Tom continued to glare at Avery, his magic becoming more and more unstable the longer he stood there taking in the scene in front of him. To say he had felt his jealousy and suspicion rear like a snake to strike when he walked in was putting it very lightly indeed. He loathed anyone being to close to Hadrian, especially if he wasn't there, not that Hadrian was one for flirting with anyone, it was just that he was extremely possessive. The urge to curse Avery with the Cruciatus curse was very strong, but if he wanted answers he knew not to use that particular curse, he wouldn't get anything out of anyone after it was cast. It was worse because Hadrian had never answered him about bonding. He felt insecure and he did not like that feeling at all. "Well?" Tom whispered deadly, not having to raise his voice to get a desired reaction from anyone.
Avery remained in the exact same position, his body tense as he waited on the inevitable curses to come his way. He deserved them really; he knew the rules in Slytherin better than most. He had broken the status quo, broken the most important rules that governed them. In turn he was discarded as he should have been, since he had been shoved aside it had been unbearable, nobody would talk to him, and so many times in the past many weeks he had turned to say something but he knew it wouldn't be welcomed. His hold on his wand became slacker, not wishing to break it when the inevitable cursing started.
"Tom," Hadrian said, his tone cautioning him from acting irrationally, knowing him well enough to realize his temper was close to rearing its very ugly head and in a very dark fashion. "Let him speak." he would have stood if he'd been able to, but Avery was quite literally in the way, but Hadrian was unsure if he'd be able to keep his damn strength long enough to remain on his legs without them bucking.
"He had no right approaching you, let alone speak to you," Tom spat out, his eyes flashing with vengeance, Avery had tried to kill Hadrian, his soon to be bonded, he would see to that. Tom didn't fail not in anything, and he refused to have this as his first failure. He tightened his hands into fists, in his anger he knew he might hit Hadrian and not Avery, something he refused to do, ever. Especially not when Hadrian was as weak as he was at the moment.
'His loyalty to you can be second to none,' Hadrian hissed, 'In the future he's an important part of your…circle, as are his son and grandson, and more importantly his sister, she will give birth to a boy whose loyalty will outweigh all others. Another thing changed if the Avery's name is not restored that boy will not be born.'his agitation obvious at how he had changed such a drastic thing just by being there.
Tom paused for a few moments to think on what Hadrian had just revealed; he could see by the expression on his face that he was extremely disgruntled by his presence changing things from what he knew. He wondered if it was because Hadrian liked knowing what was coming or if he disliked the idea that he had changed so much, like Granger's fate, he was supposed to die and with it his future tormentor would not have been around he was admittedly fascinated by how much one persons appearance could change so much, it could be said that one ripple can affect everything, but to see it put to the test was intriguing to say the least. Unfortunately Hadrian obviously didn't share his curiosity over the changes, but this was admittedly different. That boy, he wondered who it was, how he affected things so much, Hadrian obviously wasn't that close to him having called him 'that boy' and not by his name, which did ease something in him.
'Explain what happened, from start to finish,'Tom demanded, his gaze solely focused on Hadrian with heat and determination. The others would pay for leaving Hadrian on his own defenceless and sick especially with Avery in the room.
'Let him explain,'Hadrian hissed out, he had no idea what was going on, he had no clue as to why Avery had suddenly done this, well except his sister thing, the rest of it was lost on him. The whole willing to bind his life to him thing, he wasn't sure if it was just a saying or if Avery actually could do it…or whether it was actually already done…it sounded like a oath with the 'so mote it be' at the end, he was so damn lost he really needed to get some pureblood books…since this was probably a pureblood thing.
Tom stared at Hadrian perplexed, was it exhaustion or something Hadrian didn't understand? He was willing to bet that it was perhaps a bit of both. Honestly, he didn't understand why Hadrian didn't just pick up a book on the subject, and it wasn't his unwillingness to learn since Tom rarely saw Hadrian without a book. He made a note to get the best book for the subject out of the library and give it to him; it explained everything in great detail. It definitely had been the best book on the subject for him. He was getting well off topic, he thought to himself in consternation.
"Where are they?" Tom asked his tone dark.
Hadrian didn't need to ask who he was talking about; it was pretty obvious judging by his mood at the moment. "They're at the library," Hadrian explained tiredly, he was too exhausted to deal with dictator Tom right now. And there was no doubting that it was dictator Tom that was at the forefront at the moment. Tom hated not knowing what was going on, that and the fact someone had disobeyed him was making him even more unreasonable, hopefully what he'd said would be taken into consideration.
