A Serpent in Lion's Clothing

by WaywardWinchester66

Harry is sick of being treated like a chess piece. No one can tell him what either side is even fighting for. Well that's not true, there is one person who might be willing to tell him the truth. So the Boy Who Lived arranges a meeting with the one and only Dark Lord Voldemort. One that will change his life permanently, whether for better or worse you'll have to read to find out.

7. Chapter 7: Gringotts & a New Friend

Chapter 7: Gringotts and a New Friend

Harry had continued to doze on and off the rest of the evening and throughout the night. During the few shorts spans he had been awake Tom had checked back in on him and brought him a few books at his proclamation of boredom and not being able to move farther than the bathroom. He had talked a bit with the dark lord about their visit to Gringotts and Tom assured him that the goblins would not reveal who had claimed the accounts just that they were next in line for both of the families.

The following morning when Harry attempted to move himself from the bed, he was pleased to find that the pain in his side had been reduced to a dull ache. He found a set of plain black robes, a dark grey shirt, and black slacks laid out for him on the dresser. After freshening up in the bathroom and attempting the ever-losing battle of taming his unruly black hair he dressed in the clothes and came to stand in the middle of his room.

He suddenly felt a bit silly as he wasn't exactly sure what time it currently was or where to go from his room. He also realized a bit belatedly that calling for the house elves might be out as he had yet to meet any of them or learn their names. Deciding he may as well try he called out a hesitant "Hello?" then waited, feeling sillier as time passed.

A small 'pop' behind him caused him to swivel his head and see that a house elf had indeed appeared. "Hello Sir, Tilly has come to lead you to the dining room he has." The little elf bowed to him, wringing it's hands together. "Oh, thank you." Harry always felt unsure of how to interact with the creatures after his experience with Dobby. He was often concerned that he would unintentionally upset or insult them.

As Tilly led him from his room and down the hallway Harry took this opportunity to observe the manor more. He had expected more of a dark decor considering it belonged to a dark lord, but the manor was largely decorated in cherry wood and white marble. Now that he thought about it, he wasn't sure if he should really classify Tom as a dark lord anymore. The man wasn't necessarily doing anything at this point that qualified as being a dark wizard.

Entering a set of large double doors, Harry was greeted with the sight of a long wooden breakfast table and at the head sat the dark lord in question, drinking what the raven assumed was coffee and reading a copy of the Daily Prophet. "Good morning, Harry, how are you feeling?" Red eyes raised from the paper and settled on him as he was led towards a chair to the right of the older wizard. As he sat, he heard another small 'pop' signifying Tilly's departure.

"Better than yesterday, mostly just a bit sore now." He gave the older wizard a small smile, blinking in surprise when two plates of food appeared before them. He was pleased to note it was simple foods like eggs, toast, and a few sausage links. Tom laid his paper off to the side and began adding butter to the toast on his own plate. "Excellent, then we should be in order for our trip to Gringotts." Harry glanced at the folded newspaper, "What was the reaction to my untimely demise?" The raven was sure that Skeeter wouldn't have passed up a chance to write an overly dramatic article about him. "Would you like to read it for yourself?" The red eyed man questioned with a smirk, holding the paper out to him. Harry took the paper from him, seeing a large headline and a photo of his own body staring back at him.

Boy Who Lives no Longer Lives: An Accident or Murder?

By: Rita Skeeter

It is with a heavy heart that this reporter writes that during the final task of the Triwizard Tournament being held at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry the body of a student was discovered in the center of the maze that was set to be their trial. The body was none other than the Boy Who Lived, Harry James Potter.

The body in question did not look as if Mr. Potter had been injured or killed by any of the creatures within the maze and all of the participating champions' wands were checked for the casting of the killing curse or any other curses that would inevitably lead to death.

It was later discovered by Albus Dumbledore that the Triwizard Cup had been enchanted and turned into a portkey. The location of where the portkey lead to was untraceable and the identity of who enchanted the cup is still unknown. It is this reporter's belief that this is a sign that He Who Must Not Be Named has returned and struck a huge blow to the wizarding world. What will happen now that the Savior of the light side is no more?

In asking Albus Dumbledore, the boy's magical guardian, he had this to say. 'While Harry will of course be deeply missed and his death comes as a hard and surprising moment to us all, we must continue standing against dark wizards when they rear their head.'

