Harry's POV;
When Harry walked back from the library after his 'study date' (He did not call it that, but Alphard did). He immediately knew something was wrong. And it was not Death that hovered in his head from time to time this time.
No. He knew something was wrong because he was still paranoid and attentive to his surroundings.
Harry ducked in a couple of passages to escape the people who were following him, but it soon became clear that they were insistent.
He turned a corner and called the cloak to him, waiting to see who had been following him this evening.
Abraxas Malfoy was the first around the corner, soon followed by Evan Mulciber and Adam Rosier.
He already expected Mulciber to retaliate sometime soon, same as Malfoy, but Rosier was a surprise.
But he had been a follower of Voldemort when he was older, and the manic light in his eyes told Harry that it had been for the reason that he liked the savageness that came with following the Dark Lord.
Harry scrunched up his nose. He hated to think of Tom being a Dark Lord. If he could help it, Tom would never end up like Voldemort. He just hoped he was taking the right steps for it.
Tom knew now how he could end up, and it seemed like he was adamant about not ending up like Voldemort, but you couldn't be too careful. And Harry didn't know if he would stay permanently in this timeline. If he could stay in this timeline , he seriously was out of his debt in Time Magic. Maybe he should find a new Hermione. She always knew what was happening and was the smartest witch of her age. A pang of pain shot through him with thinking about his former sister because that's what she was—his sister in everything but blood.
And she was gone. He closed his eyes for a moment and took a deep breath. Thinking about his former life always brought pain with it.
His mind flitted to Tom, who was brilliant in a more detached way, but Harry couldn't put it out of his head how Tom could light up when he learned something new.
He just hoped that Tom could make the right call eventually for himself so he won't turn into Voldemort.
Harry watched the three teenagers look for him before dispelling the cloak when their backs were turned. He was itching for a confrontation. Yes, he was regularly dueling with Tom, but it wasn't as brutal as it could be. Harry was used to the dirty fighting; in his former timeline, nobody played fair, and no, Tom wasn't holding back, but they weren't actively trying to kill each other. They needed each other too much for that.
Maybe Harry was just curious as to why these teenagers were trying to corner him.
They should have left him alone. Tom had made it clear that he had issued that order. But these lost little snakes were not here with clean intentions. And as Harry said, he was itching for a fight.
''Looking for someone?'' He casually said while leaning against the wall. A clear sign to the others that he didn't see them as a threat.
The three Slytherins swiveled around with their wands leveled at him.
''Yes. You.'' Rosier said with a grin. Harry almost rolled his eyes at the display and turned to Malfoy.
''You should know better than this.'' He said with a sneer. If Malfoy had any brains, he should know how bad an idea it was for them to go against Tom's orders. But it seemed like the Slytherins were determined.
''You have insulted someone more powerful than you. We think you should learn your lesson,'' Malfoy responded.
Harry groaned and pushed himself off the wall. ''I have multiple Wizengamot seats and a dozen powerful allies, and you think I pissed someone off more powerful than me?'' Harry scoffed, ''You are so out of your depth here, you can practically see the bottom of the Black Lake.'' He drawled mostly to rile them up, which was working.
''I've had enough of this. Peverell, you have insulted our Lord. You need to be punished!'' Mulciber snarled before he threw the first curse.
But Harry was ready. He dodged and shielded but attacked just as fiercely. The Slytherins weren't going easy on him, so Harry didn't feel like doing that either.
He had Rosier unconscious in no time. The teen lacked finesse and plowed through without watching his weak defense.
Harry ducked beneath a spell of Malfoy when Mulciber conjured a flaming whip. Harry screamed when the whip connected with his throat. The flames curled around his neck and throat and sizzled against his skin. Harry couldn't breathe, and the pain shot through him. He scrambled at the flames around his neck that were cutting into his air supply and hissed when his hands burned too. His wand clattered to the ground in his mad scramble to get the fucking pain away.
''Mulciber!'' Malfoy hissed, his eyes wide in shock at what Mulciber was doing.
''Master, do you need some help?'' Death asked, calm as you can be, as if literal flames weren't strangling Harry.
Not the fucking time. I'll kill them myself! Harry snarled back in his head before reaching out his hand and grabbing the lasso Mulciber had conjured before pulling harshly, making the wand clatter to the floor and the flaming lasso spell go out.
Harry was breathing heavily, but he hadn't had the time to stop now. With a wave of his hand, he called the wands of all three Slytherins to him.
The display of the casual wandless magic and the power that Harry oozed was enough for Malfoy to start running away.
With a quick stunner, he fell to his face, and Harry was sure he heard the snob's nose break.
His eyes focused on Mulciber, who was frozen in shock, his mouth agape while he watched Harry.
''You shouldn't have done that.'' He rasped out, his voice low. Harry didn't even recognize his voice himself.
About twenty minutes later, he was in front of the Slytherin common room, and his temper had not been tempered.
He threw a Bombarda at the entrance, but it wouldn't budge. Freaking sturdy castle!
''TOM MARVOLO RIDDLE! OPEN THIS FUCKING DOOR, YOU FUCKING SNAKE BASTARD!'' He bellowed, but again there was not even a twitch.
He wasn't sure if Tom could even hear him from here, but Harry was done waiting. The only ones that could actually hear him were unconscious and invisible, hovering behind him.
''Open up!'' He hissed in Parseltongue. Thankfully the passage opened up, and he was met with multiple wary members of Tom's clique with Tom in the middle of it.
"Keep your snakes on a leash, Riddle, or I will," He growled out in a furious voice.
Tom stepped closer to him, glancing over the unconscious members of his cult.
''What happened?'' Tom asks before focusing back on Harry.
''These three psychopaths decided they wanted to teach me a lesson, almost killing me in the process!'' And yes, technically, Harry knew he couldn't die, that Death would just throw him back into this life with a pat on the back. But it still hurt and made him angry. He will not take any threat lying down. Not anymore.
Tom's eyes zero in on Harry's throat, and he feels the burn and wounds throb in irritation. Tom's eyes are hard as ice, and he reaches out to touch Harry's throat. He flinches back in reflex, cursing himself for showing weakness and cursing Tom for touching the open wound on his neck.