"How are you feeling?" Tom asked completely disregarding everything when he sensed that Hadrian was probably too sick to be out of bed still. He moved towards the chair, ignoring Avery as he pressed his hand against Hadrian's forehead, frowning at the heat emanating from the teen who leaned into his cool touch. He definitely needed something to help bring his fever down, the urge to force Avery to leave and get a pepper-up was strong but he didn't trust him one bit.
"I'll be fine," Hadrian sighed, he just hated being sick, and especially on the weekend, there was nothing worse. He had to admit he was slightly taken aback and surprised by the fact Tom was so concerned, concerned enough to forget his earlier ire at the situation. Not something he'd ever thought he'd see.
"I'll get you a pepper-up potion as soon as we're done here," Tom informed him, in other words he would send one of the others to get it, they would regret leaving him alone.
"Stand up!" Tom stated curtly, glaring at Avery who still hadn't moved.
"I can't," Avery said, sweat beating against his brow and his neck, "Not until Hadrian rejects or accepts my oath," he'd already acted like a complete and utter Gryffindor by proposing this without a single ounce of Slytherin cunning, knowing it was his only option, he wasn't going to defy tradition as well. He would rather take any torture heaped upon his person than disregard their traditions in such a manner, traditions he had been brought up knowing and revering as the very foundation of their society
Tom's eyes narrowed impossibly further, "What oath?" he demanded hotly, even more furious, but part of him was glad he had come when he had, so he could prevent whatever it was that Avery was trying to do.
"Life shield," Avery confessed, glancing warily up at Tom, the coolness of the dungeons drying his sweat only for more to replace it. Part of him was glad; the feel of the sweat running down his neck was entirely unpleasant.
Tom froze, "Do you find me inadequate in my ability to care for my intended?" Tom hissed out, his teeth gritting as he tried to contain himself, which worked by vividly reminding himself that Hadrian was far too close and the backlash would be terrible, add the fireplace well it just didn't bear thinking about.
Hadrian arched an eyebrow at his words; it's the first time since Tom had asked for his hand that he'd said anything. Oh he knew about the quilt though, he wasn't completely stupid, and if Tom thought he didn't know - he was most assuredly wrong. He didn't know a lot about the old ways like the purebloods but he wasn't completely in the dark. Although right now it definitely felt like he was, since he didn't understand what life shield meant but obviously Tom did and he'd taken it offensively. He would need to think on it later, but one thing was becoming apparent, Tom wouldn't give up until he got what he wanted - which was just exactly who Tom was.
"No," Avery said emphatically, "There would be nobody better," he added, stroking Tom's ego, but it was also the truth, but he would have said anything to avoid the magic he could feel leaching from Tom, it was dark oppressive and violent in its intensity. "I've done him wrong, this is the only way to make up for it and regain his trust and so you know that I won't betray it. I will be your most loyal, not for the oath but because I realized my mistakes…" his jealousy had gotten the better of him, he wanted things to go back to the way they were, and yes, even with Hadrian, it was better than what his life had been like these past weeks. Who would have thought Tom's network extended to the outside world to the other purebloods?
"How did you word it?" Tom asked his gaze becoming calculating and shrewd, perhaps Hadrian had been right, and perhaps Avery's had the capacity to be extremely loyal to him and his cause. His cause, he hadn't exactly put it that way before. He sensed the truth in Avery's words which immediately consoled him, the thought of anyone finding him inadequate in his abilities to protect his intended had indeed infuriated him.
"That I will willingly bind my life to Hadrian Peverell, I will act as a shield as long as he wishes," Avery murmured, quite surprised he hadn't been cursed yet, although he wasn't going to be so quick to let his guard down. It wouldn't be the first time Tom had delayed in punishing them after some perceived slight wrongdoing. It went without saying that he couldn't betray Hadrian, the bond would not allow it whether it was specified in the wording or not. It was just basic wording he'd used, he hadn't wanted to make the oath too binding and end up screwing up somewhere.
Hadrian's eyes widened, bind his life to him? He needed to speak to Death right now! And he'd barely thought it when the familiar feeling of his mind being invaded enveloped him.
'Yes,' Death said, sounding amused, he hadn't heard Hadrian quite so clearly or fanatically before.
'If I agree to that bond, Avery won't be literally bound to me right? He won't be immortal?' Hadrian asked in a rush, while he didn't like the thought of anyone binding themselves to him, he had to admit he felt better knowing that Avery wouldn't try anything to him. Tom didn't know he was immortal, and if he came back again…Tom might not believe it. In fact he probably wouldn't he'd think it was some sort of plot Dumbledore had cooked up to try and catch him out by using someone he cared about.
