A Change of Heart

Chapter Thirty Five

Harry was wandering aimlessly in Hogsmeade. It was Valentine's Day and everywhere he looked, couples were roaming hand-in-hand. Cho Chang had hinted that she wanted to spend the day with him, but Harry had ignored the hint. He liked Cho, but not in that way. Kissing her in the Room of Requirement had proved it to him.

He thought about the Azkaban break-out. It had been silent and smooth as per the prophet report. The Dementors had changed sides. There were no wizard guards in Azkaban. No one had got hurt. But the worst of Tom's supporters were now free.

Harry tried to divert his thoughts from Tom. He'd not seen or heard from Tom since the day he'd left him in a muggle cafe. Harry had actually felt bad about what he said to Tom that day. He hadn't even given Tom a chance to explain. He'd been worried, thinking that Tom might be feeling sad. And he'd not even wished Tom for his birthday. Not that he knew when Tom's birthday was till Dumbledore had told him two days before New Year. The Head master had also explained to him that a meeting could be arranged if he wished, but Harry had made some excuse regarding homework.

Well, it seemed he had worried about nothing. All this time, Tom was only plotting to break his followers out of Azkaban.

In addition to that, the Occlumency lessons with Snape were taking their toll. So far, he'd been able to stop Snape from seeing any of his memories with Tom. But Harry knew it was not his skill at Occlumency, but Snape's own inclination that kept it so. He had no idea how to guard his mind. And emptying his mind did not help. He was not able to empty it. Not when he was so discombobulated, what with his anger for Snape, his worry about Tom and a million other things. Sirius was back in the castle and was hiding in Snape's quarters again. Harry met him occasionally after his Occlumency lessons. On such days, emptying his mind had worked much better. But he knew better than to tell Snape that his godfather be allowed in their lessons.

He did not know how it was, but Umbridge and her inquisitorial squad seemed to leave him and his friends well alone these days. Perhaps, they felt that he was no longer a threat since Dumbledore was not in the school anymore. Even Malfoy seemed to have lost interest in taunting him or Ron. Slytherins still broke into "Weasley is our King," when they saw Ron coming, but never when Malfoy was around. Ron had griped about that. He was certain Malfoy was planning something even worse.

Harry grimaced. He did not know if his Occlumency was working, because he'd not had any dreams on the night of the Azkaban breakout. He'd not even felt Tom's joy or relief. He kicked a stone moodily. He did not want to think of Tom and yet, it all came back to it.

Harry was so engrossed in his thoughts that he bumped into someone.

"Tom!" He was stunned. How had Tom known it was a Hogsmeade weekend? Who had told him?

"Harry," Tom nodded at him. "Care to join me for a walk?"

Harry nodded, "All right."

Tom looked rather pale, Harry noticed.

"Are you still angry with me, Harry?" Tom asked a bit hesitantly.

"I don't know," said Harry. "Maybe I'm more angry with myself for thinking you could change."

"Because I broke my people out of Azkaban?"

"They deserved to be there!"

"So do I," said Tom quietly. "Let's not forget that whatever they did, they did for me and because of me. If they're outcasts in the wizarding world, it's due to me. Not to let them rot in prison is the least I could do for them."

"Yea, right," muttered Harry. "As if you give a damn about them."

"Strangely, I do," said Tom. "I've told you before. I've changed."

"Not enough, apparently." Muttered Harry.

"Time will tell," said Tom, smiling.

Harry noticed they've reached the end of the village.

"This is where I must part ways with you," said Tom still smiling. "Don't let Umbridge or Severus or anyone hold you back from doing your best in your OWLs. Decide what you want to do after school and plan accordingly. They'll give you career advice at school, but it won't hurt to be prepared in advance."

"I want to be an Auror," said Harry.

"And you'll make a good one. But you'll need to brush up on your potions for that. I don't think Severus accepts anyone who's got anything less than an O into his NEWT classes."

Harry groaned. "Just what I need. More lessons with Snape."

Tom laughed. And Harry too smiled a bit reluctantly.

"Show me your hand," said Tom.

Harry held out his hand. Tom took it, examining the scars. "They'll fade in time," said he, dropping Harry's hand and pulling him closer. Harry did not resist as Tom lifted his face to his own. He closed his eyes as Tom bent down. Tom's lips brushed Harry's forehead above his scar.

"Goodbye Harry," Tom's voice was husky.

Harry looked at Tom. "Are you ever going to kiss me properly?"

Tom smiled. "Someday, when you're  no longer fifteen, if you still want me to."

He released Harry and moved away. "Bye Harry,"

"Bye Tom," Harry murmured, looking at the spot where Tom disapparated.