"Who did this to you?" Tom hisses in a fury. It borders on Parseltongue but is still English before turning a murderous look at the three unconscious idiots.
''Mulciber. If you can't tame him, Tom, I will. I will not give a warning like this again.'' Harry responds viciously.
''This is a warning?'' A boy, from what Harry guesses is a fifth year, speaks up incredulously.
''Shut up if you know what's good for you.'' Harry snarls before looking back at Tom.
Tom is clearly struggling to get himself back in control, but Harry sees his eyes shine with a ruby glow.
Tom renevates the arseholes with a flick of his wand. They gasp awake before turning their frightened eyes to Tom and Harry.
''I don't think I've made myself clear before, but I will now .'' Tom snarls, making all his Knights freeze in fear.
''When I tell you to leave something or someone alone. I. Have. My. Reasons .'' He punctuates every word with a hex to the three fallen Slytherins, and they wither on the ground with pained gasps.
''There was a reason that Hadrian Peverell is off limits. But it seems you imbeciles don't seem to notice that he's more powerful than all of you together,'' Tom snarls in a cold voice while still cursing his three stray Slytherins. Harry debates if he should step in. He decides not to.
''Hadrian Peverell is the reason we are going to thrive,'' Tom says as if it's a fact and doesn't take Harry's breath away with the admission.
He quickly pushes the temporary lap in judgment away from his mind, his mind focusing back on Tom's speech.
''Hadrian Peverell is my equal in every way. He isn't a sniveling follower like you. He is so much more-'' Tom's breath hitches, and he glances at Harry, who raises his eyebrow in question. He's quite curious about where Tom is going with this.
Tom shakes his head before turning to his other Knights, who have all slid down to their knees before their Lord.
Harry may feel a bit queasy looking at it.
''He will be with me leading our plans to victory, so when I tell you he is off limits, I mean he is already on our side. He is already laying the footwork where he can, and together we will be the most powerful wizards of the Wizarding World.'' The Knights, who are not withering in pain, all watch in awe between Tom and Harry.
''Do you understand?'' Tom hisses with his eyes narrowed.
''Yes, my Lords!'' The Knights call out. Harry swallows back bile.
''Make them take a vow not to tell another soul that we're working together. Too much is riding on it. And did you have to make it like a cult? I don't want them bowing before me kissing my robes!'' Harry hisses in Parseltongue, making Tom focus back on him.
Tom smirks at the use of the language while the Knights around them gasp in awe.
''You deserve to have them on their knees before you, Master of Death.''
Harry groans. ''Just let them take a vow. I want to go to bed. Oh, and don't kill Mulciber just yet. He's a dickhead, but he can still be useful.''
Tom frowns at Harry but sighs. ''Fine. But if he gets any other ideas-''
''Then I'll kill him myself,'' Harry responds before turning his Avada Eyes on Mulciber.
Mulciber whimpers, knowing that they are talking about him and finally understanding what kind of mistake he has made.
''Can you handle the vow?'' Harry asks rhetorically. Tom scoffs and glares at him, making Harry chuckle. ''Just asking, don't get your panties in a twist. Then I'm going back to Gryffindor.'' He grimaces- thinking about how uncomfortable he will be if McLaggen is still up.
The boy is eyeing him a little bit too much, not even looking away when Harry catches him when he's undressing or dressing.
''Hadrian, your throat. You can't be seen like that.'' Tom tuts before stepping closer to examine the wounds. Tom frowns at the wounds, and Harry can feel his breath on his collarbone.
''Avery, get Lucretia Black. She's the best in Healing spells.'' Tom orders, and Harry raises his eyebrows. He knows Healing magic isn't Tom's forte, it isn't Harry's either, but he hadn't expected Tom to compliment a Black like that.
The Blacks aren't in Tom's inner circle, and he has complained multiple times about how the Blacks should be. Tom cannot stand them, but he knows how valuable they are.
Harry also knows that Tom is jealous that Harry has an in with the Black family through Alphard while being only here since this year.
Harry has met the Patriarch already, and Lord Black is an intimidating man but pretty funny for a Pureblood supremacist. He also has stated that he will gladly help Harry further in his future career or Wizengamot legislation. Who had thought that Harry could build these kinds of relationships with just a few words during a Dueling competition?
Harry focuses on the opening of the common room door from the dorms. Avery is back with Lucretia.
She storms to Harry, her grey eyes flicking over the injury before ordering him to stand still. Immediately he relaxes beneath her spells, and he sighs in relief, glad that the area around his throat is healing and now numb instead of throbbing pain. She is Alphard's cousin, and if Harry remembers correctly, she marries a Prewett but never has any children but was still happily married when she died.
It's why Sirius and Regulus were the last Black heirs.
Cygnus would marry a Rosier and get three daughters. Alphard would never marry and die quite young. Harry felt queasy knowing this already. He also knows that Alphard will make Sirius his heir after Sirius has been cut off from his family.
''It will be sore for the next few days, the best would be a healing potion or salve to dab on it, but I don't have those.'' She states after fifteen minutes, Harry shrugs.
''I'll get them. Use a glamor for the next few days. We'll meet tomorrow in the ROR.'' Tom suddenly tells him, and Harry looks him in the eyes before nodding in acknowledgment.
''Sure, same time?''
''Of course.''
''Then I am going back to the tower. I'm knackered.'' Harry groans out before waving his hand over his throat, using a Parseltongue glamor to ensure no one except Tom can cancel it.
Tom nods at him and walks with him to the entrance. ''How did you come in, by the way? I never told you the password.''
Harry grins, and when they are at the entrance just hisses out ''Open'' making the door slide open for him again. Even if he will never admit to it, Tom is almost pouting, but Harry is delighted.
''Seems like I have a free password from now on,''
''Test if the portrait at the tower reacts to it too,'' Tom demands, making Harry roll his eyes. ''Now, why would I do that? Bye, Tom!'' He hastily makes his way out of Slytherin territory and is glad when he finally can fall into his bed.
