FIC: The Bonds of the Heart ~ NC-17 ~ HPTR
Title: The Bonds of the Heart
Author: batsutousai
Rating: NC-17(of course)
Pairings: Tom/Harry(mentions of various others including but not limited to Neville/Draco, Ginny/Harry, Remus/Severus)
Warnings/Kinks: Angst, mentions of character death, post-war fic, slash/yaoi, mentioned het, dirty mouths, sappy/fluffy romance(*gags*)
Summary: CHALLENGE FIC: When Harry Potter and Tom Riddle say they can't live without each other, they really aren't joking. Obligation and affection are two very different things.
Disclaim Her: This story is based on characters and situations created and owned by JK Rowling, various publishers including but not limited to Bloomsbury Books, Scholastic Books and Raincoast Books, and Warner Bros., Inc. No money is being made and no copyright or trademark infringement is intended. Challenge handed forth by Naked!Tom Whore/hirei.
A/N: This is the second part of the fic. Link: First Part
-~/\~-
One Month Later
-~\/~-
Riddle felt a little ill when he woke that morning and groaned.
A head of messy hair on the pillow next to him turned over and jade eyes blinked open tiredly. "What is it?"
Riddle drew his housemate closer and closed his eyes. He felt a little better, but the illness was still there. Just what he needed. He and Potter were finally to the point where they weren't ready to tear each others' hair out over the slightest thing, but their stupid bond seemed to think they should be farther along.
A gentle hand slipped under Riddle's shirt and caressed his stomach. He bit back a moan and shot Potter a sharp look. "The bond," the younger man deduced.
"Stop it," Riddle managed to get out, pushing the soothing hand away. He could handle being a little ill, but he wasn't ready for-
Potter leaned up and kissed Riddle gently. "You can't fight it, Tom."
"Watch me," Riddle growled, trying not to think about how much better he felt after that kiss.
"Stubborn," Potter whispered before kissing him again.
Riddle groaned out his acceptance and kissed back. Damn the bond and damn Potter for not letting him suffer in silence. Though, when Riddle thought about it, it was possible that Potter had been feeling just as ill.
Potter's hands danced up under Riddle's shirt and he couldn't make himself push them away. Rather, his own hands slipped under Potter's shirt and brushed over smooth skin. It felt so good...
When Potter's hands touched the top of Riddle's pants, however, Riddle pulled away and grabbed the younger's hands in an iron grip. "No," he growled.
Potter just blinked at him.
Riddle let Potter go and got out of the bed quickly, trying to calm his racing heart.
"You're a virgin," Potter realized, knowing he was right when Riddle stiffened. "There's nothing wrong with that, Tom."
"And I take it you're not?" Riddle snapped back sharply.
Potter slipped from the bed and stretched. "On our side, we found comfort from each other in bed. I haven't been a virgin for years," he said calmly before walking to the door of the bedroom. "I'm going to make breakfast. Come down whenever you're ready," he offered over his shoulder before leaving.
Riddle groaned in the silence that came after Potter had closed the door. Why did the brat have to be so damn perceptive?!
-~/\~-
Potter started to get worried when it had been an hour and Riddle still hadn't made an appearance. Ignoring the promise he'd made to himself not to push his housemate, the young man wandered up to the bedroom he and Riddle shared. He waited outside the closed door for a few minutes, listening. Hearing nothing within, he knocked. "Tom?"
There was no answer.
Potter frowned and stepped into the room. Riddle's clothing had been left in the middle of the room floor and the door to the adjoining bathroom was closed. Walking to the door, Potter heard the shower running and breathed a sigh of relief. He took a seat on the bed to wait for his housemate - just to be certain Riddle was okay.
If someone had told Potter, even a month ago, that he would be sitting on the bed, worried about Riddle, he probably would have told them to go see a psychiatrist. If someone had told him such a thing during the war, Potter probably would have dragged them to a medi-witch himself.
Potter sighed and let himself fall back onto the bed. So much had changed in three and a half months. It was mind-boggling, really.
The shower went off and Potter glanced away from the bathroom door. He'd been amused to find that Riddle was body-shy, but he made a point of always respecting the other's need for privacy on that account. He, himself, could care less. Sharing a dorm room with four other boys for seven years and then sharing a tent with any number of different people - many of whom he'd slept with - for two and a half years had cured him of any bouts of shyness he may have once suffered from.
Riddle stepped into the room in a towel, then froze when he saw Potter on the bed. He coughed after a moment and said, "Did you need something?"
Potter shrugged, not turning to face Riddle. "I just got worried when you didn't show up, so I came up to check on you. You can get dressed - I promise not to look."
Riddle blinked at Potter for a moment then moved forward to sit next to the younger man on the bed, still clutching the towel around himself tightly. "You were worried about me?" he inquired softly, a touch surprised. No one had ever actually worried about him before.
Potter sighed. "Yes, Tom. I was worried about you," he told the bedroom door.
Riddle touched the side of Potter's face with a faint smile. "Thank you," he whispered before getting up to get himself some clothing.
Potter glanced over and smiled at the other's back. "You're welcome," he murmured, looking back towards the door. He silently amused himself with the glance he'd gotten of the body-shy ex-Dark Lord while he listened to said man getting dressed.
When Riddle was dressed, he came to stand in front of Potter and extended a hand. "Shall we?" he inquired as Potter took the offered hand and allowed himself to be pulled to his feet.
Potter nodded with a smile. "Let's," he agreed before tugging the other man from the room.
-~/\~-
Riddle had no clue how he was going to manage to get his housemate a present. It's not like he could say, 'Harry, would you go stand in that corner over there for me while I get something for you?' And, of course, leaving the house without Potter wasn't possible at that point.
Without any better ideas, Riddle returned to his favourite past time - he researched a way to get around the small amount of distance that could separate them. What he came up with was not helpful. The only ways to get past that part of the bond was to consummate it, as he'd feared.
Riddle was in the process of throwing a couple of books at the wall when Potter stepped into the library. "That's not the way I was taught to treat books, you know," he offered with a faint smile.
Riddle shot him a glare. "Shut up," he snapped.
Potter's smile widened. "What did you read that pissed you off so much?" he inquired as he started picking up books.
"None of your business," Riddle shot back, crossing his arms over his chest.
Potter shook his head, obviously still amused. "Trying to find a way to get rid of me?" he teased, having noted the titles Riddle had been throwing about.
Riddle stiffened minutely, then stood and stalked from the room without a word.
Potter blinked after him, confused. "Was it something I said?"
-~/\~-
Riddle remained stiffly silent for the rest of the day. Potter ignored him, pretending that the angry silence didn't bother him.
When Riddle continued his silence the next day, Friday, Potter finally got fed up with it. He waited until dinner to bring it up, not wanting to push it while they were out in public.
"Tom, what the fuck is wrong this time?"
Riddle scowled and stabbed his fork at the noodles on his plate.
Potter set his own fork down. "What have I done that's pissed you off?"
"Nothing," Riddle muttered.
There was a loud crash and Riddle's head shot up, eyes wide in surprise. Potter had stood suddenly and his chair had fallen over backwards onto the stone floor. A bit scared, Riddle glanced up and met his furious housemate's eyes.
"Until you get your head out of your arse, I will be sleeping in my own room. I refuse to put up with your childish fits," Potter said coldly, then stalked from the kitchen.
Riddle dropped his head into his hands and groaned. Potter's birthday was tomorrow.
-~/\~-
Potter felt horrible. It was the sort of horrible that came from being away from Riddle for too long. He buried his face in his pillow, fighting tears. It wasn't supposed to happen like this. Voldemort was supposed to be dead and he was supposed to be resting comfortably in a small cottage somewhere away from the prying eyes of the wizarding public. He wished his friends were alive. Hermione would have found a way out of this nonsense and Ron would have kept him laughing. If stupid Draco were there, he'd be complaining about his hair or going on about Neville or telling Potter what an idiot he was. And Neville would be telling Draco to stop teasing Potter. Ginny would be flirting with him playfully or joking with him about what a lovely bed mate so-and-so was. Seamus would be trying to talk him into getting drunk with him while Dean kept telling him to, "Leave poor Harry alone for once, you dunce." Fred and George would be trying to prank him, or asking him for suggestions on some new product.
Even Snape would have been welcome in Potter's ruined world. At least his harsh words would never change, never stop coming, never stop cutting only so deep. And Remus would always tell him off, hug Potter. Promise the greasy git a screw if he'd be nice to his cub for once.
Potter let out a choked sob, no longer able to hold it back. If only Riddle was there, he could hug him and make it all better...