'No, the bond would merely be until he dies,' Death reassured him, thoughtful, Hadrian was quite the unique individual, anyone else would have salivated over having someone to be their shied, it bound two families quite close, such a bond hadn't been used in decades, it was quite obscure, this Avery had done his homework. There was nobody more honourable that Avery could have chosen to bind himself to, despite his sorting into Slytherin. 'Your intended is trying to get your intended, just call me if you have any more questions, now excuse me I have souls to collect' and with that Death left Hadrian to his decision, already knowing it, since his mind had been made up from the second he had answered his turbulent thoughts.
Death's last fleeting thought before he transported himself to Germany was It was a good thing he had thought to inoculate Hadrian's new body otherwise the flu would have killed him.
"Hadrian?" Tom called out, pressing his hand against Hadrian's forehead once more, checking to make sure he hadn't gotten worse in the half hour since he checked him last.
"M'tired," he didn't want to talk, perhaps getting up had been a bad idea. Too bad he couldn't talk to Tom in his mind, it would certainly make it easier, and he just wanted to sleep.
"Accept the bond," Tom informed him imperiously, he wasn't going to take no for an answer here, Hadrian would do what he asked. "Just say the words, 'I accept your vow Aiden Avery, so mote it be'," figuring Hadrian might not know the official response on this matter. "Do it." it would be added protection for Hadrian, not that he would need it of course, but it certainly didn't hurt either.
"Will you stop if I do?" Hadrian murmured, having every intention of accepting the bond but Tom didn't need to know that now did he?
Tom's lips twitched, only Hadrian would ever dare to speak to him that way, and he suspected it was partly what drew him towards the teen. "Yes," he answered, feeling smug and satisfied that he'd gotten his way, although he would have had a bigger argument on his hands if Hadrian wasn't sick with the flu.
"Fine," Hadrian rasped, "I solemnly accept your sincere vow, Aiden Avery, so mote it be," magic flared between himself and Avery, binding the wizards to their word.
Avery stiffened, swallowing thickly, feeling the full extent of Hadrian's magic, the forbidden thoughts that Hadrian was even more powerful than Tom washed over him, dangerous thoughts indeed, a shudder ran over his prone form, withholding a whine when he felt that oh so powerful magic leave him, Merlin, he was so envious of Tom and Hadrian, they had magic off the charts, powers that he and the others could only dream about, finally he could move, but he was quite honestly unsure whether he actually wanted to or not.
"Go and retrieve at least a dozen vials of Pepper-up potions, half from the infirmary and half from the potions cupboard," Tom stated sharply, "Be quick about it and bring it up the stairs." at least Avery was here so someone was fetching it. Neither Slughorn nor Chang would blink if a few pepper-up potions went missing; it wasn't exactly on the watch list. A lot of the Ravenclaws actually stole them when they had colds to get through classes instead of letting their bodies' rest, which resulted in a stay in the infirmary.
Avery did stand up then, shaky at first, he'd experienced every emotion possible in the past half hour. From hope, expectation, fear, terror, relief and now he felt a little numb that it was done. He did feel a little more normal and at ease having been given something to do, and actually being acknowledged, he no longer felt invisible and insignificant something that had been intolerable and nobody would know but it had hurt a great deal. Without a word to either Tom or Hadrian he made his way out of the common room, making his way directly to the student potions cupboard to retrieve the vials of potions. Feeling a sense of accomplishment.
"You shouldn't have gotten up," Tom said, turning his attention back to Hadrian to find him almost asleep on the chair. "Come on, lets get you back to bed." as much as he wanted to ask Hadrian the question that was burning inside, he didn't, now definitely wasn't the time. Grasping Hadrian's elbow he got the teen to his feet, gripping him tightly around the middle before leading Hadrian up the dorms. Which was easier said than done, but they got there in the end.
He put Hadrian in his bed after he removed his cloak and shoes, Hadrian's bed had been unused for a while now, "You got letters from Gringotts this morning, I'll put it on your drawers." which had been levitated closer to his side of the room so Hadrian could fetch whatever he wanted within reach. Tom reached out and placed the letters on the top of the drawers as he said he would.
"It's probably just another statement and an updated version of everything in my estate," Hadrian murmured quietly, trying to stay awake, the pepper-up potion sounded divine. "You need to go and get something to eat, I mean it," he'd missed breakfast, that much was obvious since the others would have waited for him and not returned to the common room without him.
