Killing Me Softly

Chapter Fifteen
Lady Luna

"Never injure a friend, even in jest."
- Cicero

*****

"They said my greatest power is love," Harry told Tom later that night as they lay side by side on the bed watching the moonlight on the ceiling. "Professor Slughorn said that I have a lot of love." He grinned. "It was my love that saved you." He gave a short laugh.

"You don't think it's possible?" Tom asked.

"Tom...the idea is just silly," Harry said.

"No, not really silly," Tom said after a moment of silence. "I am by no means an expert on love, but I do understand that love is an emotion. It's a form of energy, and energy is required to do magic. It's one of the first principles of magical theory."

"I guess that makes sense," Harry said. "Sometimes when I'm angry strange things happen. So the energy from my anger made magic?"

"Strong emotions," Tom said. "When you have a very powerful emotion inside you, it generates a lot of energy. I should know...the things I did when I was an angry, small boy. It can be draining."

"Is that why I was so exhausted after I took us away from Pyrites's laboratory?"

"You used up a vast amount of your energy," Tom said. "Very few wizards can handle doing magic using so much of their own energy. Many die from it. To be able to do powerful magic without your wand, especially a spell I haven't taught you yet, is impressive...if you can work more on this talent..."

He fell into a contemplative silence, and Harry, after staring at the ceiling, lost in his own thoughts, finally fell asleep.

***

On the Saturday morning when they were to be collected, Harry and Tom ate breakfast silently with Slughorn. Harry's mind buzzed at the thought of reuniting with Ron and Hermione while Tom simply stared at the wall in front of them with a bored and haughty expression on his handsome face. Harry's eyes drooped slightly; he could barely sleep last night.

The school year had already started, and they were to return to Hogwarts. The protective wards around the school were significantly strengthened so that all of its inhabitants were ensured safety. Professor Dumbledore had ordered that Harry and Tom were to go there, and Harry happily obliged. He would be back with his friends and back at Hogwarts.

Harry was about to ask Tom a question when they suddenly heard a loud "Horace Slughorn!" coming from a nearby room.

"They're early!" Slughorn said, surprised. Jumping from his seat, he sprinted to the room the voice came from.

"They weren't supposed to come for another hour," Tom said, staring at the porridge Slughorn left behind.

"What made them change their minds?" Harry wondered, looking around. Tom bit his lower lip, and his dark eyes narrowed dangerously; he suddenly looked tense.

Harry got his answer the moment Professor Dumbledore appeared in the breakfast room, looking grave; Slughorn was pale. Ministry officials were right beside them, including the Minister himself.

"Arrest him," Cornelius Fudge ordered the Aurors, pointing at Tom.

Tom and Harry sprang to their feet at the same time.

"Don't!" Harry yelled, quickly stepping in front of Tom, blocking the Aurors. He moved back, pushing Tom until he was pressed against the corner wall. Tom gripped his shoulders, stopping him from pushing him back any further.

"Stand aside, Potter," one of the Aurors commanded. "This wizard is accused of the murder of an eleven-year-old girl, the attempted murder of yourself, terrorizing the school, and abduction!"

"He will be going straight to Azkaban!" another Auror added.

"No!" Harry yelled before Tom could retort.

"Let me handle this!" Tom hissed angrily at Harry, but he ignored him.

"Professor!" Harry called out pleadingly.

"Harry, I'm afraid it's out of my hands," Professor Dumbledore said gently, walking up to the two boys. "The evidence against him is undisputable."

"Oh, you would love to see me in prison," Tom grumbled, glaring at Professor Dumbledore.

"Shut up!" Harry warned him.

Dumbledore continued as though he was not interrupted. "Harry, there is no denying that he murdered Ginny Weasley -"

"He didn't kill Ginny!" Harry declared, his heart pounding. "She was already dead by the time I reached the Chamber!" His heart ached. Of course Tom killed Ginny; he had even suffocated her to speed the process...

"So who killed her?"

"I don't know!" Harry said quickly. "I already told you; she was dead when I came there! But Tom had nothing to do with it!"

One of the Aurors laughed. "A likely story!"

"And the basilisk?" Professor Dumbledore asked.

"The basilisk ate Ginny," Harry said while his mind painfully replayed watching Tom throw the small body to the gigantic snake's awaiting mouth.

"Where was Tom during all this time?"

"He came out of the diary and kidnapped me."

"Just like that?"

"Well, no. I tried to fight him off."

"Did he command the basilisk to attack the school?"

"I don't know," Harry said truthfully. "I was unconscious by then."

Professor Dumbledore studied him.

"Innocent till proven guilty," Harry continued, ignoring Tom behind him. His stomach squirmed with guilt; Tom was guilty of all charges...why was he, Harry, doing this?

Don't put him in Azkaban, Harry thought pleadingly, and not for the first time he felt as though Professor Dumbledore was looking into his mind. I nearly lost him when we were with his older self; I am the only one that can control him...don't let me lose that control...

Professor Dumbledore's eyes continued lingering on Harry's for a few moments before he turned around and faced Fudge.

"The boy has a point," Professor Dumbledore said. "We must investigate the matter further before making the final verdict. As Chief Warlock of the Wizengamot, I order a court hearing on Tom Riddle's case."

"Thanks," Tom spat bitterly to Harry in their tongue while the Minister and Professor Dumbledore further discussed the issue.

"You're not getting thrown into Azkaban," Harry pointed out. "You have time to convince them to let you go."

"Yes, I will have great fun working on my trial case," Tom said sarcastically.

"Oh, am I glad you're so thankful for me helping you!" Harry replied just as sarcastically, hurt.

"I do not need your help!"

"Then should I tell Professor Dumbledore what really happened?"

"Harry?" Professor Dumbledore's voice interrupted their argument. Harry spun around to see that the Minister and Aurors were watching them.

"Sorry," Harry said, completely ignoring Tom.

***

After Fudge and the Aurors left, Harry was next approached on the subject of wands.

"I'm getting my wand now?" Harry said, unable to suppress a grin. Tom broke out of his reverie and stared at them.

"Yes," Professor Dumbledore said, smiling. "Follow me."

Tom stood up. Slughorn suddenly looked tense.

"Tom..." he said. "You...you're not getting a wand."

"Why not?" Tom demanded, glaring at his former professor.

