My Time

Chapter 73

Hayden didn't hesitate, he shoved himself backwards, pushing as much of his strength into his back, the shove quick and hard as humanly possible. Tense and coiled like a spring, knowing what could happen next, depending on the delicacy of the wand, how often it was used and how much care had been taken in the care of the wand. His magic exploded violently, clashing with the core of the broken wand which caused a secondary explosion both Hayden and his mysterious attacker went flying.

If it hadn't exploded it would have left his attacker without a functioning wand, which suited him just fine.

Hayden used to flying and had jumped numerous times in different environment's. He went with the momentum, and begun to lean into the fall, using his body to its advantage. Naturally he begun to roll as he hit the ground, he waited until his momentum wasn't quite so fast before he shot out his hands and feet, and allowed himself to break until he ultimately stopped, gracefully with his wand in hand. Not that he needed it, he was quite adept at wandless magic, although earlier had been a reaction to all the years of danger.

Hayden blinked, staring at the body that was crumpled like a ragdoll at the bottom of the wall which he'd hit hard enough to cause cracks and indentations. The blonde hair, it gave away the identity of his attacker. Malfoy. Likely Abraxas Malfoy, his parents would likely be too old to be randomly attacking anyone.

Fluidly getting to his feet, slightly surprised that there wasn't a single ache to accompany it. Usually when he did such things his body did a snap crackle and pop! The result of an entire decade of neglect and starvation. Not that he let it stop him, he was used to the pain, but rolling around after an explosion without a single sharp pain was definitely a new one for him. Even after all this time he was still surprised by his own new body.

Sudden movement had him whirling around, wand aimed at the ready, seconds from a spell shooting from his lips.

"Easy, it's just me," Tom said cautiously, hands held up in surrender, dark eyes watching him intently. "Do you want me to get Orion?"

"What am I, two?" Hayden murmured petulantly, clenching and unclenching his fists, the adrenaline was beginning to crash. These things, they tended to feel like they lasted forever, but the reality was, only mere moments had passed since the incident. His hands were shaking, he immediately sought to hide it, refusing to show weakness to anyone, he'd been caught of guard. "How did you know what happened?" he hadn't seen him when he gave the mansion a once over, maybe he'd missed them? He must have done either that or Malfoy had a portkey to the place. It wasn't apparition, since nobody could apparate silently.

Tom made his way towards Abraxas curious to see if he survived, the copious amount of blood running from a head wound was immense. He was impressed with Hayden's swift reaction, impressed but not surprised. His reaction to the attack in the shack had been so quick that all he could do was blink before his attack was rendered to nothingness. It hadn't just been one spell; it had been a dozen fired at him all at the same time. It had been an attack meant to kill and he'd came out entirely unscathed all the while attempting to protect Orion. He said attempted because Orion – all the Blacks actually – was just as dangerous. It's why he'd been so eager to have them on his side, and it wasn't solely for the monetary benefit's either. "I have the wards set up so I might apparate in and out but nobody else." He finally explained to Hayden as he finally got to Abraxas' side.

Kneeling before the wizard, Tom pressed his fingers to Abraxas' neck, using the muggle method to check for a pulse. He'd adapted perfectly to the magical world, having always felt superior to muggles anyway. However, there were some things just remained ingrained. Such as using your fingers to check for a pulse.

"Is he alive?" Hayden asked, a hint of apprehension in his voice, he knew he wasn't to blame. That any court would let him off for defending himself. You just didn't go around poking your damn wand into people's backs and not expect reactions. Although, given Abraxas is likely the only heir to the Malfoy family, would make things…a little tricky.

"Yes," Tom replied, a dark note to his voice, that spoke of 'for now' he might have his soul in one piece but it didn't automatically make him a better person. Less insane definitely, but not someone who would blanch and back away from potential murder. "He's alive."

"Don't kill him," Hayden stated sharply, eyeing Tom.

Tom turned from where he was crouched, arching a brow, "What do you mean?"

"I know you better than you know yourself," Hayden retorted, and it was true, the way he said 'he's alive' with that dark note of anger and regret…it was the same tone he'd used when killing Severus Snape in his time.

Tom inclined his head, conceding his point, he couldn't actually deny it when it seemed to be true. Flicking out his wand, Tom begun to cast a diagnostic spell, using the correct wand movements to the spell, as always, doing it perfectly. He had read a book about healing, just to be on the safe side should anything happen to him while in the muggle world. He hadn't had a use of them yet, and had practically shoved them in the 'useless' and likely 'never to be used' box in his mind and forgotten them. "He's severely injured, more so than I can offer any aid in." unimpressed, the halo's and glows broken bones, broken spine at that, he needed help and soon.

