(A/N: Hey Guys I'm back with another chapter! I've got a little time between these next few shows so I should hopefully be updating a bit more frequently until the middle of November! That being said please enjoy the chapter!)

Chapter 11: Separation and Celebration

The next morning when Harry joined Tom for breakfast, things were more than a little uncomfortable. Harry did not sleep well. He was plagued by nightmares of Tom finding out about his developing crush on the man and the man did not react favorably in his dreams. Tom for his part bid Harry a good morning but other than that remained silent and kept the paper in front of his face even as he ate his breakfast. Dejectedly, Harry managed a few bites of his own but pushed it away before he was even a fourth of the way finished with it.

He didn't like the tension between them but was also at a loss for how to address it without making things worse for them both.

"Did you still wish to go to Diagon Alley today?" Tom's voice cut into his thoughts suddenly. On the one hand, Harry still wanted to go and pick up something for Draco's birthday the following day. On the other, he was nervous about making the current situation between himself and Tom worse.

"If it's not any trouble." Harry answered carefully, doing his best not to fidget even if Tom's eyes hadn't moved from the paper in front of them. The man folded it down after a moment and laid it next to his plate. Harry noticed he had only eaten about half of his own breakfast.

"No trouble at all, but we should probably head out now. I have some work to attend to later this afternoon so the sooner we return the better." Tom stood and offered Harry his arm expectantly. Harry took hold after a moment of hesitation and felt his feet leave the manor floor as Tom whisked them off to Diagon Alley.

Upon landing in the bustling streets, Tom had separated from Harry and moved away until there were a few feet between them.

"I have some business I need to attend to while we are here as well, we can meet back up near Gringotts in an hour and a half." The former dark lord had walked away from him before he even had a chance to answer. Harry's mood plummeted further with the dismissal from the older man. Sighing softly, the raven decided there was nothing he could currently do about it and set off to shop for Draco.

He spent well over half his hour and a half in Flourish and Blotts picking out books he had wanted to give the blonde regarding potions. He ended up with one on advanced potion brewing, one specifically related to creating and altering potions recipes, and one focused on potion ingredients and their various attributes. To finish off here, he picked up a few of the pricier and rarer ingredients that were listed in the books. He had all of these packaged up carefully and shrunk so that he could carry them in his robes.

His next stop had been the quidditch shop where he had picked up a very nice broom servicing kit, a new pair of dragon hide riding gloves, and he tied it off with a jersey from the Slytherin's favorite player. These too had been packaged up and added to his robes.

When he had finished acquiring everything on his list, he had realized he still had half an hour before he was due to meet back up with Tom. He felt a little swell of something bitter settled in his stomach as he remembered the man's behavior towards him this morning.

"Oi Harrison, is that you?" A voice called out to him from a rather short distance. He glanced up to see Draco walking towards him through the crowd of people. Harry smiled slightly at the appearance of the other boy and held a hand up in greeting as the Slytherin reached him.

"Hello Draco, didn't expect to see you here." Harry watched the blonde shrug a bit, "Father had some business to attend to here and I decided to tag along and look around. You're still coming to my birthday party tomorrow, right?" The Slytherin asked, tilting his head slightly in question. Harry gave a nod with a slightly wider smile, "Of course, wouldn't miss it."

Draco returned his smile and jerked his head towards the ice cream parlor a few feet from them. "I was planning to head to Fortescue's and get some ice cream do you want to join me?" Harry considered the Slytherin's offer for a moment. Initially he felt he should say no as he had agreed to meet up with Tom soon, but after the awkwardness this morning Harry found himself craving some positive interaction with Draco.

And so, he found himself chatting away with the blonde at a table outside the parlor while they each enjoyed a sundae. He had missed the other boy's energy and conversations, although he still felt guilty at lying to the other about his identity. He was lost in thought for a moment when he heard the blond start laughing.

"What's so funny?" Harry asked with a raised eyebrow, only to get a smirk in return.

"You have chocolate sauce on your face Harrison. Who taught you table manners anyway, wolves?" Draco teased him, making Harry blush as he swiped at his face with a napkin.

"Still there." The Slytherin snickered as Harry made a few more attempts all apparently in vain and only serving to further amuse the blonde.

"Here just hold still." Harry started as the other boy reached across the table and swiped his thumb across the corner of Harry's lips, leaving his hand to rest there as he stared at Harry with a smirk. "There."

Harry stared back at the Slytherin, noting the feeling of warmth radiating from the hand against his cheek and Draco's thumb still resting against the corner of his lips. Draco seemed to notice as well but kept his hand where it was, something warm in those silver eyes.

