Chapter Text
Chapter One: give a Bludger, receive a Locket
Tom woke up with a start, eyelids fluttering open and then shutting again after being subjected to the immense light entering the infirmary’s window. He let out a pained groan, pressing the back of his throbbing head into the pillow—
Wait, what? What was he doing in the infirmary, lying down on the bed?
And just like that, he remembered. A crowd gathering in the Quidditch pitch, two boys flying and contending a stupid Beater’s bat, then, out of nowhere, the deafening crack of a Bludger hitting the back of his head. Then… then nothing, everything went black.
Him, Tom Riddle! Slytherin’s rightful heir, Hogwarts’ Head Boy and most promising student knocked off by a stupid Bludger. He swore to himself: when he would become Minister of Magic, or Dark Lord, or Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher — he had yet to decide what path to follow, so? — he would ban fucking Quidditch, not only from the school but from Britain. And he would have the fucked who dared to hit him with a Bludger expelled, whatever it takes.
He attempted to open his eyes again, but his vision was dizzy. He could see a hunched figure at his side, sitting with his arms crossed. He had a mop of black, disheveled hair, a thin face, and the most dazzling, magnetic green eyes.
And before his brain could stop them, unfiltered words made their way out of his mouth.
«You have magnificent eyes, where did you get them?»
Harry Potter was fucked.
Not only did his Quidditch trials not go well and were cut short by the incident, but he also injured Head Boy Riddle. He wasn’t sure he was going to make it out alive. And not only did the Bludger hit him, knocking him out instantly, but the older boy seemed to have head damage.
Harry blushed when he registered what Riddle said, in that seductive baritone voice. Head damage, for sure.
«Riddle, I’m going to get Madame Pomfrey, okay?» He said in a soft voice, hoping to not anger the boy even more.
Though nobody dared to say anything, it was an open secret that Riddle and his inner circle were immersed to the core in Dark Arts. And while most of Hogwarts’ population — including teachers, ghosts, and even the paintings — were fooled by Riddle’s kind smile and perfect manners, Harry and his friends were not among them: while he was never caught doing anything wrong, he always seemed to be the mastermind behind Hogwarts most mysterious incidents, like the time Colin Creevey was found stunned near the girls’ restroom on the second floor, his camera destroyed by a mysterious curse. When Harry, ever the detective decided to question his younger brother, Dennis, about the incident, the younger boy said that the only meaningful event was Colin snapping a picture of Riddle, of all people.
Harry shivered at the prospect of being on the receiving end of Riddle’s attention. It’s not that he wasn’t capable of defending himself — he was the only one of his year to have obtained an Outstanding in his Defense Against the Dark Arts OWL —, but because he feared Riddle’s inner circle would start messing up with his closest friends.
«Wait!»
A hand grabbed his wrist, tight but not hurtful. But before Riddle could add anything else, Madame Pomfrey entered the room and noticed that he was awake, fretting over the bed to check on him.
«Well I’ll go, I don’t want to disturb» Harry murmured, seeing it as his only way out of the situation. Riddle’s dark eyes remained focused on him, but thankfully released the grip on his wrist.
«Yes it would be better, I need to run a full checkup» said Madame Pomfrey with a dismissing gesture. Relieved, Harry rushed to the door, ignoring Riddle’s burning gaze on him, probably plotting his murder.
It wasn’t even completely his fault! Harry had just finished trials for Beaters after the Weasley twins left the school a year prior when fucking Cormac McLaggen stormed up after getting rejected as Keeper and snatched the bat out of a poor Fourth Year girl, trying to demonstrate he was much better than them (he was not) and swinging it dangerously near the heads of his newly formed Quidditch team. So Harry, temporarily forgetting about the two Bludgers still flying around, quickly reached the group and tried to get the bat back, when a Bludger nearly hit his arm. Taking his opportunity, McLaggen swung the bat on the Bludger, aiming at the crowd of people gathering on the pitch.
Harry could only stare with horror as the Bludger hit with full force Riddle’s head, knocking him out instantly. Ordering Ron and Katie to collect the Bludgers, he reached Riddle and levitated his body to the infirmary, briefly explaining the story to Madame Pomfrey.
After fleeing from the infirmary, he quickly walked to the Common Room, avoiding as many people as possible, though it looked like word still hadn’t got out that THE Tom Riddle was at the infirmary with a concussion, and that it was Potter and McLaggen’s fault.