"While you were arguing with Harry, Fudge made a deal," Professor Dumbledore explained, watching Tom calmly. "You are labeled as a criminal, and whether or not you go to Azkaban, you are still deemed a threat to others. You will not be given a wand."

Harry's jaw dropped slightly, his earlier argument with Tom forgotten.

"But how can he protect himself if we're attacked?" he asked.

"As long as Tom stays within Hogwarts' walls, he will not find himself in such a situation," Professor Dumbledore replied.

Tom glared at Professor Dumbledore. "I'm a hostage then, confined inside your despicable school?"

"Tom, this is out of my hands," Professor Dumbledore said firmly. "Either you go to Azkaban or you stay in Hogwarts without a wand. These were the Minister's orders, not my own."

"Don't tell me you would have done anything differently!" Tom laughed darkly. "You would leave me without a wand, wouldn't you? You never liked me right from the beginning!"

"You can borrow my wand!" Harry said. "I don't think that's against the rules, is it, Professor?"

"The Minister did not mention anything of the sort," Professor Dumbledore replied. "Shall we get going, Harry?"

Tom took a step further.

"I don't care what the Minister orders!" he said loudly. "You're giving me a wand!"

Before Harry could speak, Professor Dumbledore pointed his wand at Tom. Tom froze, but he still managed to cast Professor Dumbledore a filthy look.

"Don't force me to hurt you," Professor Dumbledore warned calmly. "There is only one reason I will not harm you." He nodded at Harry.

Professor Dumbledore moved his arm, and Tom, as though he were some rag doll, was dragged off to the nearest chair and settled down. Harry didn't object.

"Filthy little scum," Tom spat at Harry, glaring at him.

"Tom, it's not the end of the world," Harry said exasperatedly. "Maybe you'll get a wand later on. Just calm down."

Tom opened his mouth, ready to snap back, but Harry quickly spun around and ordered Professor Dumbledore, "Silence him."

Looking a little surprised, Professor Dumbledore performed the spell, and no sound came out of Tom's gaping mouth. Harry left for the living room, fully aware of the deadly glare Tom was shooting at him.

"Keep him company, Horace," Professor Dumbledore said.

"Certainly," Slughorn said, looking just as surprised at Harry's command.

"That did not go well at all," Harry said under his breath as Professor Dumbledore caught up with him. "I'm sorry, Professor. Sometimes Tom can be so volatile."

"I understand," Professor Dumbledore said kindly. "I knew him very well when he was my student."

"You used to always keep an eye on him," Harry said, smiling. "Tom told me. He didn't like it at all." Professor Dumbledore chuckled. "Well, I don't blame you. I'm doing the same thing just to keep him in check, and it's not easy. He's such a handful."

"Horace told me about how you escaped," Professor Dumbledore said. "Did he tell you about our conversation?"

"Yes," Harry said, and his heart instantly shot up to his throat.

"I have decided that, for your sake, I will not put Tom in harm's way," Professor Dumbledore said. "My animosity towards young Tom is not as blind as he thinks it is."

"Thanks," Harry said shakily. It was a small comfort that Professor Dumbledore didn't think he was odd for loving a man.

"And Harry, while I am supportive of everything you do, I must also advise you."

"Yes, Professor."

"Think deeply about what you are doing. Protect yourself."

"I understand, Professor," Harry said sincerely, smiling. He felt guilty for not telling Professor Dumbledore about the immortality spell. "I've lasted this long with him; I'll be fine."

Professor Dumbledore looked as though he wanted to speak again, but he closed his mouth and gently shook his head.

Two witches were waiting for them in another room. One was old and appeared eccentric, and the other was a woman still in her twenties.

Harry's mind traveled back to Tom, and the feeling of guilt grew worse. He barely heard what the two witches were saying as they took measurements of his arms, hands, and shoulders. His mind was so absorbed in Tom that he did not pay attention as they guided his hand over several branches, eventually picking up the branch that quivered underneath Harry's hand. They whirled a piece of holly in midair, singing complicated spells and shaping it into a sturdy wand, but Harry was too lost in his thoughts to watch.

A brush against his cheek revived Harry from his reverie. He turned around to see a familiar large bird looking at him.

"Fawkes!"

Professor Dumbledore chuckled. Harry almost forgot he was there. "Shortly after you bought your first wand, Ollivander contacted me. The feather in your old wand had come from Fawkes. He had given only two feathers for wand-making. On this special request, he will be offering another feather for you."

"Oh," Harry said as he remembered something. "Ollivander told me that Voldemort had the other wand." He lowered his voice. "Professor, can't we just go ahead and make one for him?"

"And when the Minister finds out, Tom will be sent straight to Azkaban," Professor Dumbledore said. "He has too many charges against him as it is."

"Okay," Harry said, disheartened. He was feeling so bad that when his new wand was handed to him, he politely thanked the witches and pocketed his wand without much of a glance at it.

"We will be heading to Hogwarts soon," Professor Dumbledore said. Harry nodded and went back to the breakfast room.

The table had been cleared. A nervous-looking Slughorn was sitting beside Tom, carrying on a one-way conversation. Tom looked lethal.

"We're going to Hogwarts now," Harry told Tom, who regarded him with flashing red eyes. "Take the spells off," he told Slughorn. Looking hesitant, Slughorn obeyed. Instantly, Tom jumped from his seat and ran up the stairs.

"Let me take care of this," Harry said to Slughorn and Professor Dumbledore, who had just entered the room. He ran to Tom's room and grabbed the bedroom door from the side before Tom shut it closed.

"Get out of my sight!" Tom yelled at him in their tongue. "Filthy little traitor!"

"Oh, jeez," Harry said, rolling his eyes. "I was trying to calm you down, you idiot!"

Before Harry knew it, Tom slapped him hard across the face.

"For someone who has an IQ that can compete with Einstein's, you can be pretty thick sometimes," Harry continued, standing firmly in his place. The skin where he had been slapped stung. "You understand that you deserve to go to Azkaban for what you did to Ginny? I saved you down there. I bought you enough time to make a good defense case, not that I think you have much going for you, but you'll find something. Or should I go back down there and have them arrest you?"

Tom didn't respond, but he kept glaring at Harry. Harry sighed; Tom tore his eyes away and got his small luggage bag ready. There wasn't much to do; his bag was as small as Harry's.