Could the darkest wizard of the last century truly be back? Is he responsible for the death of the Boy Who Lived? This reporter will continue to provide information as it comes to light.

By the end of the article Harry was smirking, "Seems like the double worked then." He refolded the paper and laid it between them before picking up his fork and beginning on the eggs on his plate. For the first time in a long while he actually had an appetite. "It does, Dumbledore will likely play up your death and use it to garner sympathy towards himself and the light. That's why it's important for us to move first as far as the Potter and Black accounts are concerned. I have no doubt the old fool will try to drain them and use them to fund whatever schemes he has going on behind the scenes." Tom informed the younger wizard, Harry hummed in acknowledgement as he finished his eggs and began working on his toast and the sausage links.

Tom had already finished his own and seemed to be patiently waiting for the raven as well when Harry remembered his earlier debate. "Hey Tom? Would you still classify yourself as a dark lord?" He questioned softly, eyes locking with the older man's as he seemed to consider Harry's question. "I suppose that depends on what you classify as a dark wizard Harry. I do still practice many magics that are labeled as dark and I am still breaking a number of wizarding laws. As for the killing and torture that occurred during my temporary insanity, that has been effectively put to an end. Both for myself and all who follow me." Harry nodded once, digesting that information for a few moments and contemplating his own views on this matter. "I don't think I would call you a dark lord anymore then by that description." He finally concluded out loud before finishing the last of his breakfast.

Tom seemed to regard him with something between amusement and curiosity, but did not comment on Harry's declaration. Instead, the older wizard stood from the table, brushing a hand down his cloak and moved towards the young Gryffindor. "Well then are you ready to head out? Remember while we are out, I will be calling you Harrison instead of Harry." The man reminded him, they had used the potion on him yesterday that would conceal his lightening bolt scar. Harry pulled his wand from the inner robe pocket and cast the spells he and Tom had discussed, one to lengthen his hair down to his shoulders and one to change his eyes from their normal green to a rich chocolate brown.

The older wizard hummed in approval when Harry finished and held out his arm to Harry. "I believe those spells will do the trick we'll be traveling by apparition if that's alright with you." Taking hold of his arm the younger wizard braced himself, "Anything is better than traveling by the floo system." He muttered remembering his first trip in the floo where he had ended up in Knockturn Alley. As the world around them blurred he was almost certain he heard Tom chuckle softly at his comment and then they were gone.

(Tom's P.O.V. )

When they landed on a small side street of Diagon Alley he made sure to steady the young wizard so he wouldn't end up on the ground and gave him a minute to adjust to the sudden change in location. Apparition was a travel method that took some getting used to and Tom doubted Harry would have experienced it very often. "Not the most pleasant but at least I landed where I was supposed to this time." Harry muttered quietly, eyes roaming the many people passing on the main walkway nearby.

"Many ways of fast travel in the wizarding world simply require practice and an adjustment period Harrison." Tom smirked, making sure to slip over to use the raven's agreed upon name. The boy in question snorted softly, "I can't imagine you struggled at all with things as simple as the floo system. Or really anything else for that matter." This caused Tom to raise an eyebrow at the Gryffindor, did the boy think him incapable of making mistakes? "While some do possess natural talent in some areas of magic, that can only get one so far. It's no substitute for practice and training. However, that will be a conversation for another time as we have an appointment to keep." Tom replied gesturing for the other to follow him.

The younger wizard fell into step beside him as they made their way through the main path towards Gringotts. Tom remained silent for most of their walk, pondering their conversation in the alley. He wasn't fully certain of the boy's attitude in the talent versus hard work debate but he did seem to believe that talent meant one didn't also struggle in the area they were talented in. That could be limiting to what the boy would be able to learn so Tom would need to correct that.

Perhaps when they returned to the manor, he would broach the discussion of Harry's training and get a feel for where the boy was. He could sense the boy's magic well and was intrigued to feel that his magical reserves were unnaturally high for his age which would make training him in more complex spells easier. Harry showed cunningness and a desire to learn but if the work ethic and resolve weren't there, they would hit a wall in teaching him anything beyond the basics.

