A/N First of all, I deleted the last update to keep the flow of the story for those who don't read notes and I will be pasting it right now, so those who do read notes and start reading after this update know what I'm referring to later on.

"A/N a recent inquiry in the comments prompted me to write this update. I'm sorry for not uploading a new chapter for so long. I've been struggling with a really bad depression and almost attempted sudoku a few times (you know what I mean, and I don't want to trigger anyone by using the actual word). All of this also caused a serious writer's block and since I am updating the story as I write it, I do not have anything ready to post.

I did write a big chunk of the next chapter before the block and if the block continues for much longer and you guys are okay with getting a half-finished chapter, I can release what I've got so far in like a week or two.

Once again, I'm really sorry for the long hiatus, I promise I did not forget about this fic, it's been on my mind frequently alongside another fanfic that I've just started writing before all of this went down, so the moment I feel better you can expect a new, finished chapter and a new fanfic for those who will like the plot I've came up with (no spoilers tho)"

Now, the block is still there, so the chapter is shorter than what I've originally planned, but I did manage to at least somewhat finish the last part that I've started writing all those months ago. There's more dialogues than narration and it is quite short, but y'know, it's there. I'm not sure how long will it take for me to write the next chapter, I think I'm getting better, but it can change. I will take things slow, so you don't get another half-arsed chapter. At the end I will be asking y'all's opinion on things, just so that if I can't make up my mind about something, I can look into the reviews and see what you would like to see in regards to certain plot lines. I will also be commenting on stuff I wish I had the energy to change for this chapter, just to avoid comments saying 'yeah, no, I don't like this and that it feels wrong/rushed/cringy/whatever', because I'm not sure how well I'd take negative comments right now so if there's something you didn't like, check if I hadn't pointed it out myself before commenting on that, please! Once again I'm sorry for the hiatus. I can't promise I'll be updating frequently from now on, but I will try my best!

I also wanted to say a big big thank you to everyone who followed recently and an even bigger thank you to hufflepuffhugs and wolffriendinUSA for the well-wishes under the last post!

Severus Snape wasn't known for being patient and so when he was asked to tutor not only his godchildren but also Potter, he fought against it tooth and nail. Or maybe fang and scale. In the end the prospect of three children he swore to protect, in one way or another, not receiving education was what tipped the scale.

Truth be told he was content with their work but he still dreaded walking into their impromptu classroom in one of many empty rooms at the manor. Draco and Cassiopeia had recently perfected their twin speech causing headaches every time they did that and the Potter menace while clearly thriving with getting more personalized lessons, still found a way to ask the most stupid questions. Not to mention that the twins discovered that they quite liked a prank here and there. It wasn't Weasley twins level of pranking but it was there, strengthened by the Slytherin cunning.

He was pulled back from his reverie by one of the little devils.

"A sickle for your thoughts, sir?"

"Is that all their worth, Cassiopeia? And I thought I asked you to call me Severus." He scowled and looked at the girl before him.

It was true that she changed since the glamour was broken but if you looked close enough you could still see something very Hermione Granger about her appearance. While he cared about her - yes, contrary to popular believe Severus Snape had the ability to care about someone - he had a hard time reconciling the fact that it was the same girl he had basically tormented for the past few years.

He was meaning to apologise but he didn't know what to say. Yes, part of his reasons were his cover as a spy but over the years it became an excuse. He was a bitter man and he took it out on the students.

He became aware of a hand waving right in front of his face and once again snapped back to reality.

"I've never seen you so distracted." Cassiopeia concluded.

"I'm never distracted." He all but snapped but she just shrugged, a playful smirk on her lips.

"Agree to disagree?"

Severus sighed. Goddaughter or not, she could still annoy him at times. She was too witty and too Gryffindor for her own good. Doesn't mean he did not enjoy their banters.

"And where, pray tell did you lose your two shadows?"

"They're playing Quidditch." The way she said 'Quidditch' was the same way some girls said 'cockroach'.

They engaged in a discussion about how dangerous and stupid the game was and Severus couldn't help but smile inwardly. Despite being raised by someone else, Cassiopeia still shared traits with her family. The way she wrinkled her nose while talking Quidditch was so Narcissa. The older witch despised Quidditch with passion. When they changed the topic to books however she reminded him of Lucius, who was a scholar and closeted bookworm. The flash of curiosity in her eyes when he mentioned a book she hasn't read yet and the way she could quote entire passages made him feel like he was a teen again talking to his older friend in the Hogwarts library.