Harry watched him with a frown his hand grasped the handle of his bag. He couldn't stand any more quarrels with Tom.

"Let's go," Harry said when they were ready, and there was something in the tired and quiet tone of his voice that seemed to calm Tom.

Professor Dumbledore and Slughorn were both watching the doorway, waiting for them, when they entered the room. Slughorn looked a little anxious; Harry had to remind himself that they had heard them screaming in Parseltongue, so they had no way to tell what had gone on up there.

"Everything all right, Harry?" Professor Dumbledore asked.

"Yeah, I think so," Harry said. Tom ignored Professor Dumbledore.

"I have reserved a Ministry car for your journey," Professor Dumbledore explained. "It will ensure our safety on our journey to Hogwarts."

"Thank you, Professor," Harry said.

"It was wonderful having you in my house," Slughorn said, getting up and shaking Harry's hand. "Please, don't be a stranger. Come over again, okay?"

"Sure, yes, of course," Harry said. Tom merely nodded, not taking his professor's hand.

Professor Dumbledore led them outside to where an old-fashioned, dark green car was waiting for them. Two Ministry for Magic workers stood around the car, and they helped Tom and Harry with their luggage.

They settled down in the comfortable back seats with Professor Dumbledore on one side and Tom on the other. Harry sat between them, looking from one man to the other. Tom pretended to be interested in the scenery outside his window while Professor Dumbledore studied him from the corner of his eye.

The journey to Hogwarts was uneventful. The car drove at high speed, slipping neatly between two Muggle vehicles and not once hitting a lamppost or a building.

Tom slipped his arm around Harry's waist and tried to drag him in his direction. Harry resisted, pushing towards Dumbledore's direction; he smiled at the tiny hiss of annoyance he heard from his friend.

Halfway through their trip, Professor Dumbledore felt Harry collapse on his lap, snoozing quietly.

"Oh dear," he chuckled, hoisting Harry up. "He fell in the wrong direction." He moved Harry gently until his head was resting on Tom's lap. Tom looked startled at Professor Dumbledore's actions for a second. He stole a fleeting glance at his former professor before looking back out the window.

Professor Dumbledore settled back in his seat. Tom's hands were occupied in Harry's messy hair, although he did not look at him. His movements were rather aggressive, almost hurtful. Professor Dumbledore was about to stop him, but he decided to keep studying him. Tom strongly reminded him of a child playing possessively with a toy.

It was a long while later when Tom turned around and met Professor Dumbledore's gaze. His eyes narrowed, a hint of bright red visible.

"We have arrived," Professor Dumbledore said calmly, ignoring the dangerous look Tom gave him. "Perhaps we should wake him."

An odd, sinister smile seeped across Tom's face. He lowered his head and brought his lips to Harry. Professor Dumbledore watched him stoically. When he got no reaction from his former professor, Tom pulled away, clearly annoyed. He shook Harry awake.

"Stoooop," Harry groaned, his eyes lazily opening up. He caught sight of Professor Dumbledore and he stood up. "Are we there?"

"Yes, Harry," Professor Dumbledore said, smiling. "Your friends are waiting for you."

Harry's face lit up, and he slid off Tom's lap. Tom looked as though he regretted waking Harry.

They had arrived in front of Hogwarts' gates. Professor Dumbledore walked between the two boys as they made their way to the massive castle. Two Ministry workers walked behind them, keeping guard.

"Is that even necessary, Professor?" Harry asked, referring to the Ministry workers.

"We do not wish to take any chances," Professor Dumbledore explained. The late afternoon sky was turning shades of orange and ruby red. "Ah, we are just in time for dinner."

"Do we have to be in the Great Hall?" Harry asked, suddenly feeling queasy. From experience, he did not want to be in the vicinity of a large group of students when all conversations were surely going to center around him.

"No, you will be dining in Professor McGonagall's room," Professor Dumbledore said, smiling in a way that told Harry he knew what was going through Harry's mind.

A majority of the students appeared to already be in the Great Hall when Tom, Harry, and Professor Dumbledore entered through the large oak doors, because there wasn't a student in sight. Professor Dumbledore thanked the Ministry workers and bid them good evening. Hoisting their luggage, Tom and Harry followed Professor Dumbledore up the staircase to the first level and down a corridor.

Professor Dumbledore knocked on Professor McGonagall's office door. "Minerva? The boys have arrived."

The door opened to reveal Harry's Transfiguration teacher.

"Albus," she greeted with a nod. "I do hope there were no problems on the way here?"

"No problems, Minerva," Professor Dumbledore said.

"Harry, they're waiting for you inside," Professor McGonagall said next, her eyes not leaving him. She looked as though she was holding something back. She determinedly did not look at Tom.

With a nod, Harry went inside, closely followed by Tom and Professor Dumbledore. Professor McGonagall closed the door.

Her office had been altered for this occasion. Her desk was cleared, magically stretched out to accommodate the numerous plates and cups that lay on top. A sofa sat on one side of the room, and on the sofa were the two people Harry most wanted to see again.

Ron and Hermione had been watching the doorway eagerly, and when Harry appeared, they jumped up from the sofa. Their eyes locked for several seconds.

"Hi guys," Harry said, smiling and giving them a little wave. Both of their faces were pale. Then suddenly, Hermione lunged at Harry. Ron ran after her.

No words came from her mouth. She hugged him very tightly, and the tears just poured down, wetting Harry's robes. He looked up to see Ron standing there awkwardly. Harry knew what was going on, and he stretched out his arm in invitation. After biting his lower lip, Ron stepped closer and hugged Harry tightly as well.

Hermione was sobbing uncontrollably.

"Hermione, really now," Professor McGonagall said, coaxing her to break away from Harry. "He is all right!"

"I...I was so scared, Harry!" Hermione wailed, wiping her face with her arm. "They had abducted you, and no one except me knew you were there, and we saw your wand broken, and...and the damage they caused at the World Cup...I was so terrified they would kill you!" She covered her face in her hands.

"But I'm okay, Hermione," Harry said reassuringly, patting her shoulder.

"She's been in a frantic state ever since that day," Ron said. "She keeps breaking into tears. I told her she had to be strong!"

"Oh, be strong!" Hermione nearly shrieked. "You didn't sleep for three nights!"

"You didn't?" Harry asked, looking at Ron.