"It's been a while since I had this much fun." The blonde smiled softly, "You're a very interesting person Harrison."

Harry felt his heart rate pick up as Draco seemed to lean in a bit closer to him. Was Draco planning to kiss him? Did he want to kiss Draco? He knew the answer was no, the only person he wanted to kiss was Tom, but Tom didn't see him like that if his attitude towards their interaction yesterday was anything to go from. Maybe it was better that Harry try to take an interest in someone closer to his age. Someone who seemed to already have an interest in him. No, he couldn't do that to Draco, nor could he lie to himself.

Draco seemed to have picked up on his hesitation and had paused, waiting and gauging his reaction. After a moment Harry started to lean forward himself with the intent of pushing the Slytherin away but was halted by a throat clearing nearby. Both boys pulled away hastily, glancing to the side of their table to see Lucius Malfoy and Tom.

Harry felt a wave of anger and annoyance filtering through his bond with Tom and when Harry realized the time he understood why.

"I wondered what had kept you but now I see exactly what it was. Come we need to head back to the manor, I'm already behind schedule as it is." Tom hissed icily, not bothering to hide his displeasure at Harry being a half hour past their initial meet up time.

Harry nodded quietly, glancing over at Draco who looked guilty as he seemed to pick up that Harry was in trouble with the older man. Harry tried to give the Slytherin a reassuring smile.

"Sorry Draco, I have to go but I'll see you tomorrow for your birthday party."

The blonde watched him stand and move to follow Tom who was already walking briskly through the crowd to find an area for them to leave from. Harry bid a quiet goodbye to Lucius as he past the Malfoy patriarch and steeled his nerves for the conversation he was sure would occur when they arrived back at the manor.

The raven had been correct that a conversation would follow. Upon landing in the manor Tom had immediately leveled him with a look of annoyance.

"Would you care to explain to me what I just saw and why you were over half an hour late?"

"Draco found me in Diagon Alley after I had finished shopping and asked me if I wanted to get some ice cream. At the time I wasn't supposed to meet you for another half hour, but I lost track of time." Harry answered the red eyed man honestly, Tom snorted at his response.

"Oh yes I was quite able to see why you lost track of time." The dark-haired wizard huffed, beginning to pace with his arms crossed in front of him. Harry blushed as he remembered his almost kiss with Draco. "If it's all the same to you though, I'd appreciate not being kept waiting so you can make out."

Harry felt his own temper flare at the way Tom's tone dripped sarcasm in the last sentence. "For your information, I wasn't making out with him." Harry fired back, "He leaned into kiss me and I was about to push him away." Tom scoffed at him and stopped pacing.

"Yes, that's certainly what it looked like from an outside perspective." His voice was again dripping sarcasm.

"Why do you care anyway? So, what if I was going to kiss him?" The raven huffed in frustration and felt a matching wave of it coming from their bond.

"Who says I care?" Tom shot back

"You do with how upset you seem to be about it." Harry argued, crossing his own arms across his chest.

"I couldn't care less who you kiss Harry, I care about being left waiting after you agreed to meet me at a specific time." Tom growled out, moving a few steps closer to the Gryffindor.

"Look I'm sorry, I didn't mean to miss the meet up time but I was enjoying spending time with Draco." Harry snapped out, ignoring the pang of hurt in response to Tom saying he didn't care who Harry kissed.

"There are more important things to be focused on, or did you forget we are currently fighting a war with Dumbledore?" Tom's words brought Harry up short and they stared at each other, both their expressions still twisted in annoyance.

"Of course I haven't forgotten."

"Oh, so you're intentionally putting your desires ahead of focusing on it. Excellent." The older man remarked dryly.

"I'm not putting anything ahead of it!" He snapped, moving closer to the Slytherin. He would not be intimidated nor would he stand for Tom treating him like a child.

"Then you would be focused on your lessons and training rather than the Malfoy brat." Harry was fuming at this point and they seemed to simply be going round in circles now.

"Bloody hell Tom, you act as if I was trying to fuck him in the middle of Diagon Alley or something! He's my friend, nothing more and nothing less. I think I'm allowed to enjoy some semblance of normalcy with my friend after the constant near death experience that has been my life up until now, mostly because of you!" Harry finally yelled, breathing harshly as he stood with his fists clenched by his sides.

Tom's anger seemed to vanish from his face instantly and was replaced with a blank neutral mask. Harry found it to be worse than the older wizard's anger honestly.