«Mate, are you okay? You look like a ghost!» Said Neville. Harry let out an exasperated sigh and fell on the plush armchair near the fireplace.
«I almost killed Tom Riddle» he answered. Neville paled and laid a sympathetic hand on his shoulder, the implication was clear.
«Maybe you could give him an apology gift» he suggested after a while. Harry shot up from his seat, green eyes lit by a new idea.
«You’re right, Neville! You’re a genius, thank you» he yelled at the other boy, before storming off in the direction of the portrait.
When Tom woke again, the sun had set, replaced by the moon and the stars. With a wince, he remembered his earlier interaction with a certain starry-eyed boy, whom he didn’t even know the name of. He was disappointed to find that he was not on his side, but it was likely past curfew.
After Madame Pomfrey got all his scans and declared that he might have a concussion, a hoard of Slytherins visited his bedpost and gave him expensive get-well-soon gifts that included flowers and fine chocolates. Not that he cared for that sort of thing, of course, he wasn’t a fan of toothache and sugar overload, but it was gratifying to see so many people wrapped around his finger, showing their devotion.
With a dark chuckle, he sat on the bed and adjusted the cushions — unlike others, he had the privilege of having more than one, slim pillow — and examined the gifts. It was necessary to keep track of the loyalty of his followers and fellow Slytherins, after all.
He quickly disregarded the cheap Chocolate Frogs and Sugar Quill assortment he received from unknown Hufflepuffs and Ravenclaws and the elegant fruit basket from Malfoy, his eyes narrowing when he caught sight of a circle-shaped package, wrapped in cheap parchment, with a scribbled note on it.
In the most hideous calligraphy he’d ever seen, the note said:
I’m very sorry for causing you a concussion!!! Please accept this apology gift.
P.S: I didn’t know what you liked so I picked my personal favorite!
It was clear who it was from. Carefully unwrapping the paper and setting aside the note, he found a treacle tart, probably baked by the house elves.
Tom didn’t like the tart: it was too sweet, and sticky, but he still ate a generous slice and smiled, against all odds. He cast a stasis charm and went back to bed.
With a twinge of irritation, he realized the mysterious boy hadn’t signed the note, but Tom would still find him. He recalled everything he learned about the boy: he was a Gryffindor, part of the Quidditch team, had startling green eyes, and liked treacle tart. It was most likely younger than him, or Tom would’ve noticed him earlier.
So the next day, after being dismissed from Madame Pomfrey, Tom immediately summoned Lestrange and Avery and sent them to collect information on the incident. Tom dedicated the day to his Head Boy duties and to catching up with his homework and stopped only when Lestrange and Avery came back from their quest.
«Report» Tom barked an order, inviting them to sit down on the couch in front of him. With a reverent bow, they started talking.
«We asked about the incident to the school’s main gossipers, Lavender Brown and Romilda Vane, who also happened to be on the Quidditch pitch during the incident» Avery started, «apparently, the Gryffindor Quidditch team was recruiting new Beaters after the Weasley twins abandoned school last year»
Tom quirked up an eyebrow, growing impatient.
«They had just released the Bludgers when Cormac McLaggen snatched the bat from Alice Wales and insisted on Potter reconsidering his decision. Then Potter and McLaggen started fighting over the bat, then McLaggen hit a stray Bludger and… well, you know the rest» explained Lestrange, trailing off that the mention of the incident, but Tom was caught on one detail: he already knew who McLaggen was, an obnoxious seventh year Gryffindor who loved to brag about his family, but he’s never heard of the Potter boy.
«Potter?»
«He’s Gryffindor’s Quidditch captain, my Lord» intervened Avery.
Tom hummed contemplatively.
«Green eyes, black hair? Short and slim?» He asked tentatively and the two boys nodded. At that moment, the two Slytherin Sixth Year prefects entered the Common Room.
«My Lord, are you talking about Harry Potter?» Questioned Draco Malfoy with a snarl.
Tom felt his face open up in a shark-like smile.
«Yes Draco, I’m doing my… research about the boy. Do you perhaps know him?» He asked, patting the seat next to him as a form of invitation for Draco to sit, followed by Daphne Greengrass.