"Well...yeah," Ron said, blushing. Harry was very touched by this. "I mean, we didn't hear anything about you for several days. You had no way of protecting yourself...and then we heard news you were being tortured..." Ron's lower lip shook briefly. "I was really worried you were gone, mate."

"Tom saved me," Harry said, turning around to motion at his friend. Tom had been standing a couple of feet away from them, watching the events with narrowed eyes. Harry hoped this moment would thaw the iciness between his friends and Tom. "Voldemort was about to tear me in half, but he shielded me. The curse hit him instead. There was blood everywhere; his back was spilt in half."

Hermione gasped; Ron just stared at Tom, not saying anything. Professor Dumbledore simply nodded, but Professor McGonagall was looking at Tom as though she had never seen him before.

"You risked your own life?" she said in an astonished voice. Tom merely looked the other direction, clearly having no desire to talk to anyone.

However, this did not discourage Hermione. She ran to Tom and threw her arms around him.

"Thank you," she said, burying her face in his chest. Tom stared at Harry, then at Hermione, then at Harry again, uncertain what to do. Harry laughed.

"She's being grateful that you saved my butt," Harry said. Tom continued staring at Hermione as though she were a strange creature on his robes. Finally, he gave her one small pat on her back.

Harry heard Ron snicker; he was watching Tom's expression.

"Is he really that clueless about these things?" he whispered to Harry.

"You have no idea," Harry whispered back.

Professor Dumbledore had to leave for the Great Hall, but he saw to it that Harry, Ron, Hermione, and Tom were seated and comfortable before leaving. Professor McGonagall dined with them and kept on eye on them.

Harry, Ron, and Hermione kept putting their forks down, too unfocused to eat when there was so much they wanted to tell each other.

"Dad said the Ministry and Hogwarts were planning on holding a tournament here," Ron was saying. "The Triwizard Tournament."

"The Triwizard Tournament used to be held once every four years between three magical schools," Hermione added. "They stopped the tournament after 1792. The cockatrice the champions were supposed to catch injured all of the schools' heads."

"Anyway, they were thinking of bringing it back," Ron said, "but the attack at the Cup ended all of their plans. Pity really; it would have been nice seeing the other schools."

"Yeah, it would have," Harry said.

"They used to have it in my time," Tom said under his breath, but everyone turned to him. "It's overrated. The champions were all idiots." He did not look at any of them, but continued to eat.

"You only say that because you were too young," Harry mumbled.

"Really now," Professor McGonagall said. "Your dinners are getting cold!"

"Sorry, Professor," Ron said. He took a piece from his steak, but then he put his fork down and asked Harry another question. Professor McGonagall smiled despite herself.

"Well, at least Mr. Riddle is not neglecting his nourishment," she informed them. Tom ignored her; Harry laughed.

"That's because he never passes up a meal," Harry said teasingly. "He really, really loves to eat."

Tom lowered his fork and looked at Harry. Harry had grabbed Tom's free hand under the table.

"I will be telling Ron and Hermione about us," Harry told Tom in their language.

"You'll lose your friends," Tom said, smiling sinisterly.

"I won't lose them!" Harry argued, although he did feel slightly hurt.

After dinner, Tom's temporarily good mood crumbled when the subject of sleeping arrangements was brought up.

"I am not going to sleep in the vicinity of dozens of moronic Gryffindors!" Tom yelled heatedly at Harry.

Harry sighed. He was foolish to think he would go back to the days of sleeping in the comfortable warm Gryffindor dorm room with Ron.

"You know I can't leave you," Harry said to Tom.

"I don't care," Tom said. "I'm not stepping one foot in that filthy common room!" Harry turned to Professor Dumbledore for help. He had returned after most of the students had left the Great Hall.

"There is another option," he said.

"I'm not going to the Slytherin common room!" Harry quickly interjected.

"I am not speaking of the Slytherin common room, Harry," Professor Dumbledore said calmly. He turned to Professor McGonagall and nodded. She returned the nod.

"I will get their rooms set up," she said before leaving.

"Oh," Hermione said when the door closed. "You're sending them to the third floor?"

"What's special about it?" Harry asked, remembering his first year.

"We didn't tell you yet," Ron said, "but there are other people living at Hogwarts now."

"What?"

"Hogwarts, with its many powerful shields and wards, has become a refuge to those who have lost their homes or are at high risk of getting attacked," Professor Dumbledore explained. "Perhaps you remember the forbidden corridor in your first year?"

"Yes," Harry said. He would never forget going down the trap door and through the various challenges the Hogwarts professors had set up.

"This corridor, as well as the chambers underneath it, have been transformed to shelter the refugees."

Tom stared at Professor Dumbledore. "You're keeping civilians in this school?" he said incredulously. "Wouldn't they distract your precious students from their studies?"

"We've never seen or heard them," Hermione answered. "We can't enter their side of the school, but we know they are there."

"How can you be sure you can trust them?" Harry asked.

"I have my reasons," Professor Dumbledore simply said. "Professor McGonagall should be done right about now. Follow me."

Harry met Tom's eyes, then his friends', and they filed out of the office. On the right side of the third floor landing, a wall had been constructed over the entrance to the former forbidden corridor.

So that's how Professor Dumbledore's keeping out the refugees, Harry thought, watching as the old wizard waved his wand in a complicated pattern over the wall. The rocks moved aside, forming an archway. Harry was reminded of Diagon Alley.

Stepping inside, Harry gasped. The forbidden corridor no longer looked like it belonged to the school. It seemed as though they had stepped into an alley of an ancient city. Looking up, Harry noticed that the sky was enchanted just like the Great Hall. On both sides of the alley were what appeared to be small one-story houses made of hard rock. The only thing that separate one house from another was a single wall, and another row of houses stood above the first row. An ancient-looking stairway led to the upper homes.

Harry looked around for any of the refugees, but apparently they were all in their protective homes making the most of whatever was left of the day.

"Over here," Professor Dumbledore said cheerfully. Professor McGonagall was waiting for them in front of one of the small houses. Harry noticed that there were no numbers in front of any of the residences. He deduced that it was for privacy reasons.

"Thank you, Minerva," Professor Dumbledore said, and he led Harry, Ron, Hermione, and Tom into the small house. "I will take things from here."

The dwelling was small inside but comfortable. The living room and kitchen were merged together. Harry had the distinct impression that he was living in an ancient city far away. He set his luggage aside and looked at Tom, smiling.

