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

you tried to make me scared of hell but i'm living there, i'm living there

Tom twists uncomfortably in the barber's seat. He sighs, frowning down at Harry, who is kneeling by his feet. "This is ridiculous," he says. "I don't know why we do this twice a month."

"I am a rich and famous man," says Harry, shrugging. He continues to file Tom's nails. "Should anyone see you all, I wouldn't want you to be embarrassed. Nor embarrass me. It's good to have clean kids."

Tom has heard this all before."That's a bullshit response, you know."

Harry scoffs. "What I know is that you've been spending too much time around Klippers."

Better than time around you. "I was just wondering what's this all for. Really."

"Public image," responds Harry smoothly. "And tidiness for your sake, of course."

"Then why are you collecting it?"

Harry pauses. He resumes his filing, tilting his head up to match eyes with Tom. "Now, where did you hear that?"

"It's not hard to guess. With that being your response, it's hardly an absurd reaction to come to."

Harry smirks at him. "Clever boy," he remarks.

Tom looks away from his praise, unable to bear it. Harry is overwhelming in all things he does. "You collect our blood," says Tom, quiet. "I don't know why, but you do. Fingernails and hair is tamer... but it's still us, and it seems like it could be something you want."

"You're not the first to come to that conclusion," says Harry.

Tom's eyebrows raise. He glances back down at Harry, who is working diligently. "Why does no one else think it's weird, then?"

"Why would it be weird?' asks Harry, innocently.

Tom places a hand on his temple. "Please," he begs. "Not today. Don't do this today."

Harry looks like he is seriously fighting the urge to go 'don't do what?' Tom applauds him for his restraint. He hums. "Did your house elf friends or, perhaps, my relative Charlus, tell you how a house elf is freed?"

"Charlus says you aren't relatives," points out Tom.

Harry does not dispute this. "Besides the point."

"Right." Tom rolls his eyes. "Yes, I've heard about how to free a house elf. We are literally living in a house full of free elves."

"You give them clothes," says Harry. "Most elves think freedom is a punishment, but my elves come around. Sooner or later, they all do."

Tom tires of this ominous muttering. "How is this relative?"

Harry smiles. "Did you know," he says, speaking slowly, "that there are more than one ways to free a house elf?"

Tom blinks. "Not that I've heard." And in a house of free house elves, he's heard a lot.

"It's because the others are sworn to an oath of silence."

"You're nonsensical."

"Maybe," agrees Harry. "Perhaps I'm insane. Since when does that ever mean I'm wrong? Or a liar? Think, Tom."

"I hate you," says Tom.

"I know," says Harry easily, smiling. "But you know how most elves, if I deem them fit, are sent off for missions?"

"I know they don't talk about it often."

Harry ignores his silently asked question. "Where do you suppose they go on their missions?" he asks.

"Wherever the hell you want them," Tom grits out.

"Yes," says Harry. "Where would that be? Take a guess. Give me your thoughts."