Harry is getting ready and is just pulling a jumper off his head when he's suddenly slapped on his arse. He yelps and turns around furiously to glare daggers at McLaggen.
''Don't ever do that again, McLaggen, or you'll lose the hand!''
McLaggen just laughs. ''It's just good fun, Hadrian,'' He says with a wink before gathering his stuff and sauntering to the bathroom. Harry doesn't take his eyes off the idiot until he's out of sight.
''You alright, Hadrian?'' Billius asks with a frown, and Harry nods before sitting down on his bed. ''Yes, I just feel a bit- dirty or something like that when he looks at me when I'm undressing.'' He shivers in disgust.
''Do you want me to talk to him?'' Charlus asks with a venomous glare aimed at the bathroom door. Harry snorts. Charlus is a bit protective of him. He has even called Harry his younger brother several times, even if Harry is several years older.
He doesn't know that they are related. It is quite sweet.
''No, I can handle him.''
It's just a couple more days until he's at home, truly at home. He and Tom will stay at Peverell Manor. It will be the first Yule and Birthday Tom ever has had that will not be at Hogwarts or in the Orphanage.
Harry is planning to make the most of it.
Sure, they are going to visit Tom's father and grandparents, but Harry is going to stop Tom from killing them. Probably. Yeah, no, he was planning on stopping Tom from doing that.
He just isn't sure how much it will change the timeline. He also isn't sure if they will also visit Morphin Gaunt while they are at it. Morphin still has the ring. And Harry desperately wants it. He can call it to him, of course. But it feels a bit like cheating. It's why he hasn't called the wand to him, either.
Harry steps into the Transfiguration room, checking if his observation wards are still in place, and is pleased to see that they are. Harry then glances at the Slytherin side of the classroom and is pleased to see that the Slytherins are acting normally again.
Ever since Tom declared Harry to be his equal in his mission, the Knights had been in awe of him.
Apparently, Mulciber had also told them all a bogus story about how Harry's eyes had glowed green when he was using magic during their fight after he had almost killed Harry.
Tom did tell Harry that after the Yule holidays, they needed Harry in a meeting with the Knights. Making sure that they knew what roles they had to play and telling them the whole plan.
Tom was a bit nervous about that because it would also mean explaining how they needed Muggleborns and Half-bloods in their plans, something that disgusts the Purebloods right now, even if they are all following a couple of Half-bloods.
But they would pull through, Harry was sure of that.
It would only weaken Dumbledore more, and that was what they were fighting for.
Dumbledore needed to be away before they tackled Grindelwald.
Speaking of the devil, and he shall appear, Dumbledore strides into the classroom like he owns it. Giving a smile to the Gryffindor section and a terse nod to the Slytherin section.
The lesson goes by quickly, and Harry tries not to be too bored. Tom seems to be doing the same on the other side of the room, and when they make eye contact, he raises a challenging eyebrow.
Harry smirks. He pushes more magic into his transfiguration to make his transformed quill into a duck spin and dance on top of his table.
Tom rolls his eyes in response before transforming his duck into a multi-colored one.
Harry purses his lips and taps the duck to make it purple.
Billius snorts next to him. Well, he didn't intend to match Dumbledore's robes. But yeah, it's a very close match.
''10 points to Gryffindor for some marvelous Transfiguration, Mr. Peverell.'' Dumbledore praises. Harry smiles while swallowing down a nasty remark.
Especially when Dumbledore's eyes just slide over Tom with a frown and don't say anything.
The hour flies by, and Harry is quick to gather his stuff. He has potions next, and it's his worst subject, but he's still pulling E's, at least. He only doesn't know if it's Slughorn kissing his ass or if his marks are truly better.
He has also received an invitation to the Slugclub for next Friday. He only still needs to find a date. He could go with one of his friends, but-
His thoughts grind to a halt when Dumbledore asks Hector to stay behind. Hector is Harry's friend, a bit quiet but a riot at card games in the dorms. He is also the only Muggle-born friend Harry has in this life.
His heart beats a bit faster, and he can't help but recheck the monitoring spells again in the classroom. He hopes they are good enough to record the conversation Dumbledore is going to have with Hector.
He gives Hector a clap on his shoulder. ''I'll wait for you outside,'' He says without leaving room to be turned down.
Hector smiles at him and nods. ''Sure, see you soon.''
Harry glances in Tom's direction, and he sees Tom watching him from beneath his lowered head, where he's checking his bag. Harry strides out of the classroom and leans against the railing of the stairs to wait for Hector. Billius and Charlus wait with him and chatter about the next Quidditch game that will happen after the holidays.
Pollux McLaggen tried to wait with him, but a withering glare from Harry had him scampering off with the other boys from Gryffindor.
Harry was reaching his limit with Pollux, but he would keep calm. He watched how the Slytherins sneered at their group without heat, making Harry hide his smile behind his hand.
''Huh, you know, I swear that those Slytherins were nastier,'' Charlus grunts with a frown.
Harry shrugs. He will not tell them that it's because of him. Not until they are ready, at least.
''Does it matter?'' He says casually. The door of the classroom opens again, and Hector walks out with a frown on his face. His mouth pulls into a smile when he sees his friends waiting for him, and they walk to the dungeons together.
Harry bumps his shoulder. Hector glances at him. ''Everything alright?'' Harry asks, extremely curious about what happened just now in the classroom with Dumbledore.
Hector purses his lips. ''I think so, it-it was a bit weird. I'll tell you tonight, alright?''
Harry nods and feels a bit guilty that he had spells in place to record the whole thing, while Hector seems ready to share it willingly.
The rest of the day goes by quickly, and Harry sends a message through Mipsy to Tom about Hector willing to tell him what happened and that he would let Tom know if it's important.
Tom immediately replied that Harry should let him know even if it wasn't important.
Harry just called him a gossip, and that was that.
That night they are eating some candy while sitting on their beds, casually chatting when Harry can't help himself and brings it up.
''So, Hector, what was that with Dumbledore today?''
Hector shifts on his bed so he can look at Harry more intently.