"If that's how you feel then you can have your normalcy and go stay with your friend. Perhaps you two can pick up where I interrupted. I'll have Lucius come and collect you." Tom's voice was cold as he turned and strode briskly from the sitting area, leaving behind a shellshocked Harry.

As he processed the man's words he slid to his knees and curled in on himself in a fetal position. This hadn't gone well at all and he had let his anger overwhelm him. Tom apologized for the mistakes he had made that impacted Harry and the first time they had an argument Harry had tossed them back in his face again.

He didn't know how long he lay curled on the floor but was brought back to awareness sometime later when a voice came near to him.

"Harry?" It was the voice of the Malfoy patriarch and he was knelt beside the Gryffindor with a look of concern. "What happened?"

"I messed up Lucius. I yelled at Tom and basically told him he had ruined most of my life even though he had apologized for those mistakes and expressed guilt about his actions." Harry didn't know when he had started crying but he now felt the wetness of tear tracks as he explained this to the other wizard.

"Come, you will be staying in Malfoy manor for a few days. I think the time apart will do both of you some good." Lucius offered a hand to the young boy who took it gratefully and without another word they disappeared, leaving an upset former dark lord brooding in his study.

(Tom's P.O.V.)

Tom was unsure what had come over him. It had been ages since he had felt the level of anger and bitterness that he did upon seeing the Malfoy brat leaning in as if to kiss Harry. It had only spiked when the Gryffindor not only didn't push the boy away but leaned forward as if to encourage the kiss.

Truthfully, he had originally been worried when Harry didn't meet him at their agreed upon time. His immediate thoughts had been that the boy got into trouble as he had such a knack for doing. His next had made his blood run cold when he wondered if it was possible Dumbledore had discovered the boy. His blood had definitely returned to normal and then spiked to a red-hot inferno upon seeing what had actually kept the boy though.

He had planned to try and calm himself down before they spoke but upon landing in the sitting room his temper had spiked again and had only gotten worse when Harry claimed his intention to push the Malfoy away, it certainly hadn't appeared that way to Tom.

He had ignored the pang of hurt from the boy when he lied and told Harry he didn't care who he kissed. Because he shouldn't care and he couldn't understand why he did so strongly. And then Harry had yelled at him to remind Tom of his part in the boys unfortunate circumstances, reminding the red-eyed wizard of so many mistakes.

He had shut down after and had fled to the comfort of his study. He had ignored the guilt, sadness, and pain flooding in from Harry's side of their connection. Eventually blocking the connection itself.

The former dark lord had sent for Lucius and upon the man's arrival he had explained his need for the Malfoy to take the Gryffindor for a few days to give Tom time to sort out his feelings and thoughts and decide how to proceed from there. Lucius, ever the parent, had expressed displeasure with him for sending Harry away in a distressed state instead of talking to him, but Tom refused to do so until he was certain of what he needed to say.

And that's how he found himself sitting at his desk, nursing a glass of scotch as he contemplated his situation. He had initially chalked his fascination with Harry up to appreciation and the boy being both interesting and rather skilled for his age. When they became friends, he chalked it up to being able to understand each other. When he started considering physical touch towards the boy, he chalked it up to lust and some touch starvation on his part.

The problem with his theory was that lust wouldn't have had him lashing out towards the Gryffindor like he just had. Which left only one other logical explanation, love. Tom would freely admit he knew basically nothing about that emotion, had never felt it as far as he was aware. Of course, he knew what others had said about the feeling. The stories of the heart skipping beats and butterflies in the stomach type dribble that he had often scoffed at.

He tried to think about what he felt when he spent time with the Gryffindor. He felt content and dare he say happy, especially when they discussed interesting topics like the different branches of magic or when Harry had been discussing the gardens with him. He found the boy to be incredibly intelligent and cheerful and he found it hard to feel anything negative around him. Was it enough to say he might be falling in love with the boy though? To Tom the same issue that had kept him from pursuing the Gryffindor physically was also a problem with pursuing him emotionally.

Harry was currently sixteen. Mind you, the boy had the life experience of someone twice his age by now which probably accounted for why he seemed so much more mature than he should be. He thought about the moment in the garden. Harry had looked absolutely ethereal as he had basked in the dying glow from the sun which is what had led Tom to nearly kissing the boy. He had hoped the other hadn't noticed his odd behavior following but the sadness that had radiated from him said he had.

Tom's main question was had that sadness come from Tom's attitude change or had Harry realized that Tom had been planning to kiss him and been disappointed that he had stopped? Harry had started to lean back into him when Tom had put a stop to the moment. Perhaps he wasn't the only one with some developing feelings.