"How injured?" Hayden asked causing Tom to stiffen in shock at how close he'd gotten without him any the wiser, which shouldn't have bene possible. His magic screamed for all to see that he was powerful, dangerous. He often wondered if he would feel that way if he just let loose his magic all the time.

"Spinal damage, and numerous breaks, he hit his head enough to bleed, it's slowing down, you have a choice, we could get rid of him or send for…" Tom begun, but he didn't get to finish.

"Don't try to make me beholden to you, Tom, it won't work, we're family," Hayden said firmly, "I know you don't get what family is about yet…neither do I really…but we can learn together." Squeezing his shoulder in solidarity. Well aware of Tom's actions, it seemed the horcruxes had made him more impulsive but no less devious to those around him. It likely made him more dangerous to an extent, but Hayden prayed to Merlin it would reel in his impulsiveness, especially his murderous impulsiveness.

"I will attempt to ensure he remains silent on the matter," Tom grumbled, it would be easier to see him dead, even if the loss of the funds would be painful. The Malfoy's held a lot of political power, and more money than they needed in this lifetime. Which was rather odd since they weren't an ancient and noble line, they definitely held the power of one.

"Don't bother. I'll be truthful on the matter." Hayden commented, before raising his wand and red sparks shot out of his wand, the red sparks shot up into the air and remained there. They would until aid reached them in the presence of the healers, who were alerted the second the alarm had left his wand. It was the equivalent of a human muggle calling the emergency services.

"They will arrest you until they have all the facts," Tom warned him, they were always rushing head first into situations they don't understand despite the truth being spoken to by the bystanders or witnesses.

Hayden laughed, it was deliciously dark, and vindictive. "Nobody would dare, last time anyone arrested me Longbottom was demoted down the ranks to a rookie, you think anyone is going to risk it? Especially for the likes of Malfoy?" hardly anyone tolerated the Malfoy's, only those with money smarmed up to the assholes, and even then, likely only put up with them for their socialite standing. He genuinely would be beyond shocked if someone actually liked the Malfoy family. Then again, he was judging them on his own experience with Lucius and Draco Malfoy, people who weren't even a twinkle in their families eye yet.

No, he couldn't be that person, if he could forgive Tom for the horror he'd wrought, he could forgive people he didn't even know for simply being related to the people he disliked.

"Yes, that was in the newspapers, the Daily Prophet," Tom said, but naturally it was no longer in publication. He glanced curiously up at Hayden, confessing himself curious as to why he'd cared so much.

"Let anyone away with anything they'll continue to take," Hayden sneered, a dark look overcoming his features, much to Tom's delight. "They got off with it too long, I refuse to let it continue." The world deserved to know the truth, not just what the damn Ministry or Dumbledore wanted people to know. It was disgusting what he was realizing, he was so glad he hadn't cared about Dumbledore towards the end of his original timeline. Otherwise, it would have been another betrayal, likely a betrayal too much and it may have broken him.

Tom felt his face turn into a real smile, oh, he wanted to know everything, but he knew he likely wouldn't. Still, being in the know was much better than being blind to the massive secret society would never know. He liked that someone was as ruthless as him, although, it was made, created, not natural like his.

Sudden pops surrounded them, as the healers and Aurors arrived on the scene, the blend of lime green and red robes clashed horrendously so. However, an emergency call usually – if any were available – heralded Aurors arriving with Healers for protection and upholding the law.

"Back away, immediately," came the quick retorts from the Aurors, as they paved the way for the healers to get to their patient. "Who called us?"

"That would be me," came Hayden's calm concise answer, "Lord Peverell."

Tom watched, delighting in the way they immediately changed their demeanour, Hayden was quite correct, they definitely weren't taking any chances with him. Nothing aroused him more than to see people put in their place, well, except if it was him doing the putting into their places. However, since coming back to himself, he knew he would need to be very vigilant and ensure he didn't leave any loose ends.

"And this is my cousin, Lord Thomas Marvolo Gaunt," Hayden impressed upon them the fact they were family.

"Come over here, Lord Gaunt, we do need your version of events," the Aurors were quick to separate them, not in any ill manner, but to get what happened without any 'tampering' as if it wouldn't have already been done.

Hayden didn't recognize the auror's that were here today, but he was pleased with their professionalism. He did admittedly ignore them as he watched the healers bundle Malfoy onto a stretcher, the wizard still unconscious, with bandages wrapped around his head. There was a lot of chatting going on, presumably about their patient, giving the Aurors a brief update before they were gone with their precious floating cargo.

