The right path

Thirty-five

Despite not yet being morning, neither boy could really sleep after what had just happened. Nothing had inherently changed, but at the same time, everything had. There was a distinct sense of union that wasn't there before, giving a sense of security that was maybe a little stange to have in a refuge during a war. But it was true, a warm atmosphere surrounded them, and even when the silence started to stretch between them, it was comfortable.

Eventually, just as if a spell was broken, Nirali stirred awake, to curl snuggly between them. Both boys started talking in hushed whispers about everything and anything, waiting for the sun to rise.

They didn't know what time it was, nor did they care, it was a different type of magic. Still  at some point, the snake mumbled something about 'getting the special thing' and scurried by herself out of the refuge. Not that either of the boys minded, she disappeared frequently to chase mice or any other small animals she encountered.

Tom knew, however, that chasing was not the end goal for Nirali to go. They had both worked in creating a secret portkey to Hogwarts in a leather bracelet, and had decided to gift it to Potter in his birthday, too. It was an emergency portkey that would take him to safety should anything happen. Not that anything would happen, if Tom could help it, but it was symbolic. A way of reminding him that no matter what, he would always have a way out of danger. And, too, it would alert Tom if it was activated, which was a plus if reinforcements were needed at some point.

Before Nirali returned, though, sunlight started to creep inside the refuge. It was time for them to leave, so Tom promptly compulsed Ms. Cole to send them away, instead of returning to the orphanage. He had, after all, planned to take Harry to go get some breakfast, and his time was limited by the impending arrival of the Potters at lunch.

It was disconcerting to have to plan around the boy's new found family, but he could not possibly ruin one of the few good things that happened to Harry. Or himself, given that he was given a warm welcome to their small family.

Still, he knew very well what to do from here for everything to run smoothly. So, without further explanation, Tom took Harry's hand and guided him to the secluded alley they used to place a disillusionment charm upon themselves before flying to the Leaky Cauldron.

Harry didn't know what exactly was happening, but he could gather it was because of his birthday. Given, it was unusual for Riddle to show any type of emotion willingly, and today it had been a prominent feature, so he would not question his motives for confounding the matron now instead of after breakfast.

In the end, Harry could see why Tom wanted to leave early that day, as he had bought breakfast for the both of them at the Leaky. It was, as always, delicious, and warm, as opposed to what they would have gotten at the orphanage.

It was hard for Harry to imagine a more perfect day, overall, as they were walking back to the orphanage. There was absolutely no rush to get there, since they were expected at lunch, and they still had time, since after having breakfast they simply just walked around the alley.

At some point Nirali had returned with yet another present for him, and Harry couldn't help but feel so appreciated by that point. It was the first time he could celebrate his birthday with someone, and thet fact that that someone was Tom and Nirali just made things better.

He was very happy with the improvements he had had regarding his interactions with Tom, as it seemed they had gained more trust in each other, and they could now talk about more personal matters.

The fact that today Tom had decided to give him his grimoire was huge, as far as Harry was concerned. He had seen how nervous Tom was about the whole deal, and he could understand why. Not everyone would accept the aggressive nature of most of it, even if it was as a coping mechanism. People tended to judge first and figure things out later, but Harry could honestly understand.

Not entirely approve, given. It was not in his nature to be cruel, even if his morality could be a little swayed sometimes. Harry just wasn't the kind of person to think of revenge as his first option, and would probably never use the most aggressive and violent curses Tom had invented.

Harry knew, though, that Tom had it in him. Tom could use them, if given the right motivations. And that made him feel confused, because on one hand, he hoped that now that they were friends and possibly more, Tom would find refuge in him, and they would protect each other. Harry hoped there would be no need for Tom to ever feel threatened enough to use them.

However, on the other hand, he knew without a doubt that some of Tom's violent tendencies would never fade, even if those never reached the point of what he had seen in the grimoire. He knew he was already forming the knights of Walpurgis, and that his first reaction to failure was not kind to those who decided to follow him and learn from him.

It was a point of balance, Harry realized. He wasn't bothered because he understood the pain and anger, but he also understood love and caring.

It was with those final conclusions that they both arrived to the orphanage. The walk back had been silent, but again, not uncomfortably so. It just gave time to each of them to process the day.

As they were heading to their shared room, though, Ms. Cole came to collect them. Her usually stern face was pinched, as if whatever was happening had caused her some sort of conflict.

"Boys, the Potters are here. I don't know how you two did it, but congratulations, you have been adopted. Go pack your things."

And suddenly it was as if the world had stopped. Even when Harry knew this was coming, he was still surprised it had happened. He had expected to have to wait longer for the approval to proceed, or for something to get delayed. That was just his luck, and the fact that it was happening felt surreal.

Because not only were Tom and him going to leave the muggle world behind completely, they were also going to be free, at last. Free of their circumstances, free of their burdens, and free to be themselves, in their world, where they belonged. A place where they were wanted, and wasn't that just a foreign concept to both of them?

The appearance of Euphemia and Fleamont at the top of the staircase broke the disbelieving air that surrounded them. Their hopeful grins and bright eyes welcomed them as they descended.

Fleamont looking nervous, but very much excited, stood before them first.

"We wanted to surprise you both. We know it's earlier than what we had planned... but we could get the legalities out of the way sooner... and... yeah."

"And since it's Harry's birthday, we thought there was no better day to take you home, if you are ready?" Euphemia added, standing beside Fleamont.

And that was such a beautiful word. Home. They were going home.