Would the boy answer him honestly if he inquired about it? But even if they were both beginning to develop more romantic feelings regarding the other what could he do about the age gap? While it wasn't entirely uncommon in the wizarding world it was a little strange to Tom and he assumed it would be to Harry also as he had been raised partly in the muggle world.

He supposed there were options like an aging potion or keeping their relationship more platonic until Harry was of age. He knew the appearance of his own body wouldn't make the difference very noticeable but he would have to gauge how the Gryffindor felt about it if the boy even returned his interest.

He would give Harry a few days at Malfoy manor to calm down and let the boy process his own feelings and then when he returned Tom would sit them down for a long and likely difficult discussion for the both of them. He could only hope that this played out in a way where neither of them would get hurt.

(Harry's P.O.V.)

Harry had eventually calmed down after Lucius had settled him into a comfortable chair and given him some tea to ease his rattled nerves. The blonde had waited patiently for him to drink and be ready to speak.

"I think I'm falling in love with Tom and I don't know what to do." The Gryffindor finally blurted after a while, looking to the older Malfoy with imploring eyes.

Lucius for his part seemed a bit taken aback but quickly recovered. "I see, so that's who you were talking about during our lesson."

"Who did you think I had meant?" Harry asked confused, he had been sure when Lucius had given him that knowing look, he had already pieced together who Harry was talking about.

"In all honesty, I had thought you were talking about Draco. His letters home after you two became friends gave me the impression that you were well on your way to being more than friends. Your own concern for his well being and the guilt you felt about lying to him had me wondering and then you talked about developing feelings for someone you were sure wouldn't return them." Lucius explained, shrugging slightly as he settled back in his own chair.

"No. Draco is a great friend, but I don't see him romantically." Harry sighed, running a hand through his hair. "I think I'm starting to see Tom that way though even though he probably just sees me as a kid."

"Well, you are still sixteen so technically a kid." Lucius pointed out, sipping at his own tea. "Although age gaps aren't quite as frowned upon in the wizarding world as they are the muggle one."

"Really?"

"Yes, it was very common throughout history and although a bit rarer now it's still accepted largely depending on the gap." Lucius informed the Gryffindor, "Does the age difference between you bother you at all?"

Harry paused to consider it honestly. He knew that Tom was older than him by quite a bit but the man also currently looked to be in his early twenties so it was easy enough to forget. He didn't really find himself bothered by it even when he considered the real gap between them. He still found the man to be interesting, intelligent, and surprisingly kind. He still found the man attractive, very attractive if his past dreams were any indication.

"No, not really. I can't say that he wouldn't find it to be a problem though. Or just feel that he could do better in general." Harry uttered that last part with a hint of bitterness in his voice, earning a sigh from Lucius.

"You sell yourself short Harry. I've known the man for a decently long time now and you possess two of the things he values most. Intelligence and loyalty. Not to mention I think your positive attitude and cheekiness is likely growing on him as well."

Harry hummed in response, "I'm unsure, I want to talk to him about it but I worry that our relationship will not be the same if he rejects me and were just beginning to make progress in him understanding friendship."

"Use your time here at Malfoy manor as a chance to sort through your feelings and if you still wish to talk to him about it then I believe you should do so. Until then, I believe Draco will be most delighted to see you and it will be a good way to take your mind off of things for a bit."

Lucius had been correct about Draco being excited to see him and after a discreet lie that Harry, or Harrison as he was still known to Draco, had planned to sleepover as part of a surprise for the boy's birthday they had settled in Draco's room to talk. Luckily, Draco's presents were still within his robes and he presented them to the Slytherin early.

The boy had seemed rather impressed with them and had inquired as Harry knew he would about how the raven had shopped so accurately for him. Harry had offered his explanation of having asked Lucius and that seemed to satisfy the Slytherin.

As the boy was adding the potions books to a shelf along his bedroom wall, he cleared his throat and began with a slight nervous tremor in his voice. "Er..Harrison..about earlier at the ice cream parlor…" He trailed off , looking slightly uneasy. "I'm sorry that it seems I got you into some trouble with the dark lord."

"Don't worry about it Draco, it was my fault for losing track of time." Harry reassured the blonde, but it looked as if he wanted to say something else. Instead, the Slytherin moved cautiously towards him and cupped Harry's cheek, tilting his face and moving closer. This time Harry did as he should have earlier and stopped the boy. Draco watched him with a curious and slightly hurt look in his silver eyes.

