A/N: I DO NOT own any part of the HP franchise. We seem to be off to a bit of a good start, I see those of you who followed. It tends to take me a little while to update, though reviews certainly speed up that progress. I get reviews, I tend to make something a priority. I'll be updating in chunks now, perhaps 2-3 chapters. So read, review, and enjoy.
Chapter 2: A predator who had now identified his prey
September 2nd, 1942
"Lilli? Lilli, it's me!"
Liliana's eyes slowly worked across the ceiling above her as the deep voice pricked her ears. Her time spent frozen on the cold carpet allowed her eyes to adjust to the complete darkness, picking apart tiny details in the ceiling.
As Charles' voice reached Liliana's ears, she was overcome with a strange sensation as her mind relayed what actions to take, only to have them dispelled at the hands of the Body-Bind curse. She was frozen on the ground, mouth open in shock and eyes still widened in a horrific expression that gave no indication to the tumultuous emotions swimming within her.
"I'm here, I'm here." Charles said softly, his voice full of a concerned-panic that only infuriated and humiliated Liliana further. Bending down, he pushed ripped the hooded robes from his body and draped them around Lilian's body, before lifting the spell. As the feeling returned to her frame, she closed her mouth, unable to speak through a dry and hoarse throat which would likely not produce anything of help for the rest of the night.
"You're freezing, Come on, easy now." Charles whispered softly, bending down to grab Liliana from where she lay, still somewhat stiff on the floor. As he lifted her up, she felt heavy tears roll down her cheeks as her face burned. Immediately upon sitting up a choked sob which had been building up throughout her time on the ground emitted from her throat and she coughed, body shaking with fear, shame, anger, hatred, and confusion.
"I'm so sorry. I'm here." Charles assured her, taking her into his arms. The moment he grasped at her frame, Liliana found with little strength she had to push him away harshly, pulling herself to her feet and leaning against a nearby wall for support.
"Careful now, you need help." Charles whispered, and Liliana clenched her fists as red hot fury bubbled within her much like the magma beneath a building volcano. As she stared at Charles, she saw nothing but his face as the curse shot towards her, the way he stared in fear, yet still failed to protect her.
"Stay away from me." She hissed, another tear streaming down her feet and Liliana stepped back further against the wall, watching in mixed satisfaction as Charles' face slackened with immeasurably sadness, an expression of hurt. A mere fraction of the hurt which he had allowed to be inflicted upon her, both physical and emotional.
"Please Lilli, I'm sorry. Let me help you." He extended his arms, approaching slowly and Liliana lifted her hand, bringing it across his face as hard as she could. The blow echoed across the empty corridor and Liliana shrank away from the boy she once thought to be her friend, the boy who had cold-heartedly allowed her to be tortured.
Charles' hand flew to his face immediately, and he froze where he stood, looking at Liliana slowly in the darkness. Grasping along the wall, she tried to move away from him as he stared down at the ground, his remorse emanating like a thick auro.
"Please, I'm sorry. I didn't mean-"
"You let him hurt me. He hurt me Charles." She whispered, her voice unable to clear a croak. The hurt which radiated from her as she stared at the boy she knew as Charlie only fed her anger further.
When Liliana first befriended Charles, it was clear his sole interest in her remained on the romantic side. Of course, she only further instigated their complicated relationship by allowing his infatuation some merit.
Particularly allowing him her body in an abandoned classroom after their annual celebration on the Astronomy tower. Despite the difficulties that came with their relationship, however, Liliana appreciated the depth of their friendship, able to tell Charles anything and everything. And he was always there, never failing with unwavering support and helpful advice.
And when she had needed him most, he not only failed her, but helped orchestrate her physical pain. Liliana was uncertain if she was more heartbroken or furious. At the moment, she did not have the time to think of it. All she was concerned about was returning safely to her dormitory.
With every struggling step, Liliana glanced around in the darkness, expecting Riddle to jump out at any moment and finished what he had started. Every sound made her jump, heart pumping in her chest as she envisioned his cold face, free of expression as he so willingly cursed her.
The sound of heavy footsteps some ways behind her told her Charles was following at a pace to keep her in his sights, though she certainly could not say it made her feel safe. Clutching her wand beneath her robes, Liliana felt the slightest bit of weight lifted off her chest as she finally found herself staring at the entrance of the dungeons.
