Tom very much liked Harry. If he kept their relationship secret, it wasn’t out of shame. It was much of a convenience matter. Indeed, he knew Harry would not be very welcomed, as they were literal opposites and could be perceived as a threat by many of his followers – friends, as Harry insisted. That’s why he had to planned Harry’s introduction carefully and why they still kept it as a secret despite the difficulties. It was pretty much the same for Harry and his friends, since Hermione Granger and Tom were in direct competition for the top of the class and Ron Weasley was always so wary toward Slytherins. Fortunately, Harry and him were quite great when it came to discretion. Or so they thought.