A/N; OOhh you're going to hate me.
Harry's POV;
Harry wasn't sure how to celebrate Yule, but thankfully, Tom does. They do a ritual together and exchange some gifts. Harry had bought a tome from Borgin's and Burke's for Tom with the history of Dark magic and a practice Snitch for fun. Tom was not amused with the second gift. He wonders why.
Harry had received a new high-quality robe with the Gryffindor and Peverell coat of arms, which would be good for the Wizengamot meetings they would participate in. It was also beautiful and fitted perfectly. How Tom had guessed his size was something he didn't want to think about. He thinks Mipsy snitched.
He also had gotten some Quidditch gloves for Billius, an invisibility cloak for Charlus (who had complained multiple times that his brother had the Potter cloak that had been passed through the generations while he wasn't even in school anymore), and a bracelet that would strengthen Occlumency shields for Hector who wasn't as practiced as the others, mostly to keep Dumbledore out of his mind, but Harry thinks only Hector has truly and completely changed his opinion about the Transfiguration professor.
Harry had received books about dueling from Billius, a nice broom polishing kit from Charlus with a standing invitation to visit Potter Manor so Harry could meet the rest of the family. Harry didn't think he would accept that invitation, but he would think about it first. From Hector, he had gotten a new exploding snap card set and a Honeyduke assortment of his favorites.
The rest of the holiday was mostly spent in the library, but Harry had coaxed Tom into a seekers match at least once! It isn't his fault Tom doesn't like to lose.
On 31 December, he noticed that Tom hadn't gotten any owls from his Slytherin friends, which was weird to Harry. Tom was also very silent in the morning, but Harry didn't comment on it. He had plans for today, so he dragged Tom with him and didn't want to hear any complaints.
The way Tom's eyes widened when they went to a habitat for magical animals was worth it though.
''Happy birthday, Tom,'' Harry said softly. Not wanting to draw attention to them or the mention of Tom's birthday.
Harry had hated his own birthdays until he went to Hogwarts. The Dursleys always worked him harder on those days, and with his own rule not to sleep before the clock struck twelve, it had been hard days for him.
He could only imagine how it had been for Tom in the Orphanage, and at Hogwarts, with an almost empty castle during the holidays.
Harry didn't think that Tom liked his birthdays. Maybe he hadn't even told his friends when his birthday was. It wouldn't surprise Harry in the slightest.
''Thank you,'' Tom replied without looking at Harry. They strolled through the habitat, delighted when they saw magical snakes that hissed in annoyance from being watched, but were quick to declare their love to them when they found out that Tom and Harry could understand them.
''We cannot take them with us, Harry,'' Tom said with a smile on his lips, way too amused with the situation.
''Ah, come on! Look at her eyes! She would be so sweet, even Levi likes her! He doesn't like anyone.'' Harry pleaded, but Tom wouldn't be moved, so he left the deadly magical Black Mamba where it was.
Levi, or rather Leviathan, because Tom couldn't use regular names like a normal person, was the snake they had saved from Morphin's shack. He was a pain in the ass and climbed on their arms to get under their robes whenever he could or would be lying directly in front of the fire to get some heat from it. Which was Harry's favorite spot in the library- thank you very much.
They stayed for a few hours until they got hungry and went home for some homecooked lunch from Mipsy, who was very happy to serve them during their holiday.
Harry then said to Tom that he was going to write some letters in his room before he went to the kitchen to bake a cake for Tom. It was strange how different the current recipes were in comparison to the future, but Harry wanted to bake a cake from the future he was pretty sure Tom would like.
Tom was a chocoholic; even he would rather die than admit so. The recipe he was going to make had been one of Dudley's favorites, so of course, Harry knew exactly how to make it from scratch. He only needed to twitch some of the ingredients so he could use chocolate from Honeydukes.
Mipsy helped him as much as possible, quite happy to help her Master.
''Tom!'' Harry bellowed when entering the library.
''What?'' The snarky git replied, quite agitated that Harry had pulled him from his reading.
Harry then just grabbed the book from Tom's lap before putting the cake down.
Tom was frozen, looking at the cake as if it was a bomb.
''Hadrian. What is this?'' His voice sounded strained, but Harry ignored it.
''A cake, eat up. You're getting your present after you've eaten a slice,'' Harry replied before dropping down next to Levi and stroking the snake from head to tail, who shivered in delight from the attention.
''Hadrian.'' It sounded like he gritted out the word, and when Harry looked up, he just smiled at Tom.
Tom was scowling, so Harry bared his teeth in a grin.
''I made that myself, so you'll eat a slice and be happy about it,'' Harry said it like a threat, and he knew Tom knew he meant it.
Tom kept looking at him but finally got a piece of the cake and began angrily eating it until he had the first bite and moaned around his fork. Surprising them both.
''So, do you like it?'' Harry asked, trying to hide his smirk but utterly failing.
''I hate you,'' Tom grumbled without any heat.
''Hate you too, now eat your cake so I can give you your present.''
Tom eats his slice and holds out his hand with a 'gimme' motion, making Harry raise his eyebrow.
Harry is a bit nervous about this gift. In another life, Tom would've murdered for this. Quite literally.
Tom carefully opens the box that holds Slytherin's locket and stares at it. Then looks at Harry, before going back to staring at the locket.
''This was one of the Horcruxes in your timeline, right?'' Tom asks softly.
Harry nods. ''It was.''
''You don't mind me having this?''
''You already have the ring, and you've promised not to make any more Horcruxes. So I don't see the harm in you having this, and tomorrow we are going to Gringotts, and you will be officially Lord Slytherin. So it suits, right?'' Harry says, trying to compose himself and not letting Tom show how nervous he really is.