...or at least stop being an arse....
-~/\~-
Riddle buried his face in his hands and bit back a string of curses. He was standing outside Potter's room and he could hear his housemate crying. Potter never cried. Except for that one time, when he'd been having all those nightmares and Riddle had yelled at him for being an arse.
And Riddle wasn't feeling well, which was his own fault. Damn the bond.
He reached over and tried the door. It opened, so he poked his head in and felt something in his chest - his heart? - cry out in pain at the sight of Potter sobbing. "Harry?" he whispered, stepping more fully into the room.
"Go away!" Potter screamed, throwing his pillow blindly.
Riddle ducked the pillow and stepped up to the bed. "I'm sorry..."
Potter turned and waved his fists at Riddle angrily. "Away, damn you!"
Riddle grabbed the younger man's wrists and drew him into a hug. "No. I'm not going anywhere." He closed his eyes and took a deep breath. "I was being an arse and I'm sorry. I shouldn't have stopped talking to you because I was mad at the bond."
Potter sniffled and relaxed into Riddle's hold. "Why are you mad at it?" he whispered.
Riddle rested his cheek on the top of other's head. "I wanted to get you a birthday present and I couldn't..."
Potter let out a weak laugh and elbowed his housemate in the ribs. "Idiot."
"I know." Riddle sighed. "We could go out now, I suppose..."
"Can we just go to bed early? I'm kind of tired now..." Potter mumbled, a touch of embarrassment colouring his voice when he mentioned that he was tired.
"Of course." Riddle pulled away to stand, then helped Potter to his feet.
The two walked across the hall to the room they shared and got ready for bed in silence. They climbed into the bed and Riddle drew Potter close, then kissed the top of his head. "Pleasant dreams, Harry."
"You too, Tom," the younger man replied, wrapping his arms around the other.
-~/\~-
Riddle was staring at the contents of the fridge the next afternoon while Potter was getting the mail. He still didn't have anything for Potter's birthday. Every time he mentioned it to Potter, the bloody brat would smile knowingly, then change the subject. He was so aggravating sometimes!
"Tom, look! Look!"
Riddle turned away from the fridge and blinked at the letter Potter was waving around. "Yes?"
"It's from Albus! He's inviting us over for a small party!" Potter said happily. "Can we go?!"
Riddle sighed and let the fridge close. It was Potter's birthday, he should let him have fun. But did that mean he had to put up with the old coot? "I....guess...." he muttered, feeling like he was giving his soul away or something.
Potter jumped over, kissed him on the cheek, then scampered up the stairs.
Riddle rubbed at his nose. "Bloody hell," he groaned to himself before wandering up the stairs after his housemate.
Potter was waiting by the door, smiling and looking much calmer. He waited until Riddle had come to a stop next to him before hugging the elder man and saying, "Thanks, Tom. I know you really don't want to have to put up with Albus."
Riddle shrugged. "It's your birthday, and I was such a bastard yesterday. Anyway, I still haven't gotten you a present." He narrowed his eyes at Potter. "What do you want, anyway?"
Potter laughed and grabbed Riddle's hand. "Come on, Tom! Let's go see what sort of trouble Albus is causing this time!"
Riddle rolled his eyes and allowed Potter to drag him from the house.
-~/\~-
"Hi, Albus!" Potter chirped when Dumbledore opened the door to his flat.
"Happy birthday, my dear boy!" Dumbledore pulled Potter into a hug, then smiled at Riddle. "It's good to see you, Tom."
Riddle snorted. "The pleasure is all mine, Dumbledore," he replied sarcastically.
"Harry's here, then?" a new voice said.
"Remus!" Potter squeaked, then snuck past Dumbledore and threw himself at the grey-haired ex-werewolf. "You're alive!"
"Regretfully," yet another voice said dryly.
"Hello to you too, Snape," Potter shot back in the same tone.
Snape looked like he was about to shoot back a sharp comment when he caught sight of Riddle, whom Dumbledore was half dragging into the house. "What's he doing here?!" the greasy man screeched.
Potter snickered. "He lives with me, Snape."
Snape just gaped at Potter while Lupin sighed. "Why?"
Potter and Riddle traded looks, then chorused, "Bond."
Dumbledore was the only one who had any inkling as to what they meant and he sighed. "Oh, dear...."
Potter smiled. "It's fine, Albus. We haven't killed each other yet, as you can see."
Dumbledore didn't look reassured. "What sort of bond formed?"
"The old arranged marriage bond," Riddle offered in a voice that was far too cheerful, as far as everyone else in the room was concerned.
"Tom!" Potter hissed, giving his housemate a sharp look. Riddle smiled innocently.
Dumbledore sighed. "I'm so sorry, my dear boys..."
"What does that mean, the 'old arranged marriage bond'?" Lupin growled, eyes flashing dangerously. Snape stood behind him, looking a little ill.
Potter got between Lupin and Riddle. "It means he's my mate, Remus. Drop it," the young man said coldly.
Riddle let out the breath he hadn't known he was holding when Lupin crossed his arms over his chest and muttered, "Fine."
"Shall we move into the dining room? There's some sandwiches and chips and cake," Dumbledore broke in, voice too cheerful.
"Let's," Potter agreed softly, not moving his eyes from Lupin's.
Lupin let out a sniff and spun on his heels. "Come on, Sev. I'm hungry," he said, grabbing Snape's arm and pulling him through the doorway they'd been standing in front of.
"Thanks," Riddle whispered to Potter and gave him a quick hug.
Potter smiled at Riddle. "I'll talk Remus around. Don't worry about it," he promised, then hurried after the ex-werewolf.
Riddle turned to Dumbledore when the man cleared his throat. "Yes?"
"How are you faring with this bond, Tom?" the old man asked seriously.
Riddle shrugged. "Smashing."
"Tom." Dumbledore sighed.
"Look," Riddle gave his old professor a dull look, "Harry and I have had our problems, but we're past them and we're doing just fine. Keep your great nose out." He turned to follow Potter.
"So you've already consummated the bond?"
Riddle stiffened. "Didn't I just tell you to keep your gr-"
"You haven't." Dumbledore settled a hand on Riddle's shoulder and wouldn't let the younger man shake him off. "Tom, don't be scared of love. This bond is giving you a chance to start over-"
Riddle snarled and jerked away from Dumbledore sharply. "Leave me the fuck alone, Dumbledore. I may have settled things with Harry, but I have no need to put up with you and your meddling." He spun on his heels and stalked after Potter.
Potter, Lupin, and Snape all looked up when Riddle stalked into the dining room. "Tom-" Potter started, rising from his seat at the table.
"Harry, he's not worth-" Lupin broke in before his 'cub' silenced him with a cold look.
Potter walked over to where Riddle had stopped to give Lupin and Snape hate-filled looks. "Did Albus say something?" he asked quietly.
Riddle shrugged. "Maybe."
"Do you want to go home?" Potter asked, eyes worried.
Riddle blinked, then forced himself to relax and shook his head. "No, it's fine."
"You're sure?"
Riddle actually smiled. "Yes, Harry. I'm sure."
Potter gave him his infamous disbelieving look. "You're going to tell me what Albus said later," he ordered sternly.
"Maybe."
Potter snorted and smiled himself. "You're an idiot," he informed his housemate.
"I know," Riddle agreed.
Potter rolled his eyes and gave Riddle a quick kiss, then walked back over to the table, where Lupin and Snape were gaping at him. "Come on, Albus. No need to hide," he added over his shoulder.
Riddle glanced behind him and shot the older man in the doorway a look filled with venom, then walked over to the open seat next to Potter.
-~/\~-
Riddle was sitting in the corner of the room while Potter was sitting in the middle with Lupin and Snape, opening the small pile of gifts that had been waiting for him. Dumbledore came out of the dining room and started towards Riddle's corner, making the ex-Dark Lord tense.
Potter didn't bother glancing up from the book he'd just been exclaiming over happily. "Albus, you need to leave Tom alone," he said coldly.
Dumbledore frowned, but walked over to sit with Potter and the other two. Riddle let out a sigh of relief and smiled at where Potter was watching him from the corner of his eye. Potter smiled back, then took the gift that Snape was holding out to him with a slightly annoyed look. Riddle figured the greasy man wasn't pleased with having to get his dead rival's son a gift, but the ex-werewolf had made him.
Potter laughed at the Muggle-made model of a human brain and said, "I think this is too big to be yours, sir," in an almost-respectful voice.
Snape narrowed his eyes. "One might say the same about it being yours, Potter."
"Sev," Lupin whispered.