After stammering over the password several times, Liliana all but dashed into the common room, sprinting to her dormitory without stopping until she all but collapsed at her door, glancing back behind her to make sure she was not followed. Grasping the brass door-handle tightly, she wrenched it forth and threw open the door, stumbling into the room weakly, grateful for once her bed was closest to the door.
"Where have you been?!" a voice cried her, and Liliana glanced up as Theodora crossed the room, her face full of the concern, worry, and anger that could only be found in a mother. Immediately upon stepping closer to Liliana her jaw slackened and she uncrossed her arms, eyes wide with concern.
Sitting down on the bed Liliana finally found herself able to cry. Grasping at her comforter, she reached for safety that would not come, sniffing as the tears streamed down her face once more for the terror she now felt even stronger than before.
The sound of whirling water from the lake around them did nothing to soothe her as it usual did, instead this time only making her feel claustrophobic. She was in close quarters with an enemy; a predator who had now identified his prey.
"It's almost dawn, what happened to you?" Theodora whispered gently, her voice strained with what Liliana recognized as subtle panic. Bending down, she placed her hands on Liliana's arms and she felt herself jump involuntarily, bringing her knees to her chest as she curled into herself.
"Were you raped?" she asked again, and Liliana shook her head, thinking perhaps that would have been easier to explain. To be sexually violated, or tortured by a sadist in front of a group who did nothing. She wasn't sure which was worse.
"N-no. Please, I don't want to talk about it." She choked, making sure her "no" was resolute so that Theodora had no doubts. The last thing she needed to for her friend to probe her with questions, thus spinning about the truth. And there was no doubt in Liliana's muddled mind that if her friend discovered what had happened, she would march down to Headmaster Dippet.
In that moment, however, Liliana was certainly grateful as her friend. With her brown hair hanging in a single plait over her shoulder, Theodora bent down and guided Liliana's legs beneath her sheets. With expert care, she pushed her hair out of her face and Liliana found herself comforted as her friend's hand brushed her skin.
Theodora was perhaps one of the most caring people she knew, and though their friendship was short-lived, Liliana found herself loving Theodora's often maternal character. Perhaps because she spent so much time caring for her younger sister, she had not felt motherly affection in so long. And Theodora often offered that.
The eldest sister of a family of six, she was often charged with caring for her younger siblings, and Liliana couldn't be more grateful for as Theodora climbed into bed with her, shushing her quietly Liliana grabbed her friend's hand, feeling the slightest bit safe despite her fear.
She did not know where her other dorm mates were, and she was grateful enough for their absence. Their presence would cast too many questions that she could not answer.
Against everything Liliana though possible, her achy body eventually came to rest, swollen eyes shutting tightly as she found herself drifting off to sleep in an attempt to forget the horrors which she had seen that day, the horror which would perhaps change her life forever.
"Alright class, if you will. For next class I want a foot describing the most effective counter-jinxes during defense. Lovely job today, I shall see you all Friday. You are dismissed."
With Professor Merrythought's words, Tom gathered his books carefully and quietly, giving his Defense Against the Dark Arts professor a quick smile as he prepared to depart. She responded in kind, a wide beam that made evident Tom was her favorite student and he offered a wave as she left the class.
Stepping into the corridor, Tom joined other students bustling on their way to the Great Hall for dinner, thus concluding the first day of classes for many. The weight of Tom's school bag reminded him of the increased workload which came with entering upon his fifth-year, with the threat of O.W.L.s looming in the distance.
As Tom made his way to the Great Hall, his mind flittered once more to his memories of the previous night, which had not strayed far from his thoughts. Most importantly, the thought of the girl who had intruded upon his plans, perhaps initiated a turn of events that Tom certainly did not appreciate.
He was most certain their run-in had been an accident, particularly after seeing the panic on DeMarque's face. In fact, he hadn't even needed to question the boy to know his stupidity was not intentional. Nevertheless, his breach of secrecy had to be punished, and torturing the girl had been the perfect way to do it.
