Harry definitely wasn't sure why Tom had Rosier around, but figured he'll find out in time.

Abraxas was… Abraxas, and not someone Harry really needed to deeply look into. Abraxas reminded Harry of a cockatoo or a peacock. Loud, arrogant, mouthy, but shuts up when one throws a sheet over it.

Orion Black was somewhat difficult for Harry to place. He could just as easily see him throwing small jinxes and hexes like Lestrange had done, yet Tom had yet to catch on. Or Tom had caught on and just didn't bother saying or doing anything about it because whatever Orion was doing was just mildly annoying instead of outright painful or as distracting as Renatus' spells had been. If Harry could compare Orion to an animal, he would probably pick a crow. Crows tended to be everywhere and causing mischief wherever they went, but still went unnoticed by the general populace. He also seemed to be somewhat motherly towards the group despite his pranks, making sure they had their supplies and were doing well. It seemed odd, but Harry felt that it fit well into the group Tom had gathered.

Antonin Dolohov seemed to be the actual muscle of the group, also due to his sheer size. While he did not have nearly as much muscle as Leon Mulciber did, he was still really tall, probably the tallest of the group. Harry could see the makings of a soldier within Antonin just because of how ready he seemed to be to attack. Harry couldn't quite grasp Antonin's personality, but he figured that Antonin must be similar to a bear. Protective, territorial, strong, albeit quiet when left alone. He wasn't nearly as jock-like as Dominic came off, and Harry could also easily see Antonin as a beater if he played for the Quidditch team.

Lastly was Adrian Avery, who Harry could immediately tell was like the father of the group. When Orion gave one of the other members of the group an item, it was handed to Orion by Adrian. Adrian, much like the others, was quiet, but perhaps even more quiet than the others. Harry couldn't quite grasp too much about the boy, but figured he had to have a good reason to be part of Tom's group other than belonging to a- what he had found out was a currently failing- pureblood family. If Harry could compare Adrian to an animal, he figured he'd be something like a mountain lion. Likes to be left alone and live a quiet life, but will defend its territory when threatened.

As for Tom, well Harry knew him probably a bit too well, or a version of him, at least.

If Harry went about analyzing Tom, he felt he'd be there all day.

"I heard our Quidditch team needs a new Seeker. Lambert Tins graduated last year, and try outs are going to be held next week." Antonin mentioned between the chatter of everyone talking. Harry actually perked up at the sound of that, but immediately squashed the interest down.

"You interested, Peverell?" Dolohov asked with a smirk as he leaned back while Harry tried his best to feign disinterest.

He really did love flying, but he had better things to do than be on the Quidditch team, plus it could interfere with his studying.

"I guess? I mean… I think I'd try for the reserve position, but I really don't think I should." Harry mumbled out as he finished the seven inch essay from Charms. He waited for the ink to dry before rolling it up and adding it to the rest of the rolls of homework he'd finished so far.

"Why not give it a try? It isn't like you'd fail miserably." Abraxas said, though Harry could see the glee at the idea of him failing.

Which was exactly the push Harry would need to actually try out.

Harry really hated that bit about him. When someone said to do something, he'd do the opposite, mostly because he hated being controlled and being told what to do.

"Fine, next week I'll give it a try and we'll see how I do, then." Harry stated with a clipped tone as he opened yet another scroll to begin on his History of Magic homework, which was a whole twelve inches.

"I think you'd do well." Orion mumbled out softly, causing Harry to twitch and make a jagged mark on his parchment scroll.

"Oh… Uh… Thank you." Harry stammered out, somewhat shocked that someone from Tom's group would actually compliment him.

Perhaps Harry needed to judge Tom's group a little less. They weren't evil yet, just young kids trying to make their place in a big wide world.

"I do not see what you all like about Quidditch. It is a vile looking game." Tom hummed out as he finished helping Adrian with a question he had on his homework.

"What isn't there to like? The wind in your hair, the thrill of the chase, it's an amazing game!" Harry spluttered out, setting his homework down so he didn't accidentally ruin it again and have to start over again.

"You talk like you've played before." Renatus Lestrange pointed out as Harry paused, his mind blanking out.

"I… I did. With my parents, they got me a broom when I was younger to play with. I always liked being a Seeker because I was smaller and faster than my dad was." Harry mumbled out, though he wasn't sure why he came up with such an excuse.

'Was that you?'

I was merely helping, I can't do it often. You'd have to die a few more times for me to be able to do that again.

'Oh, well… Don't do that, just say something and I'll use whatever excuse you want. You know I don't like being controlled.'

I apologize, Master, but it seemed like you were panicking, so perhaps I panicked a bit as well.

'Death… panicking? That's hilarious.'

I am glad you find my pain amusing, Master.

'Just as you find mine funny.'

Suddenly, the idle chatter began again, and Harry made sure to ignore Tom's stare while he finished the last of his homework.

The once happy mood seemed to lower for a bit until the chatter picked up again and the mood picked up once more.

Harry felt a bit bad for bringing the mood down, but was glad to see it turn around.

"Alright, I've finished, so I'm heading back up to the dorm. This was… nice, I guess. I hope I can be friends with you all and get to know you all better." Harry called out as he began to pack up his things. Most of Tom's group gave a chorus of positive answers as Harry left the library and headed to his dorm to change into pajamas and get some rest.

Or at least he tried to. His mind was filled with quite a few things.

What to do about Wool's Orphanage and food.

His attraction to Cormac Diggory and the whole age issue.

Tom and his followers.

The possibility of Tom living with him at some point.

By the time Harry fell asleep, it was already two o'clock in the morning.