Potter grinned and set the brain to one side. "It's fine, Remus. He wouldn't be himself if he weren't a bastard." He turned to Dumbledore while Lupin chuckled and Snape scowled. "And what did you get me, Albus?"
"Why, I got the cake, my dear boy," Dumbledore replied with a benign smile.
"I know. What else did you get me?" Potter replied, eyes laughing.
Dumbledore chuckled and pulled a small candy out of his pocket. "Sherbet lemon?"
"Albus," Snape hissed, "just give the monster his present."
"So impatient," Dumbledore and Potter chorused, shaking their heads sadly.
Snape let out a strangled sound while Lupin laughed. Riddle covered a smile - now he knew where Potter had learned the ability to handle his little fits so calmly.
Potter took the candy from Dumbledore and popped it into his mouth with a smile. "Lemony, as always."
"I find that they taste better now than they did during the war," Dumbledore offered cheerfully.
Riddle caught the sudden twitch of Potter's eye that was the only outside show of his distress and frowned. He hadn't thought that the war still bothered his housemate.
"No blood," Potter suggested in a cheerful voice.
"Albus," Lupin finally stepped in. He, too, was frowning at Potter, Riddle saw. Maybe he hadn't been the only one to recognize the minute sign of distress.
Dumbledore shot the ex-werewolf a questioning look and Lupin narrowed his eyes at the old man. Dumbledore sighed and pulled a smallish box out from behind him and held it out to Potter while Lupin glanced at Riddle. The two shared a knowing look and Lupin inclined his head to Riddle, eyes silently saying that he would let the blooming relationship between the ex-Dark Lord and his 'cub' alone. Riddle nodded his thanks.
Potter was too busy laughing over the candy bowl that Dumbledore had thrown and the gift card to a nearby candy store to notice the silent conversation, and Dumbledore was laughing with him. Snape had his face scrunched up in disgust at the two ex-war leaders.
"Let's play a game!" Dumbledore suggested excitedly.
"What sort of game," Potter responded with a knowing look.
"I have a Chemistry set upstairs...."
"Perfect!" Potter jumped to his feet, eyes shining with mischief. "Come on, Snapey, let's go play with Muggle potions!"
"Not. A. Chance," Snape growled, glaring at the two.
"Come along, Severus. Don't be a spoil sport on Harry's special day!" Dumbledore threw in, getting to his feet.
"All the more reason to stay here-"
"UP!" Dumbledore and Potter each took and arm and dragged the unwilling ex-professor up.
"Remus? Tom?" Potter inquired, pausing and looking between the two.
"I'd like to talk with Tom for a moment alone, Harry. We'll be right up," Lupin said kindly.
Potter narrowed his eyes and glanced over at Riddle. "If he bugs you, come get me." He glanced back at Lupin. "Don't bug him." Then he continued to help Dumbledore drag Snape off.
Lupin chuckled softly as he moved over to where Riddle still sat in his corner. "I was wondering what, exactly, your bond did?" he inquired in an even voice.
Riddle sighed. "It was created to the two people in an arranged marriage able to not only stand one another, but actually love one another. And fighting the bond, kills the participants."
Lupin made a face. "Wonderful. Any way to get rid of it?"
Riddle shook his head. "I've read every book I can find on the damn thing, and everything says that it has to be consummated."
Lupin's eyes widened comically. "I'm going to sound like a hypocrite here, but, have you-?"
"No." Riddle shook his head sharply.
Lupin blinked at few times, then smirked. "Scared?"
Riddle narrowed his eyes at the ex-werewolf. "What's that supposed to mean?"
"I know all about how Harry used sex as his stress outlet during the war. My cub could care less what your sex is or, at this point, who you were. The only person who could be stopping you two from consummating your bond at this point would be you, Mr Riddle," Lupin responded in a sure voice.
Riddle scowled. "Your point?"
Lupin leaned back in his seat and offered the elder man a kind smile. "Do you care for him? Love him, even?"
Riddle glanced away and fought down a sudden blush. "Yes," he hissed lowly.
Lupin stood, still smiling. "Then trust him. Harry loves you too; I see it in his eyes every time he looks at you." He rested his hand on Riddle's shoulder gently. "He fights so hard to protect you from Albus and myself, I don't think he'd ever hurt you." He left Riddle to think, walking off in search of his 'cub', mate, and old friend.
-~/\~-
"Thanks for the party, Albus!" Potter said. He and Riddle were in the entrance way of the flat with the other three, getting ready to leave.
"Of course, my dear boy. Feel free to drop by any time," Dumbledore replied with a smile. "You too, Tom."
"Not bloody likely," Riddle muttered, earning him a knowing smile from Potter.
Lupin chuckled. "Well, you have my phone number, cub. Call me, okay?"
Potter nodded. "Sure thing. You'll have to give me your work schedule, too." He smirked at Snape.
"What was that Muggle add-on that you got, Remus? The caller-thing?" Snape asked, eyes wide.
"Caller id, Sev."
"That, yes. Could you show me how to use it when we get home?"
Potter cover his mouth with one hand and snickered. "Tom, isn't there a coin telephone outside the house?"
"Two," Riddle replied, playing along with a straight face. "One on each corner of the block."
"What's a coin telephone?" Snape whispered to Lupin.
Lupin was obviously trying not to laugh. Both Potter and Riddle burst out laughing, however. Dumbledore just smiled at all of them. "A pay phone, Severus," the old man offered.
Snape glared at Potter. "I'm never answering the phone," he declared.
Lupin didn't bother fighting his laughter, nor did Riddle. Potter winked at the greasy man with glittering eyes. "I bet you will if I keep calling every minute."
"I'm going to kill you, Potter," Snape promised in a low voice.
Potter laughed. "Tom, save me!" he cried in a high-pitched voice.
"Come on, brat," Riddle snickered, grabbing Potter's sleeve and tugging while Lupin and Dumbledore laughed helplessly.
Potter winked at Snape and held his hand next to his ear with his thumb and pinkie extended in the basic sign language for telephone, then let Riddle drag him from the flat, waving cheerfully at his laughing or cursing friends.
While Potter and Riddle were waiting for the bus, Potter glanced at Riddle and said, "You've been really quiet since Remus talked to you. He didn't say anything, did he?"
Riddle blinked at his housemate for a long moment, then smiled brightly and drew Potter into a tight hug. "Nothing that I didn't need to hear anyway."
"Oh." Potter glanced up at the darkening sky and hugged the plastic bag that Dumbledore had given him for his gifts to his chest. "Did you have fun, at least? I know you didn't really like anyone there..."
"It was fine, Harry." Riddle chuckled and gave Potter a fond look. "Did you enjoy yourself? It was your birthday party, after all."
Potter shrugged. "I suppose. It was a little too exciting for my tastes..."
Riddle rolled his eyes. "If you think that was exciting, you must not have had enough birthdays."
"Not really, no," Potter agreed. "The Dursleys didn't really care, and I was always there during my birthday because it's in the summer. And, you know, then there was the war..."
Riddle frowned, wrapped an arm around Potter's waist, and drew the smaller man against him. "Then you need more birthdays like this one, that's all. We'll have to tell the coot to find more people to invite next year."
"Tom!" Potter gave him a wide-eyed look.
Riddle smiled and kissed the top of Potter's head, then his lips. "Here's the bus," he pointed out, drawing away.
Potter snatched Riddle's hand and held it tightly in his own, then followed the elder man onto the bus. Riddle put in the change for both of them and let Potter pick where to sit. They ended up on the upper level, near the front. Potter cracked a window open so both of their hair went everywhere before resting his head on Riddle's shoulder. Riddle slipped an arm around Potter's waist again and rested his head back on top Potter's.
"You haven't pestered me about what I want for my birthday since we left the house," Potter pointed out after a few moments.
"I asked your godfather," was all Riddle said.
Potter frowned thoughtfully. "But-"
"You'll see what it is when we get home, brat."
Potter smiled and rolled his eyes at the fond insult. "This had better be good."
"You'll like it," Riddle assured him. "Now hush."
Potter's smile deepened and he closed his eyes with a happy sigh.
-~/\~-
Riddle was up in their room, doing Merlin only knew what, while Potter was downstairs putting his new things away. The candy bowl was set in the centre of the kitchen table with the gift card inside to serve as a reminder to go later in the week. The brain found it's home as a bookend in the library. The cookbook Lupin had gotten him Potter left next to the stove after flipping through it and seeing if they had enough food in the kitchen for him to try any of the recipes the next day. They didn't, so he made a mental note to try and talk Riddle into going out with him to the grocery as well as the candy store before Friday.
