A Little Help from a Snake // Tomarry

Part 73

Reposted: February 16, 2022

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I was looking up Sanders Sides and, according to the transcript, Patton actually says Tomalomadingdong, not Tomalongadingdong. Too late to change it now, but it's still funny either way.

Summary: Tensions are high throughout the wizarding world. And Harry thought his second year was bad enough.

A cool breeze rustled through the leaves above Harry and over the surface of the lake. If only it really were as peaceful as it looked. Instead, here he was wondering where the former headmaster was and when he would strike.

"You know how they say time flies when you're having fun?"

Tom looked up from the blade of grass he had been absentmindedly playing with. "Yeah?"

"Well, it's still flying. Just at a slower pace." Harry sighed. "I wish it would speed back up."

"Me too."

Dumbledore was unfortunately not alone, as Luna had said. Peter Pettigrew had escaped as well, but some were saying that there had been someone outside of Azkaban that helped them. Severus had guessed Dumbledore would try to recruit others before making his move, which gave them some time to prepare.

Defense Against the Dark Arts had become more serious, with Remus teaching the students, particularly fourth years and up, how to defend themselves. Professor Flitwick incorporated defensive charms into his teachings and even Madam Pomfrey stepped up to help prepare the students by creating a club over healing, knowing people would be hurt.

The overhanging threat coupled with the stress from schoolwork — which was noticeably lower than usual — caused some students to break down. Harry would sometimes see prefects comforting a crying first year or the teachers sending students off to the hospital wing. Once or twice, parents would be seen heading to the hospital wing, sometimes with the student's older siblings if they had any.

'This is ridiculous,' he had said to Azure one evening. His stomach had been churning all afternoon and he didn't go out to the Great Hall to eat, so he just had Dobby bring something in from the kitchen. 'All this because Dumbledore can't just fuck off.'

Azure had rubbed her head against his cheek. 'It'll be okay, hatchling. You're not alone this time. You have the whole school behind you now, the wizarding world itself.'

Harry sighed. Sometimes, he felt like he had no energy to even sit up. 'I just want this to be over.'

'I know. Why don't you take a nap? You'll feel better afterwards.'

So Harry did, and when he woke up, Azure was sitting guard in front of him with Hedwig. He did feel a little better.

Most students seemed to be avoiding Harry now, although it wasn't like second year when he had been accused of opening the Chamber. Even some of the Slytherins gave him a wide berth, often moving their belongings over whenever Harry passed by in the library or outright leaving the area.

Harry had expected something like that, but it left him feeling lonely. He gave Tom a sidelong glance, his eyes darting over the light freckles that dotted his face. Well, not totally.

"I love you, Tom."

Tom didn't respond in words, just pulled him in and leaned his head on Harry's. He had been visiting more frequently with Harry's nerves getting the best of him. Harry had even asked him to sleep with him, which Tom agreed to. No one brought it up in conversation.

There had always been many owls flying in during breakfast, but now there were even more. Those with older siblings often sent letters with advice and shortcuts to learning the new spells faster. Students began crossing over to other tables to share what they received.