Chasing Harry

Chapter Eight: Unspoken

The bells chimed softly.

Harry couldn't hear them, but he could see them, turning their silver chains slowly around. They were delicately beautiful, reflecting the light that bounced from the snow.

"Who are you gonna give that to?"

"What?" Harry turned from the bells to look at the speaker. Ron had suddenly turned up by his side, leaving Hermione to chat with Ginny a few meters away. The sixth years were in Hogsmeade and most of them were shopping around for Christmas presents, now that the most awaited day of the year was so near.

"Those bells," Ron pointed. "You've been staring at them forever."

"Well," Harry turned back to the display window. "They're lovely. I can almost hear them from here."

"Why don't you just enter the shop and take a closer look?"

"I don't want to. Maybe I will, someday. Or later. But not now."

"Why?" Ron asked, puzzled. "You are interested in them, right? Where's the harm in that?"

"I'm afraid they might sound less beautiful in real life," Harry answered wistfully, closing his eyes for a moment.

"You're getting weirder every single day." The redhead shook his head, amused. Ron took Harry's arm and dragged him towards the girls.

"Hey Gin, what are you two yakking about now?" he called towards his sister.

She gave him a dirty look. "We're not yakking! We're talking about something that's relevant to the whole wizarding world."

"Exactly," Hermione agreed. "It's a bit chauvinistic of you to assume that just we're just gossiping whenever we girls talk to each other."

"Did I say something offensive?" Ron turned to Harry for help.

Harry shrugged, grinning. "I honestly wouldn't know."

Ron grimaced. "You're no help at all. Anyway," he turned to the girls, "what earth-shattering news were you two talking about before I insensitively barged into your conversation?"

"Tom Riddle," Ginny said breathlessly.

"What about Tom Riddle?" Harry asked, his interest piqued.

"You mean, you don't know?" Hermione's eyebrows shot up. "I thought you two were friends."

"We are, I guess. But in truth, I haven't spoken to him in weeks. I don't really see him around except in class or during mealtimes but he's always over with the Slytherins. So, we haven't really spoken since he moved out of his former room." He wasn't in the mood to explain any further.

"Hmph!" Ron frowned. "Some friend. He just dropped you once he weaseled his way into the Slytherins' affections."

I drove him away. But he really couldn't say that, especially not to Ron. "I think we're both just busy," Harry said simply. "Anyway, what's this news about Tom?"

"He's going to stay with the Malfoys for Christmas!" Ginny burst out. The girls stared at the boys in anticipation. A pregnant pause followed as Ron just stared back blankly.

"That's it?" he said, scratching his head. "That's the ultra-big, wizarding news that you've been discussing for a certain length of time?" His lips twitched, as he obviously tried to hide a smile.

"It is important," Hermione insisted. "Everything Tom Riddle does is important."

"Why? Is he the suddenly new and hot stud of Hogwarts?"

"No, Ron, it's not that," Harry interrupted. Two tiny creases appeared between his brows as the information sank in. "It's the fact that he's staying with the Malfoys. Let's not forget who was Voldemort's most loyal servant during his blessedly short reign."

"Yes, that's it. Well, he is hot." A light blush creeped over Ginny's cheeks. "But if Malfoy's getting a hold of him, then who knows what plans they may have afoot for Tom!"

"And for everyone," Hermione finished. "I'm surprised that the school's administration hasn't done anything to stop them. After all, I'm sure that they've heard about it by now. Tom can't just leave Hogwarts and go traipsing about the lairs of those... killers."

"Yeah, even if he was never imprisoned for lack of evidence, everyone knows what Lucius Malfoy was before and during the war." Ron ran a hand over his face. "You're right guys, this is serious. But I doubt if Dumbledore would do anything. After all, he wouldn't have a reason to, Lucius Malfoy was never convicted. The rich bastard will just raise up a stink if he ever learns that the teachers tried to stop Riddle from stepping inside their home." He glanced at Ginny.

"And he is not hot."

"Yes he is," Hermione grinned. "You just can't see it because you're a boy."