Even the way she carried herself was reminiscent of the Black family. He made a mental note to never tell her that though. Black family for her meant Bellatrix and he did not want to imagine what would happen if she was told she had anything in common with that witch. He idly wondered if Cassiopeia even realised that Bellatrix was her aunt.

He also wondered why he never noticed the similarities when she was still known as Hermione Granger. They were so obvious to him now. Some sort of Confundus maybe? He decided to think about it later and focused back on their conversation.

xxxXXXxxx

Harry was slowly adjusting to living in Malfoy Manor but he felt bad about residing there for free. He approached Lucius and Narcissa and told them that he could pay or work to earn his keep but they wouldn't hear of it. Told him that he was a friend of their daughter and thus their guest. There was no changing their minds, but not for the lack of trying. He also asked them if they wouldn't be in trouble if Voldemort found out. He didn't notice Floo coming to live.

"No, they would not. I no longer have any desire to kill you."

Harry was shocked and it was probably the reason for his answer. Because poor Harry looked at the most powerful Dark Lord the world has seen, flushed with embarrassment and said "Umm. Hi."

Lucius looked like he didn't know if he should be terrified or amused. Narcissa on the other hand just tried to stiffle a laugh. Voldemort to his credit took mercy on the boy and answered with "Hi" of his own, sighing audibly.

The situation was awfully awkward to Harry. When the Malfoys took to bowing and "My Lord"-ing he just stood there wondering if it would be rude to leave without being dismissed. He decided to stay and having nothing better to do he regarded the Dark Lord. He looked different than he did at the graveyard or at the battle in DoM. Even Cassiopeia's description from their meeting didn't quite match anymore. His eyes were no longer red but a quite captivating darker shade of grey. He was still pale but not unhealthily so anymore. And most surprisingly he had a nose. This realisation caused Harry to laugh out loud before he could stop himself.

Three sets of eyes looked at him with curiosity and in case of Lucius a raised eyebrow.

"Sorry. Sorry." He said in between laughing. "I just… I realized you have a nose now." And he started laughing again. One would probably think that Harry was feeling suicidal with the way he treated Voldemort today, but he didn't care. It was all just way too strange for the young Gryffindor.

In between bouts of laughter Harry thought that Voldemort looked quite handsome and that thought surprised him further. He figured he was definitely going crazy. That was the only explanation. He was absolutely bonkers.

xxxXXXxxx

"Please tell me you did not murder my best friend. Because if you did you can kiss any chance of my help goodbye."

"He would deserve it but no, I did not."

Cassiopeia let out a breath she didn't know she was holding. It was her third meeting with the Dark Lord since coming to live at the Manor and surprisingly she found out that she liked bickering with the wizard even if he was still scary at times, but she also got to know his temper a little bit and Harry making fun of him could set him off.

They didn't have a sound plan how to exonerate him yet but they did start working on something. After a lot of poking and prodding the subject of his appearance and immortality Voldemort finally confessed to making Horcruxes and explaining what they are and what is required to make them. Cassiopeia did her own research on the topic and despite Voldemort assuring her they were indestructible or that you can't heal one's soul after creating a Horcrux she found both statements to be false.

They were slowly working through his Horcruxes, re-attaching them to Voldemort. The logic behind it was that it would probably make him regain his old face and not looking like a reptile would definitely help him get a better reputation. It was hard. Just because the Dark Lord has seen the lack of logic in his ways doesn't mean he suddenly grew a heart and considering the fact that you needed to feel remorse for the soul to heal, that was definitely an obstacle. At least that's what Cassiopeia thought. Surprisingly Voldemort was actually already remorseful for some of the deaths used to create his Horcruxes and they were making some progress.

Aside from trying to make Voldemort seem more human, they've been going over his past to see what could be pardoned and what was best to keep secret so it doesn't reach any potential trial.

"I've read everything you left the last time and I've just got one question." Cassiopeia went straight to the topic, she didn't like beating around the bush overly much. "Your early ideas weren't half bad. They were very reasonable. What happened to make your… campaign… change from helping muggle-raised magical children and creating magical orphanages to obliterating muggleborns?"

"Part of it must've been the Horcruxes. By the time I finished Hogwarts I had less than fourth of my soul intact. Every additional Horcrux just accelerated my descend into madness. And of course add to that that my followers were all powerful and greedy purebloods feeding me their ideas and supremacist views. Mix it all with my hatred for both my muggle father and Muggles from the orphanage…" he trailed off and shrugged.

