The Life He Deserved

Chapter 18

Harry spent the next few weeks constantly visiting Tom as often as possible. Whether that was after a meal, early in the morning, late at night, or free periods, he always visited him. People were starting to get suspicious of his constant vanishing, but he wasn't breaking any rules so no one questioned him directly. Harry vaguely heard rumors of him having a lover. Harry honestly thought it wasn't far off.

Harry was currently dealing with a dejected Draco who was sitting on his bed with a pout.

"Oh, come on Har! I want to see him too," Draco whined out dramatically with flinging arms. "You know I wouldn't tell anyone!" Harry gave him a deadpan look.

"You just want to visit the Chamber of Secrets, don't deny it," Harry retored. Draco put an innocent mask on, suddenly calm and collected.

"I don't know what you mean, I just miss Tom," he denied with a serious expression. Harry gave him a raised unimpressed eyebrow. "You can't fool me Dray, and anyways, it's too risky. People are already questioning my disappearances; we can't have you escaping either." Draco gave him puppy dog eyes, for a long while, without stop. Harry who couldn't resist the face relented with a sigh. "Oh fine, but just during free periods, that'll give you a more valid excuse." Draco lit up and gave a satisfied grin. Harry gave a tired but affectionate smile back, happy that Draco was happy. The two then headed to breakfast, fully ready for the day.

Harry noticed Snape and Dumbledore staring at him every time he left inconspicuously. Harry knew that Snape would be curious what he was up to, and that Dumbles would be all up in his business, but it was still quite irritating. This breakfast was no different. Finishing up his fruit bowl, he gave a quiet goodbye to Draco. Standing up, Harry headed out the great hall. He felt the two pair of eyes peering at him, but he ignored it in favor of seeing Tom. As soon as he was around the corner where no people or paintings were around, he shadowed into the chamber.

Harry appeared directly into Tom's room to find him still in slumber. Quietly tiptoeing, Harry tenderly kneeled in front of the sleeping boy. Harry took a moment to appreciate his gorgeous features. He was so relaxed, his hair ruffled and a small smile on his face. He vaguely wondered if he was dreaming about something.

"Tom, wake up, it's morning," he gently whispered. He watched as Tom's undisturbed face scrunched up as he stirred with a small groan. He groggily rolled to face him, eyes squinted and as he lethargically stretched his arms.

"Harry, good morning," he mumbled sleepily. Harry chuckled. Tom was a lot more relaxed and now functioned quite independently. He was quite impressed with his fast progress. Harry mostly showed up now just to give him company (and he missed him), so maybe having Draco come wasn't a bad idea.

"Morning, Tom." Harry allowed Tom to get ready and change before getting him something to eat. In a few moments Kreacher appeared with Tom's breakfast of crepes with strawberry jam and fruit salad. Despite what one may think, Tom had quite the sweet tooth, though he liked more sophisticated cuisine. Harry sat beside him on the couch as Tom ate off a tray of food. The two had some small talk and caught each other up on their days.

"Hey Tom? Draco wants to come visit later today. Is that okay?" Harry suddenly asked. Tom gave a small nod mid bite.

"Yeah, that's fine," he responded once he finished chewing. "He just wants to visit the chamber, doesn't he?" he asked with a wry look, clearly knowing the alternative motive.

"Yeah, pretty much," Harry chuckled out, "he also doesn't seem to like how much time I spend here." Harry added as an afterthought. Tom frowned at that. Harry had spent an awful lot of time with him, hasn't he?

"You don't have to come too often if it's a problem," Tom told him, concerned. He didn't want to burden him, he already did so much for his sake. Harry quickly shook his head.