"How is he?" Hayden asked, as he was approached who was likely the senior officer in charge of the scene.

"He's alive, suffering from severe injuries but the healers reckon he'll live, but only time will tell," the Auror explained only what he could. He wouldn't get further updates unless the newspaper published anything about the Malfoy heir. Or asked the family, but given how protective the Lord and Lady Malfoy were, it was highly unlikely. Abraxas was their only son and heir, like many families they were struggling to produce a single child from unions let alone more than one.

"I am Senior Auror in charge, Goliath Fawley," the Auror explained, showing his current credentials, allowing Hayden to inspect it. "Can you explain what happened here?"

"I can," Hayden said, satisfied that the credentials were current, unlike the muggle counterpart, it wasn't easy to get Auror's credentials. If it was lost, it returned, if it was stolen, it got destroyed, if the wizard or witch, were fired it emblazoned across the photo and ID 'Fired' and if you retired, similarly happened. The most you'd get away with holding an Aurors credentials is twenty-four hours, if you weren't utterly nefarious. Hayden could think of a few ways, the Imperius curse the most prominent one in ensuring full use of the credentials. "Fortunately for you, it was a very quick incident."

"Just tell me everything you can," Auror Fawley reassured him, setting up his quick quotes quill and notebook, which recorded all the words spoken during interviews. A handy piece of kit, it would have been beyond annoying having to remember or go into a pensive to memorise the words and get them written down.

"I was just coming to have an impromptu visit with my cousin," Hayden said dryly, "Turned my gaze down that way, curious to see what it was like, if there were any differences from the last time I was here. There were many. The idiot thought it would be a good idea to shove a wand in my back." His vexation showing utterly, making no effort to quell his exasperation at such an action.

Auror Fawley nodded, waiting for any further information the wizard would give him. "What happened next?" he asked when it became clear that he wasn't about to expand further.

"I may have instinctively shoved backwards," Hayden confessed, tiny amount of red appearing on his cheeks, showing his embarrassment over the incident. "It caused an explosion, I'm not sure how, but I was blown forward and he backwards."

Fawley relaxed, his lips twitching as he valiantly refrained from smiling or laughing, "An accident then, I see." If this was the result of a wand breaking, he was astonished it wasn't worse, the backlash when wants are broken with magic on edge without a containment ward…well it was just horrendous really. It was something the Ministry had learned the hard way, newer wands that haven't been using magic long don't have such a backlash, but out of Hogwarts and using magic regularly? Yes, it was a miracle he hadn't internally decapitated himself.

"An avoidable one, yes, if he hadn't insisted on sticking his wand in my back," Hayden agreed, but not letting them brush it off as something utterly avoidable.

"I'll need your primary residence just in case we need to speak to you again," the Auror explained, "Unless it's the same from the last time the information was taken?" prodding the wizard curiously for his place of residence.

"Still the same address," Hayden stated firmly.

"If you have any questions or have concerns, these are the means you can get in touch with me," Fawley said, handing over a business card, which came out his credentials pocket. There were various means of communication provided, and when best to get them at various locations.

"Certainly," Hayden agreed.

"Just wait there a moment until I get the all clear," Fawley gave him the index finger to 'stay' as he approached his partner, who asked Thomas to remain before meeting with him in the middle.

"Accidental backlash?" Fawley questioned, making sure everything was on the up and up.

"Oh yes, the pieces of the wand have already been found and placed in evidence," Auror Tuft agreed, "Certainly shows signs of an accidental backlash, the wood has clearly been splintered instead of snapped. The ends are also very charred, if they hadn't had their heirship and lordship rings on, I do believe it might have been a different scene we came upon." Giving him a look, they likely would have been looking at dead bodies at that stage.

"Good, then send them on their way, we have a report to write up then head to St. Mungo's," Fawley declared, so glad he hadn't ended up with Longbottom as a partner. Grateful that his boss, Scamander had taken pity on him. He'd tried his best with the mean-spirited, self-centred, inconsiderate not to mention intolerant asshole, he truly was one of the worst trainees Aurors he'd ever had to put up with. Unfortunately, the little shit had connections, so he'd remained silent on the topic just waiting for the day where he went too far, grateful when he could stop working with him. He hadn't been surprised he had screwed up, well, he was surprised by who he'd screwed with, imagine messing with a Peverell, especially a Lord.

"Sure thing," Taft agreed, "You're free to go!" he called out to Thomas Gaunt, without taking a step towards him.