Both Draco and Daphne knew the Potter boy very well: while the first talked about him in derogatory terms, the girl seemed to have a sort of friendship with him. From what he understood, Harry Potter was a Sixth year Gryffindor with not particularly impressive grades, except for Defense Against the Dark Arts. He seemed to be friendly with everyone, though he had a fierce with Draco, played Quidditch in the role of Seeker and was promoted to Captain of the team this year. He had two best friends, Ronald Weasley and Hermione Granger — a blood-traitor and a mudblood, noted Malfoy — and was a halfblood himself, son of Auror James Potter and muggleborn potioneer Lily Potter.
Tom stored all the precious information in his mind and was already contemplating what steps to take next when Greengrass added something extremely relevant:
«Oh, there’s also a rumor that Harry is dating Cedric Diggory»
Tom stilled. The words irritated him on many degrees: first of all, Greengrass talked about Potter— Harry— with confidentiality, calling him by his first name. And, most importantly, is Harry dating Cedric Diggory? Not a chance.
«Malfoy, Greengrass, keep an eye on Harry and report to me immediately if something important happens» he ordered, «Lestrange, Avery, track a schedule of his day. I want to know what time he has his meals, what lessons he has and everything else I ought to know».
The four of them exchanged bewildered looks but retired when they saw Tom’s murderous scowl.
Harry noticed that something was different only three days later: everywhere he went, he seemed to find a Slytherin at his tail. Most of the time there were Malfoy and Daphne — which wouldn’t be strange at all, as they shared many classes, if it wasn’t for Malfoy’s incredulous look and Daphne’s knowing smile. Other than them, though, Harry often found two upperclassmen Slytherins from Tom Riddle’s inner circle, Lestrange and Avery, waiting for him outside his classes. More and more irritated, on the fourth day of this ridiculous parade, he began to use Notice-Me-Not charms and step out of the class only at convenient moments, when big crowds would shield him from their eyes.
He made fun of them under his breath, loving the looks of confusion on their faces, but then they began to follow his friends, as well.
«They’re kinda creepy, right? Do you think they want to seek revenge for their beloved Slytherin heir?» Commented Ron, breath labored after running away from Crabbe and Goyle. Again.
On the fifth day, the upperclassmen stopped mysteriously showing up outside his classes, but his relief was short lived: lingering on the opposite wall of the Transfiguration classroom, there was Tom Riddle himself. His long legs were crossed and he had his arms on his sides, an expression of intense boredom on his face, that lit up as soon as he caught sight of Harry.
Harry shivered, then sighed, submitting to Fate. He gestured to Ron and Hermione to go ahead, ignoring their worried looks. There was no point in avoiding the unavoidable now, so Harry marched up to Riddle, whose eyes never left his figure. They were pretty brown eyes, lit by a curious flame.
«Hello Harry» he greeted politely, the angles of his mouth slightly curved upwards.
«Riddle» Harry answered crossing his arms, «you finally retired your followers?»
Riddle let out a deep chuckle. «Followers, Harry? Why would you call them that?»
Harry shrugged.
«Maybe because they fawn over you like the leader of a cult» he answered sharply.
Riddle’s eyes narrowed, making him look more feline. He leaned forward, the tips of his perfectly tamed curls brushed against his. Harry felt his cheeks burn at the proximity, but his Gryffindor pride prevented him from stepping back.
«And why does it concern you, dear Harry? Are you perhaps… jealous?» Murmured the older man, his intense gaze scrutinizing Harry.
Harry snorted, jerking away and stumbling back.
«Jealous? Of your little minions? I don’t think so» Then, he regained focus and recalled why he talked to the Head Boy in the first place, «Anyway Riddle, stop sending your minions to stalk me and my friends. I already apologized for the incident»
Riddle gave him a sly smile.
«You didn’t, actually. Not in person»
Harry felt his stomach clench at the satisfied, shit-eating grin the other regarded him with, making him swallow his pride thickly.
«Okay, then. I am sorry. Now stop bothering me» he spat aggressively.
Riddle faked a wounded look and gasped, placing his hand on his heart.
«Your words wound me, Harry! I merely wanted an apology for your lack of control over your teammates, as Quidditch captain I believe it is a requirement. And as Head Boy myself, maybe I should lecture you on the importance of security while playing high-risk sports, take points from your house, or give you a punishment» he explained, his face lighting up with a seemingly sweet smile; Harry didn’t fall for it, too close to him to ignore Riddle’s shark-like eyes.
«Isn’t having you and your minions following me around a punishment already?» Harry remarked, rolling his eyes. Riddle’s grin only widened.
