New Beginnings

Chapter 29

Harry took a deep breath, trying to stall slightly as he made up his mind between vague truths and coming clean. He knew Tom had taken a massive risk telling him about Remus and Sirius and wanted to repay that in some way, but also it was so personal. It was his parents and godfather he was talking about, his real ones. Though Harry loved them (they'd come closest to being actual parents for him), he also didn't know if either knew about who his true parents where. He didn't even know if Lily and James did.

Harry was, in many respects, still ignorant to the wizarding world and he hasn't done anything to rectify that apart from agreeing to this holiday. He's spent his time plotting revenge instead.

"I - I'm not a Potter." 

Tom jolted, definitely not expecting that. Quickly he regained his composure, something he'd been doing a lot during the conversation. Instead of talking and potentially scaring Harry with unneeded questions, Tom waited for Harry to continue at his own pace.

"They adopted me, but I was never their son." Harry refused to meet Tom's eyes. "I do know who my parents are." He added quietly.

Tom heard the last part and decided to speak up, "Harry no matter what you tell me, it won't leave this room unless you allow it." He kept his tone soft and low, hoping that Harry wouldn't drastically change subjects.

"My biological mother is Barty Crouch Jr." 

"Severus is your father." Tom breathed, unable to fully comprehend what he was hearing yet again. There were just endless surprises it seemed.

"They named you my godfather, did...did you know?" 

Tom didn't answer instead getting up to hold Harry gently. Of course he knew they'd named him to be Harry's godfather, they had asked him a few months into Barty's pregnancy, when it got harder to hide. Tom would spend years making up for Harry's disappearance, realistically it hadn't been anyone's fault aside from the kidnapper but all three of them blamed themselves for it. Barty and Severus's relationship had taken a huge strain and was lucky to still be going.

Dazed, Tom sat on the chair Harry previously occupied and let the boy curl up in his lap. He honestly felt like he was dreaming, it was only a few minutes later did Tom realise there was a growing wet patch on his collar and Harry was violently trembling. 

Tom must've fumbled blindly for a few minutes, not knowing how to comfort a child as he never had his own and the only child he'd been around was Draco for the past few months.

"Harry? It's okay, please don't cry." He mumbled, awkwardly stroking Harry's hair in what he hope was less jerky movements and more comforting.

He figured he'd done something right when Harry chuckled through his sobs.

"Harry listen to me, I won't tell Severus or Barty until you're ready. I will do everything in my power to help you, in any way you need, but your not alone and I promise to be the best godfather ever." Tom rambled, tears pricking his eyes.

Harry doesn't say anything, even if he knew what to say he wouldn't be able to what with the giant lump in his throat. Somehow in all his mental preparation the idea of Tom not hating him hadn't been plausible, though he'd never complain.

They separated, not needing someone to walk in and get the wrong impression. Tom leans against his desk, leaving the chair for Harry.