Tom looks up into Harry's eyes, and he swallows harshly at the look in them.
''Why are you doing this?'' Tom asks curiously.
Harry looks away from him. ''You're my friend, Riddle, believe it or not.'' Harry mumbles. He then stands and shuffles on his feet a bit.
''Well, now I'm going to bed, so we can go to Gringotts tomorrow and the Ministry to register as true Wizengamot members. Sleep well, Tom.'' Harry walks out of the door and will deny to his dying day that he was fleeing the warmth that had welt up inside of him.
''What a centaur-shit,'' Harry grumbles when they make their way out of the Ministry the next day.
They successfully registered to be recognized for their Wizengamot seats, but because there are only quarterly meetings, they can't attend one until the end of March.
''It is undeniably disappointing we couldn't attend the last one, but we have the records!'' Tom replies while already reading through the tome thick stack of papers. Harry is scared of how much reading he has to do for the upcoming meetings.
''Hey, Tom?''
''Yes, Hadrian?''
''Are you going to be called Tom Slytherin at Hogwarts? Because honestly, I can't see it.''
Tom rubs the bridge of his nose with a noisy sigh.
''Are you going to be called Hadrian Gryffindor - Peverell?''
Harry frowns, ''Merlin no,''
''Then you have your answer.''
Harry scowls at the simple answer but decides it isn't important. He had taken up the Lord Peverell mantle back in August when he came to this timeline, and now everyone knew about his status as Heir of Gryffindor. He had also gotten that Lordship. It came with a couple other Wizengamot seats, so it would be beneficial in the end.
Their return to Hogwarts had come with a wave of tears from Mipsy, who loved having her masters at home.
Tom and Harry agreed to not be seen together at the station or on the train, so they separately went to the Hogwarts Express that morning. As soon as Harry sat in an empty compartment, he felt the memories from his former Hogwarts life crushing him.
Hermione browsing through Hogwarts a History for the millionth time.
Luna reading a Quibbler upside down or with special glasses.
Neville talking about a new plant he had gotten for Yule.
He doesn't want to think about Ron, but the memories come unbidden. The two of them laughing and almost inhaling as much candy as they could.
Or Draco before the war, acting like Harry was the worst person ever. That lasted until he lived with Voldemort and was forced to take the mark.
Or every other Gryffindor that made him feel welcome.
But Luna, Hermione, Neville, and even Draco a bit, had helped him after his fake ass trial. To run, hide, and fight his way to freedom- and he knows they died before he traveled back in time, but it hits him again that he's never going to see them again. He will never just sit with them and laugh with them or cry with them. They won't remember him.
And thinking about that hurts so much that his chest feels like it's constricted by a boa constrictor.
He started breathing heavily and knew that a panic attack was coming. Without any conscious thought, Death came forward and made sure that nobody could look inside or come in during Harry's weak moments.
''I'm never going to meet them again,'' Harry said while struggling to hold back the emptiness he felt in his heart.
''Master-''
''They will have whole lives without me, happier lives if anything I can do about it, but lives without me-'' He rambled before Death tilted his head with two fingers under his chin. Harry's breath stalled in the panicked tempo they'd been rattling in and out of him.
The first time he saw Death in real life, they had hidden his face, but this time, the cloak was down, and he was in awe of Death's ethereal form. You couldn't call the deity handsome or beautiful. They were so much more than that. It was the first time Harry knew for sure that Death was a God.
No mortal could look like this.
''Master, they may not know you in the way you know them now, but you will bring the change that will make their lives happier and better.'' Harry nodded automatically on some basic level, immediately agreeing with a power bigger than himself.
''But it's not only their lives that have changed. You have the chance to live happier, too, Harry.''
It was the first time that Death called him by his first name. Harry felt himself flush. To have the attention of a deity was just now dawning on him, and for some reason, he was its Master. It didn't seem right.
''How?'' He asked desperately. He didn't know which question he exactly meant with the desperate plea. How was he supposed to be happy? When the only time he had felt truly happy had been with his first friends and family, which he lost completely.
Or 'How could Death have a Master?'
'How am I your Master when I don't deserve that title.'
Death seemed to know Harry's troubled thoughts, though, and did something that Harry hadn't expected. He pulled Harry towards him and put their foreheads together. Harry closed his eyes in reflex and breathed a sigh of relief. He couldn't have answered if you asked him why he felt relieved being this close to Death, but somehow, he felt settled.
''You take it step by step and let your friends in. They want to be there for you, but they know you've been holding back. Let them in, Master, and they will surprise you. As for why Death has a Master, that's because even I have been young and stupid. The tale of the three brothers is more accurate than most think.'' Death mused while Harry calmed down with every word he spoke, listening intently to Death's rough voice.
''But why me?'' He asked when Death didn't elaborate.
Death pulled back and placed his lips against Harry's forehead. It was such a tender gesture from the deity that Harry was stunned.
''Because you're the only one in the world who deserves it, in every timeline and in every world.''
Harry felt a bit uncomfortable and fidgeted. ''I'm not the best person. I am mostly doing the things I do out of spite or pettiness at the moment.''
Death chuckled, and Harry almost swooned from the sound. He seriously needed to get a grip. He almost longed for the time he had been fearful for the deity.
''I know you're heart, Master, and you're the only one who would never abuse the powers that are trusted upon you.''
Harry frowned at that. He just didn't believe the deity. There had to be others. He was sure of it.
''That can't be just it-''
Death pulled back, and Harry missed the closeness immediately but still looked up at the deity. They gave Harry a warm smile.
''You also need to be born to the Peverell line to even get the chance to be the Master of Death. That narrows it down, doesn't it?''
