The wind was crashing against the castle walls threatening to knock down the ancient brick structure. The distant rumble of thunder booming over the island disrupted the peaceful environment of the school grounds. The steady beat of the rain pounding down on the roof was loud enough to keep anyone awake.

A loud snore sounded from the corner of the room.

Well, anyone how didn't sleep like the dead Tom thought as the irritating snoring of his roommate could be heard over the downpour. Blasted Rosier never did know when to shut up.

With a loud sigh he rolled onto his side, pulling his duvet higher and tucking it beneath his chin to keep out the winter chill. Closing his eyes he attempted to block out the obnoxious noise Rosier was making. He relaxed his muscles, releasing the previous tension that had built up after his discussion with Professor Dumbledore. He was the only person how could see past Tom's façade. His eyes always seemed calculating when focused on Tom, devoid of their usual twinkle. He's suspicious of me. Especially after the events of the summer.

He reached for the ring currently adorning the fourth finger of his right hand. It was a simple design; gold ring with a large onyx stone in the shape of a diamond. Marvolo Gaunt's ring. His lips curled up into a mocking smile. The ring itself was a trophy of the vengeance he reaped upon his father and the filthy creatures who were his parents.

Muggles. His skin rippled with revulsion. The injustice of being related to such vermin. To be contaminated with the slime they called 'blood'. To share a heritage with creatures that were so weak, so vulnerable. It was a simple task to dispose of them. Just a mere flick of a wand is all it took. And to implement the memory of murder upon his uncle was mere child's play in contrast with his previous indiscretions. They never saw it coming. So naïve. He remembered the blank look upon their faces – each of them – as they fell. Muggles…so fragile, so frail, so powerless. He would never be in that position. He was so much more than that of the family combined. He was the true heir of Slytherin, and he would make sure that his predecessor's legacy would live on.

He would be powerful. The most powerful in the world. He craved it. No one would ever look down at him again, but instead they would look up in fear, in respect and in amazement. People will realise just why I am the heir of Slytherin.

Another detestable snore interrupted his thoughts.

Grumbling under his breath he slipped out of his bed and resolved to take a walk. Glancing at his bedside table he saw it was almost half five in the morning. He grabbed his bag of toiletries and a fresh pair of robes and started toward the dorm bathroom. He might as well get prepared for the day; it was unlikely that he'd be able to get anymore sleep.

"You were excellent again today Tom"

"Thank you, Professor" Tom turned to regard Professor Slughorn. His sandy brown hair was beginning to thin and his watery brown eyes failed in improving the appearance of his sallow skin. He was a man short in stature with Tom almost over a head taller than him. They'd just finished their potions lesson and almost everyone had packed up and left.

"Yes, yes, potion making seems to come as almost second nature to you. Do you have any plans to further study them? I could see you having a long successful career in potion manufacturing. Perhaps even owning a shop in Diagon Alley"

"I haven't really thought about what to do in the future sir but I'll make sure to take your idea into consideration" You'll see what I have planned for the future soon enough. Tom sent a graceful smile Slughorn's way, making sure to keep the majority of his expression blank.

Professor Slughorn nodded his head. "Mmhm, good, good m'boy. If you ever need any advice about future prospects remember that I'm always available for a chat" He smiled up at Tom. "Oh, and I've decided to hold a small gathering of students this weekend. Your attendance would be held in high esteem"

Professor Slughorn put an arm around Tom's shoulders, escorting him out of the room.

Once free of Slughorn's presence Tom's smile rapidly dissolved from his face. Professor Slughorn never failed to pander to Tom's ego, something Tom didn't know whether to be amused by or affronted by. Slughorn did seem like the type to attach himself to someone who showed promise and then leech off of their success. He was, however, incredibly useful to Tom and so it was best to indulge his interest. Furthermore, Slughorn seemed like the type to be easily manipulated, a 'quality' of his that could be purposely exploited in his future plans.

Turning from the room he wandered aimlessly through the corridors. He pulled his robe tighter around his body as a draft slipped in through a window. Students were scarce as they were either in a lesson or spending a study period trying to complete their homework at the last minute. Tom himself had a study period however he had already completed all of his homework. Better to get that out of the way so he could focus on more important things. Although a trip to the library would be necessary later.

His footsteps echoed down the corridor as he passed paintings and windows. He paused at an archway overlooking the forbidden forest. Tonight. Tonight he would go and see her.

Merry Christmas everyone! And I hope you have a lovely New Year. Thank you to those of you that have followed this story :) Any advice on how to improve my writing would be greatly appreciated :D At this point I have a pretty good idea of the direction I want to take this story but you might have to wait for updates as exams and art works get in the way of my life :(

Thanks for reading and please review!