It was like killing to birds with one stone. Tom had challenged his followers, instilling fear in him once more as he proved what he could do, while teaching DeMarque a lesson about being more careful. He knew the boy wouldn't last long. He wasn't suited for the grand vision Tom held for his Death Eaters, but he would prove to be of use, and that was all Tom really needed at the moment.
Rancic never strayed far from his thoughts, for several reasons. Of course he had to wonder if she were foolish enough to open her mouth. She seemed to be a bright girl and certainly possessed magical talent. Tom didn't think she would be idiotic enough to let slip their encounter, though the smallest part of him hoped she did, just so he could teach her a lesson.
And teach her a lesson was exactly what Tom had done. The way she sauntered up, cool and confident as the girl who seemed to run all of Hogwarts. It fascinated and sickened him the confidence she spewed when she was nothing but a half-blood whore, gaining notoriety through her exploits.
But when he lifted his wand and watched her writhe on the ground in pain, Tom felt a sickening glee he had only experienced several times in his life. He could not contain the joy he felt as he watched her twist, her cries piercing his ears. The way her body twisted on the ground, face contorted in pain had been a thing of beauty.
He couldn't stop envisioning it in his head as she arched her back, arousing thoughts within Tom that he quite liked to keep dormant. And no matter how hard he tried, that morning when he awoke he found himself lying in bed as his erection pounded with the thought of her screams.
He needed to do it again. He needed to see her, feel hear her. He wanted to hear her beg for mercy with thick fear in her voice and tears streaming down her face from humiliation and fear. He would control her, hurt her, and break her like she deserved to be broken.
The expression Tom had seen on DeMarque's face earlier that day told him just what he needed to know: DeMarque had tried and failed to apologize to the idol of his unrequited love, further breaking his boyish heart just as Tom pleased. He was a buffoon, who surrounded himself by the lesser minded folk who he played Quidditch with. Tom was more than happy to have knocked him down a peg or two.
As he entered the great hall, he paused for a moment, letting two giggling Ravenclaw girls in his year step ahead of him. Both turned around and smiled, faces flushing brightly before they huddled close together and walked to their table, still turning to glance back at him.
Setting his books down, Tom sat at the end of the Slytherin table where he so often took his meals and opened one of his books, glancing at the notes written in the margin. His thoughts were interrupted by the sound of two hushed voices, going back and forth two table away.
"Look, I said I was sorry. What else do you want from me?"
Gazing upward, Tom felt the corners of his lips tug into a smile as he set his sights about Rancic and DeMarque, heads bowed together as though sharing some great secret. They were the only ones at their table, talking quietly enough for those not more attuned to their surroundings. But Tom could hear every sharp, biting word.
More students filtered into the Great Hall, and Tom hunched forward to hear better, moving his book so that it looked as though he was studying intently.
"To stay away from me!" Rancic hissed, and Tom glanced up at her once more. Sitting up, she shook her hair out of her face, glancing around quickly to be sure no one was listening and Tom couldn't help but admire her. Despite what he had seen, her face was full of hot anger that contradicted the fear in her eyes that night.
"I told you, it's not like I could stop him! I don't get what you want me to do?!"
"You think you can let someone torture me, then pretend nothing happened? Tell me Charles, are you truly that daft?"
"Liliana, I told you. What would you have done?! I-"
"I'm sick of your excuses. I told you, I didn't want to speak with you. Stop talking to me Charles." She whispered sharply, then grabbed her things and stormed off in the other direction. As she did so, Tom glanced up then unable to help himself, floated down to DeMarque who stared at her hopelessly, his face mere seconds away from crumpling into tears.
"Women. Such volatile and emotional creatures." Tom sighed sarcastically. DeMarque jumped and spun around, glancing up at Tom. Immediately, his pale face slackened further, as if he had just seen a ghost and his entire body seemed to deflate.
"What do you want?" he asked, and Tom raised his eyebrows, hand immediately tightening around his wand instinctively. Of course he could not punish the DeMarque's insolence, not in front of so many.
"You'd do best to remember who you speak to DeMarque. I was just stopping by for a friendly hello is all. And to see how our…mutual friend is faring." He smiled coolly, giving the appearance of two teenage boys joking around. Looking around, he noticed several Slytherin second-years glancing up at him and looking down sharply, giggling wildly as they did. Struggling not to roll his eyes he returned his attention to the pathetic heap of a boy before him.