''Dumbledore asked if I would visit my aunt this summer.'' He starts before sucking on his teeth for a moment.
''She lives in Austria. He said that he could make me something to ensure she stays safe during this war.''
Harry's breath stops for a moment before he clenches his jaw. ''Mh.''
Hector's eyes are still on Harry, analyzing his reaction.
''You think he's up to something, don't you?''
''Well-'' Harry starts while scrunching up his nose. He has chipped away at their blind trust in Dumbledore, but it's still touch and go. He doesn't want to push his friends away with paranoia.
''Do you know that Dumbledore is my Magical Guardian?'' Hector says with a hum, pulling his knee up to his chest and leaning his chin on it.
Harry shakes his head. No, he didn't know.
Who is Tom's Magical Guardian? The thought hits him hard in the chest. What if it's Dumbledore?
Hector hums, still watching Harry closely.
''That's pretty standard right?'' Billius says. For a moment, Harry had forgotten they were still in the room with him, but he was focused now. He's immensely glad that Pollux is shagging some Hufflepuff right now.
''What do you mean?'' Harry asks.
Charlus and Billius exchange a glance. ''Every Muggle-born has a Magical Guardian appointed to them when they are old enough to set off the trace. Someone that informs the Muggles about magic shows them around Diagon Alley and soots things over when there is accidental magic or something.''
Harry swallows before looking at Hector, who is still watching Harry.
''So, Dumbledore is yours? Did he-'' Harry doesn't know what he should ask. Did he take any interest in you? Did he say something? Did he do something weird? How many times did you see him during the time you've known him?
Hector thankfully starts talking without prompting.
''Every Muggle-born gets a letter from Hogwarts on the day of their eleven birthday. You can then make an appointment with the Deputy Headmaster for explanations and information, a visit to Diagon everything.''
Harry already sees how it's different from when Tom was visited. Tom hadn't gotten a letter by Owl. Dumbledore had visited him in the Orphanage without an appointment. At least Tom didn't know anything when Dumbledore appeared in his bedroom. He thought that Dumbledore would take him to a loony bin.
''He also explains about Magical Guardians and how it works, how they will take care of you, and how they will watch the house closely for accidental magic or other stuff-'' His voice wavers a bit. But he continues. ''-but after that appointment, I've never heard anything from him. And believe me. It had been necessary-'' At this, Hector looks down at his knee. Harry is curious about what happened and is surprised when Billius stands from his own bed to sit down at Hector's before pulling him into a half embrace with an arm thrown over his shoulder, comforting him.
''It's a bit peculiar he takes an interest now, no?'' Hector asks softly.
Harry swallows back a couple of questions that want to wriggle out. His stomach feels like lead. He's afraid of asking what happened, but he doesn't. If Hector wants to tell him, he will listen, but he will not pry.
''It is,'' Harry replies. ''What did you tell him?''
''I said it's dangerous to travel there during the war. He seemed disappointed and then sent me away.''
Harry sucks on his teeth for a moment.
''I think he will try again.''
Harry's head snaps up to meet Hector's eyes.
''Why do you think so?''
''I think he'll wait until I'm seventeen to offer a portkey or something so I can go there,'' Hector says without hesitation.
Harry mulls it over and nods. ''Yes, I think so too,''
Charlus can't hold his questions anymore.
''But why?! Why would Dumbledore want you there? It's dangerous with the war, not only the Muggle war, but Grindelwald is basically based in Austri-'' Charlus stops himself, and his eyes widen. ''No-'' He stutters but shuts up.
Harry and Hector stay silent. They already had gotten to this conclusion.
It seems like Dumbledore is trying to get allies for the war. And just like the first Wizarding war in which his parents fought, he's recruiting directly from Hogwarts.
Alphard was quite the sight when he came to pick up Harry for Slughorn's party. Harry tried to ignore it, but he couldn't.
Harry had put on a black robe with silver linings. He knew it looked good, thanks to Hector and Billius telling him. Charlus didn't want to judge because he was torn between thinking of Harry as his little brother and looking a lot like him. So when he looked a little green, Harry just laughed it off.
He did feel a bit nervous for tonight for some reason.
Seeing how Alphard's face lit up when he saw Harry didn't help at all.
They walked together to Slughorn's private quarters for the Yule party, and Harry's breath was taken away when he stepped inside. It was beautifully decorated with charms in place to make it seem like it was snowing without any of the snow truly falling down.
He and Alphard took some offered champagne from the house elf that came by before making a round through the other guests. They stopped a few times to talk, mostly because of Alphard. But enough people were also interested in Harry. Some for his Quidditch skills, which made him blush every time it came up during a conversation. Others had seen him dueling and were singing his praises.
''It would be nice to have some of an international event for dueling.'' He said to the Head of Sports and Games, Lord Silvermoon.
''There are a couple, but most are for witches and wizards of age.'' He told him with a smile. ''Actually, there was an event that was especially for students of Hogwarts, Bauxbatons, and Durmstrang, but they stopped organizing that a few centuries ago.''
Harry coughed. ''The Triwizard Tournament?'' He guessed with a bitter smile.
''Yes! That's the one. It's truly shameful they don't organize those anymore.'' The man was almost pouting.
''Uhu,'' Harry hedged. ''Truly a shame.'' He said drolly.
Silvermoon nodded enthusiastically, clearly not noticing Harry's sarcasm.
''It was because of too many deaths, right?'' Harry said while looking into his drink. ''If you could make sure that only students of age can enter and the tasks aren't too dangerous, like, for example, letting them steal a fake egg from a nesting mother dragon, it would be much safer.'' He said sarcastically before downing his drink in one go.
Lord Silvermoon was looking away in contemplation. ''Mhh, you know, I have some other business. Excuse me!'' He said suddenly in a hurry.
Harry frowned and looked at Alphard. ''Did I say something wrong?''
Alphard looked like he was trying not to laugh. ''No, not at all, Hadrian. Let's go dance!''
''Oh! No, I don't dance-''
''You're my date, of course, we're going to dance!'' Alphard declared before pulling him to the dance floor.
Harry's eyes widened. ''Oh Godric, don't hate me when you break your foot.''