"I'm sorry Draco. You're wonderful and I value our friendship probably more than you know, but I have feelings for someone else." Harry whispered, feeling uneasy at the hurt on the Slytherin's face. It soon shifted to a small smile as he dropped his hand from Harry's cheek.

"I understand Harrison, hopefully whoever it is treats you well." He blushed a bit at the boy's response but they soon slipped back into easy conversation. They continued on until well past midnight, only stopping when Narcissa had come to tell them they should be sleeping soon as Draco would have party guests arriving rather early in the morning. She had offered Harry a small knowing smile that told Harry that Lucius had probably explained his current predicament to the woman.

She had offered to lead him to a guest room just down the hall from Draco's and Harry had followed her quietly. Upon entering the room, she had softly closed the door and turned to face him. "While I can't say that I'm happy about lying to my son I do understand why you're doing it." She fixed him with a stern look, "and before you ask, I had already figured you out without Lucius needing to tell me."

"That being said, I am sorry that you have been forced into this role Harry." She sighed, her eyes softening just a bit. "I can't imagine the things you've already seen and lived through being pulled into this war."

She moved to sit at the foot of the bed and motioned for him to sit down beside her. Harry hesitantly took the space, waiting to hear what else she had to say.

"You know, I actually attended school at the same time as your mother, although I was a few years ahead of her." The woman started softly, eyes staring off as she recalled the past.

"What was she like?" Harry asked without thinking, everyone always told him about his father but only Remus had ever really spoken to him about his mother.

"She was very spirited, that's for sure. I remember your father being quite a troublemaker but I'm sure you've heard plenty about that. Your mother could often be heard across the ground giving him what for about his pranks and behavior." She giggled, "Honestly even us upper years were starting to bet on how long it would take for them to either get together or your mother to end up killing him."

Harry smiled to himself as he imagined a younger version of his mother berating his father. Narcissa had a small smile on her face as she watched him.

"I want you to know that while you're here, Lucius and I will help you anyway we can. I feel you've likely gone on without good parental figures for much too long young man." She teased, making Harry snort a small laugh.

"I appreciate that Mrs. Malfoy."

"Narcissa dear." She corrected, standing from the bed and beginning to walk towards the door.

"Oh, Lucius also mentioned to me the little predicament you're having with some feelings involving a certain lord. Although he needn't have told me that one either. You two are quite obvious if someone knows what to look for. On that topic, Lucius told me the advice he gave you and I agree with him about this separation being good for you both. I do think it would be better for you to talk things out with each other once you both feel ready though."

Harry nodded silently, remembering his earlier argument with Tom and knowing that in a few days they would have to address at the very least the tension from the argument even if Harry didn't bring up his feelings quite yet.

"I'll also say that when it comes to love, these things have a funny way of working themselves out, but from what I've observed myself so far, I think you'll be just fine. Sweet dreams my dear." The woman gave him a final soft smile and pulled the door shut behind her, leaving Harry to try and get some sleep.

Draco had come and roused Harry early the following morning, the blond bouncing with unhidden excitement. He had followed the Slytherin downstairs where they had joined Lucius and Narcissa for a nice breakfast and both had teased the young blonde for his child like excitement with warm smiles.

When breakfast had finished, Narcissa had led them through the main sitting area which had been decorated in silver, green, and black streamers and balloons for the boy. Not long after they had set down, the fireplace had flared to life.

Harry was greeted by Crabbe, Goyle, Knott, and Zabini coming from the flames of the floo.

"Happy birthday Draco!" Crabbe grinned, the others chorusing alongside him as they all gathered around their fellow Slytherin.

"Who's this?" Zabini inquired, sizing up Harry and drawing three more pairs of curious eyes to the Gryffindor.

"Harrison Black." Harry introduced himself, holding his hand out to Zabini who shook it after a small pause.

"He's a friend, play nice Blaise. That goes for the rest of you as well." Draco smirked at the group, "Well now that everyone is here who's up for some friendly quidditch?" He grinned, earning agreement from everyone circling him. "Don't worry Harrison I have an extra broom you can use." He added when Harry didn't respond.

And so, the birthday celebration had begun. Had it been anyone else Harry might've let them win since it was their birthday, but as it was Draco he knew the blonde would not like it being taken easy on him. So, if Harry caught the snitch five of the six rounds they played and teased the Slytherin about needing flying lessons, it was only because he was determined to be a good friend to the other boy.

(A/N: That's it for this chapter guys, I'm hoping to finish and upload the next withing the next two or three days! I know we're getting into some angsty territory here and sorry to all the Drarry fans who wanted that kiss, they may be the next pairing I write when we tie this story off eventually. Anyways tata for now!)