«And now excuse me, I have a lesson to attend. As Head Boy, you wouldn’t want to make a student late for his class, wouldn’t you? Your conduct ought to be exceptional, after all» and with that last jab, Harry left, not wasting time to hear the Head Boy’s answer.
When he finally made his way down the dungeons, Slughorn waved his hand in a dismissing manner, so Harry just made his way to the desk he and Ron shared.
«Glad to see you alive, mate» said Ron.
«Ronald! Don’t act like you weren’t all worried just five minutes ago» answered Hermione, shooting an annoyed glare at the redhead.
Ron shrugged, but he didn’t deny it.
«No, we just… talked, I guess. He demanded an apology so I gave him one» Harry stated.
Both Ron and Hermione glanced nervously at each other.
«You didn’t act all snippy and sassy with Riddle, didn’t you?» Inquired Ron.
Harry raised his eyebrows.
«Of course I did! The git deserved it» Harry replied defensively, crossing his arms.
They let out a frustrated groan and Harry ignored them, chopping his ingredients.
«You may put a target on yourself, mate» Ron joked after a while, to Hermione’s disapproval, who rolled her eyes.
«I don’t think he’ll do anything like that. Riddle has other things to worry about, he’ll leave me alone» he said with certainty.
Riddle did not, in fact, leave him alone.
Today must be my lucky day, he thought when he caught sight of Hermione Granger, alone, in the library. Plastering his fake, perfect student smile, Tom made his way towards where she sat with a big Ancient Runes dictionary in front of her.
«Good evening, Granger» he greeted sliding into the empty seat next to her.
She jolted and eyed him suspiciously. Her bushy dark hair was tied in a ponytail and she had her prefect badge pinned on her uniform.
«What do you want, Riddle?» She inquired, her voice tired but steady.
Tom shrugged.
«Just wanted to chat with a fellow Prefect, and check on your wellbeing. Anything to report?» He said pleasantly, fully aware that she could see through the act. She was Harry’s friend, after all, and one of the smartest students in the school.
She seemed unfazed, in fact.
«Cut the crap, Riddle, and tell me what you want» she answered.
His smirk only widened; if she were anyone else (read: if she weren’t Harry’s friend) he might not have been so nice, picking at their mind with Legilimency or threatening them to get the information he needed. But he needed to get on Harry’s good side, and, per extension, on his silly little friends’.
«Okay then, Iet’s drop the pleasantries. I merely wanted to ask about your friend, Harry» he said straightforwardly, leaning against his chair in a relaxed pose hoping to ease up Granger, who, on the contrary, tensed up and straightened her back rigidly.
«And why would I tell you anything about Harry? What do you even want to know? He already apologized, though in his own, twisted way, so leave him alone»
«Relax Granger, I have no intention of hurting him» unless he asks me to, he completed in his mind, «I just want to get to know him better»
Granger’s gaze narrowed, but she waited for him to continue.
«Is Harry dating anyone?» He asked, gripping the edge of the table tightly while waiting for his answer, trying to not show his anxiety.
At that, Granger’s face softened, and, for a brief moment, her lips curved in a small smile, before she schooled her expression back to an impassive one, but the glint in her eyes remained.
«No, he’s single» she answered. Her facade crumbled at Tom’s earnest glare and he could see her clearly trying to stifle a giggle.
«Are you sure? What about that Diggory boy?» He insisted. If she dared to lie to him, she would face horrible consequences. He’s always wanted to try the blood-boiling curse, after all…
«No Tom, he’s not dating anyone!» She seemed to shriek seeing his murderous look when she said his name, so she quickly added: «Harry and Cedric are just friends, nothing else»
Tom hummed, far more pleased. Without adding anything else, he just nodded at Granger and left the library, feeling far more content than when he spotted her in the first place. Maybe he had to ample his strategy to Harry’s friends: they seemed useful tools and could give him insider information on the green-eyed boy.
While reflecting on his next step, Tom finally made his way to the Slytherin’s dorms, ready to relax after a long day. If only it wasn’t for the stupidly handsome Cedric Diggory…
He saw Diggory and three other Hufflepuffs leaning in a secluded alcove near the kitchens, snickering about a stupid joke one of them made. Tom resisted the urge to curse them all. Maybe if the stupid pretty boy was alone— not that he can’t take three mediocre Hufflepuffs, but it would damage his reputation.