''Oh, yeah, it does,'' Harry said while ducking his head a little bashfully.
Death again pushes two fingers under his chin so Harry will look at him.
''You deserve to be happy, Master. This holiday, you've been happy, and I think that you mostly feel guilty about that fact because you've barely thought about your past or your friends from your past.''
The words hit Harry like a brick in the stomach, and he swallows harshly while nodding.
''They will always be in your heart. You won't forget them,''
Harry smiled at Death. ''Did you know that Luna's hair seemed to glow at night when we would go feed the Thestrals?''
Death shook his head before guiding Harry to sit down. Harry started talking about his friends, not knowing he needed this. To tell someone about them, even if he still felt raw from the grief sometimes.
But Death was right. They would always be in his heart.
''Oké class, we will have some boring lessons in the upcoming month because apparently, someone complained about the dangerous lessons I gave during the Dueling tournament.'' Merrythought glared at the Ravenclaw section during her speech, and Harry saw Clary Opal duck her head with a blush when the whole class booed.
''What are we going to do then?'' MacMillan asked. He was also a Gryffindor, but Harry didn't know him well with him being in another room in the dorms.
''We are going to discuss Dark, Neutral, and Light Magic,'' Merrythought grumbled, but she watched the class as a hawk. Noticing how some perked up at the thought. Harry was one of them, and Tom, of course, another.
''I will divide the class into pairs, and every pair needs to put down at least three Dark, Neutral, and Light spells each. And I will put you down for a detention if anyone even dares to mention the Unforgivables or the Patronus.'' She glared at the class, showing she was not kidding.
Harry was excited, which only dimmed when it was clear that McLaggen would be his partner.
He shot a despairing look at Charlus, Hector, and Billius, who grimaced at him.
They tried to act as a buffer between him and McLaggen ever since the butt touch incident in the dorms before Yule. But it seemed like Harry was not getting out of being in direct contact with the pillock during this lesson.
McLaggen gracelessly let himself fall into the now empty desk next to Harry. Not even bothering to get parchment or a quill.
''What an utterly boring subject.'' He grumbled before twisting so he was turned towards Harry. He reached out and stroked his hand over Harry's arm, making Harry glare at him and pull his arm out of his reach. ''But the company is eye-catching.''
''Don't touch me!'' Harry hissed.
''Don't worry darling, it would be our secret.'' He whispered while leaning closer to Harry's horror. He hated being called darling by McLaggen.
Before Harry could respond with something scathing, McLaggen yelped and turned towards Professor Merrythought, who was standing behind him.
''Detention for a week, McLaggen. I do not want to see you make anyone uncomfortable in my classroom ever again. Am I making myself clear?''
It was the first time Harry saw Merrythought this serious, but he was overjoyed. He probably would've done much worse to McLaggen than a stinging hex, and he truly started to feel uncomfortable with the boy.
''Y-yes, Professor.'' McLaggen stuttered when he saw the furious expression on Merrythought's face.
''Good. Now get out. I want a two-foot scroll with your spells and an explanation for each and why they are Dark, Neutral, or Light for the next lesson. Scram!'' McLaggen was flustered and got up before almost running out of the classroom.
Merrythought leaned a bit closer and lowered her voice so Harry was the only one to hear. ''If he ever gives you any more trouble, please come to me, Mr. Peverell.''
He gave her a thankful look. ''I will, thank you, Professor.''
She waved him off before turning to the class, who, of course, was watching the proceedings closely for new gossip. ''Did I say that anyone could stop? Do I need to give you the same homework I gave that dickhead?''
A gasp sounded halfway through the room, and Clary Opal began sputtering. Harry despaired, she really should've kept her mouth shut. ''Professor! You can't just call a student a-a dickhead!''
Merrythought groans, ''Miss Opal, do you wish to have detention?''
Clary Opal turned pale. ''No, ma'am!''
''Then shut it.''
Merrythought, then turned to the rest of the class. ''Well? I don't see any writing!''
The whole class immediately began discussing the spells, shooting glances at Harry every now and then, but Harry had had worse during his earlier life, so he steadily ignored everyone while finishing the assignment for himself.
He especially ignored one probing set of dark brown eyes.
''Hadrian!''
Harry halted in his steps up to the seventh floor and turned to the owner of the yell.
''Hello, Alphard, how are you?'' He asked pleasantly.
''I'm very well, especially now I'm seeing you.'' The Black said to him, making Harry shake his head in exasperation. Alphard had explained to him that he wasn't interested in Harry at all sexually or romantically. At first, Harry was confused because Alphard flirted the whole time with him, but it seemed that Alphard was not interested in sex or romance at all and that the rumors that surrounded him were all lies. He only liked to flirt to fluster people.
They had kissed at Slughorns Yule party, but that was mainly for Harry's benefit as he still wanted to find out if boys held an appeal for him, they did. But that was it.
Since then, their friendship has grown.
''Uhu, what can I do for you?'' Harry asked with exasperated fondness.
''Well, I have received an answer from my Uncle after your inquiry.''
Harry raised his eyebrows. He hadn't expected to hear so soon from Lord Black, but this was a good thing.
''And?'' He asked when Alphard just looked at him with twinkling eyes.
''You're no fun,'' Alphard huffed at Harry's serious look. ''Yes, he has a place on the board, but he wouldn't tell me what their last vote has been about. Something about that 'I'll hear next year in the Prophet' because I will not be attending Hogwarts anymore.'' He told Harry with a pout and air quotes.
Harry frowned. ''How irritating that he wouldn't tell you more.''
''Indeed! So it must be something quite interesting. He only withholds the truly interesting stuff.''