"Do you know what made you see reason after your… death?"

Voldemort has been wondering the same thing for a long time. Frankly he had no idea and was about to say so aloud when Harry appeared and butted in.

"Maybe it has something to do with the diary?"

They both turned around. Voldemort raised an eyebrow. Cassiopeia just stared.

"In the Chamber of Secrets. I destroyed this diary that could supposedly bring you back to life. Was that one of those… Horcrocses that Cassi has mentioned?"

"It's Horcruxes, Harry" Cassiopeia corrected automatically before turning to face the older man. "Well?"

Voldemort was brought back, being seemingly lost in thought and heaved a deep sigh before answering. "Yes, it was and yes, it could have something to do with it. It was my first Horcrux so it held the biggest piece of my soul. If we assume that the pieces reattach themselves after the vessel is destroyed, instead of simply disappearing, that would very well explain why I got both stronger all of sudden and more… logical."

Harry seized the feared Dark Lord with a curious eye before smiling widely. "I'm glad I destroyed it then. You seem like a cool guy when you're not hell-bent on obliterating the whole world. And your face is not half bad when it's not flat." And then he blushed when he realised what exactly he just said.

"Thank you, Mr. Potter, your insight is most appreciated." You could practically see the sarcasm as it roll of Voldemort's tongue.

"Oh, it's Harry, just Harry. When I hear 'Mr. Potter' I feel like I'm about to get a detention." The Boy Who Lived cheekily ignored the jab. He spent the last few weeks with Malfoys and Snape after all. If he wasn't used to sarcasm by now he would go crazy. Being the only Gryffindor in the house was somewhat hard at times and he really could not count on Cassi, seeing as she was getting more and more Slytherin with the help of her family.

"Call me Tom, then. Both of you." He smirked at their surprised faces. "Well, if we want to make me seem more human, getting rid of the name everyone fears seems like a good idea, doesn't it? I would like to start getting used to it."

Cassiopeia nodded. It made sense. Still, she didn't know how to feel, getting to call the man feared by all, by his given name. Harry on the other hand, always the Gryffindor cheekily answered with 'Sure thing, Tom!', got a stinging hex to his backside and left with a yelp.

xxxXXXxxx

For the next few weeks life was oddly good at Malfoy Manor. Lucius and Narcissa pretty much adopted Harry and with Snape already being like a brother to Lucius they just made for this big mismatched family. Of course the Boy Who Lived and the Potion Master still snapped at each other but there was no hostility between them, it was just their way of communicating.

The issue of redeeming Tom was going smoothly so far. According to him there were only two Horcruxes left for him to absorb and it had done wonders to his physique. His hair grew back, his skin was getting some coloring and he started filling in so he didn't look like a walking skeleton anymore. It appeared that making Horcruxes has pretty much stopped his aging, because he was looking younger with every Horcrux reattached and Cassiopeia suspected that by the time all off his soul was back he would be back to looking 16, when he first split his soul.

But alas, nothing good ever lasts. One Saturday afternoon somewhere in late November, Dobby appeared during dinner, holding a shaking, pale and unconscious Ginny Weasley. Cassiopeia and Harry were next to them in a blink of an eye and bombarded Dobby with questions. The little elf was shaking just as much as Ginny was, glancing at the elder Malfoy every now and again.

"Missy Ginny has been talking loudly about how she still supports Miss Hermione and Harry Potter sir. Master Headmaster didn't like that, Harry Potter sir. He ordered Dobby to take Missy Ginny to a room in the dungeons, but Dobby know Missy Ginny a friend to Harry Potter sir so Dobby brings her here instead."

While the elf was talking, Severus and Lucius took the girl to a guest room. Harry only briefly glanced their way, knowing that they would take care of her. He focused on the elf again.

"Thank you, Dobby. Do you know what did Headmaster plan for Ginny?"

Dobby started frantically nodding his head.

"Obliviate her, Harry Potter sir. And give her false memories."

Cassiopeia didn't feel comfortable around the little creature. Not after learning he played a part in her kidnapping. Dobby assured her that his allegiance was to his 'Harry Potter, sir' but she was still iffy about all of it. She was grateful for saving Ginny of course, but she wasn't sure if she could ever truly trust Dobby again. Draco wordlessly came behind her and hugged her tight in support and yet again she was grateful for her twin. He has filled a void in her heart she didn't know existed.