Managing to control himself with great effort, he slides into Slytherin’s Common Room. He ignored Malfoy and Lestrange playing Exploding Snap and headed to the dormitories, launching himself on his bed. The irritation provoked by Diggory was still lingering on top of his stomach, hands twitching with the urge to do something, anything. He tried to relax, but even his impeccable Occlumency wasn’t having any effect. So, with a deep sigh, he returned to the common room.
«Where are you going?» Lestrange asked annoyingly. Tom repressed the eye roll he so desperately wanted to give, and opted to pretend he had rounds to do.
«Isn’t it Greengrass’ turn today?» He heard the other boy mutter, but he was already in the corridor.
Tom cast a Disillusionment charm over himself as soon as he was out in the dungeons, hoping to clear his mind with his walk. Ever since he got hit by the Bludger, he was behaving differently, he could see that; but then again, he didn’t know Harry before the incident, so maybe it wasn’t all bad. And it wasn’t like he was behaving differently towards everyone but Harry.
He froze when he saw a hint of messy black hair emerging from behind the statue of the one-eyed witch, near the Defense classroom. Tom narrowed his eyes, seemingly having caught a student out of bed during curfew, and approached with feline steps.
His heart jumped when he saw none other than Harry Potter, holding a blank parchment with one hand and the wand with the other. He quickly broke his Disillusionment charm and cleared his throat to attract the boy’s attention.
Harry jumped in place and looked up rapidly, pointing his wand at him.
«Out of bed this late, Harry dear?»
«What are you doing here?» Harry retorted, eyeing him suspiciously. «Are you following me?»
Tom arched an eyebrow.
«No darling, I was just doing rounds when I caught a cute Gryffindor out of his Common Room after curfew. Normally I would report this, but maybe we can come up with another arrangement» Tom smirked, trying to keep his tone even, but his hands were twitching with eagerness.
Harry looked at him even more suspiciously.
«And why would you do that? Not very “Head boy” -ish of you» he commented, folding the parchment and placing it into his pocket.
«Let’s just agree that you owe me two favors and I’ll let you go without telling anyone about your little mischief» Tom said benevolently.
Harry huffed and murmured something under his breath.
«Why two favors?»
Tom smiled more genuinely; so his Harry was cunning, as well.
«One is for not reporting you. The other is for not asking you to examine that curious parchment, which I think has some kind of enchantment to help you out in your little adventures» explained Tom, marveling at the sight of Harry speechless.
«Okay, done. But I’m not doing anything dangerous or— strange, Riddle. And don’t take too long to ask your favors, I have no intention of being in debt with you forever» Harry finally said.
Riddle nodded, his smile turning lopsided.
«Don’t worry darling, my first request will find you sooner than you think»
And with that, Tom finally made his way to his bed, extremely satisfied with the events that occurred today.
It turned out that Riddle didn’t have to think too hard about his first request from Harry: during breakfast, a brown school owl made his way to Harry and left a small package in front of him, flying off immediately after.
Harry examined the package, carefully wrapped in emerald green parchment, and looked for Riddle. Said man was sitting on the other side of the room, amongst the Slytherins, and was already looking at him. He only smiled and nodded his head with a mischievous, not-so-trustworthy grin.
He turned to Hermione, who was busy reviewing her Transfiguration notes, and Ron, who was talking animatedly to Dean and Seamus. Shrugging, he finally unwrapped the paper and opened the box.
On a velvet cushion, there was an obnoxiously big golden locket, with a serpentine S made of glittering green stones, shining ominously in the morning light. He cradled it into his hands; the object looked ancient and ridiculously expensive, why would Riddle give it to him? Was it cursed? But then again, he already touched it, so it wasn’t. Under the locket there was a note, written in Riddle’s elegant cursive. It only said:
Wear it over your robes.
Harry shot an interrogative gaze to Riddle, who only winked at him. He fiddled with the delicate chain: looking at it again, the locket was actually pretty. Maybe too pretentious for him, but he could see Tom wearing it.
The green-eyed boy sighed once more before finally wearing it, but nothing happened. He gave a tentative look at Riddle, who was still watching him with a bright smile.
It wasn’t until the end of Transfiguration class that something out of the ordinary happened: Professor McGonagall was checking the results of their transformation, walking between the desks with a stern expression. When she saw Harry, however, her face softened and she even smiled before walking away.
«Did you see that?» He whisper-shouted to Ron, flabbergasted.