Alphard just smirked before pulling Harry close and guiding him over the floor. Harry stepped at least eight times on his toes before Harry had enough and declared he was going to get another drink.
Alphard pouted, but his attention was drawn away by Lucretia Black, who had also been invited to the Slugclub party.
Harry sighed in relief and stepped up to the bar to order some Firewhiskey. The house elf behind the bar eyed him with distrust, clearly thinking he wasn't old enough, but still poured him some.
''I find it utterly baffling how you can be so graceful during dueling while you stumble on the dancefloor like a newborn fawn.''
Harry's eyes glanced to the side to see a smirking Tom.
''I hate you,''
''The feeling is mutual,'' Tom replied immediately while leaning on the bar beside him.
''Did you talk to anyone interesting?'' Harry asked to break the silence. It was strange to feel so at peace while standing next to his once enemy.
''Everyone can be interesting if you talk to the right people.''
Harry rolled his eyes and looked at Tom. ''You are bored out of your mind, aren't you?''
''Utterly.'' He replied with a pinched expression. Harry snorted in his whiskey.
''Tom! Hadrian! How nice to see you at my little soireé!''
Harry barely suppressed a groan, and fake smiled at Slughorn.
''It's lovely, Professor,'' Harry said pleasantly. There was already a deep flush on Slughorn's cheeks, indicating that he had a lot of the elfen wine or sherry.
''It's our pleasure, Professor. I also have left you a little something on your desk, your favorites, Pineapple candies,'' Tom said with a much more convincing smile while kissing Slughorn's arse.
Slughorn beamed. Harry wanted to hurl.
''Thank you so much, Tom! Ah, I wanted to ask you. I didn't see your name on the list this year. Are you going home?''
Tom froze for a fraction of a second, but it was only noticeable to Harry.
''Yes, I am,'' Tom replied in a slow voice.
Slughorn frowned for a moment before leaning closer to Tom to whisper, ''The Orphanage? You don't have to, you know?''
It was still loud enough for Harry to hear, but he kept watching the rest of the room, not wanting to interrupt. Tom didn't reply at first. Harry glanced at him when it took too long for him to answer. Tom saw Harry glancing and straightened. ''I don't live there anymore, sir, so yes, I am going home.''
Slughorn seemed shocked before beaming. ''How brilliant! I am glad you're out of there, my boy! Does your Magical Guardian know?''
Harry clenched his jaw. After he had talked with Hector, he had told Tom about what Dumbledore was probably planning and about the whole Magical Guardian part, which meant that Dumbledore was Tom's Magical Guardian too. They all knew that Dumbledore had never helped Tom in any way.
''No, sir, but it is a recent change, and I will be of age in two weeks,'' Tom replied casually.
Slughorn just beamed again. He looked like a lovesick fool.
Ugh, now Harry really wanted to hurl at that image.
''Hadrian! There you are,'' Alphard powerwalked to him and held out his hand for him to take.
Harry frowned but took his hand and was shocked when he was pulled into a half embrace with Alphard's arm around his waist.
He heard some glass break behind him and saw a couple of exploded glasses behind the counter of the bar. The house elf was hurriedly cleaning up and vanishing the shards before Harry's attention was pulled to Alphard again when he squeezed his waist.
''Uh, hi, are you okay?'' Harry asked. Alphard seemed a bit tense, but he still smiled at Harry. ''Yes, absolutely fine. Lucretia wanted to meet you, and the captain of the Holyhead Harpies is here. You like that team, right?'' Alphard said while pulling him away from the bar. Harry quickly reached out to take his new drink with him before turning to Tom and Professor Slughorn.
''Have a nice night!'' He said hurriedly before he was out of hearing range. Slughorn seemed amused and nodded while waving him goodbye, and Tom- Tom's face was blank. Harry frowned at that, but he was distracted by Alphard again.
He'll ask Tom tomorrow when they are home.
Tom's POV;
Tom made his way through the carriages of the Hogwarts Express. He would meet Hadrian in the last hour of the ride in the last carriage so they could Apparate to their home.
This way, the Professors or Prefects that were patrolling the corridors would have seen them both. The last hour always meant some kind of chaos on the train ride, so they won't notice two students slipping out. Unfortunately, it isn't allowed for students to Apparate directly from Hogsmeade to their homes if they are going home during the holidays.
But he was almost home now. He slipped into the seemingly empty carriage and wasn't surprised when he was suddenly enveloped by Hadrian's invisibility cloak.
''You know, this would be such a good way to kiss someone senseless without anyone knowing.'' Tom hummed, grinning when he saw Hadrian scowl at him. ''Just saying.''
''Shut up, Riddle,''
Tom sighed dramatically. He liked the way he could act around Hadrian. He was the only one he could drop his masks around, mostly because Hadrian had already seen the worst of him, even if it was in the future.
Mipsy had already taken their luggage, so Hadrian only needed to Apparate them to the front gates, which he did without prompting while holding Tom's arm.
Tom immediately went to the library. Having missed the darker tomes he could read here freely, Hadrian followed him and plopped himself down on the rug in front of the already roaring fire, falling promptly asleep.
Tom rolled his eyes but still sat in one of the chairs next to the rug Hadrian was sleeping on.
They spent a few hours there like that until Mipsy came to say that diner was served. Tom kicked Hadrian awake, who grumbled but climbed to his feet easily enough.
''Are you ready for tomorrow?''
No.
He wasn't.
But he needed to go.
''Of course.''
Hadrian hummed. ''We need to visit your uncle too, but he's a despicable human being, don't let anything he says get to you.''
Tom frowned. ''Why do we need to go there?''
Hadrian shifted a bit in his seat. ''He has the resurrection stone in his family ring. Your family ring, I need it.''
Tom wanted that ring. Not the stone perse, but he would like to have the ring. It still belonged to his family.
''You can keep the ring, just know that the stone is mine,''
Tom looked up at Hadrian and saw the too-penetrating gaze locked on him.
''Fine, should we go there first?''