It was decided that it was too dangerous for Dobby to go back to Hogwarts but since the elf was scared of the Malfoys he didn't want to stay at the Manor either. Eventually he agreed to taking refuge at their Summer House. Ginny was treated by Severus and was put in Healing coma for the next few days. Tom decided that Dumbledore being ready to attack students was a sign the old fool was getting unhinged and decided to permanently move into the Manor so they could plan more efficiently and also react in timely fashion, were any more accidents to occur.

Cassiopeia has noticed that Tom's constant presence was affecting Harry, but not in a way anyone could expect. She's seen her friend sneak a glance at the almost-ex-Dark Lord every now and then and how his cheeks would sometimes colour when he was caught looking. Cassi has suspected Harry to be gay, especially after his kiss with Cho, no straight guy would ever describe his first kiss with a girl as simply 'wet' after all, but for him to develop a crush on someone who's been his sworn enemy for the longest time was a surprise. But then again, Tom really got hot since he's healed most of his soul so she couldn't blame her friend for having a good taste, now could she?

Speaking of romance, being away from Blaise for a few weeks let her get some perspective on their… courtship? She was still sure Blaise's intention were real and pure but she was no longer certain what her own feelings were. She's realised that she's jumped into all of this at the craziest moment of her life, when everything was confusing and without giving everything much thought. She didn't want to break Blaise's heart, she definitely cared about him deeply, she just wasn't sure if it was as a friend or a partner. Not to mention she didn't exactly had much experience in the relationships department. She wished she had someone to talk about it with…

She smacked herself on the forehead then. She was such an idiot. She did have someone. Narcissa. She was her mother after all, not to mention Cassi was sure Narcissa would be ecstatic to know she was trusted enough to be asked for relationship advice. With that in mind, Cassiopeia made her way towards her mother's study. With Ginny still under coma they didn't have much else to do anyway, so they could just talk boys.

xxxXXXxxx

Her mother proved to be quite good at relationship advice. She did agree Cassiopeia had all the right to be confused and suggested that the girl simply talk about it with Blaise. Seeing as it was almost December she suggested that Cassiopeia invites her suitor to the Manor for Christmas break.

And so Cassiopeia found herself finishing a letter to her… not quite boyfriend? Oh, it was too confusing to dwell on.

Dear Blaise, the letter started

I hope this letter finds you well. How are things at Hogwarts? I'm sorry I didn't say goodbye before leaving, it was kinda a spur of the moment thing. I know, terribly Gryffindor of me, but then again I used to be one.

I wish I could explain everything to you, but I don't believe it's information that should be divulged in a letter. Just know that I'm okay now and so is Draco. He won't admit it but he misses his best friend. Hopefully you'll see each other soon. Maybe even sooner that either of you thinks. I've got a permission to invite you to Malfoy Manor for hols, if you're interested. It would be great to see you and there are things I wished to talk to you about.

I'm sorry for being so vague. I'll explain everything when I see you. Have a nice rest of the term.

Sincerely,

Cassiopeia Malfoy

She wasn't exactly satisfied with the letter but the risk of handling any information to Dumbledore was too great. If it wasn't for Narcissa's reassurance that he likely already knew they were residing at the Manor, she wouldn't have mentioned it either. She just hoped Blaise understood.

She's tied the missive to one of the more common looking owls and sent it on its way.

xxxXXXxxx

"Harry?"

The young Gryffindor startled and turned around abruptly just to discover it was Tom who called his name. Harry's face turned bright red, he was naked, bar for the blanket wrapped around his middle. He was on his way back to his room after being pranked by Cassiopeia and Draco. They have decided it would be funny to vanish his clothes while he was on his broom and he's only learned how to conjure blankets so far.

"Er, hi Tom."

Tom just cocked an eyebrow at him and asked.

"What are you doing walking around like this? Not that I'm complaining, the view is not half bad."

Harry's face grew even hotter if possible. He mumbled something about crazy twins always being up to no good, earning himself a laugh from the other man. He's been laughing more and more since he started reattaching his Horcruxes and Harry was sure he would never tire of the sound. Still it was hard to enjoy it, when the reason was his discomfort. The Slytherin finally took pity on him and with a flick of the wand Harry was fully clothed once again.

"Thanks."

Tom didn't answer and instead took a step towards Harry. Then another. Harry instinctively took a step back for every step Tom took towards him until his back was flat against a wall with Tom standing right in front of him. The older man then bowed his head just enough so that his lips were next to Harry's ear.