«Yes! She saw the locket and freaking smiled!» Exclaimed Ron, mouth gaping. «Can’t wait to tell Hermione»
«Maybe the locket is some shitty pureblood joke» reasoned Harry later while they were on their way for the next lesson, Defense with Professor Merrythought. Some students gave him astonished looks, others were utterly impressed when they saw the locket.
«You know McGonagall wouldn’t laugh at a joke made at your expense, Harry» replied Hermione.
Harry dropped the subject until Daphne, one of the few Slytherins Harry befriended, came to him and gave him a pat on the shoulder.
«Congratulations, Harry!» She said cheerfully, though there was a teasing edge in her tone.
«Congratulations? For what?» He and Ron asked at the same time, but she only giggled and ran away. The trio looked at each other with perplexed looks.
By the end of the lesson, whatever rumor there was around Riddle’s locket spread like wildfire, eliciting murmurs everywhere the trio went. Harry was tempted to shove it under his robes, but he could already see Riddle’s triumphant, attractive grin, so he resisted. He would not let him win. Whatever this locket meant, he was going to find out and make him pay for it.
It didn’t take long to find out what the locket meant. Actually, the answer got shoved right into his face when he was approached by Malfoy and his two gorilla-like bodyguard friends. He waited for Harry at the end of Defense and approached him with a solemn look on his face that didn’t go well with the suppressed snarl Harry could clearly see.
«Potter» he pronounced, keeping his chin high with pride, «as the Malfoy Heir, I think it’s time we put our… differences apart and agree to a truce»
Harry’s eyes went as wide as saucers and a bark-like laugh escaped his throat. On his side, Hermione and Ron were too stunned to speak.
«A truce? And why would I believe that, when you clearly hate my guts?»
Malfoy’s nostrils dilated like a dragon ready to spit fire, before he answered, gritting his teeth: «Well, it’s obvious that circumstances change», he said, eyeing his locket.
«Wait! You know what this is?» He asked, taking the oval between his fingers.
«You…» An unpleasant shade of red painted Malfoy’s pale, pointy face, making him look ready to explode. «You— you don’t even know what you are wearing, Potter?! Seriously?!»
«Hey hey, no need to scream, just tell us what it is and leave us alone» intervened Ron, already sensing a fight.
Malfoy emitted a sound between a scoff and a humorless laughter and looked at the trio with disbelief painted on his face. Even Crabbe and Goyle were incredulous, something Harry’d never seen in their dull expressions.
«You’re really something, Potter— you don’t even know that you’re wearing Salazar Slytherin’s locket, a heirloom of the Gaunt family, whose only living heir is Tom Riddle. You’re wearing a pureblood family heirloom, Potter. A damn precious one!»
Ron gasped loudly and grabbed Harry’s shoulder with a panicked expression.
«Ah, it looks like Weasley isn’t just a useless blood traitor, after all» Malfoy laughed, clearly enjoying their reaction.
Tom Riddle gave him Slytherin’s locket.
A family heirloom.
Pureblood traditions. Courtship.
«Ron» he called him, voice impassive, «tell me this is not what I think it is»
But Ron’s still panicked moan was all the answer he needed.
«I don’t get it, why would he give you something so precious?» Questioned Hermione, clueless for once.
«It’s a Declaration of Intent, Granger» explained Malfoy, still infuriatingly amused, «it’s a tradition for powerful pureblood Wizarding families to give their intended courtship gifts, to claim the intended as their own and show interest in courtship and marriage. Potter, wearing it, inadvertently accepted»
It was Hermione’s turn to gasp. Of course, his own father and Sirius, both heirs of ancient families didn’t find the time to explain these stupid customs and traditions to Harry, and look where he is now! Harry felt all his blood rush to his cheeks and the tips of his ears.
No, no, no. There was no way.
He set on the locket again, feeling its enormous weight for the first time. The serpentine “S” was clear as ever.
Dear Merlin.
«I’m going to kill him!» He cried and stomped away, leaving his friends and Malfoy’s little creek behind. He bolted into Gryffindor’s dorm and lunged at his trunk, extracting the Marauder’s Map: Riddle was at the library.
Harry was there within minutes and found the git studying in a secluded spot near the window with a few Slytherins, that turned their faces to him as soon as he entered. He ignored their venomous glances and aimed straight at Riddle, who pretended to not have seen him yet — and Harry might’ve believed it, if it wasn’t for the twitch of his mouth.
Harry cleared his throat.