''Of course he does,'' Harry grumbled.
They walked a bit in silence before Alphard almost burst out the question he had been chewing on for a while.
''Is it true about McLaggen?''
Harry rolled his eyes and scrunched up his nose. ''Is what true about McLaggen?'' Not wanting to think about that pillock any longer than necessary.
''He was kicked out of DADA because he tried to blow you under the table?''
''WHAT?!'' Harry screeched. Stopping with walking to gape at Alphard with his eyes wide. ''That's the story that's going through Hogwarts? OH MERLIN!''
He groaned with feeling, he hated the gossip so, so, so much, but it's something that's 'normal' for teenagers. Blegh.
Harry turned to the corridor wall and banged his head against the wall several times.
Alphard just leaned against the wall beside him, watching him with amusement.
''Soooo, what did happen with that arse?''
''He touched my arm while I didn't want any of that, and he got punished by Merrythought, that's it!''
Alphard was frowning now. ''You didn't want any of it?''
''No, of course not. McLaggen is being a creep, and I want to avoid him as much as possible, but that twat shares a dorm with me and- He. Never. Leaves. Me. Alone!''
Alphard reaches his hand out by 'never' to let Harry bang his head against his hand instead of the wall, and Harry is grateful for his friend. He didn't want to go to the hospital wing ever again if he could help it.
He sighs after stopping banging his head and turns to look at Alphard. He sees a mix of concern and amusement on his friend's face.
Harry pulls back from the wall and sighs again before trudging towards the Room of Requirement. Tom is waiting for him, and he suddenly remembers that Alphard doesn't know about the ROR.
''So, I'll see you tomorrow in the library after dinner?'' Harry asks, and Alphard nods with a frown.
''Where are you going?'' He asks when he notices they are in a deserted corridor.
''Oh- uh,'' Harry equolently responds.
''There you are,'' Tom says when he turns the corner. His eyes narrow when they fall on Alphard, and Alphard takes a step closer to Harry. Harry looks confused at both of them before shaking his head. ''Yeah, here I am-'' He turns to Alphard again, ''-so library?'' Harry tries, hoping Alphard gets the hint, and goes.
Alphard turns back from glaring at Tom before giving Harry a smirk, then he ducks down and kisses Harry on the cheek. Harry blinks at him. Why the hell-?
''See you!'' Alphard says with a wave before turning around the corner, leaving a befuddled Harry.
Harry shakes himself and turns back to Tom.
Tom is glaring at where Alphard just left their sight.
''Are you okay?'' Harry asks with a raised eyebrow, snapping Tom out of his funk.
''Yes, Hadrian, I'm fine. Let's go.'' He opens the ROR, and they both make their way over to the plan board.
Harry's vote for 'murder board' was vetoed by Tom. The tosser.
''So-'' Harry starts, pointing at one point of the board, ''-we know that Dumbledore is trying to send teenagers to the war and is trying to convince them to fight for him without asking them to fight for him. Have you heard back from Scamander?''
Tom shakes his head. ''No, he didn't answer my questions, but his fiance did.''
Harry frowns and underlines a name that was already on the board: Porpetina Goldstein.
''What did she have to say?''
Tom rolls his eyes and takes a letter out of his pocket before pinning it to the board. ''She replied that she didn't like the tone we were taking in our letters and that Dumbledore is a 'great man' who has helped Newt on several occasions and will not stand for some slander from us.''
Harry scoffs. ''Of course, he has already set his hooks in them.''
Tom huffs ''Quite.'' Before continuing. ''But, she did confirm something without explicitly telling us. She confirmed that she knows that there is old blood between Dumbledore and Grindelwald. Which was obvious with the blood pact they have, but it doesn't seem like she has any more information about that specific charm. Or she has lost the memory of it, which is possible also because we know what Dumbledore is capable of.''
''I truly love the spell that makes them write the truth without them consciously knowing.'' Harry sighs, a bit happy. They had found the spell in an old Slytherin diary. It's Parselmagic and will not turn out during regular scanning spells, which is great for the investigations they have started.
''I know,'' Tom sounds smug, and Harry rolls his eyes at him. ''Your ancestor came up with it, not you, you insufferable swot.''
Tom glares at him and huffs before sending a stinging hex to Harry. He yelps before sending one back.
''I hate you,'' Tom grumbles while rubbing his leg where the stinging hex landed.
''Yes, I know, hate you too,'' Harry says, waving him off before calling for Mipsy.
''What can Mipsy do for you, Master?'' She asks excitedly. She is not afraid anymore for them, and he's glad for it. Levi slithers up to Tom from her pocket, and he smiles a genuine smile at the snake. Harry quickly looks back at Mipsy to avoid the sight that makes him lose his breath.
He always knew that he thought Tom was attractive, but for some reason, he is also starting to like him. Really like him. Which is complete and utter bullshit. Harry doesn't deserve to get feelings for the future Dark Lord. He seriously thinks Lady Magic is fucking with him, that, or Lady Fate, which is completely possible with the upfuckery she already did to his life.
Maybe they should fuck a couple of times to get it out of their system?
Harry is seriously thinking about it.
Only he will never beg for it like Tom wants from him. He has some dignity, thank you very much.
''Can you get us some tea and dinner? I don't feel going down to the Great Hall today.'' Tom asks, and Mipsy nods enthusiastically before popping away.
That's the only downside to the ROR. They can't conjure food with just a thought.
But a house elf is very handy in that case.
''What are we having for dinner?'' Death's voice startles them both, and they whip around with their wands out, but the God is undeterred.
Harry looks at him incredulously after lowering his wand. ''Can you even eat?''