Hadrian seemed to think it over before nodding his head. ''Yes, I expect to be done there quickly. I don't want him ranting about how your mother was a - well, you know,'' Hadrian ducked his head in embarrassment. Tom merely rolled his eyes.
''We go in, stun him, get the ring, obliviate him, and go, deal?''
Hadrian nodded quickly. ''Yes, let's do that. You don't need to hear his filth.''
Tom calmly put his cutlery down.
''You don't need to protect me.''
Hadrian barked out a surprised laugh, surprising Tom too.
''Believe me, it's not for your protection. It's so you don't kill him. You have quite the temper, you know.''
Tom glared at Hadrian, but he just smiled back.
''How was your date with Alphard yesterday?'' Tom sneered before biting his own tongue. He hadn't wanted to say anything at all about that disaster. But he couldn't help it.
He would never admit that Hadrian was right about his temper.
Hadrian had looked so good in his robes during the party, only to be sullied by Alphard Black next to him. It was a travesty, and the oaf had touched Hadrian too! His arm had curled around Hadrian's lithe waist, and Hadrian had accepted it without comment.
Could Tom do that too?
Would Hadrian welcome the same touch from Tom?
Tom already touched him as much as possible, but never like Alphard had done. Alphard had done it like he owned Hadrian.
Tom hated it.
Hadrian's cheeks turned rose-colored. ''That is none of your business.'' He hissed at Tom.
Tom swallowed a large gulp of his wine. ''We are going to my father and grandparents tomorrow, which I've never met. How is that any of your business?''
Hadrian looked like he had swallowed a Lemondrop.
''Fine, you fucking gossip,'' Hadrian said while standing from the table. Clearly mad at Tom. Tom calmly sat back, twirling his glass while Mipsy magicked more wine into the glass. ''The date went well, he kissed me, and then we went to our own dormitories. The. End.''
The glass shattered in his hand, and he blinked. This was the second time in two days that glass shattered around him because of Hadrian. He needed more control!
''Shit, Tom! Are you okay?'' Hadrian scrambled to him and held his bleeding hand carefully, picking out the shards from his hand. Thankfully, the slashes weren't deep, and Mipsy could heal them easily enough.
Tom wasn't paying attention to his hand, no, he was watching how Hadrian reacted to him being hurt.
Nobody had ever worried about him when he was hurt, but Tom could see in Hadrian's eyes that he was. Even if he was mad at Tom, he was still worried.
Tom didn't understand how Hadrian could easily switch between being mad and worried.
And why was Hadrian worried for him? Hadrian had made it quite clear that he hated Tom, but why was he so worried then?
When his hand was healed, Tom left the dining room, needing some space.
Alphard had kissed Hadrian.
Hadrian had let him.
Darker thoughts were threatening to overwhelm him. But he pushed those aside.
He just didn't understand why he felt so warm after seeing Hadrian being worried about him and how he was out of control as soon as Hadrian told him that Alphard had kissed him.
The wounds hadn't had the time to get infected. So why did he feel like this?
Hadrian apparated them to the road that led to the shack of his 'family.'
They were silent in their approach, not even knowing if Morphin Gaunt was even at home. Hadrian didn't have the timings in his head when Morphin had been in Azkaban.
''I only know that you planted memories in his head of him killing the Riddles. So I assume he's still alive and free for now.'' Hadrian grumbled.
Tom smirked to himself. In Harry's timeline, he had done this last summer. It was good to know that his magic was strong enough for memory-altering.
''Don't look smug. You also used memory charms on a house elf so she would think she killed her mistress. I don't know how many times you used the same ammo.'' Hadrian grunted. Tom scowled at him.
''It's still impressive magic for someone so young.'' He harrumphed.
Hadrian sighed heavily with a smile. ''I love raining on your parade.''
''I hate you.''
''Right back at ya.''
They reached the shack, and Tom scrunched up his nose to think that his mother had lived there.
That the descendants of Slytherin had fallen this far.
Quite disgusting. Tom had already decided he wouldn't take the Gaunt lordship. He would get nothing of it. The only thing he wanted was the ring. He hoped it was beautiful, but seeing the shack, he could probably guess it wasn't. Otherwise, they would've sold it ages ago.
The Gaunts couldn't be saved, but Tom would ensure the Slytherin line would thrive with him.
''Lovely,'' Hadrian grunted while pointing at the dead snake that was nailed to the door. Tom lifted his lip in a sneer.
Hadrian then banged against the door, which swiveled open within seconds.
''Wha you want?!'' A ruffian of a man bellowed when he saw them.
When his eyes fell on Tom, he started to growl. ''Filthy Muggles!'' The man whipped out his wand, but Tom and Hadrian were quicker. Morphin froze before glaring at Tom. ''Who are you?!'' It came out in Parseltongue, and Tom responded in kind.
''Tom Marvolo Riddle.'' He replied in an icy tone. He still hated his name, but he knew that Morphin would recognize his middle name.
The man's eyes widened before he burst out in laughter. ''Naughty naughty Merope!''
Tom closed the door behind him and looked around, ignoring the shouts of the wildebeest that was his uncle.
Tom also couldn't use his wand because the trace would still be in place. So he trusted Hadrian to have this under control. Hadrian hadn't wavered in front of the man, and Tom was glad.
''Where is the ring?'' Hadrian hissed, making his uncle look startled at Hadrian.
He then went red in the face and began bellowing in Parseltongue how Hadrian dared to use a language that was only for descendants of Slytherin.
Tom rolled his eyes.
''Where is the ring, uncle?''
''I'll neva tell you, you bastard son!''
''My parents were married, thank you very much. Can you say the same? Siblings can't exactly marry each other-'' He sneered.
Morphin saw red and ran at Tom, but Hadrian stunned him with a flick of his wand, and the man went down quickly. Tom kneeled next to the man's head and opened his eyes to dive into the terrible mind.
''The ring is in his bedroom, with a snake guarding it. His fingers have grown too fat for him to wear it.'' Tom drawled. Hadrian nodded before handing Tom his wand.
''I'll get it. I'm shit at memory charms, though, so unless you want a drooling mess and to leave him here to die, you do it.''