"I cannot believe that we're talking about the kid version of Voldemort!" Ron exclaimed. "You, Harry, do you agree with me?"

"Wh- what?!" Harry sputtered. He could feel the sudden heat rising from his collar. Damn! Why the hell was he reacting this way?

"Well, is Riddle hot or not?" Ron asked loudly. The girls were staring at him with interest.

"Ron... I can't possibly answer that. Besides, that's a very far issue from our discussion." He ducked the question as safely as he could. With cautious eyes, Harry looked around. Nope, no one heard Ron's embarrassing query. Thank God.

To Harry's relief, Ron took the bait. "You're right. To be honest, if something happens, I don't think the blame would lie with Malfoy alone." His tone darkened. "I don't exactly trust that Tom Riddle and his dramatics."

"I'm sure that his apology was sincere," Harry countered. "He wouldn't do anything to hurt anyone unjustly. Remember, he's been through a lot."

"Yeah, but he's a snake. And snakes are liars. Sorry, Harry, I know you got a bit of that power-thing with the language. But Riddle's different. Evil was mixed in his blood all the way back from Salazar Slytherin. I wouldn't be surprised if he's even related to Grindelwald."

"To be honest... I'm not sure if I disagree with Ron," Hermione added hesitantly. "Maybe we've been too trusting with Tom. What do we know about him, after all? He has revealed very little about himself."

"Not much," Ginny echoed, nodding.

"I don't want to fight another war," Ron whispered. No one spoke after that. They knew how bad it had been, all the useless deaths of Magic folk and Muggles alike. It had been short but painful. Too painful.

Harry could do nothing but stare helplessly. He wanted to defend Tom: the Tom he knew for a very short period. The Tom who looked back at the world with his sincere green eyes, far too old for his sixteen years. The same person who would not give in to his past. Yes, he wanted... needed... to believe him.

But, even as he stood there, the bitter poison of doubt had started to take root in his mind. For he knew that Tom Riddle had no reason to tell him the complete truth.

How much of everything he had said was a lie?

***

The object of their discussion was presently packing his bags with presents, even as they spoke.

"You know, Tom, we wouldn't leave until Wednesday," Draco ventured a comment as he amusedly watched Tom pay for the not-so-small bundle of presents from Honeydukes. Aside from the present goods, the dark-haired Slytherin had excitedly shopped a storm around the town before he even met up with Draco after the two separated for a few hours.

"Well, it's Saturday. And I have to prepare now if I mean to leave everyone a present before I leave with you or I'll never be able to get to it with all the schoolwork. Besides, this is my first Christmas after a very long time so I'm definitely making sure that everything turns out exactly the way I want them to be."

Draco peered at the list Tom tucked into his pocket. "I didn't know you were so organized."

"Heh. And you wonder why the house elves never complain about my part of the room."

"Mine is just fine!" Draco replied defensively. "It isn't even the messiest."

"Nope, Blaise's is," Tom said matter-of-factly. "But yours is a close second. Very close."

Draco rolled his eyes. "I'm sure those sniveling house elves don't complain. They love cleaning! Let's just forget about house elves and cleaning now, shall we? I don't want to lose my lunch this early in the afternoon thinking about me taking a mop to the floor."

Tom grinned as he lightly socked Draco's arm. "You are such a snob. Aren't you buying anything for Christmas?"

"Malfoys don't walk around carrying heavy bags full of awkward bundles." Draco sniffed.

"How would you do your Christmas shopping then? Surely, you do intend to give out some presents, don't you?"

"You are so low-tech, Tom. It's the twenty first century. Catalogues of course! I ordered everything by owl post." Draco smiled smugly.

"I see. Well, little old-world Tom is taking quite a bit of time to adjust. Still..." Tom heaved a couple of shopping bags and dropped them by Draco's feet. "You're helping me carry these today."

Draco's brow rose as he eyed the 'burden'. "You just expect me to do your bidding?"

"Naturally," Tom nodded, eyes widening abit. Then, he added, just for effect. "Your present's in there."