''I may have never been human, but that doesn't mean I don't know how it works.'' Death huffs before smirking at Tom. Harry turns to Tom, too only to burst out in laughter from the wide eyes and blush that he has on his face.
He elbows Tom in the ribs, earning a scathing look. ''Death is pretty, I know,''
''Shut up!'' Tom hisses, but he doesn't deny that thought went through his head.
Harry shrugs before turning back to Death. ''What are you doing here, or are you just bored?''
Death huffs in amusement. ''There will be a Grindelwald attack the coming week, so I will be busy. I just wanted to let you know I cannot talk to you during that period.''
Harry frowned. ''Can we do anything to help?''
Death waves him off, and Harry doesn't know if he should be insulted before Death speaks again. ''You're not ready yet for that kind of work, Master. You will be, eventually, but not right now. It won't be pretty.''
Harry scowls. ''Worse or less than the battle of Hogwarts?'' He asks scatingly, ignoring the look Tom shoots him.
Death shakes his hand as if considering.
''Worse, because they're more, less worse because you don't know any of them.''
''Can you tell when someone is about to die?'' Tom asks Death, finally having recovered from his speechlessness.
''I always know when someone is going to die, everything dies eventually, except my master, of course,'' He says with a smirk aimed at Harry. Harry rolls his eyes.
''You said I still die but will be reborn or something like that. Does that even count?''
Death just shrugs as if not bothered, but Tom has an eager gleam in his eyes. ''When do I die?''
Death tilts his head as if thinking about it. ''In the original timeline, in 1998, but I believe my master already told you so,''
Tom looks disgruntled. ''But in this timeline?''
Death grins at Tom, and he takes a step closer to Harry. ''Now, that would be telling.'' Death teases, and Harry sniggers.
''So, do you know everything about the future?'' Tom then asks, trying to hide his disappointment.
But Death shakes his head. ''I am not Lord Time. I am only Lord Death, everything that has something to do with Death, I will know about. The rest-'' He waves his hand as if it's not important at all.
''Can we fight Grindelwald forces when they attack?'' Harry muses out loud before looking back at Death.
Death seems to consider his question seriously before nodding. ''You could, but how would you explain to anyone that you were just there at the right moment? There would be too much suspicion about why two six-year students from Hogwarts are in France during this attack when there is no holiday or anything in that time period.''
Harry tries hard not to pout. He would like a nice fight. He and Tom are amazing at dueling, but they need new targets and more challenges. Maybe he could ask his friends to duel with them... Or the Knights...
Now that are some plans.
Death looks at him approvingly. ''That are some good ideas, Master-'' He looks at a watch before humming. ''It's time to go for now, good luck with your plans.''
''Wait, do you know everything I think?!" Harry asks with rising panic, glancing in Tom's general direction, who is already looking with raised brows at Harry.
Harry feels his cheeks heat and quickly looks back at Death, who is looking at them with amusement.
''I know a lot, but your direct thoughts are not one of them, Master, but we are linked, so sometimes I - feel - an inkling of what you're feeling.''
''Well, that can become embarrassing fast,'' Tom replies, glee evident in his voice. Harry just grunts but is in complete agreement.
Death doesn't stay around much longer, and Harry tells Tom his idea for involving his friends and the Knights in dueling training while eating the diner Mipsy had brought. The unholy gleam Tom's eyes take is a bit unsettling until Harry remembers Tom always had wanted to be a teacher.
''We could train them to help us bring Grindelwald down,'' Tom says, but Harry is already shaking his head. ''No, we are not going to train our friends to die against one of the worst Dark Lords in history.''
''One of the worst? Who was worse?'' Tom asks curiously, but one look at Harry already gives him his answer. His expression changes to a blank one.
''Don't-''
Harry doesn't listen.
''Voldemort, definitely the worst, 0/10 do not recommend.''
''I hate you.'' Tom sighs with a sigh as if Harry is the worst person on earth.
''Awh, I hate you too,'' Harry replies in a purr before laughing.
Tom strides out of the ROR and closes the door with a bang. Harry can't help but laugh at his ridiculousness. He's such a drama queen.
Harry is squirming uncomfortably in his seat when he sees another girl approaching him. He doesn't make eye contact with her, but she still bullies through. ''Hadrian? I have this for you,'' She says in a rush before pushing the package she was carrying into Harry's hands.
He gives her an uncomfortable smile before elbowing a sniggering Billius in his side.
''Thank you, uh-''
''Letitia,'' Charlus whispers behind his hand. ''Letitia,'' Harry copies to the girl who was already looking crestfallen. She beams at him and blinks a lot before walking back to her friends.
Harry groans and lets his head fall on the table. He hates Valentine's Day.
He glances up to the Slytherin table, knowing that Tom himself would receive a lot of attention today, too, and no, Harry isn't jealous, but he is curious to see which unfortunate souls are giving the future Dark Lord candy for a stupid holiday.
That's all it is.
Harry is sure of it.
He does see a gaggle of girls approaching the Slytherin prince and giggle when he gives them his ready smile.
Harry thinks he's the only one that can see straight through the fakeness of it, or well, maybe Dumbledore, but he's an arse, so Harry will not give him any credit.
Harry is distracted from Tom when Pollux sits down in front of him in such a manner that Harry's goblet falls over.
''Hey! Watch it,'' Harry scolds before vanishing his spilled drink.
''Oh! I'm sorry, Hadrian, here-'' He takes his goblet with Pumpkin juice and places it in front of Harry. Harry didn't want to drink it out of pettiness, but Pollux hadn't drunk from it as far as Harry had seen, and he is thirsty.