"I wanted to talk to you, Harry." Tom's voice dropped at least an octave and Harry swallowed. He was definitely too hot under his collar.

"Er, yeah?"

"You see, Harry, there's something that has been bothering me for the last few weeks."

Harry was sure someone must've cast a Jelly Legs jinx on him and if it wasn't for the wall behind him and Tom he would surely fall. Purring, because that's what Tom was doing, like this should be illegal, it was too damn sexy.

"What…" Harry cleared his throat awkwardly and tried again. "What is it?"

"This."

And suddenly Tom's lips were on his. Harry's gasp of surprise was used to deepen the kiss and as Harry's shock subsided he returned the kiss and it soon got heated. They fought for dominance, tongues locked in a fierce battle. Tom rested his elbows on the wall on either side of Harry's head, while Harry's hands found their way into Tom's hair. Eventually they had to stop and catch a breath. Tom rested his forehead against Harry's while they both tried to get their breathing under control.

"What the hell was that, Tom?" Harry asked in a whisper, still dazed.

"A kiss. Or, well, a heavy snogging session would probably be a more appropriate way to call it. Either way, I thought it was fairly obvious?"

But damn, that self-satisfied smirk looked really sexy on him in Harry's opinion.

"You know that's not what I meant. Why?"

"Because I just felt like it." Was all Tom said before giving Harry a chaste kiss on the lips and walking away leaving a very confused Gryffindor behind him.

xxxXXXxxx

Ginny woke up few days later. It wasn't really clear who was updating whom on what at first. They had to explain to her everything that happened with Dumbledore and then calm her down when she's met Tom. After all she did meet the diary version of him and it was a bit traumatic for her, but after hearing about everything that's happened, she eventually came around, even if she was still wary of the man who sometimes appeared in her nightmares.

She in turn told them about what's been happening at Hogwarts since their departure and what happened with Dumbledore on her last day at Hogwarts. Apparently the school's population has been told that the Malfoy twins had kidnapped Harry and fled the school to deliver him to the Dark Lord. When the Headmaster heard Ginny saying that she didn't believe it and that the three of them must've had a good reason to leave and students were actually listening to her, he asked her to meet him in his office, much like he did Cassiopeia all those weeks ago. When she didn't want to back down he tried to obliviate her but she blocked it and she's actually duelled the Headmaster. Granted, he had like a hundred years of experience on her so the duel was quite short resulting in Ginny being in the condition she was brought in to the Manor, but she did land a Bat Bogey Hex. She was then asked to bottle the memory so they could see it in a pensieve. For informational purposes of course, it definitely had nothing to do with the idea of seeing the esteemed Headmaster getting attacked by his own boogers.

It was not much to go by but at least they knew now how their absence was explained. Of course before they proceeded with planning they had to explain to Harry that no, Dumbledore could not Obliviate Ginny after the duel, because performing mind magic on someone in that condition could mess up their heads and having Ginny running around crazy was probably not part of his plan.

In the end they decided to just wait and see how everything would play out. In the meantime Tom was supposed to take care of the last of his Horcruxes.

That same day Cassiopeia got a reply from Blaise

Dear Cassi

Hogwarts is different without you and not just in a sappy 'I can't live without you' way. It's tense, even more so since the Weasley girl disappeared. The headmaster is the worst. He's changed, this annoying twinkle in his eyes? Completely gone. He almost looks hostile. And this one time I've noticed that his hand is injured. He noticed me looking and put a glamour on it, but it's there. It's like his hand is dead, Cassi.

You make it sound like it's only Draco who misses me. Should I be worried, Princess? I'm kidding, obviously. I'll happily accept your invitation and will be counting days until the holidays.

I'm really glad that you're okay. I was worried, but I understand the need for discretion and will not be awaiting more owls. If you feel they might be intercepted then it's best not to send them at all. I can't wait to see you in two weeks!

Yours,

Blaise Zabini

Ginny agreed to join in on their lessons, catching up to speed in her spare time - she was a year behind them after all - and wasn't doing that bad actually. She was quite a keen mind, much as her oldest brothers were. It was a relief for Severus, who was afraid of letting another dunderhead into his 'classroom' but a blow to Harry who felt stupid compared to everyone around him. He might've been doing better in a small group, but he was surrounded by prodigies. He's actually started reading up on the material just to make sure he was not holding everyone back. He still wasn't the brightest star in the sky, but he was holding his own and his efforts did not go unnoticed.