Potter flipped off the house lights as he made his way up to the bedroom - his aunt had always been very strict about that. He shook his head and shoved all thoughts of his relatives from his mind. Riddle said he'd get his gift in their room, thinking about his aggravating family wasn't the way to prepare himself for his housemate's unknown gift.
When Potter entered the room, he found that the main light had been turned off and a number of candles lit the room from the bedside tables and the dresser. Riddle was nowhere in sight and the bathroom door was closed.
Curiously, Potter stepped around the bed and knocked on the bathroom door. "Tom?" he inquired, amused curiosity colouring his voice.
The door popped open and Riddle stuck his head out, toothbrush hanging loosely from his mouth. "Did you need the loo?" he asked through a mouthful of toothpaste.
Potter hid his smile behind one hand. "No, just wondering why you lit all these candles."
Riddle's eyes sparkled with mischief. "You'll see," he informed his housemate before slipping back into the bathroom and closing the door gently.
Potter decided the room looked like a scene from one of his aunt's romance movies and went to get his bed clothing on.
Riddle came out of the loo and Potter took his place. He brushed his teeth and took a leak, then flipped off the bathroom light and stepped back into the bedroom.
The place looked darker after a few minutes under the florescent lights of the bathroom, so it took Potter a moment to spot Riddle's slight form. The elder man was standing by the window, turned towards Potter, in a bathrobe that was tied loosely. Potter read the nervousness in his housemate's stance and frowned. "What is it?"
Riddle moved away from the window to stand in front of Potter, scarlet eyes bright in the flickering candlelight. He took a deep breath, then started speaking softly, "I was talking with Remus about the bond and he figured out it was me that was stopping us from consummating it." He held up a finger to Potter's lips when the younger man opened his mouth to speak, then continued, "Remus asked me if I loved you and, though I'd never even admitted it to myself, I realized that I did. I don't know if it's because of this stupid bond or what, but I've grown to love you, Harry."
Potter bit his lip and nodded. He didn't speak, however, since he sensed that his housemate had something else to say.
Riddle took another deep breath, then smiled shakily. "I sound so sappy and un-Dark Lordish." He let out a nervous laugh and Potter hugged him tightly. He pulled away and smiled, fighting to keep his voice steady. "Your godfather also suggested I trust you, and he pointed out that I had no reason to not. So...." Riddle paused and met Potter's eyes nervously. "I trust you to not hurt me or...or anything..."
Potter bit his lower lip and hugged Riddle again. "I love you, too," he whispered into the other's bathrobe when he felt arms surround him in return. "I love you so very much, Tom." He pulled back slightly and searched the scared ruby eyes. "You're sure?"
Riddle managed a true smile at that - there was clear evidence of all that Lupin had told him - and nodded. "Yes," he said in a quiet, but strong, voice.
Potter nodded and pulled out of his housemate's embrace before leading him over to the bed. He pressed Riddle back onto the bed, then pulled open the bathrobe. Riddle wasn't wearing anything underneath, so Potter leaned down and kissed his navel before sliding up to kiss Riddle's mouth gently.
Riddle only replied to the kiss after a moment, frozen in a moment of unexpected terror. Only Potter's unending patience thawed the terror, and then he was kissing back; desperate to find a safety in the only romantic act he was familiar with.
Potter soothed him, touch slow and careful. He brushed his fingers over warming flesh as Riddle's discomfort fell away, more concerned with getting his bonded - his mate, as he'd told Lupin - relaxed than he was with enjoying himself. Not that he wasn't enjoying himself. Merely touching Riddle caused a pool of warmth to form in his belly - it had since he'd admitted to himself that he was no longer tormented by the idea of the bond between them.
When Riddle let out a soft moan, Potter's hands moved to play with his partner's cock and balls, still being as gentle as he could. Riddle's hands moved up, tugging on the light shirt Potter wore to bed. Potter smiled and tugged it off quickly before returning to his gentle teasing. Riddle's fingers - long and thin - slid along Potter's sides and chest, making him shiver with excitement.
After Riddle felt that he'd mapped the entirety of Potter's chest - and he felt as though he was going to come in the other's hands - he grabbed Potter's hands and shook his head, feeling a little desperate. "No."
Potter blinked, eyes glittering with love, lust, and concern. "What's wrong?" he whispered, tugging a hand from Riddle's grip to brush against Riddle's cheek.
"I want-" Riddle bit his lip, not sure how to say what he wanted. "I want to come with... with you..." He fidgeted slightly.
Potter smiled at that and leaned down to give Riddle a slow, love-filled kiss. Then he got up, off the bed, and pulled off his pyjama pants quickly before returning to his position straddling Riddle's legs. Both ex-wizards moaned at the bond's pleasure-filled reaction to the skin-on-skin contact.
Making a split-second decision, Potter leaned forward to kiss Riddle again, one hand going back to gently stretch his own hole. He didn't want to hurt his mate if at all possible, and it wouldn't be his first time 'bottoming', as it were, so he figured it would be fine. He'd be sore in the morning, but it shouldn't be too bad.
Both men moaned when their erections brushed as Potter prepared himself. Riddle bucked up, hissing nonsense against Potter's mouth and the younger man decided he was as good as he was going to get and sat back up carefully.
"Harry..." Riddle said, voice breathless, yet whining.
Potter's lips twitched with the beginnings of a smile. "Don't move," he warned, then moved forward and carefully positioned Riddle's straining erection at his entrance.
Meaningless hisses and moans filled the room as Potter slid slowly down Riddle's shaft. The two silenced once Potter had settled himself as well as he could. After a few moments, Riddle gasped as Potter moved up, then back down again.
The two grasped at one another; hands on hands, arms, shoulders, torsos; blunt nails making marks like claws on sweat-covered skin. Ruby-red and jade-green locked and lust and love simmered in the air between them.
Their orgasms hit, sudden and hard, and the two threw their heads back, crying out their pleasure in quiet screams.
A glow surrounded the two - though neither noticed - for a brief moment, before it blasted outwards, shooting through the walls and around the globe.
-~/\~-
Elevens Years Later
-~\/~-
Seven men and women sat at the head of a large room, smiling towards a door where their eighth member led in a line of awed children.
"Only twelve," Riddle commented to his fellows as Tonks settled the children at their table.
Next to his mate, Potter smiled. "Twelve is more than none, Tom. At least our world can begin again."
"And perhaps," Lupin offered from Potter's other side, "they can overcome our own faults."
"To fault is to be human," Snape muttered from next to Lupin, not looking very pleased.
"Ah, but this time, Severus, they'll have someone to learn from," Sprout said from next to Snape.
"And we will teach them all we can and show them our mistakes so they won't create them again," Pomfrey said from Riddle's free side.
"You actually believe we can do this?" Kingsley asked from Pomfrey's other side as Tonks sat down next to him. He was just as sceptical about the teaching the beginning of the new Wizarding World as Snape was. If Dumbledore hadn't asked the group before his death four years previous, none of them would have been there.
"Albus thought we could," Potter replied, smiling at the group of children, all of whom were greeting one another and making friends and enemies. "Albus believed in us enough that he left us to teach these children that have what we have lost."
"Yeah, about that..." Tonks cut in, her laughing eyes giving away her joking manner.
Together the group of eight laughed, then, as one, lifted their glasses and clinked them together. "For the future," they chorused before drinking. When they caught the children looking at them, they just smiled.
-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-
A/N: Took me long enough to finish this - a little under a year, truly. *laughs nervously* I got stuck on a number of places and had to fight with it. Oops?
Not quite sure I like the ending, but I needed to wrap it up a bit, you know? Maybe I should have done a scene of Albus' funeral instead?
Oh well. Too late now.
To answer any questions now - I hope - Tom, Harry, and them didn't get their magic back. The light that followed Tom and Harry's fulfilment of the bond was the magic they'd kind of...ended, I suppose...going out to unborn children that could have been born witches and wizards if the Wizarding World hadn't been brought to a rather sudden halt. Albus got some indication that magic had returned to the world and asked those he could gather to restart Hogwarts for those children that would need to learn to use magic, even though they would never use it again themselves. They agreed, obviously.
Slowly but surely, magic should return to the world, though those who had lost it at the end of the war will never be able to perform magic again, though they might be more aware of it than the Muggles.
-0-
This is mostly beta'd by magickmaker17. Only the lemon and the last scene are un-beta'd.
Special thanks to grazhir, who read this over when I was stuck on the lemon and gave me some suggestions. I think she also corrected a few of my mistakes, but I can't really remember. *sweatdrop*
Now, I shall post this in my normal places, then get some sleep. It's almost three in the morning here and I could probably use it, 'specially since I have class tomorrow...