''Thank you,'' he says begrudgingly to Pollux. For a couple of minutes, it's silent between the dorm mates, all of them focused on eating. He does see Pollux watching him, but he ignores it in favor of draining his goblet.
Harry licks over his teeth with a frown. His Pumpkin juice tastes a bit weird. He then shifts and rolls up his sleeves, is it him, or is it getting warmer here?
Harry tries to focus on the conversation around him, but his mind keeps drifting. For some reason, he's thinking about lips touching his neck, then his mind drifts off to wanting to know how it would feel if hands grip his waist before being pulled against a hard body, how it would feel so good to rub against the other with his hard-
''Hadrian? Are you okay?''
Harry blinks a couple of times, embarrassed that he completely lost himself in some sort of fantasy and horrified to notice he's halfway to being hard in the middle of the Great Hall.
'''m fine,'' He replies to Charlus, who is watching him with a frown. ''You sure? You are looking a bit flushed. Are you getting sick?''
Harry waves his hand in Charlus's direction. ''It's fine, just a bit hot here, don't you think?''
''Hadrian, it's the middle of February, and we're in a drafty castle. It's never hot here,'' Billius jokes, and the rest laughs.
Harry's mind is already drifting again, this time focused on the Slytherin table. He bites his lip. What if Tom would just throw him down on that table before ripping both of their clothes off. He would fit perfectly between Harry's legs, and he could feel his mouth dry. What if Tom would just take their cocks in his hand after spitting in his hand and-
Harry gasps softly, feeling himself harden even more. He needs to get out of here. He needs to get to Tom. Would Tom meet him in the ROR if Harry sent a message? Probably, they don't have any classes today with it being a Sunday.
How would Tom react if Harry just fell down to his knees in front of him?
If Harry opens his trousers or if he just begs Tom to fu-
Harry suddenly stands, grateful that his erection is hidden by his cloak. ''You know what, I don't feel good, I need-'' Harry falters. He needs Tom, he needs Tom's lips against his, he needs Tom's hands on him, he needs-
He needs-
He needs -
He stumbles away from the table and ignores his friends calling behind him. There are footsteps following him, but he ignores those too.
He can't fucking concentrate, he's so hot, and he's so fucking horny. He's never been this horny. He wants Tom to back him into a wall and lift him with his hands on Harry's thighs before they start to rub against each other while kissing harshly. He can't imagine it being soft with Tom.
Harry would love it if Tom would just turn him with his face facing the wall, ordering him to put his hands against the wall before pulling his pants down and burying his face between Harry's-
''Hadrian! Wait!''
Harry turns, flushed, embarrassed, horny, and irritated. ''What Pollux?'' He murmurs.
Pollux leers at him, and Harry takes a step back. He doesn't think he can handle it to be touched by Pollux at this moment.
''Isn't there something you want to do?'' Pollux asks. He's still walking towards Harry, and Harry feels cornered. He squirms uncomfortably when he feels himself step into an alcove. They would be out of sight here-
''What are you talking about?'' Harry asks, distracting his own mind where he surely doesn't want it to go.
''Oh, you know, maybe you want to suck my dick, or do you want me to fuck you? I'm not picky, Hadrian.'' Pollux whispers in what he probably thinks is a seductive whisper.
Harry swallows. He wants to say no, he wants to say that Pollux needs to leave him alone, he wants to kick Pollux in the nuts, but-
But-
Why doesn't Harry say no?
Why can't he say no?
''Pollux-'' He rasps out. Pollux steps closer, and somewhere in himself, Harry is screaming.
''Yes, Hadrian?'' Pollux says with a dangerous smirk. He licks his lips, and Harry's eyes follow the motion.
''Pollux-'' Harry tries again, wanting to say no, wanting to scream, but his body isn't working like he needs to! And he's still hard!
''What is happening here?'' A voice comes from the entrance of the alcove. Harry looks away from Pollux and moans when his eyes fall on Tom.
Tom is here.
Tom-
Tom-
Tom can fuck him.
Tom looks shocked at Harry and catches Harry just in time when he stumbles over to Tom.
Harry nuzzles into Tom's chest. Feeling safe and warm and horny. Tom smells so good, and his arms fit around Harry like a glove. Harry groans when he thinks of Tom putting his hands on Harry's waist, gripping him tightly and-
''Hadrian? What is wrong?'' Tom's face is drifting in front of him, and Harry giggles.
''You're so pretty.'' He tries to put his hand on Tom's cheek, but his arm is trapped. Oh , it's Tom's arm that is pinning him down.
How would it feel when Tom's entire body is pinning Harry down?
Oh , Harry thinks he would like that.
''You should pin me down,'' He says in what he hopes is a whisper, but he doesn't really care anymore.
Tom's body stiffens against Harry. Harry doesn't like it, and he pokes a finger into Tom's chest.
''Relax, we're going to feel... so good-''
Harry is distracted by how firm Tom's chest feels. He pats the chest a couple of times to get a good feel. How would Tom look without any other clothes?
''Can we be naked?'' Harry asks Tom, looking a bit up because he's so so tall.
His eyes meet Tom's, and Harry can't identify the emotions behind Tom's eyes, so he doesn't try. His eyes then drift to Tom's lips, which are forming words, but Harry doesn't hear him.
Tom's lips look soft, but there is still a bit of stubble on his chin as if he had shaved this morning without magic. Harry knows Tom likes to do most things with hand, but he didn't realize he also shaved himself. He's so handsome.
Harry sighs. ''I really want to kiss you,''
Tom stiffens again, and Harry whines when he pulls away. That helps, because Tom grips him tightly and starts walking with him to somewhere else.
Harry can't wait to arrive where Tom's taking him. He would do anything to get Tom naked and to fuck him.
