Ink and Parchment ~ blood and bone

Eliza broke off a piece of her easter egg and obligingly handed it to Draco before she grabbed another piece for herself. She had told Sirius many times that as Wizards it seemed redundant to have easter eggs but Sirius found the concept far too entertaining to leave alone, and Remus – well. Remus had a sweet tooth the size of Wizarding Britain, he was hardly going to say no to more chocolate.

Eliza munched on her chocolate as she opened up her journal to speak to Tom. She and her court were in the common room now, lounging in front of the giant fireplace. The sofa that used to be able to fit all of them on now only housed Draco and Blaise. Daphne was curled up in the armchair and Eliza and Theo were on the floor surrounded by multitudes of cushions and of course, easter eggs.

What would you do if I told you I have a surprise for you?

I would worry came Tom’s immediate response and Eliza stifled a laugh.

Okay, I have a surprise for you

I’m worrying

“Are you really ignoring me right now?” Draco complained next to her and Eliza blindly handed him a piece of her easter egg. She assumed that she correctly guessed his request because no further complaints met her ears.

It’s a good thing I promise

What have you done?

Aw thank you for asking. Today I had alchemy and I didn’t blow anything up! And then I had magical theory, used my time turner, and attended ancient runes. In transfiguration I kept charming Draco’s rabbit invisible so he couldn’t find it and-

You know that isn’t what I meant Little Star

“She’s talking to her beau, go and get your own chocolate” Daphne snapped from somewhere above her and Eliza snickered slightly, throwing her half-finished easter egg on top of the coffee table so Draco could reach it.

Remember your creepy little murder cave?

The one with the locket?

The fact that you have to specify that is concerning

She could feel his exasperation without him even having to say anything.

Dumbledore knows your ‘horcrux’ is there. In the next month he’ll leave Hogwarts, alone and completely isolated in the cave – he’ll be at your mercy.

Mercy that I will not be extending towards him.

How did you find this out Little Star?

And here it came.

Because Dumbledore is taking me with him.

Absolutely not Tom wrote back so quickly that even his usual fine and elegant handwriting turned jagged I will not have you there just so he can exploit my weakness.

Eliza felt her own temper flare but managed to hold herself together. Tom wasn’t saying she was weak, she had to remind herself, he was just scared. Eliza could handle scared.

And if I was your weakness I’d agree, but I’m not. We’re only stronger together Tom, together we’re unstoppable. And soon we’ll be rid of one of the last things stood in our way.

Tom was silent for a while, Eliza couldn’t even feel him from the other side of their bond. A sure sign that he was hiding something from her.

Alright then, Tom wrote back finally let’s do this, together.

Eliza felt her mouth curl into a smile at Tom’s acceptance but her giddiness was ruined approximately five seconds later by Tom’s next message.

You have to be the one to tell Severus about your plans little star.