Your tired author,
-Bats
Author: batsutousai
Rating: NC-17(of course)
Pairings: Tom/Harry(mentions of various others including but not limited to Neville/Draco, Ginny/Harry, Remus/Severus)
Warnings/Kinks: Angst, mentions of character death, post-war fic, slash/yaoi, mentioned het, dirty mouths, sappy/fluffy romance(*gags*)
Summary: CHALLENGE FIC: When Harry Potter and Tom Riddle say they can't live without each other, they really aren't joking. Obligation and affection are two very different things.
Disclaim Her: This story is based on characters and situations created and owned by JK Rowling, various publishers including but not limited to Bloomsbury Books, Scholastic Books and Raincoast Books, and Warner Bros., Inc. No money is being made and no copyright or trademark infringement is intended. Challenge handed forth by Naked!Tom Whore/hirei.
A/N: This is the second part of the fic. Link: First Part
-~/\~-
One Month Later
-~\/~-
Riddle felt a little ill when he woke that morning and groaned.
A head of messy hair on the pillow next to him turned over and jade eyes blinked open tiredly. "What is it?"
Riddle drew his housemate closer and closed his eyes. He felt a little better, but the illness was still there. Just what he needed. He and Potter were finally to the point where they weren't ready to tear each others' hair out over the slightest thing, but their stupid bond seemed to think they should be farther along.
A gentle hand slipped under Riddle's shirt and caressed his stomach. He bit back a moan and shot Potter a sharp look. "The bond," the younger man deduced.
"Stop it," Riddle managed to get out, pushing the soothing hand away. He could handle being a little ill, but he wasn't ready for-
Potter leaned up and kissed Riddle gently. "You can't fight it, Tom."
"Watch me," Riddle growled, trying not to think about how much better he felt after that kiss.
"Stubborn," Potter whispered before kissing him again.
Riddle groaned out his acceptance and kissed back. Damn the bond and damn Potter for not letting him suffer in silence. Though, when Riddle thought about it, it was possible that Potter had been feeling just as ill.
Potter's hands danced up under Riddle's shirt and he couldn't make himself push them away. Rather, his own hands slipped under Potter's shirt and brushed over smooth skin. It felt so good...
When Potter's hands touched the top of Riddle's pants, however, Riddle pulled away and grabbed the younger's hands in an iron grip. "No," he growled.
Potter just blinked at him.
Riddle let Potter go and got out of the bed quickly, trying to calm his racing heart.
"You're a virgin," Potter realized, knowing he was right when Riddle stiffened. "There's nothing wrong with that, Tom."
"And I take it you're not?" Riddle snapped back sharply.
Potter slipped from the bed and stretched. "On our side, we found comfort from each other in bed. I haven't been a virgin for years," he said calmly before walking to the door of the bedroom. "I'm going to make breakfast. Come down whenever you're ready," he offered over his shoulder before leaving.
Riddle groaned in the silence that came after Potter had closed the door. Why did the brat have to be so damn perceptive?!
-~/\~-
Potter started to get worried when it had been an hour and Riddle still hadn't made an appearance. Ignoring the promise he'd made to himself not to push his housemate, the young man wandered up to the bedroom he and Riddle shared. He waited outside the closed door for a few minutes, listening. Hearing nothing within, he knocked. "Tom?"
There was no answer.
Potter frowned and stepped into the room. Riddle's clothing had been left in the middle of the room floor and the door to the adjoining bathroom was closed. Walking to the door, Potter heard the shower running and breathed a sigh of relief. He took a seat on the bed to wait for his housemate - just to be certain Riddle was okay.
If someone had told Potter, even a month ago, that he would be sitting on the bed, worried about Riddle, he probably would have told them to go see a psychiatrist. If someone had told him such a thing during the war, Potter probably would have dragged them to a medi-witch himself.
Potter sighed and let himself fall back onto the bed. So much had changed in three and a half months. It was mind-boggling, really.
The shower went off and Potter glanced away from the bathroom door. He'd been amused to find that Riddle was body-shy, but he made a point of always respecting the other's need for privacy on that account. He, himself, could care less. Sharing a dorm room with four other boys for seven years and then sharing a tent with any number of different people - many of whom he'd slept with - for two and a half years had cured him of any bouts of shyness he may have once suffered from.
Riddle stepped into the room in a towel, then froze when he saw Potter on the bed. He coughed after a moment and said, "Did you need something?"
Potter shrugged, not turning to face Riddle. "I just got worried when you didn't show up, so I came up to check on you. You can get dressed - I promise not to look."
Riddle blinked at Potter for a moment then moved forward to sit next to the younger man on the bed, still clutching the towel around himself tightly. "You were worried about me?" he inquired softly, a touch surprised. No one had ever actually worried about him before.
Potter sighed. "Yes, Tom. I was worried about you," he told the bedroom door.
Riddle touched the side of Potter's face with a faint smile. "Thank you," he whispered before getting up to get himself some clothing.
Potter glanced over and smiled at the other's back. "You're welcome," he murmured, looking back towards the door. He silently amused himself with the glance he'd gotten of the body-shy ex-Dark Lord while he listened to said man getting dressed.
When Riddle was dressed, he came to stand in front of Potter and extended a hand. "Shall we?" he inquired as Potter took the offered hand and allowed himself to be pulled to his feet.
Potter nodded with a smile. "Let's," he agreed before tugging the other man from the room.
-~/\~-
Riddle had no clue how he was going to manage to get his housemate a present. It's not like he could say, 'Harry, would you go stand in that corner over there for me while I get something for you?' And, of course, leaving the house without Potter wasn't possible at that point.
Without any better ideas, Riddle returned to his favourite past time - he researched a way to get around the small amount of distance that could separate them. What he came up with was not helpful. The only ways to get past that part of the bond was to consummate it, as he'd feared.
Riddle was in the process of throwing a couple of books at the wall when Potter stepped into the library. "That's not the way I was taught to treat books, you know," he offered with a faint smile.
Riddle shot him a glare. "Shut up," he snapped.
Potter's smile widened. "What did you read that pissed you off so much?" he inquired as he started picking up books.
"None of your business," Riddle shot back, crossing his arms over his chest.
Potter shook his head, obviously still amused. "Trying to find a way to get rid of me?" he teased, having noted the titles Riddle had been throwing about.
Riddle stiffened minutely, then stood and stalked from the room without a word.
Potter blinked after him, confused. "Was it something I said?"
-~/\~-
Riddle remained stiffly silent for the rest of the day. Potter ignored him, pretending that the angry silence didn't bother him.
When Riddle continued his silence the next day, Friday, Potter finally got fed up with it. He waited until dinner to bring it up, not wanting to push it while they were out in public.
"Tom, what the fuck is wrong this time?"
Riddle scowled and stabbed his fork at the noodles on his plate.
Potter set his own fork down. "What have I done that's pissed you off?"
"Nothing," Riddle muttered.
There was a loud crash and Riddle's head shot up, eyes wide in surprise. Potter had stood suddenly and his chair had fallen over backwards onto the stone floor. A bit scared, Riddle glanced up and met his furious housemate's eyes.
"Until you get your head out of your arse, I will be sleeping in my own room. I refuse to put up with your childish fits," Potter said coldly, then stalked from the kitchen.
Riddle dropped his head into his hands and groaned. Potter's birthday was tomorrow.
-~/\~-
Potter felt horrible. It was the sort of horrible that came from being away from Riddle for too long. He buried his face in his pillow, fighting tears. It wasn't supposed to happen like this. Voldemort was supposed to be dead and he was supposed to be resting comfortably in a small cottage somewhere away from the prying eyes of the wizarding public. He wished his friends were alive. Hermione would have found a way out of this nonsense and Ron would have kept him laughing. If stupid Draco were there, he'd be complaining about his hair or going on about Neville or telling Potter what an idiot he was. And Neville would be telling Draco to stop teasing Potter. Ginny would be flirting with him playfully or joking with him about what a lovely bed mate so-and-so was. Seamus would be trying to talk him into getting drunk with him while Dean kept telling him to, "Leave poor Harry alone for once, you dunce." Fred and George would be trying to prank him, or asking him for suggestions on some new product.
Even Snape would have been welcome in Potter's ruined world. At least his harsh words would never change, never stop coming, never stop cutting only so deep. And Remus would always tell him off, hug Potter. Promise the greasy git a screw if he'd be nice to his cub for once.
Potter let out a choked sob, no longer able to hold it back. If only Riddle was there, he could hug him and make it all better...
...or at least stop being an arse....