"Weeeeell..."

"Or should I say presents?"

"Okay." Draco pulled he bags up. "But just this once," he reminded Tom. "I don't want to be seen walking around like a lackey. Gads! I hope we won't run into anyone."

Tom stifled a laugh as he carried the rest of his heavy packages. "Oh, we just went here with almost the whole sixth year batch. I doubt if we'll run into anyone who knows us."

"I hate it when you're being sarcastic." Draco rolled his eyes, grinning.

"But you already invited me for the whole Christmas vacation. You'd have to put up with me, then."

"I can always un-invite you."

"You can't do that!"

"Yes I can."

"No you can't."

"Yes I can."

"No you can't."

"Yes I can."

"No you can't"

"Yes I can!"

"Yes you can."

"No I can't."

"Hah!"

"AAAARRRGGGH! I hate you!"

Tom was sure even China could hear him laugh.

It felt good. He hadn't laughed in a while.

***

"Bye Harry!" Hermione hugged him as she said her goodbyes. "I'll be seeing you guys when I get back after the New Year."

"Yeah," Ron replied, as she hugged him in turn. "We'll miss you."

"You go have fun in Switzerland." Harry smiled.

"I'm not exactly sure what you're going to do there, but I hope you'll have fun too," Ron added.

"My whole family is going skiing!" Hermione said happily. "Isn't it great?"

"What's skiing?" Ron asked.

"She explained it to me earlier," Ginny answered for her. "It wouldn't do any good to repeat it as I can't imagine how people would have fun sliding down a mountain on sticks while holding two other sticks."

Harry chuckled. "Well it's really a bit more than that."

"Anyway," Ron waved them away, "forget the skiing. You take care of yourself, Herm. Don't go tripping over your sticks."

"Skis," she corrected gently. With one last kiss to Ron's cheek, Hermione turned her back and walked away. She waved one last time before disappearing around the corner along with a few other sixth years that were leaving for Christmas.

"Aww... I'm gonna miss Herm. But at least you guys aren't leaving." Harry faced Ron and Ginny.

"Yeah, Mum and Dad are taking another trip with Charlie. They're off to Japan now. He's on a special project regarding those golden dragons. They're breeding them since they're nearly extinct."

"Japan! Wow. You didn't want to go?"

"They're staying for a month," Ginny answered. "We couldn't go anyway. There's school after two weeks or so."

"Besides, we're keeping you company." Ron slung an arm around Harry's shoulders. "We can rock the whole place, we three."

"Yeah, a whole two weeks of free time." Ginny grinned.

"And I thought I could actually relax," Harry joked. In a way, he was glad. It was boring without his friends. At least they'd be able to spend the holidays together this year.

***

At least they'd be able to spend the holidays together this year.

She was happy even as they spoke. Her joy held through the rest of the evening, especially during dinner while they all chatted together, laughing and fooling around with their food. Truly, she loved Hermione. But sometimes, she couldn't help but resent the girl for the obvious adoration she received from the two boys.

Not that she was jealous for Ron's attention. She already had his. After all, she was his sister, his baby sister.

It was Harry she wanted.

And starting tonight, he would see only her... no one but her. And for the rest of the Christmas break, she would have only him.

She laughed as she sat beside him during dinner, a seat that was usually there for Hermione to fill. And as Harry smiled at her for the first time that night, she made a resolve to never let anyone stand between them.

Because really, weren't they meant to be?

***

He wasn't really hungry. And he wanted to take the time alone to finish packing.

Tom stood in front of his suitcase, eyeing his clothes critically. He didn't need much, and these would last for his whole visit. The presents took the most room. But he would be leaving most of them at Hogwarts anyway, for his friends who would be left behind at school. And the others were already on their way to their respective homes.

But there was one he had not wrapped yet.

He picked up the scarf, touching the soft wool between his fingers. It still looked like new, the red and gold colors brilliant against his skin. He moved his hands through their length, knowing what he was about to do. Against his better judgment, he lifted the scarf to his face and inhaled its scent, breathing in the spirit that was Harry... and the memories of that night came rushing back to his mind.