"Welcome to Mesopotamia," he said.

"I expected better treatment for I, Anu," Tom said, setting his luggage beside Harry's. Hermione smiled.

To their far left was a very short corridor that led to the bathroom. There were two bedrooms, one on each side of the corridor.

"Oh, separate beds?" Harry said without thinking. His eyes widened, and he quickly looked at Professor Dumbledore, who was right next to him and had heard this comment. His face reddened. "Uh...I mean...um...we didn't do anything, Professor, honest!"

Professor Dumbledore chuckled. "You do understand that you are still too young, Harry?"

"I...of course..." Harry said in a tiny voice, feeling terribly embarrassed. He wished the floor would swallow him whole. "I just got used to us being together, that's all..."

Ron and Hermione helped him unpack, although there was not much. Tom refused any help, but he watched Harry's friends with jealousy clearly visible in his eyes. Professor Dumbledore kept an eye on Tom, and this annoyed Tom very much. However, Harry didn't seemed bothered.

"This place isn't bad," Harry said when they were done.

"It is best not to explore too much," Professor Dumbledore advised. "Do not forget many of the residents here know who you are, Harry, and they will corner you with many questions."

Harry nodded.

"There is no reason left for me to be here," Professor Dumbledore said. "Ron, Hermione, if you will follow me."

"Professor, can I spend more time with them?" Harry asked. "I want to talk with them...privately." He gave Tom a significant look.

"Of course, Harry," Professor Dumbledore said. He turned to Ron and Hermione. "I cannot tell you how you can exit, but I will be waiting for you outside."

Ron and Hermione nodded. Tom turned to Harry.

"I'll stay here," he said, settling on the couch.

"Okay," Harry said. He took Ron and Hermione's arms and led them to his bedroom. Closing the door, Harry took a deep breath; his heart was beating very fast. Tom knew that Harry was going to talk about their relationship, but he did not know what else Harry was going to reveal...

Ron and Hermione were sitting on one side of Harry's bed, and Harry settled himself on the other side.

"There are things I've been keeping from you," Harry started, cautious to keep his voice down. "I could not tell you because I didn't want you to worry. I have not even told Professor Dumbledore this...but I think it's time I should say this."

Ron and Hermione leaned forward.

"What is it?" Ron asked, watching Harry's worried face.

"Ron, Hermione...you don't know how much this has affected me," Harry said. "Tom did something the day he brought me to that manor..."

***

Ron and Hermione were still staring at Harry long after he finished his story, their mouths hanging open. Harry had told everything concerning the spell; he told them how the spell was performed, although he admitted he did not know the full steps of the ritual. He explained how Tom had suffered the Killing Curse several times, how Pyrites had done experiments on them in hopes of unlocking mysteries of immortality...

However, he purposely left out one detail.

Ron was the first to speak.

"Harry..." he said in a quiet voice, "I don't know what to say...this is awful..."

"Oh my goodness," Hermione finally said. "There's no way to reverse the spell?"

"Nothing I or he knows of," Harry said gloomily. "I'm stuck in this body against my will. Who knows; sometime in the future a nuclear war will happen, a bomb will be dropped near me, but I'll still be stuck in a stupid contaminated body. There's no way I can die. I can feel the pain, but I cannot regenerate like the way immortals do in Muggle movies." He laughed lightly. "Imagine me, if I break my spine, living an eternity in a wheelchair drinking pain-relieving potions. Who wants that?"

"Don't think this way," Ron said sympathetically.

Hermione patted Harry's hand. "We have to tell Professor Dumbledore," she said. "He needs to know why you were taken into Pyrites's laboratory."

"Not now," Harry said.

"So that's why you weren't killed," Ron said. "We had thought he would kill you...I thought Riddle would turn you in..." He looked at Harry apologetically.

"You-Know-Who must have been very angry when he found out," Hermione said. "He's still mortal, to a degree."

"Yeah, very angry..." Harry repeated. "There was another reason why he tortured us."

"Was it because of Tom?" Hermione asked.

Harry felt his face grow hot. "Yes," he said. "There is something about the immortality spell I haven't told you yet." He took a deep breath; his heart had shot up to his throat, pounding painfully. This was it; he could not keep his friends in the dark any longer. Ron and Hermione sensed his nervousness, and they leaned forward again, both looking apprehensive.

"That spell...because we took in three kinds of liquids from the other's body, it seems like it created some kind of portal between us," Harry began. "When we sleep, we get these strange visions. It was like we were reliving each other's lives. I saw into Tom's life, but it wasn't like any dream I have ever had. Sometimes I was Tom...I could smell and touch everything around me. Sometimes I saw parts of his life Tom himself did not remember. I watched him being born...

"Tom hated this connection, especially after that dream, but I used it to try to understand him more."

"That's why you're friends with him!" Ron commented.

Harry nodded. "I used the dreams to try and teach him about love and friendship. He didn't understand even the basics of friendship." Harry laughed at the memory of the first days of their lessons. "This is why Voldemort is who he is today. He neither understands nor likes love. He's so empty inside that even if the entire wizarding world including his Death Eaters were to get killed, he wouldn't grieve for one moment. Tom was just like that. Look at what he did to me. He used me just to gain immortality; I was just a tool to him."

And I forgave him, Harry added in his mind sadly.

"You were able to get through to him," Hermione pointed out. "He considers you a friend, and only you can persuade him." She looked at the bedroom door as though she could see the young wizard beyond it. "If you could only do the same with his older self..."

"It wasn't easy getting to that point," Harry said. "The only difference between the two was a hair-thin humanness inside Tom! Tom is as much a monster as his older self is! Except...I was able to reach that tiny human side of him. I don't think his older self has that anymore..."

"Of course he wouldn't," Ron said. "You-Know-Who lost more and more of his humanness as he grew older."

"Exactly," Harry said. "I'm lucky Tom still had that little hope inside him...well, not really lucky..."

"What do you mean?" Ron asked.

"Well, as I said, we grew closer," Harry said. "Right after your visit last Easter, there was a...conflict between us." He took another deep breath. "He was very angry at me being with you all the time that he threw me across the hall."

Ron and Hermione gasped.

"Bastard!" Ron said, fuming.

"Why?" Hermione asked.