-~/\~-
Riddle buried his face in his hands and bit back a string of curses. He was standing outside Potter's room and he could hear his housemate crying. Potter never cried. Except for that one time, when he'd been having all those nightmares and Riddle had yelled at him for being an arse.
And Riddle wasn't feeling well, which was his own fault. Damn the bond.
He reached over and tried the door. It opened, so he poked his head in and felt something in his chest - his heart? - cry out in pain at the sight of Potter sobbing. "Harry?" he whispered, stepping more fully into the room.
"Go away!" Potter screamed, throwing his pillow blindly.
Riddle ducked the pillow and stepped up to the bed. "I'm sorry..."
Potter turned and waved his fists at Riddle angrily. "Away, damn you!"
Riddle grabbed the younger man's wrists and drew him into a hug. "No. I'm not going anywhere." He closed his eyes and took a deep breath. "I was being an arse and I'm sorry. I shouldn't have stopped talking to you because I was mad at the bond."
Potter sniffled and relaxed into Riddle's hold. "Why are you mad at it?" he whispered.
Riddle rested his cheek on the top of other's head. "I wanted to get you a birthday present and I couldn't..."
Potter let out a weak laugh and elbowed his housemate in the ribs. "Idiot."
"I know." Riddle sighed. "We could go out now, I suppose..."
"Can we just go to bed early? I'm kind of tired now..." Potter mumbled, a touch of embarrassment colouring his voice when he mentioned that he was tired.
"Of course." Riddle pulled away to stand, then helped Potter to his feet.
The two walked across the hall to the room they shared and got ready for bed in silence. They climbed into the bed and Riddle drew Potter close, then kissed the top of his head. "Pleasant dreams, Harry."
"You too, Tom," the younger man replied, wrapping his arms around the other.
-~/\~-
Riddle was staring at the contents of the fridge the next afternoon while Potter was getting the mail. He still didn't have anything for Potter's birthday. Every time he mentioned it to Potter, the bloody brat would smile knowingly, then change the subject. He was so aggravating sometimes!
"Tom, look! Look!"
Riddle turned away from the fridge and blinked at the letter Potter was waving around. "Yes?"
"It's from Albus! He's inviting us over for a small party!" Potter said happily. "Can we go?!"
Riddle sighed and let the fridge close. It was Potter's birthday, he should let him have fun. But did that mean he had to put up with the old coot? "I....guess...." he muttered, feeling like he was giving his soul away or something.
Potter jumped over, kissed him on the cheek, then scampered up the stairs.
Riddle rubbed at his nose. "Bloody hell," he groaned to himself before wandering up the stairs after his housemate.
Potter was waiting by the door, smiling and looking much calmer. He waited until Riddle had come to a stop next to him before hugging the elder man and saying, "Thanks, Tom. I know you really don't want to have to put up with Albus."
Riddle shrugged. "It's your birthday, and I was such a bastard yesterday. Anyway, I still haven't gotten you a present." He narrowed his eyes at Potter. "What do you want, anyway?"
Potter laughed and grabbed Riddle's hand. "Come on, Tom! Let's go see what sort of trouble Albus is causing this time!"
Riddle rolled his eyes and allowed Potter to drag him from the house.
-~/\~-
"Hi, Albus!" Potter chirped when Dumbledore opened the door to his flat.
"Happy birthday, my dear boy!" Dumbledore pulled Potter into a hug, then smiled at Riddle. "It's good to see you, Tom."
Riddle snorted. "The pleasure is all mine, Dumbledore," he replied sarcastically.
"Harry's here, then?" a new voice said.
"Remus!" Potter squeaked, then snuck past Dumbledore and threw himself at the grey-haired ex-werewolf. "You're alive!"
"Regretfully," yet another voice said dryly.
"Hello to you too, Snape," Potter shot back in the same tone.
Snape looked like he was about to shoot back a sharp comment when he caught sight of Riddle, whom Dumbledore was half dragging into the house. "What's he doing here?!" the greasy man screeched.
Potter snickered. "He lives with me, Snape."
Snape just gaped at Potter while Lupin sighed. "Why?"
Potter and Riddle traded looks, then chorused, "Bond."
Dumbledore was the only one who had any inkling as to what they meant and he sighed. "Oh, dear...."
Potter smiled. "It's fine, Albus. We haven't killed each other yet, as you can see."
Dumbledore didn't look reassured. "What sort of bond formed?"
"The old arranged marriage bond," Riddle offered in a voice that was far too cheerful, as far as everyone else in the room was concerned.
"Tom!" Potter hissed, giving his housemate a sharp look. Riddle smiled innocently.
Dumbledore sighed. "I'm so sorry, my dear boys..."
"What does that mean, the 'old arranged marriage bond'?" Lupin growled, eyes flashing dangerously. Snape stood behind him, looking a little ill.
Potter got between Lupin and Riddle. "It means he's my mate, Remus. Drop it," the young man said coldly.
Riddle let out the breath he hadn't known he was holding when Lupin crossed his arms over his chest and muttered, "Fine."
"Shall we move into the dining room? There's some sandwiches and chips and cake," Dumbledore broke in, voice too cheerful.
"Let's," Potter agreed softly, not moving his eyes from Lupin's.
Lupin let out a sniff and spun on his heels. "Come on, Sev. I'm hungry," he said, grabbing Snape's arm and pulling him through the doorway they'd been standing in front of.
"Thanks," Riddle whispered to Potter and gave him a quick hug.
Potter smiled at Riddle. "I'll talk Remus around. Don't worry about it," he promised, then hurried after the ex-werewolf.
Riddle turned to Dumbledore when the man cleared his throat. "Yes?"
"How are you faring with this bond, Tom?" the old man asked seriously.
Riddle shrugged. "Smashing."
"Tom." Dumbledore sighed.
"Look," Riddle gave his old professor a dull look, "Harry and I have had our problems, but we're past them and we're doing just fine. Keep your great nose out." He turned to follow Potter.
"So you've already consummated the bond?"
Riddle stiffened. "Didn't I just tell you to keep your gr-"
"You haven't." Dumbledore settled a hand on Riddle's shoulder and wouldn't let the younger man shake him off. "Tom, don't be scared of love. This bond is giving you a chance to start over-"
Riddle snarled and jerked away from Dumbledore sharply. "Leave me the fuck alone, Dumbledore. I may have settled things with Harry, but I have no need to put up with you and your meddling." He spun on his heels and stalked after Potter.
Potter, Lupin, and Snape all looked up when Riddle stalked into the dining room. "Tom-" Potter started, rising from his seat at the table.
"Harry, he's not worth-" Lupin broke in before his 'cub' silenced him with a cold look.
Potter walked over to where Riddle had stopped to give Lupin and Snape hate-filled looks. "Did Albus say something?" he asked quietly.
Riddle shrugged. "Maybe."
"Do you want to go home?" Potter asked, eyes worried.
Riddle blinked, then forced himself to relax and shook his head. "No, it's fine."
"You're sure?"
Riddle actually smiled. "Yes, Harry. I'm sure."
Potter gave him his infamous disbelieving look. "You're going to tell me what Albus said later," he ordered sternly.
"Maybe."
Potter snorted and smiled himself. "You're an idiot," he informed his housemate.
"I know," Riddle agreed.
Potter rolled his eyes and gave Riddle a quick kiss, then walked back over to the table, where Lupin and Snape were gaping at him. "Come on, Albus. No need to hide," he added over his shoulder.
Riddle glanced behind him and shot the older man in the doorway a look filled with venom, then walked over to the open seat next to Potter.
-~/\~-
Riddle was sitting in the corner of the room while Potter was sitting in the middle with Lupin and Snape, opening the small pile of gifts that had been waiting for him. Dumbledore came out of the dining room and started towards Riddle's corner, making the ex-Dark Lord tense.
Potter didn't bother glancing up from the book he'd just been exclaiming over happily. "Albus, you need to leave Tom alone," he said coldly.
Dumbledore frowned, but walked over to sit with Potter and the other two. Riddle let out a sigh of relief and smiled at where Potter was watching him from the corner of his eye. Potter smiled back, then took the gift that Snape was holding out to him with a slightly annoyed look. Riddle figured the greasy man wasn't pleased with having to get his dead rival's son a gift, but the ex-werewolf had made him.
Potter laughed at the Muggle-made model of a human brain and said, "I think this is too big to be yours, sir," in an almost-respectful voice.
Snape narrowed his eyes. "One might say the same about it being yours, Potter."
"Sev," Lupin whispered.
Potter grinned and set the brain to one side. "It's fine, Remus. He wouldn't be himself if he weren't a bastard." He turned to Dumbledore while Lupin chuckled and Snape scowled. "And what did you get me, Albus?"
