Tomarry One Shots

What shadows hold

Summary: Sometimes extraordinary things can happen on the most ordinary of days.

Ship: HarryPotterxTomRiddle

All credit goes to Lady_Lark on Ao3

---------

The sun was slowly approaching the horizon. It generously showered the world with its golden rays, sharing the last of warmth before being forced to leave the skies, giving the place to her calmer and colder sister. Birds were singing from a nearby forest. They were seemingly discussing the events of the departing day, arguing and laughing at particularly emotional stories.

On the estate grounds, however, life was still buzzing. Not far from the forest, in a small corner of a beautiful garden left for potion ingredients, two men were collecting various herbs and plants. Now and then one of them would raise their head curiously, listening to another group working deeper in the gardens. Laughter echoed in the still hot air, mixing with occasional bouts of swearing or sharp clang of metal. Preparations for the upcoming celebrations were in full swing.

"What are they doing there?" the young man asked finally, unable to contain his curiosity much longer. "I don't think one needs to curse their way through putting up a campfire, do they?"

His Mentor chuckled. "Of course, they need," he said easily. "When Antonin, Fenrir, Harold and Abraxas decide to take care of something, trust it to go wrong somehow. It is simply the way it works. Add in Lucius' and Regulus' attempts to help, and it would be a miracle if they finished in time."

"Then why do they always work together?"

"Because it is still faster than any other way, Severus. Sometimes, chaos is the best way to do something."

The man watched his young friend closely. Cornflower eyes gleamed cunningly in sunrays, a knowing light hiding in the depths of that gaze. He knew full well that his Apprentice would soon ask him to tell a story. At twenty-three, Severus was talented, it was impossible to argue against that, and he was persistent and stubborn whenever needed. However, the simple gathering could not occupy his brilliant mind enough, not when it was still used to constantly observing its surroundings, keeping track of everything and anything happening around him.

Indeed, several minutes later, Severus spoke up once more.

"Could you tell me a story, Marvolo?" the young man asked casually, almost as if he wouldn't be disappointed if he refused. "There is nothing else to do as we work, and I am confident you still have lessons to teach me."

"As you wish," Marvolo easily allowed. "I cannot say there have been many interesting things in my life, though, I suppose, I could find a fitting story. Is there anything in particular you wish to know?"

"How did you and Harold meet?"

"It isn't a particularly interesting or exciting story," the edges of Marvolo's mouth twitched in a hidden smile at Severus' astonished look. "Whyever do you look at me like that? It was a simple detention with Professor Slughorn. He had asked me to help sort through his ingredient stores, whereas Harold had been punished for sneaking after hours. I come into the classroom only to see this second-year attempt to brew a potion while Slughorn did his best to prevent an explosion."

"Is Harold younger than you, then?"

"Just by a year. Do not be fooled by his supposed maturity. In fact, he cannot be further from adulthood."

As if to confirm his words another bout of loud cursing echoed through the air.

"Is that all then? Why is Lucius confident something unbelievable has happened?"