The Chamber of Desire [ Tomarry

In Sickness and in Health

November 25th, 1992.

Harry woke up that morning with a stuffy nose, a horrible cough, a sore throat and a terrible migraine.

Neither him nor Tom knew where it came from, since no one in the manor was sick or ever has been sick while in the manor, so it was confusing everyone. But Harry didn't really care that he was a confusing wizard— he was more worried about the throbbing headache.

Harry had woken up in the morning not being able to breathe out of his nose, which really didn't worry him in the slightest. But when he sat up and noticed his throat was on fire and his head felt like it were being split in two, then he was worried.

He was breathing shallowly as he got out of Tom's arms and out of bed, going to the bathroom. Stepping inside, he had looked at his reflection and saw bloodshot eyes and a swollen throat. Harry had never really seen himself when he was sick, so this truly frightened him, which caused him to gasp. Then, of course, he started a coughing fit— a raspy journey through hell.

This had woken up Tom. "Darling?" He had asked. "Are you alright?"

This hadn't stopped Harry's coughing, so Tom got out of bed and rushed to Harry.

That had lead to Harry sitting on Tom's lap on their bed, the smaller boy being fed chicken soup.

"Tom," Harry rasped in between sips. "I told you— I'm sick. You shouldn't be near me."

Tom sighed, setting the soup down before scooping Harry up to be held entirely in his arms. "And I told you— I don't care if you have a plague. If you're sick, I'll help you."

Harry smiled slightly and leaned into Tom's hug. He couldn't remember the last time he was cuddled while he was sick. It felt...nice. It reminded Harry of a warm blanket.

Speaking of warm...Harry reached out to grab the bowl of chicken soup, but before he could reach it, Tom snatched it up. "I'm going to be feeding you today," he informed lightly.

"I have a cold," Harry pouted, "I'm not suddenly paralyzed."

Harry could practically hear Tom roll his eyes. "Yes, I know, dear, but I like feeding you."

"All right," Harry gave in. Turning to look over at the clock on his right, he felt guilty when he read— which was hard, considering his eyes were blurry anyways— that it was only 7:30 in the morning.

"I'm so sorry for waking you up this early, Tom," he whispered. "I could have taken care of this myself, you know."

Tom sighed. "Yes, I know. But you don't have to." He fed Harry another sip of the chicken soup. "We take care of each other now, my love. If you're sick, then I will be with you."

Harry hummed happily as he took another sip. "Thank you. And Tom?"

"Yes?" The older boy questioned.

"I heard there was a new Disney movie that was released today. Can we watch that today?"

Tom smiled slightly as he looked at his soulmate— he wasn't at his prime, but he was still beautiful. "Of course."

~

After Harry had finished the soup, Tom had carried (after complaints from Harry) him to the movie room, where he laid Harry down before he went to get blankets, pillows and chips— which Harry was grateful for, because it felt good when something hard scratched his throat.

Tom proceeded to magically alter a couple chairs into a mattress and he levitated a blanket, which, in Harry's mind, confused him.

"What are you doing?" Harry coughed, watching on as his soulmate played around with the cushions.

Tom told him to close his eyes, so he closed his eyes. Harry could only hear rustling and little murmurs coming from Tom, which made him smile. 'Thank Merlin I can hear,' Harry thought thankfully.

"You can open your eyes now," Tom informed, and Harry immediately opened them and gasped in shock.

It was wonderful— the Disney movie was paused at the beginning of the opening scene, Tom had made a fort, and they had a food tray. Harry thought he was in Wizard heaven.

Harry giggled as he rushed up and hugged Tom, who chuckled as he reciprocated. "I love you so, so much," Harry whispered.

"I love you too," Tom murmured.