"I eventually learned the reason why later on," Harry replied. "He shut me out in the hall to sleep, but he brought me back after he dreamt about me. He was so confused about his emotions." He laughed nervously. "He thought I would stop being with him if you came back in my life."

There was a pause, and then Ron chortled.

"He actually thought that?" he said amusedly.

"Yes, that big idiot," Harry said affectionately. He kept his eyes on Ron, worriedly wondering how their friendship would be affected by what he was going to reveal. "Yes...well...I was trying to explain everything to him when he..." Ron and Hermione looked at him intently.

"He kissed me."

Hermione nodded slowly, looking nervous. Ron's eyes grew wide, but he said nothing.

"So...what happened after that?" Hermione asked tentatively, glancing at Ron.

"We were both shocked by what he did," Harry responded, looking timidly at Ron. "We didn't say anything after that...he just went to bed and I stayed where I was. All night I was up, thinking."

He looked remorsefully at Ron. "Ron...what made Voldemort angrier than us being immortals was what he discovered about our relationship. He's outraged at what we are, at what I did to Tom...

"Ron...please don't hate me." Harry's voice shook.

"Harry...he killed my sister," Ron said in a hollow voice. There was no anger in his voice, but his eyes didn't leave Harry's.

"I know," Harry said.

"And you kissed him?"

Harry winced at the pain in Ron's voice, knowing perfectly well how Ron was feeling.

"Ron...I'm sorry...I can't stop how I feel..."

Ron didn't respond. They continued to stare at each other, both lost for words. Hermione glanced between them.

Ron suddenly got up and went for the door.

"Ron -" Harry called out, but Ron was already out the door. He turned to Hermione desperately.

"I think he needs some time to think," Hermione said gently. "You're not going to lose him, Harry."

"I don't want to lose him!" Harry said miserably. "He's my best mate!"

"I know, Harry," Hermione said soothingly. "He's been so worried for you ever since Ginny died; this won't destroy your friendship, trust me. Just give him time to think and get used to it."

***

Professor Dumbledore stood patiently next to the door, quietly humming to keep himself busy. He knew perfectly well what Harry was going to tell his friends, and sure enough, when the door opened, a shocked, confused, and hurt looking Ron stepped out.

"Hello, Professor," Ron said in a quiet voice.

"Is Hermione coming?" Professor Dumbledore asked.

"What?" Ron said distractedly. "Um...yes. I think so."

Professor Dumbledore watched Ron for a while before speaking again. "Love can be strange and unpredictable, but do not judge your friend based on who his heart chose."

Ron stared at his professor, not speaking. He seemed like he was struggling with his emotions inside.

"It's not because Harry loves a man," Ron said weakly. "It's because of...him. Why Riddle? He killed my sister!"

"Harry never forgot Ginny," Professor Dumbledore said. "Do you not think that he may have, and still is, struggling inside with this very same problem, that he may feel like he is betraying Ginny, that the reason he waited this long to tell you was because he feared losing you as well?"

Ron mulled over it in his mind, remembering how Harry - who bravely stood up for his friends and boldly ran to save anyone in danger - was nervous while revealing his relationship with Riddle to Ron.

But then he imagined Ginny laying cold six feet under while, miles away, the boy she admired gave his heart to the man who cold-heartedly murdered her...her crush on Harry would never be acknowledged or reciprocated...

But would Harry dishonor Ginny like that? Ron wondered. Harry's too noble to hurt her or insult her memory.

But then why was Harry still with Riddle when he knew that he killed Ginny?

The thoughts whizzed in his mind so much that Ron became light-headed and dizzy. It was too much to comprehend all at once, but one thing was for certain. Ron wished he did not just turn his back on Harry. He had been endlessly worrying over Harry, and he had indeed not slept for three nights after Harry was abducted at the Quidditch World Cup.

Turning back to the door, he wished he had at least said bye to Harry.

Maybe I was too tactless. And when the school finds out that Harry fancies a guy, jerks like Malfoy will be harassing him, Ron thought. He felt more awful for turning his back on Harry. I'm a terrible friend!

He continued staring at the door, wanting to knock, but not wanting to come face-to-face with Riddle.

"Ron?"

Ron turned around and looked at Professor Dumbledore and Hermione. He had been lost in his thoughts so deeply he had not been aware of what was happening around him. Giving the door one final look, he followed them.

***

Tom had a sinister sneer on his face when Harry left his room.

"I saw the Weasley leave," he said in an annoyingly smug tone. "He looked traumatized."

"He just needs time," Harry echoed Hermione.

"Oh no," Tom laughed, still in his haughty tone. "You lost your precious little friend, not that it matters. You don't need him. He's as dispensable and worthless as his penniless family. He doesn't really like you. Wash your hands of him! The only friend you'll ever need is me!"

"Shut up!" Harry spat. He looked horribly hurt. Without another word, he stormed into his new room and slammed the door.

Tom watched him, his mouth open. He hadn't really meant to injure Harry's feelings like that. Harry's friendship with Ron was a far more sensitive issue than Tom had thought.

Perhaps I was too tactless, Tom thought.

***

The next morning Harry greeted Tom coolly.

"We're visiting Hagrid after breakfast," he said while looking through the menu. Each of the small houses was given a menu of all the food offered at Hogwarts. Harry called out, "porridge," and a bowl appeared on the table before him.

"Hermione invited us," Harry added before tucking into his breakfast.

"I see," Tom said, barely able to disguise his disgust. "You expect me to spend an entire Sunday with a Mudblood and that great oaf?"

Harry narrowed his eyes. "Don't call Hermione that." Tom made to argue, but Harry cut him before he could speak. "Enough," Harry said, exasperated. "I've had enough arguing! Can't we just let this day pass smoothly?" The look Harry gave Tom was enough for him to remain quiet for the rest of breakfast just for Harry's sake.

Tom was not looking forward to seeing Hagrid, but he went with Harry anyway, choosing to stay by his side rather than argue.

"Good morning, Harry!" Hermione greeted him as she caught up with him. "Good morning, Mr. Riddle," she added to Tom, her cheeks growing a faint shade of pink.

"Ron's coming?" Harry questioned, surprised, as Ron joined Hermione. He grinned, but Ron looked from Tom, then to Harry, seeming torn on what to do. He didn't seem to want to meet Harry's eyes.

"I don't know if I want to go," Ron mumbled to Hermione while quickly glancing at Tom, but Harry heard him.