"It's over already, I will attend lunch and bring something back for you," Tom promised as he slid onto the bed, sitting on top, toeing his shoes off and picking up his book he promptly began reading. Making a mental note to also go to the library after lunch and pick up the book unless one of the others had the book in their trunks.
"What were you up to?" Hadrian asked curiously, turning around, kicking the covers off him a little, and feeling too hot now. It was never ending, hot, cold, hot then cold again, he still wanted that shower, maybe he could do that after he got that promised pepper-up potion.
"I went to Gringotts," Tom explained, his book forgotten, as he stared down at the feverish green eyes, he kept forgetting how well Hadrian knew him. "It's a good thing I didn't go earlier; apparently I needed Morfin Gaunt's death certificate to become the Head of the Gaunt estate."
"Me neither, but Gringotts knows whenever someone dies," Hadrian murmured, partially confused, "Maybe its something they came up with later."
"Perhaps," Tom replied idly.
"So what name did you take?" Hadrian asked, not that he truly cared, as long as he didn't go by the name of Voldemort that is, although there was plenty of time for that, he wasn't exactly sure when Tom actually became Lord Voldemort, just that he had by the time he created the first Horcrux with the accidental death of Myrtle. He sincerely hoped that it wouldn't happen, if anything happened to his friend he would be furious.
"Slytherin, Tom Marvolo Slytherin," Tom said smugness dripping from every word; he was finally done with his disgusting Muggle fathers name. The money he'd saved so far was now part of the Gaunt estate, when he was seventeen the Gaunt and Slytherin estate would be merged, and he would work extremely hard to give it the status it deserves no matter what it took.
"I'm glad you kept your first name," Hadrian said, his gaze passionate, he meant every word and it was clearly written across his face. "At least you won't have to retake your O.W.L's with your new name then, since we haven't taken them yet." they would be taking them soon enough, in fact this time next year they would be.
Tom's lips twitched, genuine happiness flowing through him, Hadrian accepted every dark sordid part of him without qualms. He just wished Hadrian had said yes to him when he asked to bond. The uncertainly and not knowing was driving him to distraction. A knock on the door had Tom's thoughts changing direction, after a few minutes the door opened, and Avery's head peered around the doorframe, straight at Tom's bed knowing by now, despite the fact he hadn't been part of the group, that Hadrian and Tom were always on that bed when they were in the Dorm.
"I have the potions?" Avery questions, still unsure of his position despite the fact he'd sworn the oath, it wasn't going to be easy and he had everyone's forgiveness to work on but he could do it.
"Bring them here," Tom said sitting up straighter, gesturing for Avery to come to him.
Avery quickly moved over, handing the vials over which were in a hastily transfigured plain beech box.
"Have you finished your homework?" Hadrian asked Avery, knowing he had a tendency to wait until the last second, he was worse than Lestrange and Carrow put together.
"Yeah," Avery answered, giving a firm nod, without friends or social gatherings his homework certainly hadn't suffered, it was the only thing that helped ease the boredom.
"Here," Tom said handing him one of the potions after inspecting it to make sure it hadn't been improperly brewed.
Hadrian accepted the vial and gulped it down in one single swallow, sighing even as steam poured out of his ears, he could already feel himself improving vastly. Potions were just awesome like that, while it was still working at full capacity he was definitely heading for a shower. Sliding out of bed or trying to as Tom grabbed a hold of him.
"Where are you going?" Tom stated firmly, he should stay in bed and recover.
"I'm going for a shower, I'll be back in ten minutes, then I'll get some rest, I promise," Hadrian said dutifully, knowing Tom wouldn't let the fact he should be resting go.
"Fine," Tom grumbled half heartedly, hopefully Hadrian would be back before he had to head for lunch. He had no idea how impossible it would be to keep Hadrian in bed, there was nothing worse than lounging about for him, he was used to being on the move.
Albus Dumbledore was quite frankly perplexed, Armando had been quite distant and cold as of late, which wasn't like him at all. In fact if it wasn't about the students or the school itself, Armando insisted they had nothing to talk about. He felt rather hurt by being ignored by someone he regarded as a close personal friend. Even Horace had been in an odd mood since the whole Auror debacle; every time he tried to speak to his good friend he almost had his head bitten off. He absolutely refused to speak on the subject, and he had tried every way to make it so. He knew nothing of what had gone on in that room, and it infuriated him, and there was nobody he could glean the information from, Tom Riddle had never met his eyes fully since his first days here at Hogwarts. The Aurors had never approached again and from all indications he'd picked up from Doge was the case was closed. The Aurors were obviously incompetent if they hadn't checked his wand, unless Tom had charmed them as he did everyone else, you would think Auror's would be wiser to manipulation but apparently not.