As they approached the stairs of the bank he tucked his thoughts away for later examination. Presently they had more pressing matters to deal with before he needed to worry about the boy's training and magical progression. That would be a much longer project after all. He could only hope the boy was up to the task when the time came.

(Harry's P.O.V.)

Harry felt his nerves rise a bit as they entered the bank and approached the goblin behind the counter. He was grateful Tom seemed to be taking the lead on this as the raven had scarcely dealt with the vaults and knew the goblins were easily offended when dealing with witches and wizards. The raven couldn't blame them honestly, he had read in a number of books about the ongoing arguments about whether the goblins should be allowed access to wands since they could perform magic without them. The goblins of course saw the refusal as the wizards limiting their powers and looking down on them. Harry would have to ask Tom at a later time what his thoughts on the matter were.

"We have an appointment with Griphook, please let him know we've arrived." He overheard the older wizard address the goblin and they went off towards a door behind them, probably to grab the goblin who's name Tom had given. A few moments past and the previous goblin returned with an older looking one who Harry assumed was the aforementioned Griphook. He realized he had met this goblin a few times before when he had come to the bank his first and second years. The old goblin had seemed a bit on the grumpy side but as he approached Tom and Harry, he seemed to be more relaxed.

"Mr. Riddle, if you'd follow me, please. We can get everything you wrote to me about sorted out." The goblin began leading them down a hallway past a number of shut doors before stopping and placing a key in the handle of one of them. They entered a small office-like room and Tom guided him to sit in a set of chairs facing a large wooden desk.

Griphook took up the chair on the opposite side of them, shuffling a number of papers that lay atop the desk before his eyes zeroed in on Harry. "Mr. Potter, it is good to see that your untimely demise was not as final as it seemed." Amusement was present in the goblin's eyes as he said this, Harry's eyes went towards Tom in a slight panic. "It's okay Harry. The goblins are allies of mine and can be trusted with the knowledge of your identity. These rooms are protected by strong warding so no one outside will hear what is discussed." Tom assured the raven, easing the boy's nerves at least a bit. "Thank you, Sir." Harry directed at the goblin afterward, not missing the surprise in his eyes.

The goblin hummed in what Harry assumed was approval before turning one of the papers around towards the Gryffindor and former dark lord. "So, my understanding is that you are here to claim any vaults you are heir to as well as properties. Is that correct?" Harry nodded once in confirmation, "As I'm sure you are aware accounts are usually held by one's magical guardian until such time as a wizard turns seventeen." He glanced between the two wizards across from him. Harry immediately felt his panic return at that response. No, he hadn't been aware of that rule and his seventeenth birthday was still another month away. He tried to calm himself back down and cast a sidelong glance at Tom, he was certain the other man knew of the rule and likely had a plan so he would have to trust him to handle this.

"We are aware of the rule. However, I believe this will be allow us to proceed without an issue." Tom smirked, pulling a folded paper from his inner pockets and passing it to Griphook. The goblin unfolded the paper in question and read silently for a few moments before smirking himself and handing it back to Tom. Harry glanced back and forth between the two, feeling as if he was missing important information, what had Tom given him and how was it letting them get around the rule?

He decided he would question the older wizard about it after, but let it be for now as Griphook slid open a drawer and removed an ornate silver dagger. "I'll first explain the process to you Mr. Potter. The parchment before you is enchanted to reveal bloodlines when an individual places a drop of blood upon it. This will show us which lines you are heir to and will list what accounts and properties reside with each. At the conclusion you will also be given the family rings if they are within our possession." The goblin explained, pausing at the end to let the young wizard digest everything told to him.

"So, you just need a drop of my blood then?" Earning a nod from the goblin, Harry extended his hand and allowed the creature to make a small cut on his pointer finger. He watched in fascination as a drop of blood splashed onto the parchment and dark red lines began to branch in all directions from it.

After a few moments the page was covered in the dark red lines as well as writing branching to the sides. "Let's see now, it seems you have three lines of which you are currently the living heir. Those would be the houses of Potter, Black, and Le Fay." Harry noticed momentary surprise flash across Tom's face before the man's neutral business face returned. "Le Fay as in Morgan Le Fay?" The former dark lord questioned, earning a nod from the goblin. "The one and only, seems her line married into the Black family line." The goblin confirmed running a finger along the branching lines, "How am I heir to the Black family vaults though when Sirius is still alive?" Harry questioned, surely his godfather would have been next in line.