He would even beg.
Tom's POV;
Tom can't help but revel in the attention he's getting from the hordes of girls and even some boys on this Valentine's Day.
He also watches Hadrian from beneath his lashes, mentally making a list of people who have gifted Hadrian something today.
It's truly endearing how Hadrian keeps blushing. The oblivious git doesn't even know how many people are attracted to him.
Hadrian is beautiful with his emerald green eyes and black hair, with the straight shape of his nose except for a small bump of a healed broken nose. His high cheekbones scream Pureblood, even if he's a Half-blood like Tom.
But that's not the only thing that is attracting people to him like droves.
Hadrian is also smart and powerful, which he has already shown with the dueling tournament.
He's also powerful in name, with the Peverell name and the Gryffindor one.
Yes, Hadrian is a catch. And Hogwarts is noticing this now.
Tom sees how Hadrian is shifting uncomfortably with his eyes glazing over. His cheeks are cherry red, and Tom would almost think that Hadrian is getting sick when Hadrian suddenly stands. He seems to make some excuse before practically running from the Great Hall, only followed by Pollux McLaggen.
Tom frowns at them. He knows Hadrian can't stand McLaggen, so why is he the one following Hadrian?
Tom doesn't know what it is, but his magic tells him something is wrong. And he always trusts his magic.
He stands and nods at his Knights before making his way out of the Great Hall. He doesn't see McLaggen or Hadrian anywhere, so he starts walking towards the next floor, only to stop by a hidden alcove just before the stairs when he hears Hadrian talking.
''-talking about?'' He hears Hadrian ask timidly.
''Oh, you know, maybe you want to suck my dick, or do you want me to fuck you? I'm not picky, Hadrian.''
Tom sees red. What on earth does that arse think? Hadrian would never accept he hates McLaggen and-
''Pollux-'' Hadrian replies in a breathy voice.
Why doesn't Hadrian say no?
Tom feels conflicted. Hadrian would say no if he didn't want this, right?
But does that even matter when Tom doesn't want Hadrian to do this?
''Yes, Hadrian?'' He can practically hear the smugness in McLaggen's voice. And he absolutely refuses for McLaggen to touch Hadrian.
''Pollux-'' Hadrian's voice sounds strange, so Tom decides to step in.
''What is happening here?'' Tom asks with a hard voice, startling both of them. When Hadrian focuses on him, he lets out a breathy moan.
What in the name of the founders?
McLaggen flushes and glares at Tom. ''You shouldn't be here, I can take care of Hadrian!''
Hadrian doesn't seem to hear or even notice McLaggen anymore because he stumbles to Tom. Tom is just quick enough to catch him, and he feels Hadrian nuzzling him- What the fuck?
''Hadrian, what's wrong?'' He asks the boy that's now in his arms and- is he feeling him up?! But he doesn't get any reaction only another breathy moan.
''What is wrong with him?'' Tom asks McLaggen with a glare. He has never seen Hadrian like this.
''Nothing is wrong, he's just-''
''You're so pretty,'' Hadrian whispers against his shirt.
Tom looks down at Hadrian in bewilderment. Pretty? ''What in Salazar's name is wrong with him?''
''He's just feeling a bit under the weather. I'll take him to the dorms and-''
''You should pin me down.'' Hadrian sounds completely serious, and Tom can't help the flashes of desire that course through him. Everything where Hadrian is touching him is only fueling his desire.
''Figures that he practically begs you-'' McLaggen mutters with crossed arms and a glare. Tom probably wasn't supposed to hear that, and he aimed another glare at the other boy.
''What did you do to him?'' He hisses through clenched teeth. It isn't helping that Hadrian is practically rubbing himself against him.
''Relax, we're going to feel... so good-'' Hadrian whispered, and Tom suppressed a shiver. Hadrian's voice is full of promise, and Tom wants.
''Just some Lust Potion, nothing bad,'' McLaggen said, daring to roll his eyes. Tom bares his teeth in anger. How DARE he?!
How dare he try this to his Hadrian?
Tom clenches his jaw. He needs some control. Otherwise, he will kill McLaggen. And he truly can't kill another student within Hogwart's walls. ''If you don't get out right this second, I'm going to hex your bollocks to the top of your head before stuffing your mouth with your own cock, or shall I put that one in your ass, as you seem to-''
''Can we be naked?'' Hadrian interrupts Tom's rant, making him falter and look incredulously down at Hadrian. They don't differ in height that much, but it feels intimate with Tom towering over Hadrian like this.
''No, Hadrian, we can't.'' He grits out before focusing back on McLaggen. ''I am going to kill you.'' He hisses, he would do it now, consequences be damned, but he needs to take care of Hadrian.
''Get out. And don't ever let me see you in Hadrian's vicinity ever again.'' Tom threatens.
McLaggen seems to debate how serious the threat of Tom is before deciding to do the smart thing and get out of the alcove. ''You could just share him.'' He hears McLaggen sneer just before he leaves.
Tom hexes all his hair gone. Wishing he could just Crucio the bastard until he's a drooling mess before throwing an Avad-
Hadrian sighs. ''I really want to kiss you.''
Tom is tempted, but just for a second. Knowing that Hadrian is under the influence of a lust potion puts a damper on his sweet request.
''Come on. We're going somewhere safe before I'm going to kill McLaggen.'' Tom says through clenched teeth before pulling Hadrian with him to the ROR.
Hadrian follows him without comment before giggling and stepping out of his hold when they are on the seventh floor.
''Hadrian.'' Tom sighs, following Hadrian inside the now conjured door.
He groans and bites his fist when he sees a big bed in the middle of a very cozy room.
