the gift of fear (tomarry) (harry x death)

they found his body but not his eyes

A letter Tom receives from Charlus Potter in the following days:

Dear TMR,

I have been thinking about you. Truthfully, I believe we're to be visiting again soon. Selene's been getting messages from Harry that imply that their business is not finished, no matter how much Slene says it is. Say, have you ever found Harry to be... threatening? I listen to the tales mother tells of him, and I worry about him being so close with the kids, such as you.

Have you heard the rumours about his house elves?

I've attached some books to help you along with your magical study. Mother says I shouldn't give them to some Muggleborn, but I think kids should be left out of politics, you know? But you seem the type to be interested in them regardless. Tell me what you think.

I was wondering if you'd like to play a game of chess next time I visit. Maybe afterwards, I could help you along with your magical teachings? I find a kid raised in a magical home having no idea of their ancestry strange. You deserve better.

Write me a letter, if you can. Either way, I'll be seeing you soon.

Keep it touch, friend,

Charlus Potter.

Tom puts down the letter. "Friend," he says to himself. It seems he's collected more and more of those since he's left Wool's. He's made enough of an impression on an adult that he wants to keep in touch -- when has any other adult ever cared to find him exceptional? He ignores Harry in this pondering. Harry doesn't count.

He wants to teach Tom. No longer will he be forced to rely on Harry. This is his first step towards independence. When he talks about the letter to Kreacher and Klippers, they tell him it's also the first step toward freedom.

"If he warms up to you, he'll trust you when you tell him. And if he likes you, he can get you the Hell out of here. He can help us. Do you understand how rare of an opportunity this is?" Him also having an idea about the 'rumours of house elves' could possibly work in their favour -- if only he knew what those rumours were. The isolation from the real world is forever hindering.

Klippers high fives Kreacher. "You bringing this charming fucker onto our team was the best idea you've ever had!"

"I'd say," says Kreacher. "You being the only other human in the house certainly made an impression."

"He's the one that made the impression," remarks Tom, somewhat sheepishly. He holds his hand, the one with only blistered fingers, to his chest. "He told me about magic."

"You didn't know before?"

"Well, no one ever told me!"

"Shit, man," says Klippers, rubbing the back of her neck. "I woulda told ya if I knew you didn't know."

"Yeah, well. Whatever. He told me."

"Little Tommy's got a friend," coos Klippers mockingly.

"I'm literally older than you. And taller."

"Doesn't matter. You've got an adult friend."

"Fancy," notes Kreacher.

"Well," says Tom, suddenly feeling the heat rise up his neck. "We're friends, aren't we?"

He prepares himself for the sharp sting of rejection. But Kreacher just rolls his eyes, saying, "Of course," and Klippers smiles.

I should be distancing myself from these people, he thinks.