His eyes narrowed in on the subject of his thoughts walking through the Great Hall with Hadrian Peverell. Jealousy shimmered through his gut just watching them. Neither was afraid to show their affections for one another, unaware of all the jealous looks they received from other students that could have been him and Gellert if only he'd been able to keep his lover from such a dark path. One day Hadrian would wake up and realize he too was with a dark evil wizard and leave. He wished he could spare the boy that heartache, as much as he distrusted Hadrian he distrusted Tom more. The boy had been evil long before entering the halls of Hogwarts. Nothing would change his path now, perhaps he should have a little conversation with Hadrian, he had tried in the hospital wing that day, but after how he had been with the young teenager he wasn't quite so trusting of him. He couldn't very well get someone else to do it, since they were all blind to the true nature of Tom Riddle.
The boy still looked quite sick, he had missed his class on Friday due to his illness, straightening his spine, he made his decision, he would give the boy detention and have a long conversation with him about suitable partners and seeing beneath the surface, that what one saw wasn't how someone always was. He was so sure Tom kept his true nature hidden from Hadrian; he would never be able to comprehend someone seeing another's true nature and being able to accept it. Perhaps because the thought of what those two powerful wizards could do shook him to the core, and had since their relationship had become increasing obvious to him.
"Hey, Hadrian, how are you feeling?" Myrtle asked Hadrian as she approached the pair.
"I'm fine," Hadrian replied as he always did, "Sorry I missed the get together," they had a get together in the library, mostly just him and Myrtle, sometimes both their boyfriends or even a few friends, Myrtle continued to improve magically, especially in charms and defence, thanks to the books Hadrian recommended. Just because she could defend herself now, it didn't mean she wanted to stop. She was only so good as long as she continued to learn at least according to Hadrian anyway.
"It's fine, I just did some reading in the common room instead, I've been meaning to give you this since the news of what happened in defence got out, but it didn't come until three days ago," Myrtle informed him, handing him the brown paper wrapped book. "It's about Patronus' and the spirit animal; I thought you might like to read up on what your spirit animal represents. It's a gift, I hope you like it,"
"Thanks Myrtle," Hadrian said with a grin, it wasn't uncommon for either of them to buy each other books, in fact Hadrian had bought her four already, ones that weren't available in Hogwarts library. Myrtle had basically done the same, getting them either from her vault or buying a couple here and there. He didn't tell her he already vaguely knew what his Jackal represented or that he knew it represented Tom, she had thoughtfully bought him a gift she thought he would like, and he did like it, it was another book for his growing pile.
"What have you done to Dumbledore, by the way?" Myrtle asked to the surprise of Tom and Hadrian.
"Excuse me?" Tom asked smoothly, wondering what the hell she was talking about.
"Well when you walked in he was glaring, and I swear I saw him look jealous, then the anger took back over, in fact he's still boring holes in my skull," Myrtle murmured shuddering a little, it was an intense stare nobody could blame her for her reaction.
"Interesting," Tom replied silkily, refusing to look over, he did wonder if Myrtle was accurate in her guess, anger he understood, Dumbledore looked at him that way quite often, but jealousy? A slow smirk spread out across his features, remembering Hadrian's talk on how Dumbledore and Grindelwald had wanted to be benign overlords to the Muggles until one of them killed Ariana Dumbledore. There was a chance that Myrtle was right and Dumbledore was jealous. The thought of it had him having to suppress an unseemly cackle of amusement; he honestly never thought he'd see the day. Instead of cackling he just tightened his hold around Hadrian, being more than obvious about his actions, and once again had to suppress the urge to look over at Dumbledore.
He was unable to do so completely, he caught the look on Dumbledore's face as he looked at him from the corner of his eyes. A smooth laugh left his lips, before they tugged up into a smirk of triumph, unlike Dumbledore, Hadrian would never leave because he saw and knew every part of him.
"What on earth tickled you?" Hadrian asked glancing at Tom in amusement, it wasn't often he heard such a genuine laugh from Tom, at least not here in the Great Hall of all places.
"Nothing," Tom insisted, pressing his forehead against Hadrian's, the pepper-up potion was working well since he was quite cool still.
"Alright," Hadrian said, not quite turning around yet, he did wave goodbye to Myrtle who insisted she had to get back to her seat.