"Why, I got the cake, my dear boy," Dumbledore replied with a benign smile.
"I know. What else did you get me?" Potter replied, eyes laughing.
Dumbledore chuckled and pulled a small candy out of his pocket. "Sherbet lemon?"
"Albus," Snape hissed, "just give the monster his present."
"So impatient," Dumbledore and Potter chorused, shaking their heads sadly.
Snape let out a strangled sound while Lupin laughed. Riddle covered a smile - now he knew where Potter had learned the ability to handle his little fits so calmly.
Potter took the candy from Dumbledore and popped it into his mouth with a smile. "Lemony, as always."
"I find that they taste better now than they did during the war," Dumbledore offered cheerfully.
Riddle caught the sudden twitch of Potter's eye that was the only outside show of his distress and frowned. He hadn't thought that the war still bothered his housemate.
"No blood," Potter suggested in a cheerful voice.
"Albus," Lupin finally stepped in. He, too, was frowning at Potter, Riddle saw. Maybe he hadn't been the only one to recognize the minute sign of distress.
Dumbledore shot the ex-werewolf a questioning look and Lupin narrowed his eyes at the old man. Dumbledore sighed and pulled a smallish box out from behind him and held it out to Potter while Lupin glanced at Riddle. The two shared a knowing look and Lupin inclined his head to Riddle, eyes silently saying that he would let the blooming relationship between the ex-Dark Lord and his 'cub' alone. Riddle nodded his thanks.
Potter was too busy laughing over the candy bowl that Dumbledore had thrown and the gift card to a nearby candy store to notice the silent conversation, and Dumbledore was laughing with him. Snape had his face scrunched up in disgust at the two ex-war leaders.
"Let's play a game!" Dumbledore suggested excitedly.
"What sort of game," Potter responded with a knowing look.
"I have a Chemistry set upstairs...."
"Perfect!" Potter jumped to his feet, eyes shining with mischief. "Come on, Snapey, let's go play with Muggle potions!"
"Not. A. Chance," Snape growled, glaring at the two.
"Come along, Severus. Don't be a spoil sport on Harry's special day!" Dumbledore threw in, getting to his feet.
"All the more reason to stay here-"
"UP!" Dumbledore and Potter each took and arm and dragged the unwilling ex-professor up.
"Remus? Tom?" Potter inquired, pausing and looking between the two.
"I'd like to talk with Tom for a moment alone, Harry. We'll be right up," Lupin said kindly.
Potter narrowed his eyes and glanced over at Riddle. "If he bugs you, come get me." He glanced back at Lupin. "Don't bug him." Then he continued to help Dumbledore drag Snape off.
Lupin chuckled softly as he moved over to where Riddle still sat in his corner. "I was wondering what, exactly, your bond did?" he inquired in an even voice.
Riddle sighed. "It was created to the two people in an arranged marriage able to not only stand one another, but actually love one another. And fighting the bond, kills the participants."
Lupin made a face. "Wonderful. Any way to get rid of it?"
Riddle shook his head. "I've read every book I can find on the damn thing, and everything says that it has to be consummated."
Lupin's eyes widened comically. "I'm going to sound like a hypocrite here, but, have you-?"
"No." Riddle shook his head sharply.
Lupin blinked at few times, then smirked. "Scared?"
Riddle narrowed his eyes at the ex-werewolf. "What's that supposed to mean?"
"I know all about how Harry used sex as his stress outlet during the war. My cub could care less what your sex is or, at this point, who you were. The only person who could be stopping you two from consummating your bond at this point would be you, Mr Riddle," Lupin responded in a sure voice.
Riddle scowled. "Your point?"
Lupin leaned back in his seat and offered the elder man a kind smile. "Do you care for him? Love him, even?"
Riddle glanced away and fought down a sudden blush. "Yes," he hissed lowly.
Lupin stood, still smiling. "Then trust him. Harry loves you too; I see it in his eyes every time he looks at you." He rested his hand on Riddle's shoulder gently. "He fights so hard to protect you from Albus and myself, I don't think he'd ever hurt you." He left Riddle to think, walking off in search of his 'cub', mate, and old friend.
-~/\~-
"Thanks for the party, Albus!" Potter said. He and Riddle were in the entrance way of the flat with the other three, getting ready to leave.
"Of course, my dear boy. Feel free to drop by any time," Dumbledore replied with a smile. "You too, Tom."
"Not bloody likely," Riddle muttered, earning him a knowing smile from Potter.
Lupin chuckled. "Well, you have my phone number, cub. Call me, okay?"
Potter nodded. "Sure thing. You'll have to give me your work schedule, too." He smirked at Snape.
"What was that Muggle add-on that you got, Remus? The caller-thing?" Snape asked, eyes wide.
"Caller id, Sev."
"That, yes. Could you show me how to use it when we get home?"
Potter cover his mouth with one hand and snickered. "Tom, isn't there a coin telephone outside the house?"
"Two," Riddle replied, playing along with a straight face. "One on each corner of the block."
"What's a coin telephone?" Snape whispered to Lupin.
Lupin was obviously trying not to laugh. Both Potter and Riddle burst out laughing, however. Dumbledore just smiled at all of them. "A pay phone, Severus," the old man offered.
Snape glared at Potter. "I'm never answering the phone," he declared.
Lupin didn't bother fighting his laughter, nor did Riddle. Potter winked at the greasy man with glittering eyes. "I bet you will if I keep calling every minute."
"I'm going to kill you, Potter," Snape promised in a low voice.
Potter laughed. "Tom, save me!" he cried in a high-pitched voice.
"Come on, brat," Riddle snickered, grabbing Potter's sleeve and tugging while Lupin and Dumbledore laughed helplessly.
Potter winked at Snape and held his hand next to his ear with his thumb and pinkie extended in the basic sign language for telephone, then let Riddle drag him from the flat, waving cheerfully at his laughing or cursing friends.
While Potter and Riddle were waiting for the bus, Potter glanced at Riddle and said, "You've been really quiet since Remus talked to you. He didn't say anything, did he?"
Riddle blinked at his housemate for a long moment, then smiled brightly and drew Potter into a tight hug. "Nothing that I didn't need to hear anyway."
"Oh." Potter glanced up at the darkening sky and hugged the plastic bag that Dumbledore had given him for his gifts to his chest. "Did you have fun, at least? I know you didn't really like anyone there..."
"It was fine, Harry." Riddle chuckled and gave Potter a fond look. "Did you enjoy yourself? It was your birthday party, after all."
Potter shrugged. "I suppose. It was a little too exciting for my tastes..."
Riddle rolled his eyes. "If you think that was exciting, you must not have had enough birthdays."
"Not really, no," Potter agreed. "The Dursleys didn't really care, and I was always there during my birthday because it's in the summer. And, you know, then there was the war..."
Riddle frowned, wrapped an arm around Potter's waist, and drew the smaller man against him. "Then you need more birthdays like this one, that's all. We'll have to tell the coot to find more people to invite next year."
"Tom!" Potter gave him a wide-eyed look.
Riddle smiled and kissed the top of Potter's head, then his lips. "Here's the bus," he pointed out, drawing away.
Potter snatched Riddle's hand and held it tightly in his own, then followed the elder man onto the bus. Riddle put in the change for both of them and let Potter pick where to sit. They ended up on the upper level, near the front. Potter cracked a window open so both of their hair went everywhere before resting his head on Riddle's shoulder. Riddle slipped an arm around Potter's waist again and rested his head back on top Potter's.
"You haven't pestered me about what I want for my birthday since we left the house," Potter pointed out after a few moments.
"I asked your godfather," was all Riddle said.
Potter frowned thoughtfully. "But-"
"You'll see what it is when we get home, brat."
Potter smiled and rolled his eyes at the fond insult. "This had better be good."
"You'll like it," Riddle assured him. "Now hush."
Potter's smile deepened and he closed his eyes with a happy sigh.
-~/\~-
Riddle was up in their room, doing Merlin only knew what, while Potter was downstairs putting his new things away. The candy bowl was set in the centre of the kitchen table with the gift card inside to serve as a reminder to go later in the week. The brain found it's home as a bookend in the library. The cookbook Lupin had gotten him Potter left next to the stove after flipping through it and seeing if they had enough food in the kitchen for him to try any of the recipes the next day. They didn't, so he made a mental note to try and talk Riddle into going out with him to the grocery as well as the candy store before Friday.