Tom curled his hands over the handle of Hadrian's wand. He didn't care if the man would be braindead after this, but he wanted to use Hadrian's wand more than anything.
He tampered with Morphin's memory until Hadrian joined him again. He was surprised to see the snake that had been guarding the ring was now curled around Hadrian's arm. They were hissing to each other, and Hadrian rolled his eyes at something the snake had said, and Tom suppressed a smile.
''Tom, please tell this beauty that dark in the grass is not a good name.''
''But I am!'' The snake replied in an irate hiss. ''I am dark in the grass!''
''Hadrian, snakes may speak Parseltongue, but their intelligence is different from humans. They don't understand names.''
Hadrian pouted at him, ''You name him then. I can't keep him as the Heir of Gryffindor, so you should have him.''
''And you think that Dumbledore would accept a snake in the castle if it's mine? No, he will not.'' Tom deadpanned.
They both pondered it for a moment. ''Do you think Mipsy could take care of it while we're at school?'' Hadrian proposed.
''Or we keep him in the Chamber or ROR?'' Tom replied.
Hadrian shrugged. ''The Chamber is too cold, and Medusa could eat him. But the ROR sounds good to me.''
''Medusa would behave if asked,'' Tom replied moodily. ''Mipsy!''
The elf immediately popped next to him and stared for a moment at the snake on Hadrian's arm. ''Master, what can Mipsy do?''
''Could you take this snake home for us? We still have business to attend.''
Mipsy beamed before carefully taking the snake from Hadrian and popping away with it after Hadrian had instructed the snake to stay calm and not bite the elf.
Then they made their way outside without glancing back. Hadrian stopped him after a few minutes of walking toward the Riddle mansion and gave him the ring.
''Here, it's your family heirloom. Just know that the stone may disappear when I need it.'' He said with a smirk.
Tom felt heat creep up his neck and coating his cheeks and quickly looked away while putting on the ring.
''Thank you, and that's fine. Maybe I will take out the stone so you can have it before you need it so you can keep it on you.''
He didn't know why he proposed it, and he didn't look at Hadrian's reaction before he hastened his strides toward his father's mansion.
Tom was nervous to see his father. He knew now what his mother had done to his father and could only imagine how terrible it had been to be locked into your own mind and not have any say in what you were doing. Only dedicated to your wife's every whim because your mind told you you loved her.
It would have messed up any man or woman.
When they reached the door, he was hesitant to knock, but Hadrian ignored his hesitance and did it for him—shrugging impishly when Tom glared at him.
The door opened, and a servant stood there with shock written on her face when her eyes fell on Tom.
''Uh, oh, oh, we didn't expect you.'' They had transformed their robes into neat muggle attire to set the Muggles at ease, hopefully, but the servant was already anxious upon just glancing at Tom.
''Do you know who I am, then?'' He asked calmly.
She nodded. ''It's quite obvious, ain't it? Please come in.'' She then opened the door to them, and Tom glanced at Hadrian, who hissed under his breath, ''You look just like your father. That's probably why she said that.''
Tom nodded and stepped inside the home of his father and grandparents. They followed the servant to the lounge, and she entered before them.
''Sirs, Madam, there is someone for you.'' She said haltingly, and Tom stepped forward, not wanting to get a dismissal without seeing his father.
His hands clench next to his body when he steps through the door, but it's the only emotion he shows them. He surveys the room with detachment while the owners of the manor gape at him.
Tom nodded his head, seeing Hadrian do the same in the corner of his eye.
His eyes find his father's, who had turned pale as soon as Tom stepped into the room. He sees the resemblance between them, but his eyes are blue while Tom's are brown with a wine color gleam.
''Hello, my name is Tom Marvolo Riddle. I have just found out that you are my father.''
Harry's POV;
Could this little shit be any more dramatic? Harry thinks with a groan in his head.
The room is silent for a moment before the woman, Tom's grandmother, stands.
''You said she was lying.'' Her voice trembles before she turns towards her son.
Tom Riddle Sr. is still watching his son with wide eyes. ''I thought she was. I-I didn't know.''
The woman nods before turning back to Harry and Tom, accepting her son's word for what it is.
''Where is she? Where is that- that charlatan that took my boy from me?'' Her voice trembles with the question, and she grabs her son's hand. Harry doesn't know if it's for her support or that of her son.
''He said he was bewitched by her. Do you know anything about that?'' The eldest man in the room says while still smoking his pipe. He seems like the most calm person in the room. But Harry doesn't like how his eyes are narrowed. It reminds him of Vernon Dursley.
Tom doesn't say anything for a moment before he speaks up again. ''She died while giving birth to me.''
Tom Sr. sags into his chair as if his strings have been cut and puts his hands over his face. ''Oh, thank the Lord! I was afraid she was coming back.''
He's shaking a bit, and Harry can't imagine the terror that man must've been through. His mother puts a hand on his shoulder.
''You didn't answer my question, boy.'' The eldest Riddle says with a sharp glare aimed at Tom.
Harry stiffens, and Tom does too.
''My mother died while giving birth to me. Why do you think I would know anything?'' Tom replies calmly.
They glare at each other, and Tom's grandmother steps in between them.
''Thomas.'' The woman hisses in reprimand before smiling shakily at them.
''My apologies, dearies, my name is Mary Riddle, we- we just-'' She falters for a moment.
''You've been through a lot, we understand. We just came here because Tom deserves to know who his father is. Even if you don't want anything to do with him after this.'' Harry says with a nod. Tom doesn't even flinch at the statement, but Harry knows he cares more than he lets show, but Harry also knows that Tom wouldn't let a tear for them if they die.
Tom Sr. sits up suddenly. ''That's not it. I truly thought she wanted money or something when she said she was pregnant. I wasn't expecting her to be actually pregnant. It was so strange for months. I couldn't think straight and didn't know what was happening half of the time. I could only think about her! And then it was like a fog was lifted and -'' He falters. Tom Sr. seems very lost for a moment.
Thomas Riddle grunts. ''Pull yourself together, son.''
Tom Sr. looks at his father, and Harry clenches his jaw. This man is almost forty but still cowers for his father.