Hadrian starts undressing and Tom quickly strides over to him, grabbing his wrist so he can't remove any more items.
''Don't.''
Hadrian groans in response and tilts his hips toward Tom.
''But Tom, oh-'' He whines before seeming to remember something. A mischievous glint enters his eyes, and Tom doesn't trust it an inch.
''You want me to beg, of course,'' Hadrian says as if it's so obvious. And maybe it is. Tom had asked him to before, but not like this. Never like this.
Hadrian suddenly sinks to his knees and looks up through his lashes at Tom. Tom can only gape at him.
''Please Tom, please, I want you to touch me, please, please, put your cock in my mouth, or in my ass-'' He moans and bites his bottom lip, ''-I want you to fuck me, please Tom, I'll do anything, please,'' The last please comes out like a moan and Tom-
Tom is lost. Isn't this exactly what he's been dreaming of? Having Hadrian like this before him?
Tears are escaping Hadrian's eyes, and Tom doesn't know why. He thumbs them away in a daze.
Does Hadrian know what is happening? Is that why he's crying?
Tom thought he wanted to see Hadrian desperate, but now he is seeing it... He hates it with a passion.
''Tom-'' Hadrian says with a moan. With shock, he notices that Hadrian is touching himself through his robes. The sight would have set him aflame any other time.
But that's just it. Any other time. Not now. Not like this.
Hadrian is going to hate himself if he remembers anything that has happened now. Hadrian would never do this to himself. He has too much pride and too much fire inside of him.
He's a lion.
He's Tom's lion.
And Tom can't take advantage. He raises his wand without Hadrian noticing.
''Stupefy.''
Harry's POV;
When Harry wakes up, he blinks in confusion at the sight above him. It's not the Gryffindor dorm room or common room. Where is he? And why does his head feel like it's filled with cotton? He turns his head tiredly and frowns when he sees Tom in a chair next to the bed.
He seems to be reading.
''Tom?'' Harry croaks, he coughs when he notices how dry his throat is.
Tom looks up immediately, and what seems like concern and relief flashes over his face. ''Hadrian-'' he breathes. ''How are you feeling?'' He levitates a glass of water over to Harry, and Harry drinks greedily.
He frowns when his glass is empty. ''I'm fine, what- what am I doing here?''
Tom looks away from him. If Harry didn't know any better, he would say that Tom looked uncomfortable.
''Do you remember what happened this morning?''
Harry thinks back and nods unsurely. ''I was eating breakfast and got a few presents from-'' He wrinkles his nose. He doesn't want to admit to his admires, but that was kind of what they were. ''-people, and then I- I started burning up or something? And I-'' He flushes. He remembers now.
He remembers everything.
Harry puts his head in his hands. ''Oh, Merlin, I begged you to fuck me!''
Tom is silent for a moment before clearing his throat. ''You were doused with a Lust Potion.''
Harry looks up sharply. ''That- that explains why I felt-'' so fucking horny, he doesn't say, but he thinks Tom understands.
''Yes. That's the reason you were- like you were.''
Harry groans again. Can he ask Death to kill him? It would be better than the embarrassment he feels right now, he's sure.
''Do you know who-?'' Harry starts haltingly. Does he want to know? Did something happen before Tom could stop him? Harry isn't sure.
''McLaggen.'' Tom snarls, and Harry looks at him again. Tom is seething mad.
''Is he still alive?'' Harry asks, and Tom shoots him a look. ''Unfortunately.'' He responds after a few moments.
Rage is now coursing through Harry's being. How dare he?
Harry had said he didn't want him, and this is how the piece of dung responds? That tosser would've raped him!
Harry's mind stutters to a halt. McLaggen would've raped him.
Harry hadn't ever thought that he needed to worry about something like rape. But McLaggen would've pushed and pushed until Harry was begging him because of the Lust Potion, just like he did to Tom.
He looks at Tom and shifts uncomfortably on the bed. He's glad he's still wearing his clothes, but he is curious.
''Did something happen between us?'' Harry asks, and Tom clenches his jaw.
''No. I stunned you when you were embarrassing yourself.''
Harry doesn't know why that stings, but it does.
''Well, so sorry that I was begging you on my knees for sex and that you were insulted by my embarrassment,'' Harry responds harshly while climbing out of bed and striding towards the door.
''Hadrian-''
''No, you made your point clear, Tom. Sorry that I hadn't had any control while begging for your cock, you fucking pillock.'' He throws open the door and strides towards the Gryffindor Common room, he notices Tom following, but he ignores him until his strides match Harry's.
''What do you want now?'' Harry snaps. Tom rolls his eyes. ''For you to listen. That is not what I-''
''Mister Peverell, Mister Riddle. Follow me.'' Dumbledore's voice booms, making both boys jump for a moment. They hadn't noticed the teacher at all. Too busy with themselves at the moment.
They look at each other with confusion before following the Transfiguration teacher towards the Headmaster's office.
Harry doesn't understand what is happening when they step inside. Two wizards in Auror uniform are standing inside, a grim-looking Headmaster Dippet, a sneering McLaggen, and a trembling Professor Slughorn.
''What are-'' Harry starts asking, only to be interrupted by Dumbledore.
''Please arrest Mister Riddle. He has taken advantage of Mister Peverell during a potion accident and has raped him during the potion-fueled daze. He also threatened to kill another who tried to stop Mister Riddle from taking advantage of Mister Peverell.''
What the fuck?!
A/N THE BEGGING SCENE!
ONLY NOT LIKE YOU EXPECTED AT ALL
And yes, we all hate McLaggen.
And Dumbles. So much hate for Dumbles.
I hope you liked it!
xx MBlack93