Potter flipped off the house lights as he made his way up to the bedroom - his aunt had always been very strict about that. He shook his head and shoved all thoughts of his relatives from his mind. Riddle said he'd get his gift in their room, thinking about his aggravating family wasn't the way to prepare himself for his housemate's unknown gift.
When Potter entered the room, he found that the main light had been turned off and a number of candles lit the room from the bedside tables and the dresser. Riddle was nowhere in sight and the bathroom door was closed.
Curiously, Potter stepped around the bed and knocked on the bathroom door. "Tom?" he inquired, amused curiosity colouring his voice.
The door popped open and Riddle stuck his head out, toothbrush hanging loosely from his mouth. "Did you need the loo?" he asked through a mouthful of toothpaste.
Potter hid his smile behind one hand. "No, just wondering why you lit all these candles."
Riddle's eyes sparkled with mischief. "You'll see," he informed his housemate before slipping back into the bathroom and closing the door gently.
Potter decided the room looked like a scene from one of his aunt's romance movies and went to get his bed clothing on.
Riddle came out of the loo and Potter took his place. He brushed his teeth and took a leak, then flipped off the bathroom light and stepped back into the bedroom.
The place looked darker after a few minutes under the florescent lights of the bathroom, so it took Potter a moment to spot Riddle's slight form. The elder man was standing by the window, turned towards Potter, in a bathrobe that was tied loosely. Potter read the nervousness in his housemate's stance and frowned. "What is it?"
Riddle moved away from the window to stand in front of Potter, scarlet eyes bright in the flickering candlelight. He took a deep breath, then started speaking softly, "I was talking with Remus about the bond and he figured out it was me that was stopping us from consummating it." He held up a finger to Potter's lips when the younger man opened his mouth to speak, then continued, "Remus asked me if I loved you and, though I'd never even admitted it to myself, I realized that I did. I don't know if it's because of this stupid bond or what, but I've grown to love you, Harry."
Potter bit his lip and nodded. He didn't speak, however, since he sensed that his housemate had something else to say.
Riddle took another deep breath, then smiled shakily. "I sound so sappy and un-Dark Lordish." He let out a nervous laugh and Potter hugged him tightly. He pulled away and smiled, fighting to keep his voice steady. "Your godfather also suggested I trust you, and he pointed out that I had no reason to not. So...." Riddle paused and met Potter's eyes nervously. "I trust you to not hurt me or...or anything..."
Potter bit his lower lip and hugged Riddle again. "I love you, too," he whispered into the other's bathrobe when he felt arms surround him in return. "I love you so very much, Tom." He pulled back slightly and searched the scared ruby eyes. "You're sure?"
Riddle managed a true smile at that - there was clear evidence of all that Lupin had told him - and nodded. "Yes," he said in a quiet, but strong, voice.
Potter nodded and pulled out of his housemate's embrace before leading him over to the bed. He pressed Riddle back onto the bed, then pulled open the bathrobe. Riddle wasn't wearing anything underneath, so Potter leaned down and kissed his navel before sliding up to kiss Riddle's mouth gently.
Riddle only replied to the kiss after a moment, frozen in a moment of unexpected terror. Only Potter's unending patience thawed the terror, and then he was kissing back; desperate to find a safety in the only romantic act he was familiar with.
Potter soothed him, touch slow and careful. He brushed his fingers over warming flesh as Riddle's discomfort fell away, more concerned with getting his bonded - his mate, as he'd told Lupin - relaxed than he was with enjoying himself. Not that he wasn't enjoying himself. Merely touching Riddle caused a pool of warmth to form in his belly - it had since he'd admitted to himself that he was no longer tormented by the idea of the bond between them.
When Riddle let out a soft moan, Potter's hands moved to play with his partner's cock and balls, still being as gentle as he could. Riddle's hands moved up, tugging on the light shirt Potter wore to bed. Potter smiled and tugged it off quickly before returning to his gentle teasing. Riddle's fingers - long and thin - slid along Potter's sides and chest, making him shiver with excitement.
After Riddle felt that he'd mapped the entirety of Potter's chest - and he felt as though he was going to come in the other's hands - he grabbed Potter's hands and shook his head, feeling a little desperate. "No."
Potter blinked, eyes glittering with love, lust, and concern. "What's wrong?" he whispered, tugging a hand from Riddle's grip to brush against Riddle's cheek.
"I want-" Riddle bit his lip, not sure how to say what he wanted. "I want to come with... with you..." He fidgeted slightly.
Potter smiled at that and leaned down to give Riddle a slow, love-filled kiss. Then he got up, off the bed, and pulled off his pyjama pants quickly before returning to his position straddling Riddle's legs. Both ex-wizards moaned at the bond's pleasure-filled reaction to the skin-on-skin contact.
Making a split-second decision, Potter leaned forward to kiss Riddle again, one hand going back to gently stretch his own hole. He didn't want to hurt his mate if at all possible, and it wouldn't be his first time 'bottoming', as it were, so he figured it would be fine. He'd be sore in the morning, but it shouldn't be too bad.
Both men moaned when their erections brushed as Potter prepared himself. Riddle bucked up, hissing nonsense against Potter's mouth and the younger man decided he was as good as he was going to get and sat back up carefully.
"Harry..." Riddle said, voice breathless, yet whining.
Potter's lips twitched with the beginnings of a smile. "Don't move," he warned, then moved forward and carefully positioned Riddle's straining erection at his entrance.
Meaningless hisses and moans filled the room as Potter slid slowly down Riddle's shaft. The two silenced once Potter had settled himself as well as he could. After a few moments, Riddle gasped as Potter moved up, then back down again.
The two grasped at one another; hands on hands, arms, shoulders, torsos; blunt nails making marks like claws on sweat-covered skin. Ruby-red and jade-green locked and lust and love simmered in the air between them.
Their orgasms hit, sudden and hard, and the two threw their heads back, crying out their pleasure in quiet screams.
A glow surrounded the two - though neither noticed - for a brief moment, before it blasted outwards, shooting through the walls and around the globe.
-~/\~-
Elevens Years Later
-~\/~-
Seven men and women sat at the head of a large room, smiling towards a door where their eighth member led in a line of awed children.
"Only twelve," Riddle commented to his fellows as Tonks settled the children at their table.
Next to his mate, Potter smiled. "Twelve is more than none, Tom. At least our world can begin again."
"And perhaps," Lupin offered from Potter's other side, "they can overcome our own faults."
"To fault is to be human," Snape muttered from next to Lupin, not looking very pleased.
"Ah, but this time, Severus, they'll have someone to learn from," Sprout said from next to Snape.
"And we will teach them all we can and show them our mistakes so they won't create them again," Pomfrey said from Riddle's free side.
"You actually believe we can do this?" Kingsley asked from Pomfrey's other side as Tonks sat down next to him. He was just as sceptical about the teaching the beginning of the new Wizarding World as Snape was. If Dumbledore hadn't asked the group before his death four years previous, none of them would have been there.
"Albus thought we could," Potter replied, smiling at the group of children, all of whom were greeting one another and making friends and enemies. "Albus believed in us enough that he left us to teach these children that have what we have lost."
"Yeah, about that..." Tonks cut in, her laughing eyes giving away her joking manner.
Together the group of eight laughed, then, as one, lifted their glasses and clinked them together. "For the future," they chorused before drinking. When they caught the children looking at them, they just smiled.
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A/N: Took me long enough to finish this - a little under a year, truly. *laughs nervously* I got stuck on a number of places and had to fight with it. Oops?
Not quite sure I like the ending, but I needed to wrap it up a bit, you know? Maybe I should have done a scene of Albus' funeral instead?
Oh well. Too late now.
To answer any questions now - I hope - Tom, Harry, and them didn't get their magic back. The light that followed Tom and Harry's fulfilment of the bond was the magic they'd kind of...ended, I suppose...going out to unborn children that could have been born witches and wizards if the Wizarding World hadn't been brought to a rather sudden halt. Albus got some indication that magic had returned to the world and asked those he could gather to restart Hogwarts for those children that would need to learn to use magic, even though they would never use it again themselves. They agreed, obviously.
Slowly but surely, magic should return to the world, though those who had lost it at the end of the war will never be able to perform magic again, though they might be more aware of it than the Muggles.
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This is mostly beta'd by magickmaker17. Only the lemon and the last scene are un-beta'd.
Special thanks to grazhir, who read this over when I was stuck on the lemon and gave me some suggestions. I think she also corrected a few of my mistakes, but I can't really remember. *sweatdrop*
Now, I shall post this in my normal places, then get some sleep. It's almost three in the morning here and I could probably use it, 'specially since I have class tomorrow...
Your tired author,
-Bats