"Well, that is a tricky situation, Mr. Black was disowned by his mother who named his brother Regulus heir to the vaults upon her death. Regulus did name Sirius Black as his heir to inherit the vaults upon his own death and Sirius then named you, his heir. Now normally that would have only come into effect had Mr. Black died, but instead he was later arrested and sentenced to Azkaban. Those residing within Azkaban lose all access to any family inheritance and it is then passed onto either the named heir or the next closest of kin if an heir was unnamed."

Harry hummed in thought, he felt wrong to take the vault when Sirius was still alive. He may have only met his godfather last year, but they had been becoming quite close through their exchanged letters. He knew the man was likely upset given that he was under the impression Harry was now dead, but had a feeling the man would understand when Harry was finally able to explain the whole situation. For now, he supposed there was nothing he could do as until Sirius name was cleared, he would not be able to access the vaults.

As that thought occurred to Harry though he turned to look at Tom, "Pettigrew actually does serve you, doesn't he?" Tom regarded him with curiosity but nodded, maybe there was something Harry could do after all. Could he ask a favor like this of the older wizard though and what would Tom's reaction be? "Would you be willing to hand him over to the ministry to clear my godfather's name?" The raven finally managed to ask, his voice wavering a bit with uncertainty. "If Sirius was deemed innocent by the ministry, then he would regain access to his accounts, right?" Harry looked over at Griphook, "That is correct, he would be reinstated as the Black family heir." The goblin agreed, glancing between the two wizards in front of him.

Tom had remained silent during the exchange and his face was unreadable to Harry which caused nervous tension within the boy. Perhaps he had gone too far with his request, it's not like Tom had reason to care about Sirius' well being or letting him reclaim his family vaults. "This is important to you?" Tom questioned finally, raising an eyebrow at the younger wizard who nodded with determination. "I can see to that over the next few days then." The older wizard agreed, "Then I believe we are just claiming the Potter and Le Fay Vaults then." He addressed the last part to Griphook.

The goblin began showing Harry the amounts within both vaults and as the Gryffindor read them, he felt a spike of anger rear its head. Dumbledore had always led Harry to believe his accounts did not hold much, only allowing him enough for his school materials and a bit of pocket money for the train trolley. He had even told Harry that his account would not have been able to fund getting a new broom after his had been destroyed by the whomping willow.

Going over the numbers now with Griphook he could see that the man had been lying immensely. The potter vaults alone held a small fortune, but the Le Fay vault held nearly ten times that. At one time he would have said the man had not wanted Harry to become spoiled due to the money, but now knowing Dumbledore's true colors he had a sneaking suspicion the old man had been helping himself to the money while keeping Harry in the dark.

"Is there a record of money taken from these vaults?" Harry cut the goblin off softly, he needed to see for himself if he was right. "Of course." Griphook answered, a piece of parchment appearing in his hand and he unrolled it to rest in front of Harry. The raven began reading quietly.

'10,000 galleons withdrawn by Albus Dumbledore'

'5,000 galleons transferred to Hermione Jean Granger'

'5,000 galleons transferred to Ronald Billius Weasley'

'8,000 galleons transferred to Molly Weasley'

'15,000 galleons withdrawn by Albus Dumbledore'

With each line he read the raven could feel both his anger and his magic bubbling to the surface. The old man had not only lied to him but had been stealing from him! And if these transfers were anything to go by it seemed that the man had been paying off not only his two friends, but the woman he had seen as a second mother. The transfers seemed to go back all the way to before his first year had even started. Had either of them ever actually been his friends or had they just been paid by Dumbledore from the start?

(Tom's P.O.V.)

He wasn't sure at first why Harry had asked for the record of transactions in the vaults, but he grew concerned when the raven's magic began churning violently as he read them. The boy's magic grew dense and he could see the young wizard's shoulders beginning to shake. Hesitantly he moved a hand out to softly rest on the boy's arm. "Harry?" He said the boy's name cautiously so as not to cause him to lash out.