"Thank you," Tom replied with a welcoming smile, more like they were free to go, he thought icily. They were on his property, well, his land, and stood next to his mansion. He knew better than to start anything with the Aurors otherwise they would make his life uncomfortable, that was for sure. Especially any that might still be on Dumbledore's side. "Thank you for your very prompt response to this accident." He added.

Hayden watched him in amusement, "You know, if I didn't know you, I'd have totally bought it," impressed and it wasn't despite himself.

Tom straightened, "I'd like to think so," ever so smug, he'd learned from a very young age how to be charming. Unfortunately, it hadn't worked on everyone, but he couldn't have expected it to. It was just unfortunate, that Dumbledore had visited him that day all those years ago. Things could have been different…then again given the wizards penchant for reading students minds, perhaps Dumbledore would have seen his true intentions after all.

Hayden just shook his head fondly, eerily enough, thinking pretty much the same thoughts as Tom.

"Why are you here, anyway? Do you need something?" Tom asked curiously.

"Two reasons, to give you this personally and to see how you are doing," Hayden answered honestly, "I know you're seeing someone to help with everything that happened. I don't regret it; in the long run you'll be better for it. I mean you tried to make yourself immortal and died when you were…" Hayden tried to calculate just how old Tom was roughly anyways. "Seventy-one years old." he added triumphantly, seven months away from being seventy-two.

Tom huffed, "There is definitely no need to brag about it," although even he could see the irony in it, the thought of dying was terrifying.

"Take care of yourself and your soul Tom, and you could live for hundreds of years, did you know the witch that delivers treats on the trolly in the Hogwarts express is three hundred years old?" Hayden pointed out.

Tom's jaw dropped, "Impossible,"

"Truth," Hayden grinned, "So, come on then, show me around, this place looks…amazing, you've done really well with it."

Tom smiled at the genuine compliment, Hayden didn't want anything from him, not a thing. He wasn't used to that, not really, ugh, Gryffindors, honestly. "It didn't take long for me to receive the Riddle estate, they took one look at me and declared there was no need for any DNA tests to be performed." Moving towards the open gates of the renamed Gaunt Mansion. He'd even had new gates installed with 'G's adorned the front designed in snake form.

"We've all got family we wouldn't rather have," Hayden said quietly, "Although, he didn't deserve what you doled out. The guy likely spent the next near two decades completely out of his wits. He was controlled for merlin only knows how long, only to come to and find he had a witch for a wife and a son. Of course, he ran, anyone rational would have done the same thing." Gripping Tom's arm stopping him reaching for his wand.

"Our parents are just people, damaged, unsure, insecure people that just…were just human. We put our families on a pedestal to make ourselves feel better, to give ourselves comfort in the cold, painfilled and lonely days." Hayden said, causing Tom to shiver he surrounded him with purebloods that would never understand him, not really. Hayden though, Hayden seemed to fully understand him in a way he still reeling over.

Tom swallowed, eyes gleaming darkly, but he nodded, just the once, yes, yes, he'd put his father on a pedestal. Only because he thought for sure his father was the special one, the wizard. How could his mother have been a witch when she was so weak she couldn't even survive his birth? To have that knowledge turned on its head had been the straw that broke the camel's back really.

"Your mother loved you, never doubt that, she made sure you were safe from your grandfather and uncle. She did wrong, but nobody is a saint, you also have to realise that she wasn't all there mentally. Whether it was the way she was treated…her lack of Hogwarts letter or the fact she was a product of incest we'll never know. Forget all else, just focus on the fact she loved you and move on." Hayden said as they moved towards the mansion and Hayden couldn't help but take it all in, head going all over the place taking in the sight.

"Is it that easy for you?" Tom enquired, having a feeling it wasn't, but here he was, talking to the wizard who had killed them, who had tried to kill him too many times for Tom to remember. That was a lie actually, he knew very well the exact number, he'd gone over the memories again and again and again.

"It's easier for me, Tom, they don't exist," Hayden murmured, wandlessly shooting out silencing bubble so that nobody could hear his reply. He would never risk anyone finding out about him, and he knew about Animagus' and well, it would only take one Skeeters and then he would be screwed. So, he was ever vigilant, Orion would be proud. "When they do…they won't be my parents, they'll be parents to someone else. They'll never know, all I'll be to them is a distant relative. More distant if Fleamont doesn't want anything to do with what he deems as a 'dark wizard'," rolling his eyes dramatically, seriously, he needed to do something about all that shit. Dumbledore really had been working hard to split the damn magical world into fractions. From Hogwarts age onward.