«Oh, good morning darling. What a pleasure to see you here» Riddle smiled politely.
«You bloody bastard!» Harry shouted, attracting the attention of other students.
«That’s not very nice. Do you fancy a walk? I could use some fresh air» he replied, so disgustingly sweet.
Harry was ready to answer with a colorful insult, but Madame Pince’s look shut him instantly. Instead, he nodded stiffly and began walking away, not even waiting for Riddle to pack his things and follow him. He headed to the Black Lake and, to his irritation, Riddle caught up to him fairly quickly — stupid long legs!
«This is such a nice spot for a romantic promenade, my dear» Riddle murmured right into his ear. Harry felt shivers running down his spine.
Riddle smiled and stopped leaning into him; Harry had just sighed in relief when the sly Slytherin slid a strong arm around his shoulders, sticking their sides together.
«Romantic my ass» he answered, looking straight ahead and trying to divert his mind from the way Riddle’s warm body was pressed against him, or how he smelled so nice. «You tricked me!»
Riddle threw his head back, laughing.
«Tricked you? I thought I made my intentions pretty clear, sweetheart» he said, enhancing the word “intentions”.
Harry’s lips almost curled up when he got called “sweetheart”. Almost. Only his mother had ever called him that, but hearing it in Riddle's sensual baritone made his stomach clench.
«Now the whole school thinks we’re dating» Harry replied, trying to sound smug. It wouldn’t do any good to Riddle’s pristine perfect reputation; Harry was actually pretty popular in school — though completely oblivious — for being friendly with students of all houses and, of course, being the Quidditch captain. What he always failed to realize, no matter how much Hermione insisted, was that he was also considered attractive. He grew a few inches in the summer between his Fourth and Fifth year, and his form was lean thanks to his Seeker role; he had silky black hair with a “just out of bed” look that was effortlessly good and stunning, jade green eyes.
«Yes, that was the point, Harry» Riddle sounded both smug and exasperated, if it was even possible. Harry shot him a questioning look.
«But… why?»
Riddle stopped in his tracks and pursued his lips. It was oddly cute. He looked like he thought Harry was a fool for even asking.
«Merlin, you really are oblivious» Riddle dared to huff, now definitely exasperated.
«Yeah, whatever» Harry mumbled angrily. This wasn’t getting anywhere.
They resumed walking in a somewhat comfortable silence, with their shoulders brushing against each other. At least Riddle was keeping his stupidly big hands to himself.
«When the weather is warm, I like to sit under the Whomping Willow to read» he confessed, looking longingly at the tree scrolling its own dry foliage.
Riddle arched an elegant eyebrow.
«How come you haven’t been squashed to death?» he asked, both amused and curious.
Harry shrugged.
«The Whomping Willow was planted when my father and his friends were in school. They found out that the tree won’t attack if you push a knot in its base, and they passed the info to me, of course» he explained, not mentioning the secret passage that led to the Shrieking Shack, or the fact that the very same tree was planted to help his werewolf uncle, Remus Lupin.
«That’s very interesting, thank you for sharing this with me, dear» Riddle answered with a small smile. «There are not many secrets about the castle I haven’t discovered yet»
Harry rolled his eyes.
«Yeah, sure» he deadpanned.
«Have you ever been to the Room of Hidden Things?»
At the end of the day, Slytherin’s locket was still secured around his neck.
Tom came back to the common room with a blinding smile and headed straight to the dorms, stopping to greet Avery, Nott, and Lestrange, who gave him a bewildered look, as if they’d seen a dragon being petted.
Oh well, Tom didn’t particularly care about them at the moment: he had spent the majority of the afternoon in Harry’s company, exchanging exciting stories about their years at Hogwarts and talking about secret spots and rooms. Tom promised to take him to the Room of Hidden Things one day, and Harry told him where the kitchens were located. Harry was so pretty, and he even smiled at him! For once, he was on the receiving end of a beautiful, bright smile instead of a suspicious scowl.
Later that night, Tom’s inner circle reunited without their “Lord”.
«He’s scary, isn’t he? More than usual» commented Avery, shivering. Tom was beaming when he came back. He didn’t even look pissed when a Second year spilled ink all over his favorite spot.
«Yeah, right? And he gave Potter a family heirloom! What was he thinking?» Replied Malfoy, disgust painted on his face at the thought of his arch-enemy.
«He’s whipped» Nott replied wisely, and that settled the discussion.