Another thing that did not go unnoticed, at least for Cassiopeia, was that Harry seemed a little distracted, distressed even. But every time she's asked him what was wrong he would just shrug and say she was imagining things. In the end she deducted it must have had something to do with Tom - Harry was avoiding the man like the plague - and cornered the Dark Lord in his study.

"You." She didn't bother with pleasantries and instead pointed her finger at him. "What did you do to my best friend?"

Tom looked like he wasn't sure whether to be surprised or annoyed that she dare barge into his rooms like that. "He's told you about it?"

"He didn't want to tell me anything. Whatever it is you've done is clearly weighing on him though. So I repeat. What have you done?"

He raised an eyebrow lazily and seemed to ponder if he should answer the question or not. It was annoying Cassiopeia greatly. They were all trying to help him after he's put them through hell and he was still toying with them. She started wondering if he was lying to them after all, if he was just using them to be pardoned so he could get out of hiding and resume his quest to take over the Wizarding World. It would hurt her if it was true, she came to care for the eccentric wizard, but she couldn't stop her thoughts from exploring that possibility when he was acting like that. Just when she was ready to tell him to bugger off and deal with his own shite if he was going to treat them like that, she heard him sigh.

"I kissed him."

"You did what? Why?"

Tom seemed to retreat slightly into himself. She would even be so bold as to say he was embarrassed.

"I'm sure you've noticed the way he would look at me. I've had people, men, women, look at me with lust in their eyes before, but Harry? It wasn't lust, it was affection. Nobody's ever looked at me like that before and I just. I wanted a taste of that."

"By playing with his feelings?"

He looked as if she slapped him and she sighed.

"Look. I know you probably don't have much experience with feelings. People caring for you. But you can't just go and kiss people like that. Do you even like him?"

"I…" He avoided her eyes. If you told Cassiopeia few months before that she would be talking to Lord bloody Voldemort about his feelings for Harry Potter she would've laughed and yet, here she was. "I don't know what it is I'm feeling. Truth be told, before my rebirth two years back I did not… possess… feelings. It's confusing. But my feelings towards Harry are not negative."

She really did like that new Tom. At least when he wasn't being all cryptic and sneaky. He was adamant that he took care of all of his Horcruxes and as she predicted he was back to looking like his old 16 years old self. He was also more open with them. But it was disturbing to learn that he did not feel anything for the longest time. Was he a psychopath? Or was there something else at play? After all, psychopathy couldn't be cured.

"I have a theory on that."

Cassiopeia's eyes narrowed. She might like Tom but she hated when he read her thoughts like that. It was an invasion of privacy like no other.

"What have I told you about using Legilimency on people without their consent?"

"Sorry, habit." He did not look sorry at all. "Anyway. I've learned in my youth… well, first youth, I guess, that I was conceived as a product of a love potion. That's probably the reason for my lack of feelings before. As for my ability to feel now… has Harry told you what transpired on the day of my rebirth?"

She nodded. She's heard that story.

"Well, as you know then, I used Harry's blood in the ritual and…"

Cassiopeia smacked herself in the forehead.

"And Harry has his mother love in his blood because of her sacrifice, of course!"

It did make sense. Why he could feel remorse needed to heal his soul. Why he started developing positive feelings. Why he seemed so human. Lily's love was strong enough to sacrifice herself to protect her son and her love was coursing in Harry's, and now also in Tom's, blood.

She shouldn't be happy that Tom, back when he was still Voldemort, used Harry in such an awful ritual almost killing him in the process. She really shouldn't. But if Voldemort haven't decided that using Harry was the most dramatic and hence the best option he would still be a heartless monster. A bit more logical thanks to his soul being halfway healed but still heartless. Not only would the world still be in danger but they would never meet this new version of Tom. They wouldn't be, dare she say it, friends. And Cassiopeia felt guilty for thinking that using Harry for the ritual really was Voldemort's best decision.

She became aware of the hand waving in front of her face.

"Sorry. Got lost in thoughts." She grumbled.

"So I see. I was trying to ask you what should I do with Harry now."

Cassiopeia pondered it for a moment. She really wasn't that great at relationships and feelings, that's why she needed to consult with Narcissa to make sense of her own situation. But she couldn't just not help Tom. He was most likely even more confused than her, she did deal with feelings for seventeen years as opposed for his year and a half after all.

"Just… be honest with him. That's the only advice I can think to give you. Talk to him. Explain it. Tell him what you told me. Whatever you do, be honest. Don't lie about anything just because you think it's an answer expected of you. Harry's empathetic, he will understand. After that, it's up to you two to figure things out. Just don't pressure him or yourself into anything."