Harry pities him.
''What are you doing here? Did you think you could just waltz in and get some money off us?'' The man accuses, making Tom bristle and sneer.
''I don't want anything from you. I just wanted you to know that I existed. I grew up in an orphanage, but I have my own house and enough money to live from.'' He says with conviction. The Riddles don't seem to believe him, and Thomas Riddle raises a skeptical eyebrow.
''How old are you? You're awfully young to have money of your own.''
''I will be seventeen in a couple of weeks,'' Tom adds stubbornly. Harry can see how much it pains him to be civil to these people. Honestly, Harry feels irritated too.
Thomas scoffs. ''That's too young to be living on your own.''
''I live with Hadrian and will finish my schooling next year,'' Tom says heatedly.
At this, Thomas sneers hatefully at them both.
''So you're a kept boy? Do you bend over for him, and he gifts you nice clothes? Do you know you will be gassed if the Germans find you?''
Mary gasps, Tom Sr glares at his father, and Tom goes utterly still.
Harry sees red.
He whips out his wand, ignores the shriek Mary Riddle gives, and the curse Tom Sr. lets out.
There is satisfaction glimmering in Thomas Riddle's eyes. And Harry hates it. Hates him.
How dare he insult Tom like that!
''So you are just like her. Just like that pathetic family down the hill in that shack. Those magicians.'' He spits the last word as if it's venom and then does spit at Harry's feet.
''We are wizards, yes, and you are a barmy knobhead that thinks he's on top of the world because he has some money, well you posh git! We have enough money to buy out the village, raise it to the ground and build a fucking castle on top of it. Say something like that about Tom again, and I will castrate you.'' Hadrian growls out before turning around and storming out of the door.
Tom pulls on his arm before they leave the manor and smiles at him in amusement. Harry hadn't even noticed him following Harry.
''I thought I was the one at risk to kill them. Now you want to castrate my grandfather?''
''He's a fucking tosser and deserves a true stick in his ass!'' Harry hisses.
Tom snorts before waving behind him to the mansion.
''You should put a secrecy spell up. Otherwise, you are in serious danger of breaking the Statute of Secrecy.''
''Bugger,'' Harry grumbles for doing as Tom said.
They are ready to apparate home when a shout behind them makes them turn around.
Tom Riddle Sr. is running out of the house towards them.
''Well, I didn't expect this to happen,'' Harry mumbles to Tom, and Tom just elbows him to silence him.
Tom's face is blank when his father approaches.
''Thank God you haven't left yet. I-I apologize for my father.'' Tom Sr. grimaces at the mention of Thomas Riddle.
Harry really doesn't like the man.
''I understand. It is not something you hear every day, of course,'' Tom replies loftily.
Tom Sr nods. ''I never expected her to have told the truth. If I had known, I would've made sure you would have been taken care of.''
He says it with such conviction that Harry is stunned for a moment. He can only imagine how Tom feels.
''I don't want your pity,'' Tom says flatly.
Tom Sr. cringes. ''I understand, and I'm not offering. But- well, you should know how glad I am to hear that wizards and witches exist. I was declared mad so many times when I came home after I left.''
''You cannot tell anyone about us. You understand that, right?'' Harry blurts out.
The identical expression that is thrown at him has him stifling a laugh. They are almost synchrone in the 'Are you stupid' look. He raises his hands as to sign that he means no harm.
''I may not understand magic, and to be honest, are quite terrified of it-'' Tom Sr. swallows harshly before powering through. ''-but I would like to get to know you.''
Harry is shocked. He hadn't expected that at all.
''Magic is a very large part of my life,'' Tom says after a few moments of silence. Tom Sr. nods at that as if understanding. ''but maybe we could meet sometime to - talk.''
Oh Godric, he never had heard Tom this awkward.
Harry doesn't know where to look at the moment, so he just stares in the distance, hoping this immensely awkward conversation will be over soon.
''Sure, yes, let's meet. How can I reach you?''
''I'll send you an owl.''
''Uh, that's fine. Fine, yes, let's do that.''
It's silent again, and Harry truly can't take it anymore.
''I'm so sorry, Mr. Riddle, but we need to go. Have a nice Christmas.'' Harry says smoothly. He doesn't think he imagines the little slump of relief in Tom's shoulders.
''Ah, yes, have a nice Christmas. Again, my apologies. Good day.''
''Good day,'' Tom replies haltingly, and Harry grabs his arm before pulling them abruptly in an apparation.
They land in the lounge, and Harry starts sniggering and slaps a hand over his eyes. ''Oh Salazar, that was awkward, but hé, he wants to get to know you! That's something, right?''
''Right.'' Tom's voice is tense, and Harry turns to him. Tom seems to be almost shaking.
Harry steps in front of him, ducking his head to catch Tom's eyes.
Tom looks lost when he meets Harry's eyes.
''Hey, are you alright?''
Tom is silent for a moment, his jaw clenching a few times before he releases a breath and ruffles his hands through his hair.
''He would've taken care of me. If he had known.''
Harry reaches out and puts his hands on Tom's shoulders, rubbing his thumb up and down in a soothing motion. He knows how hard this must be for Tom. Hell, Harry has been through it himself. What if Sirius had never been locked up? Then he would've taken care of Harry together with Remus instead of the shitshow of a childhood he had with the Dursleys.
''But he didn't know, and now you're here.''
Tom straightens at that and looks intensely at Harry.
''Yes. You're right. We don't know what would've happened if I had him in my life before. I do know for sure that I wouldn't have met you.''
Harry gapes at him, but Tom doesn't even seem to notice how he just took Harry's breath away with that statement.
Okay, mmh. Didn't know I would go in this direction, to be completely honest with you. Certainly, not that I would have a bit of sympathy for Tom Sr., but the man was dealt a shitty hand. Let's be honest. What Merope Gaunt did to him was awful. Even if she was abused at home and didn't see a way out.
Oh, Tom, your jealousy is showing! I love how Tom is so confused about what Harry does to him.
HAH, I hope you liked this chapter! Please let me know!
xx MBlack93