"He lied to me. All this time he lied to me about the vaults. And my so-called friends and the people I had considered family? He was paying them off out of my vaults. Is that all I was to them? Keep the golden boy in line for an easy payday? I had thought they at least cared about me at the beginning, but these payments started before I ever started Hogwarts. That old goat had already decided who my friends would be and how he would keep me in line." The boy barked out a sharp laugh, the shaking intensifying.

The Gryffindor's magic was beginning to become tangible, swirling around them in sharp green streaks. Tom noted Griphook had vacated the office, likely to avoid being hit by the boy's lashing magic and to let Tom attempt to calm him down. This was not Tom's wheelhouse though; he wasn't sure what to say to the raven that would have a calming effect. The boy had found out that his entire support system had been based on lies, what does one say to make that better?

"Harry, I understand you are upset, you have every right to feel that way after being lied to like you were, but you need to calm down. Your magic is going to begin lashing out and it could potentially hurt one of us." He cautioned the boy, his grip on the raven's arm tightening just a bit. "Did they ever actually care about me?" The younger boy sniffed; tears were beginning to escape his eyes as he tried to curl in on himself.

Against his better judgement, the older wizard tugged the young boy towards himself into an awkward hug. The boy curled in against his chest and began shaking more violently, leading the former dark lord to bring his arms around the wizard and begin rubbing soothing circles on his back. "Harry, whether they did or not you have people who do. The friends you wrote about who were protecting you prior to the third task, your godfather." Tom tried to calm him, "All of whom believe I'm dead. I can't tell them the truth and am purposely deceiving them, Tom." Harry replied, his voice wavering and muffled from his position against Tom's chest.

"I believe they will understand when you are able to explain things Harry. Until then you also have me." The red eyed wizard felt a little hesitant to add that last part, but he did care for the boy's well-being also, didn't he? He had felt concern when Harry had been hurt after the final task and he was beginning to enjoy having the Gryffindor around to talk to. He had an interesting outlook on the wizarding world that Tom admitted he appreciated.

Harry had raised his head to look at the other wizard, tear tracks still visible. Tom carefully brought his hand up and used his thumb to brush them away, earning him a watery smile from the green-eyed boy. "Thank you, Tom." His voice was still a bit shaky, but his magic seemed to have settled down. "We should probably call Griphook back and finish up the meeting." He muttered softly a small, embarrassed blush on his face, the older wizard chuckled softly in amusement at the blush.

(Harry's P.O.V.)

It was at that moment that Griphook reappeared behind the desk, albeit a bit cautiously. "I apologize Griphook, I let my anger get the best of me. I'd appreciate it if we could finish going over the documents." Harry smiled sheepishly at the goblin who offered a small smile in return and nodded. He finished showing Harry the list of properties belonging to the Potter and Le Fay families including his parents' cottage that resided in Godric's Hollow and a castle belonging to Morgan Le Fay which resided on the island of Avalon.

When they had finished going over the paperwork, Griphook had presented him both family rings which Harry had slipped onto his right hand, one on his ring finger and one on his middle. Tom immediately grabbed his hand and cast a disillusionment spell over the rings, "This way no one will be able to make out the exact family line they are for unless you want them to be able to." The red eyed man explained, releasing Harry's hand.

Lastly, Griphook led him down to both vaults to allow Harry to see what was in them. He did take this opportunity to fill a small leather bag with coins while he was in the Potter vault. He was surprised to see there was also a small photo album with what appeared to be pictures from his parent's school days. He added that to his bag, planning to look through it later. Within the Le Fay vault he found a portrait of Le Fay herself which he saw Tom inspect further. "It looks like this portrait was charmed, likely by her, to allow her descendants to speak to her. It is the same magic that works on the portraits of the former headmasters at Hogwarts." He muttered quietly, still examining the portrait. "Would you like to bring it back to the manor and speak to her?" Tom questioned, turning his gaze to Harry.

The raven pondered this for a few moments. He had never really heard much about Morgan Le Fay aside from she had been considered an enemy of the Wizard Merlin and had ruled the island of Avalon. Every book that mentioned her called her a dark wizard, but Harry was curious to speak to her himself and find out if that was true. After all, every book that mentioned Tom currently called him a dark wizard too and Harry knew the man wasn't really dark when he had his sanity intact. Perhaps he could even learn a thing or two from Le Fay. Finally, he nodded in response to Tom's question, watching as Tom called for Tilly and had the house elf return the portrait to Riddle manor.