Tom inclined his head in thanks and Cassiopeia for the umpteenth time felt grateful to have made his acquaintance. Grateful that her father slipped the diary to Ginny getting Harry to destroy it. Grateful for Harry's blood coursing through the wizard's veins. Tom Riddle has gotten a second chance at living and she'd be damned if she didn't do her damndest to let him know happiness, friendship and who knew, maybe love. Even if it didn't work out with Harry, there were other people and the old-turned-young wizard finally had the opportunity to fall in love. Cassiopeia turned to leave and ignored Tom's quip about seventy not being that old for a wizard. She really needed to get him to stop looking into people's minds like that.

xxxXXXxxx

"Harry?"

Harry turned around and came face to face with Tom, feeling a strong sense of deja vu. At least he wasn't naked this time.

"Oh bloody hell" he groaned earning himself a chuckle from the Dark Lord which in turn earned said Dark Lord a glare from Harry. "What is it this time, Tom?" He asked none too gently.

He did notice Tom seemed sheepish, but decided to ignore it. It was a man who snogged Harry into a wall for no reason at all, he did not get top be sheepish.

"I…" Tom cleared his throat and tried again. "I wanted to talk to you, Harry."

Harry scoffed. "That's exactly what you said last time, Riddle."

Tom cringed at the use of his last name. "For real, this time." He sighed and seemed to have made up his mind. "Look, I'm sorry about what happened."

Harry raised an eyebrow.

"You mean the part where you kissed me out of the blue or the lack of explanation?"

"The latter? Both? I don't know, I'm not exactly sorry I kissed you, I enjoyed it and I think you did too." At that Harry blushed but still said nothing. Tom was getting worked up. "I wish I had a good reason to give you but the truth is, I did mean what I said. I did do it because I wanted to. You look at me with so much warmth and I just wanted to feel it. I'm not good at emotions, I've only started feeling them after my resurrection. I can't tell you what my feelings for you are. I'm confused, Harry and I am sorry for confusing you too."

It seemed the younger of the two contemplated the other's words. Tom was anxious and frustrated at the same time. It was the first time he apologised so honestly and was really hoping for forgiveness. He's hung his head, sure that Harry would not forgive him, that he would lose whatever fondness the boy had for him. Slowly, ever so slowly Harry smiled and took a step in Tom's direction, then another. When he was close enough he took Tom's face into his palms and coaxed him into looking up from the floor, but the Slytherin still averted the Gryffindor's eyes.

"Tom, look at me." Harry said softly, as if speaking any louder would scare the other. Finally Tom's eyes looked straight into Harry's. "It's okay, Tom. Apology accepted. I didn't know you were struggling so much. I should've noticed. You were acting so out of character for the feared Dark Lord, but I guess I just tried to explain it to myself as you getting your sanity back. I don't know why you couldn't feel anything before or why you can now, but it doesn't matter. What matters is that you have to adjust to something new. I think you're already adjusting, if I'm being honest. You're more and more open with your feelings, hell, you looked ready to cry just now." Harry smiled wider when Tom tried to deny it. "It's nothing to be ashamed of. It means you're human."

Harry stopped for a second, searching for something in Tom's grey eyes. Those eyes that were so captivating. Those eyes that now held the glimmer of hope.

"Look." Harry spoke again. "I can't tell you what your feelings for me are either. That's for you to figure out. But I'll be here for you, okay? Just… just don't kiss me again until you have a valid reason to. I won't lie, I am attracted to you, I like you a lot and I just. I don't want to get my hopes up if you discover you don't like me like that, that you were simply curious. I won't hold that last kiss against you, but please don't do it again until you're sure that you want something more from me. Cause rest assured Tom. Once you're mine, I'm not letting you slip away."

The last bit was said on a teasing note but they could both tell that it was sincere nonetheless. They held each other's gaze for a little longer. Tom lost for words, Harry having said everything there was to say. At last Harry stepped back, still smiling lightly.

"I was on my way to Severus' class but I guess I'm way too late and he would rather bite my head off than repeat everything for me, so I'm just going to the library. You'll have to explain to him it was your fault, by the way. I'm not about to die because of you." Then he chuckled. "How weird is that to say?"

That finally got a reaction from Tom as he laughed, lightly. "Very weird indeed." Then he turned somber. "Thank you, Harry. For forgiving me. It means a lot. Would you like me to accompany you to the library?"