"Ron...for me, please?" Harry said. They eyes met, and after what seemed an eternity, Ron finally nodded. Looking happier than earlier this morning, Harry led the way to Hagrid's hut.

Tom stood to the side, watching with revulsion as a beaming Hagrid welcomed Harry and gave him a hug so tight Tom could hear a rib snap from a distance.

"Yeh had us worryin' there, Harry," Hagrid said as he ushered Harry, Ron, and Hermione inside. Tom slipped in without a hello to Hagrid.

Oh great, Tom thought. The great big buffoon is crying! Droplets of tears the size of Tom's fists had splashed nearby, drenching Tom's shoes.

"It's great to be back!" Harry said joyfully as he looked around the hut. "I really missed it!" he added after taking a seat on Hagrid's bed. He motioned for Tom to sit next to him. Ron sat on Harry's right, and Hermione settled herself on the chair across from where Hagrid now sat. "And I missed you too, of course," Harry finished, smiling at Hagrid.

A large black boarhound had made his way to them and settled his head on Harry's lap.

"I missed you too, Fang!" Harry added, tittering as the dog licked his face; Tom groaned. Harry stroked Fang's head; Tom shifted his feet to the left before his shoes were soaked in drool. The dog stared raptly at Tom, making him want to scream and break something.

"It hasn' bin the same without yeh, Harry," Hagrid said, moping the tears away from his face with his massive hand. "I'd see Ron an' Hermione, but yeh weren' with them. It jus' wasn' the same."

"Thanks, Hagrid," Harry said, looking genuinely touched.

"Tea?" Hagrid offered. Each person took their cup from Hagrid, but when it came to Tom, he didn't budge. His eyes shot maliciously up at Hagrid's face, and there was a brief awkward silence.

"Here," Harry said gently, taking the cup from Hagrid and giving it to Tom. Tom hesitated, but he finally accepted the cup. Not looking at anyone, Tom took a gulp. His eyes watered, but he continued pouring the scalding liquid down his throat. Ron and Hermione were glancing at Tom nervously. Harry looked around at everyone, frowning.

"So...how have things been for you?" Harry broke the silence.

"Oh, it's been good," Hagrid said, tearing his eyes from Tom and suddenly looking pleased.

"What's that smile for, Hagrid?" Ron and Hermione were now also smiling.

"Didn' want ter tell yeh in a letter," Hagrid said with a meaningful nod at Tom, "but I'm a teacher now!"

"A teacher?" Harry repeated, his jaw dropping. "That's wonderful, Hagrid! Congratulations!"

"A teacher?" Tom said, his face far different from Harry's. "How can you become a teacher? You never finished your education at Hogwarts!"

"Professor Dumbledore didn' seem ter mind," Hagrid said, sitting up straighter in his chair. He returned his attention to Harry. "Professor Kettleburn retired two years ago, after yer second year. Said he needed time with his remaining limbs." Harry laughed. "Such a great man, Professor Dumbledore. Always good an' fair teh everyone!"

"So this is your second year teaching," Harry said. "Wow. That's great."

"Ron and I are in his class," Hermione said.

"Is he a good teacher?" Harry asked, smiling.

"Well, with some guidance, yes," Hermione replied.

"I wouldn' have done it without Hermione's help," Hagrid said, and Hermione blushed.

Tom snorted. "Not a true teacher then. I bet Dumbledore only hires people he likes."

"Tom!" Harry chastised.

"Professor Dumbledore doesn't hire rude folks," Hagrid retorted.

"Perhaps I should apply for the Defense Against the Dark Arts post," Tom said, ignoring Hagrid. "Apparently Dumbledore has not been very smart with hiring a proper professor! Only I can do the job!"

"Professor Dumbledore, hire you?" Harry laughed, staring at Tom. "Gimme a break! He would never do that!"

"Just like last time," Hagrid muttered under his breath, but Tom heard him.

"Excuse me?" Tom snarled, suddenly standing up. "What did you just say?" When Hagrid failed to provide an answer, Tom continued. "Are you saying that my older self once inquired about getting a job at Hogwarts? Answer me!"

"I ruddy well do not need ter take orders from yeh!" Hagrid bellowed, springing to his feet.

"Tom," Harry warned, standing up and placing himself between them. "Hagrid, don't hit him!" Ron and Hermione were watching Tom and Hagrid with wide eyes.

"Is this why Hogwarts hasn't had a professor who stayed in the post for longer than one year?" Tom continued, his flashing eyes glaring at Hagrid. "Was it because the position was denied to me? Well, I hardly blame myself for cursing this stupid school with its despicable headmaster!"

Hagrid roared and made to go after Tom.

"HAGRID!" Harry screamed. "Don't hurt him! I love him!"

Hagrid stopped, staring at Harry with a bewildered look.

"I'm sorry," Harry said in a quiet voice.

Tom snorted and took a step forward, but Harry pulled out his wand.

"Tom," Harry warned in a hard, firm tone. "I'll hex you if you try anything." Tom turned to face him, his eyes blazing red, looking feral. Harry heard Hermione gasp; Ron shifted backwards. "Don't hurt any of my friends."

With a loud hiss, Tom bolted out the door.

"Tom!" Harry yelled, running to the doorway.

"Harry, he could hurt someone!" Hermione squealed, looking anxious.

"I don't see him anywhere," Ron said, peaking out from one of the windows. "Blimey, he's mental! How can you handle that prat?"

Harry and Ron's eyes met for a moment.

"I'm used to him," Harry said, laughing lightly. He turned to Hagrid. "Did his older self really try to get the Defence Against the Dark Arts post?"

Hagrid nodded as he settled back down. "And I don' blame Professor Dumbledore fer denying him the job. I shouldn' have let that slip."

Harry patted Hagrid's massive hand. "It's okay, we'll find him."

"Should we take our wands out?" Hermione asked. She was still recovering from his outburst.

"Well, okay," Harry said as Ron took his wand out. "But don't do anything to my boyfriend until I say so."

***

Tom was so immersed in his anger he lost track of where he was running. Students sitting on the grounds were turning and looking at him, shocked at the sight of the bright burning red eyes and the angry hissing that issued from his mouth.