Finishing up in the vaults, he and Tom thanked Griphook for his assistance and left Gringotts, rejoining the crowded walkway of Diagon Alley. "Was there anywhere you wished to visit before returning to the manor?" Tom questioned him as they began walking through the dense crowd. Harry looked around at the array of shops having never really been able to explore most of them. "Could we stop by the Apothecary and the Magical Menagerie?" He requested softly, earning a small smile from the older wizard. "Of course."

They stopped in at the apothecary first. Harry could admit that while he wasn't inept at potions he wasn't as skilled in them as he would like to be. Perhaps now that Severus and he were on better terms the older man would be more willing to give him instruction. He wasn't certain how much Tom knew regarding potion making, but he would likely ask the former dark lord's assistance also. In the apothecary he grabbed a few books on advanced potion brewing and, following a list posted on the shop's wall, grabbed the ingredients advertised to be common in many different potions. He figured if he needed anything incredibly specific, he could acquire it later on.

Their next stop was the Magical Menagerie. He knew many students acquired their pets from this shop and he was curious about the different animals available here. He observed a number of different tanks and cages near the front of the store. He saw ravens, snails that were oozing a bright orange liquid, crabs with little flames coming from their shells, and many more creatures that he couldn't even begin to guess. Tom followed behind him curiously and observed the tanks they passed as well.

As Harry neared the back wall, he realized the tanks they were approaching now seemed to mostly contain different reptiles. One in particular stuck out to Harry, for inside was curled up a small greyish snake. As if it could sense his eyes, the creature raised it's head and fixed surprisingly bright red eyes on him. It tilted its head to one side, almost as if demonstrating curiosity towards the young wizard.

He moved closer to the tank, reading the little info card on the shelf.

'Ashwinder: Incredibly aggressive do NOT remove from tank'

Harry brought his eyes back up to the small serpent, 'Funny you don't look incredibly aggressive.' The raven whispered, not realizing he had switched to parseltongue. 'I usually am not, but the humansss here are unbearable.' The snake hissed in response, uncurling it's body slightly and raising up further to regard the young boy. "Oh, you don't want that one boy! Quite a temper in that thing, nearly burned my shop down he did." The woman called, walking toward them from behind the counter. Harry heard the snake give a little hissing chuckle, 'Served her right for trying to grab me while I was sleeping.' Harry felt himself smile a bit at the little serpent's attitude.

"In all honesty, I've called someone to come get him and dispose of him humanely. Far too dangerous to sell to someone as a pet." She shook her head sighing, causing Harry to frown, his blood going cold. "Dispose of him?" He repeated making the witch nod, "Can't risk him harming someone or burning my shop down Dearie, it's for the best really." She shrugged as if she wasn't talking about having the little serpent killed.

"What if I took him off your hands?" He asked quickly, then shot a glance at Tom realizing he should probably make sure the older wizard was okay with him bringing another pet into his home. Hedwig had already taken up residence in his owlery before Harry had even awoken after his incident during the final task. Tom gave him a short nod of agreement at the raven's unasked question, Harry shot him a grateful smile before turning back to the shopkeeper.

"Well, I suppose if you can get him out of the tank without him burning you, I could let him go with you." The woman shrugged before giving him a look that said she didn't believe him capable. Harry gave a small smirk and turned back to the little serpent who had been watching them, 'Would you like to leave thisss place and come with me?' Harry whispered softly switching back to parseltongue, 'Will there be mice? And no tanksss?' The little ashwinder questioned, tilting its head again. 'You will be well cared for, but that meansss you can't burn me when I put my hand in your tank.' Harry warned, already removing the lid from the tank. At a small nod from the serpent, he lowered his hand in and allowed the snake to wind up his hand and settle into a coil around Harry's wrist.

Turning to face the woman he could see open shock on her face, "How much for him?" Harry asked already reaching for his money pouch. "You know what Dearie; you're doing me a favor getting him out of here. I haven't seen him calm like that since he arrived in the shop. Just take him." She answered, putting both her hands up and waving him off towards the door. Deciding not to argue, Harry and Tom headed for the shop door and reentered the bustling street.