He could almost feel him, hear him speak. Enjoy hearing his laughter fall from his marble lips. For he seemed to be that way: eternal, unchanging. Each glance, and each touch was remembered, the time and distance magnifying the scenes. Somehow, even as they promised to keep to their own lives, Tom found himself unable to forget. The memories of Harry bothered him, traitorously surprising him during unguarded moments for the past months.

Often, he asked himself why? Was this merely an obsessive reaction from a wonderful night that he didn't want to let go of? Maybe it would go away in time... after all, non-communication might have greatly exaggerated his feelings. How long has it been since they had last spoken to each other?

It had almost hurt him to not see Harry during that time. There were moments when he felt he couldn't fight the temptation. Especially at nights, when it rained.

Then he would get the overwhelming desire to jump from his bed and run through the halls... somehow break into Gryffindor Tower just to see him. And ask him...

What do feel about me?

But he would always laugh at himself for thinking it. Bitter, sad laughter. For wasn't it Harry himself who rejected him? His feelings for Tom could not have been more clearly stated.

He put the scarf down, damning it for making him remember. But it wasn't its fault. It was just funny how the whole night just seemed to cling to one scent, alive for the singular purpose of torturing him to remembrance.

But it was sweet, the suffering. After Harry, the nightmares had lessened.

They were replaced by green eyes.

***

Tom shut the windows just as his roommates walked in through the door.

"Are you ready to go?" Draco asked, patting his tummy. "Wow... that was a good dinner."

"Probably 'cause a lot of people already left," Crabbe said, grinning.

"Yeah, more food for us," Goyle added.

"That's one way to see it." Tom raised a brow. He turned to Draco. "I'm ready, everything's packed."

"Then we should get going. There's a coach waiting for us downstairs from my father." He took his own bags and was about to head out the door when something caught his eye. "Tom, something is tapping on the window."

"Something?" He whirled around. "Oh! It's the owl!"

"The owl?" Crabbe blinked.

"Yes, I sent him out earlier for something. Oh wait, it's a different owl." Tom opened the window and let the school owl in, accepting the package that was clutched in its talons.

"Who is it for?" Draco asked impatiently.

"It's for me," Tom answered, puzzled. "I think it's an early Christmas present."

"Open it in the coach so we can get an early start. Bye, Vince, Greg!" Draco waved as he disappeared out of the door.

Before going out, Tom turned to Goyle. "Who's picking you up?"

"My father," he answered soberly. Then he grinned. "Vince is staying with us for Christmas."

"All right. See you when I see you!" With a last goodbye, Tom followed Draco out of the Slytherin dorms.

Later, as Draco instructed the coachman outside how to arrange their bags in the back, Tom opened the package. In the darkness of the enclosure, the bells shone, reflecting the silver, distant light from the school.

Tom's breath caught. It was his first Christmas present. Ever.

There was a note attached:

Hang it somewhere where it'll be free.

And think of me every time you listen.

Merry Christmas!

-Harry

He put it back in the box, speechless. But that didn't mean he couldn't smile.

***

The scarf surprised him.

Harry took it from the box, puzzled. Who would send him a Gryffindor scarf? Ron? No, Ron wasn't the type.

The red and gold wool was folded carefully, and as he unfurled it, he saw what was lying underneath. He stared at the bottom of the box, mystified. This was getting stranger and stranger.

He took the silver and green Slytherin scarf out, catching the note that fell out with it.

You left something.

So I'm leaving you with something.

Happy Holidays,

Tom

P.S. I didn't forget.

Harry shook his head. He probably left the scarf with Tom long ago. He knew he was missing one. But he didn't get the reason why Tom sent him his own. He smiled as he wrapped it around his neck. But he wasn't complaining.

However, Harry understood the last part very well.

For he hadn't forgotten either.

He looked out the window just in time to see the snow start to fall that night. Somehow, he felt that Tom would never be really far from him, no matter where he went.

-TBC-