Harry smiled. "I'd like that very much."

They were walking in comfortable silence, until Harry stopped suddenly. Tom gave him a quizzical look.

"I just had a thought. How old are you now? I mean. Are we counting your real age or are you officially sixteen again?"

Tom shook his head. Leave it to Harry to ask the most random question after a serious conversation they just had.

"I think that, to avoid confusion of having an 'old man' - Cassiopeia's words, not mine - in a teenager's body, we'll just go with sixteen."

Harry brightened and they resumed they walk. Neither of them noticed light grey eyes looking at them with fondness.

xxxXXXxxx

"What's so interesting, Cassi?"

She jumped a little, startled by her twin's appearance. Stupid, sneaky snakes. She turned to face him and smiled lightly.

"Harry and Tom. They're quite cute together, don't you think?"

Draco sputtered. "They're what?"

"Cute."

Oh, how she wished she had a camera on her, the look on Draco's face was priceless.

"You can't be serious, Cassi. They don't even have anything in common. They were arch-enemies just a few months ago!"

"So were we in case you've forgotten". Cassiopeia shook her head. "Really, for a twin of mine you can be dense." She smiled a little more and leaned against a wall. "They've got lots in common."

Draco raised an eyebrow, the look of disbelief still firmly on his face. "Name one thing."

She laughed. Honestly. It was clear she got all the brains. "I can name several. Neither of them had a happy childhood, they both have a great affinity to teaching and they both want what's best for the Wizarding World, even if Tom had to be reminded of that fact. They're both powerful wizards and would keep each other on their toes. And they both need someone who would understand them and I think they do understand each other even if they're confused right now."

"Okay." Her twin said slowly, still contemplating. "Okay, you've got a point."

She gave a grin. "Of course I do, brother dearest. Of course I do."

Draco punched her arm lightly, making her giggle. She'd always get the upper hand in any argument, no matter what.

"Doesn't change the fact that it's weird. Harry Potter and the Dark Lord?"

Cassiopeia sighed. "What isn't weird nowadays, Draco? Dumbledore's the official bad guy now, Tom is withdrawing from the war and he's actually turning out to be a pretty decent guy, I'm your twin, Harry Potter and once of the Weasleys are peacefully residing in Malfoy Manor and need I remind you that both you and our parents agreed to go to a muggle movie theater? The world is completely upside down."

"You're right, of course, but still! There's a difference between all of that and Harry Potter jumping Tom's bones!"

She shook her head and laughed. Boys. She proposed they agree to disagree and decided to change the topic and suggest they move from the corridor.

He stepped closer and put his arm around her shoulders. "What do you say we go see if Ginny's up for some Exploding Snap?"

A/N I'll start with pointing out what I wish I had the drive and energy to change in this chapter before posting. Definitely Ginny's arrival. I wouldn't scratch it completely, I do want to show that Dumbles is getting unhinged and his actions are escalating, but I'd put it later on in the story, because it feels quite rushed. Alas, it would require a bunch of changes throughout the whole chapter and with my current state it would take a while to do so. And since, like I said, I wasn't going to scratch it completely anyway, the old goat is just getting crazier a bit earlier than I now think he should.

I also lament the lack of scenes with Malfoy family forming bonds with Cassiopeia, and the lack of the Malfoy parents in general for that matter. I will try to remedy that in the next chapter tho!

Now for the things I'd like your opinions on. First of all, Blaise. I'm in two minds. On one hand I'd really like for Cassiopeia and him to stay as friends, but on the other I do realise that there aren't exactly many fanfics where the first pairing with the main character is not the final one. Then again, romance is not exactly the main focus of this fanfic and Cassiopeia is a teenage girl. So yeah, I'd appreciate thoughts on that one. Also, if Cassi does dump Blaise, anyone would want to see Ginny/Blaise? :P

Next, the horcrux in Harry. There are three options here and only one that doesn't particularly speak to me. The first one is that we completely forget about it, it doesn't exist in this fic, we move on. In the other two they do realise that it's there and they either decide to leave it like it is, making them immortal or they get rid of it and we get an emotional scene of Tom being remorsful about Harry's parents' deaths and is being all sorry and stuff. Of course, the last two are overly simplified here, but hey, I'm not gonna spoil how exactly stuff is going to go down, now am I?

Any other thoughts and ideas are also welcome! And if there's something you didn't like that I didn't mention here, you're also welcome to mention it, of course.