Harry glanced down at the grey serpent wrapped around his wrist still, 'Is that a comfortable place for you?' He asked the ashwinder, the little serpent gave a nod. 'Iss very warm little speaker, who is the older one with you?' He followed the snake's eyes and saw they were locked on Tom who was watching both of them with amusement. 'He's my…friend..it is his home that we stay in. Also, you should be aware there is another snake there, her name is Nagini.' Harry stumbled a bit over trying to label his and Tom's relationship. Tom had comforted him during his outburst so he felt like calling the man a friend wasn't entirely inappropriate.

'Speaking of names, do you have one that I can call you by?' Harry asked politely, but the serpent gave a small shake of it's head. 'I was never given one little speaker.' Harry pondered on this for a moment before addressing Tom, "Ashwinders are born from the ashes of magical fires, aren't they?" He questioned, earning a smile of approval from the older wizard. "You are correct, they are." Turning his attention back to the small snake who was watching him curiously, 'How do you feel about the name Cinis? It means ash in Latin.' The raven explained, watching the snake ponder it before giving a small nod of agreement.

With that settled, he glanced back up at Tom to find the former dark lord regarding them both with an amused look. Harry blushed realizing he had made Tom stand in the middle of a busy street while he conversed with Cinis. "Erm…sorry about that. I didn't mean to hold us up." He offered sheepishly, earning a small chuckle from Tom. "It's alright Harrison, I am glad you seem to have made a new friend. He seems to quite like you as well it seems.

(Tom's P.O.V. )

The former dark lord had watched curiously as Harry had conversed in parseltongue with the small ashwinder. He had initially been curious about why the boy wanted to visit the menagerie to begin with but had often read that pets helped with loneliness. After Harry's episode earlier he thought having another pet would do the boy some good. His thoughts were only reinforced upon seeing the boy's interest and smile when conversing with the little snake.

He had of course known since the boy's run in with his diary self that Harry was also a parseltongue so he wasn't surprised that the raven was drawn in by an animal he could communicate with. The little ashwinder seemed to also have a rather snarky personality from what Tom gathered from their short conversation. He had found it oddly entertaining to watch the young wizard try to explain who Tom was to the serpent although he had found himself surprised that Harry so easily referred to them as friends. He found himself pondering on that while Harry continued his name discussion with the small snake.

Could they be labeled as friends? Did Tom want that? He had never believed in school that he needed them and during his little bout of insanity he definitely hadn't been open to the idea of friends. What about now though? Would it really be so bad if he let a friendship with the young Gryffindor form? He decided after a few moments that he wasn't finding himself opposed to the idea as much as he would have been in the past. He would still approach this situation carefully but he saw no harm in spending time with the younger wizard.

He was snapped from his thoughts by Harry's apologies and waved the young boy's concerns off, communicating his feeling of relief that Harry seemed to now have a friend he could talk to and that had taken a liking to him already. Tom was just about to ask the raven if he was ready to return to the manor when he noticed the green eyes watching a group of teen wizards laughing outside of Florean Fortescue's Ice Cream Parlor. He seemed to be watching them in a mix of sadness and nostalgia, but a few moments later he saw Harry lock those feelings behind a neutral face before turning his eyes on Tom. "Were you ready to head back Tom?"

The older wizard debated with himself for a few moments, before glancing back at the group Harry had been watching a few moments before. "Actually Harrison, how about we get some ice cream before we head back? I haven't been to Fortescue's in awhile and it's still rather early in the day." He suggested to the younger wizard, nodding towards the shop with his head.

He was rewarded with a bright smile from Harry and excitement lighting up those green eyes making them shine. "That sounds great actually!" The raven grabbed hold of Tom's hand pulling them towards the parlor, already chattering excitedly about how the shop always had so many interesting flavors whenever he went. For Tom's part his eyes were locked on where Harry's hand was holding onto his own. The former dark lord had never been a big fan of physical contact, normally liking others to respect his personal space. As he looked up and saw Harry still talking away happily, he decided if it was the young Gryffindor he didn't really mind all that much. Maybe this friendship thing wouldn't be so bad if it meant seeing the Gryffindor smiling like this more often.

(A/N: Alright guys that wraps this chapter! If we get some reviews, I might start the next chapter with a cute little ice cream scene with our adorably clueless boys! As always reviews fuel my writing desire also! See you guys next chapter!)