"I was far smarter than that stupid oaf!" he ranted to himself. "I actually graduated from school! I expelled Hagrid, but stupid Dumbledore had to bring him back and make him a professor! Good and fair to all? Ha! Always he had something against me! Always picking favorites! Always! I HATE HIM!" The anger was boiling so much inside him he was about to explode, to scream, to hurt...

In his blind fury he did not see the student he crashed into. He fell hard on his face, his body tangled with the student.

He swore under his breath. Getting up and wiping the dirt from his face, he turned around. A long trail of blonde hair was visible from his twisted legs.

"Ow," a tiny, soft voice said.

Tom straightened up and unraveled himself from the girl.

"Watch where you're..." the words died in his mouth, all plans of taking his anger out on the girl gone. The girl straightened up, shaking her hair back, looking not at all offended that someone had slammed into or yelled at her. But that wasn't what caught Tom's attention. The girl was wearing large earrings that looked like miniature Thestrals, and her hand-made necklace was composed of butterbeer corks.

Wouldn't she get in trouble for wearing this at school? Tom wondered. At that moment, the girl regarded him with her large silvery eyes that seemed vague yet able to look through him at the same time.

"Hello," she said in a dreamy voice. She fixed her wand's position the back of her ear.

Tom kept staring. He had just noticed the bracelet made of bright, colorful bubble gum balls. Her backpack had burst open, and they were surrounded by unusual objects Tom had never seen before. For one wild moment, he wondered if he had damaged a few brain cells in his anger.

That's impossible, Tom thought, absent-mindedly squeezing a soft object that was near him.

"You were in a hurry," the girl said, still regarding him. She didn't blink as often as he did; Tom was very conscious of her eyes on him.

"Yes, I was," Tom said, "but not anymore."

"Then I think I can introduce myself."

"All right," he said, slightly taken aback. "Tell me your name."

"I am Luna Lovegood," she said, her head cocked to one side. "My mother named me after a rabbit that lives on the moon. And you are?"

"Tom Riddle," Tom replied. "My mother named me after my father."

"That's a nice name."

"There are too many Toms."

"Just a few million," Luna said innocently.

"What is this?" he asked. A yellow and blue-striped, orange-sized fruit had rolled out from her backpack.

"It's a Tchea fruit," Luna said as she picked it up.

"Pardon?" Was there some new species of fruit discovered recently?

"My father is doing research on them," Luna said, suddenly looking excited. "The yellow parts taste like blueberry, and the blue parts taste like banana. But don't eat the skin; it makes you flatulent."

"I see," Tom said, accepting the Tchea fruit. He thought of all the people he would love to trick into eating the skin.

"Where is my glass onion?" Luna suddenly asked, searching around. "I do hope it did not break. I was using it to locate any Crumple-Horned Snorkacks."

Tom decided not to ask what a glass onion or a Crumple-Horned Snorkack was. He did not want to appear unintelligent.

Apparently a lot of new discoveries were made during my fifty years being in the diary, Tom thought. But then why didn't Harry ever mention them?

"I can help you look for it," Tom offered, motioning to the mess around them. Hopefully he could get a glimpse at more of her strange belongings.

"Oh, that is kind of you," Luna said as she gathered books and strange objects and stuffed them into her backpack.

Me, kind? Tom thought, smirking. He watched her pack some objects. She mumbled the name of each object as it went into her backpack, all of which Tom had never heard of. He was increasingly feeling more conscious of how little he knew about the new magical world.

He finally looked down at the soft object in his hand, and his face burned red.

"Oh, you have my bra!" Luna said happily as she took it from his hand. "Daddy and I shopped for new bras for this year. I'm starting to grow out, you know."

And to Tom's horror, Luna pulled her collar away from her face, observing herself.

"I think my right one is slightly bigger than my left," Luna said conversationally.

"Oh," Tom said when he could find his voice. "That's nice."

Don't you dare ask me to look! he mentally threatened, hoping students wouldn't overhear this conversation. Doesn't she have any shame?

"Daddy said I'm turning into a lady," she continued as she packed, unaware of the look on Tom's face.

"Of course you are," Tom replied. He sneered as he handed her a small plush toy of a neon green creature with orange antlers. "You will be a lovely woman, Lady Luna." Especially with that silly doll, he added mentally.

"There you are!" Harry yelled as he ran up to them, closely followed by Ron and Hermione. He took one look at him and Luna sitting on the floor surrounded by Luna's belongings before turning to Tom, his eyes narrowed.

"I didn't do anything to her!" Tom said, wondering why Harry, Ron, and Hermione had their wands out. Then he remembered what happened in Hagrid's cabin. His little chat with the odd girl had gotten his mind off his anger.

"Hello, you are Harry Potter," Luna said, watching Harry before trailing her eyes on Ron and Hermione. They watched Luna curiously as she dreamily returned the curious stares.

"This is Lady Luna Lovegood," Tom introduced with a smirk.

"Lady Luna?" Harry asked, raising an eyebrow. "You're not mocking her, are you?" he added in their tongue, bearing down on Tom.

"Why would I mock her?" Tom said calmly.

"Oh, here it is!" Luna announced as she raised her hand. She was gripping an onion-shaped glass ornament.

"You found it, then," Tom said, studying the glass onion.

While everyone was watching, bemused, Luna placed the glass onion close to her eye and peered around.

"I didn't find any," she said to Tom, "but I think I caught a glimpse of a Blibbering Humdinger over there at the forest!"

"A Blibbering what?" Ron said, dumbfounded. Hermione raised an eyebrow, giving Luna a strange look.

"Don't tell me you don't know what a Blibbering Humdinger is!" Tom jeered arrogantly as he stood up, refusing to confess that he too did not know. Harry was giving him odd looks as though Tom had just lost his mind. "I would have thought anyone in the wizarding world would know!"

Ron and Harry's eyes met once more, both unable to suppress a grin; the events from last night suddenly seemed so long ago.

"I must send an owl to my father," Luna said to no one in particular. "He'll need to know if a Blibbering Humdinger is spotted. They could clog up the school's sewage." She turned to Tom, looking happier than before. "It was nice bumping into you, Mr. Riddle."

"Er...yes...bump," Tom said. "Good day, Lady Luna." He teasingly gave a little bow.

Harry couldn't keep his eyes off Tom as Luna skipped away from them. He shook his head, laughing.

"You little snake," Harry said under his breath. At least he's not on a murdering rampage now.