"If they get together, the moment you came here you begun to change things, who knows what effect that might have on the time-line. Only you will know, and I look forward to hearing about it." Tom answered, it was a fascinating prospect really, to know just what one person can affect the timeline.

Hayden froze, blinking owlishly, "Well, there is that," he murmured, shrugging indifferently, they'd be alive that was all that mattered. He was going to make things different; they wouldn't be targeted by Dumbledore for his special selection of students to join his damnable Order for one. They'd be safe, happy, hopefully.

"I've had all the muggle plumbing removed and magical spaces created including a warding hub," Tom began to regale Hayden with what he'd had done so far. "Most of the houses were abandoned and the rest were encouraged to leave."

Hayden turned to him, gimlet glare, opening his mouth to speak but Tom beat him to it.

"They're alive, I just gave them a little incentive, most of their neighbours were dead, and properties bombed," Tom explained, gesturing towards the direction of the bombed area absently. "Businesses have been abandoned, but luckily did not suffer any destruction, I can begin bringing wizards and witches any time for the business side anyway. I don't much see the point at the moment, since it's so unknown nobody would likely come and without custom the shop won't remain open."

"So, you aim to get the houses rebuilt and get wizards and witches into the area?" Hayden asked, turning around and looking at the extent of Tom's land. It was impressive, nowhere near the vast amount of land the Peverell's owned but decent nonetheless.

"I do, a lot of the buildings need a good going over, and sprinkled with magical items to make it more homely." Tom answered, he already had a rough idea on whom he wanted to live here, he wanted it to be high end, extremely sought after. The properties would need to be upgraded severely if the people he wanted to come into the area would wish to do so. Yes, it was going to be a long arduous task but Tom didn't mind, it actually thrilled him to keep him busy and he'd drawn his own plans. His mind had never been sharper, and he was grateful, even if his sleep could sometimes be nightmare-ish.

"Do you intend to build anything more than homes?" Hayden asked, "And the shops in the area I mean." There likely wouldn't be many, right? Little Hangleton was only two hundred miles away from Greater Hangleton. Little Hangleton was all Tom's and he'd basically wiped it off the map it was now fully a wizarding space.

"Such as?" Tom asked, already figuring Hayden had a suggestion or two to share.

"If this was the only space I would have said an orphanage, but I do have plans to create one," Hayden commented, as he sat down on the stone bench, it truly was a beautiful sight despite the tiny glimpse of the war the muggles had just fought.

Tom sat, clenching his teeth together, envy and jealousy swirling within him.

"I know, too bad it wasn't thought of for us, but it will save so many other children, what we went through…I wouldn't wish on my worst enemy." Hayden said, his brow furrowed.

Tom huffed out an incredulous laugh, funny thing was, Hayden actually meant that, "Gryffindors," he said, wrinkling his nose, he would never suffer as to let his enemy (if he had one) live if he'd put them through what he put Hayden through. Or should he say Harry through since they were two different people? Hayden had made that astonishingly clear today.

"I'll have you know I was meant for Slytherin," Hayden said in faux offense, "Here, Orion's surprise party, do not mention it or I'll hang you up by your thumbs in your own dungeons."

Tom stifled his amusement, accepting the envelope, he'd had invites to parties and such, whilst at Hogwarts. Unfortunately, he'd never accepted any. He couldn't allow himself to, he had no means of getting there, and even if he did, he wouldn't consider for a moment buying dress robes to go to a children's birthday party instead of books or things he'd need for the upcoming year. He had a reputation to uphold after all. "What makes you think I've got a dungeon?"

Hayden just gave him a look, ask me a harder question, why don't you?

"Will you come?" Hayden asked.

"Yes, there will be plenty of networking I can do." Tom agreed, always all about politics. "Speaking of networking, do you intend to come to the next Wizengamot meeting?"

"Orion was right, I wasn't giving it a fair chance, but I doubt it will ever be my thing, but I am giving it a fair go." Hayden commented, not remotely surprised Tom would use a birthday celebration to network for his political cause, considering the Black's policies and politics it's likely they'd be of a similar mind. Eh, the alternative made Hayden entirely accepting of his choice. Truthfully, he wouldn't be surprised if Orion networked at his own bleeding party. Orion had been taught to put the family first before all else, even before himself.

A/n there we go I just wanted to show that Tom was still Tom despite all the changes he's undergone, just less murderous lol I hope I accomplished that at least. it's not as long as usual but my battery is running down and I don't have my charger with me so enjoy R&R please