"I wouldn't know. She won't speak to me. You had no reason to hurt her, she wouldn't have told anyone." He suddenly whispered, hands curling into fists and Tom cocked his head to the side, wondering if the boy would actually have the gall to strike him, something he had not experienced in quite a long time.
"Had you been more careful she never would have come upon us to begin with Charles, and if you wish to remain in my good books I would suggest you stop blabbering about your girlfriend and do as I told you." Tom responded, this time any charm gone from his voice. His tone was dominant, harsh and cold, the voice of a man who held complete control above the lesser. He would not let someone so weak as DeMarque challenge him in public, or at all for that matter.
And the boy knew it. He knew insubordination would certainly be met with some sort of punishment, so with eyes full of willful hatred, DeMarque shut his mouth just as Lestrange approached.
"DeMarque and I were just having a little chat. Now I am quite famished, aren't you?" Tom turned around and asked, sitting down in his usual spot and smiling coolly as he waited for food to arrive, having worked up an appetite.
Liliana stared out the window of her dormitory, watching as several fish swam by, the green waters swirling around the Slytherin dungeons peacefully. Sitting in a room alone completely darkened with the exception of candlelight, Liliana bit her lip before returning to her bed, which was covered in books and parchment.
She couldn't concentrate. The dull aching in her muscles reminded her of that. As shadows danced around her room from the flickering of candles, Liliana finally slammed her Transfiguration book shut in frustration then tucked her dark hair behind her ears, looking around.
Speaking as girls did, it was apparent Liliana's dorm mates had agreed prior to allow her to room to herself for the night. It was completely unlike them not to show up at all, which worried Liliana for the more people talked, the more questions were asked.
She had refused to speak of what happened even after a day of prying and poor attempts to pretend she was fine. The fact of the matter was, she was not fine. In fact, Liliana Rancic was as far from fine as possible.
She spent the entire day worrying, looking over her shoulder. Then she had to worry if something would happen to Beth. But at some point, Liliana's worry transformed into rage as she finally found the smallest bit of inner strength within her.
He had hurt her. He had humiliated her. And essentially, taken away a day from her life. A day that Liliana was determined to get back. As a child (perhaps being raised by the ice-queen), Liliana was vindictive, unforgiving, and vengeful. While she more often than not got along perfectly well with others, on the off chance she did not, she saw fit to establish her control over the other.
If someone took her toy broomstick, she would hit them with an "accidental" curse that she couldn't control. If a child made her cry, Liliana would see to it that they did the same. Since birth she had a spirit for vengeance, it was something she simply couldn't help despite her generally relaxed nature.
And now, she could think of nothing but getting her revenge on that pompous blockhead Tom Riddle. If he thought he could get away with what he had done, he was wrong.
But how?
What could she possibly do that would put Riddle in his place. Of course Liliana had a flair for the dramatic, but there was no way she would physically hurt him. Not as he had hurt her. She needed to do something that would scare him as he had frightened her, let him know she wasn't someone to be fooled with.
But what? What could possibly frighten a boy who seemed to straddle the line of psychotic?
For several moments she stood in the middle of her room silently before an idea popped into her head. Pulling a robe over her nightgown, Liliana grabbed her wand and headed for the door. Slipping on a pair of shoes, she quickly headed down to the common room, ignoring the eyes of a group of boys sitting by the fireplace.
Slipping out of the dungeons, Liliana tied her robe around herself the stepped into a corner, peering into the darkness. Taking her wand, she explored the depths of her mind for the opportune spell to use for her task. She needed to get to the Restricted Section of the library, but there was no way she could be caught unawares once more—not by Tom, or any administrators.
Quickly, Liliana casted a Dillusionment Charm on herself then pressed her form to the wall. As long as she didn't move to quickly she would blend in easily thanks to her chameleon-like state.
A group of fourth-year girls approached, chatting animatedly and Liliana inhaled deeply as she flattened herself against the wall, as not to make a sound. The moment they were gone, she sighed deeply then slowly began her way to the library, making certain she went undetected.
She knew exactly which book she was looking for, and exactly how to get it. The gruesome depictions of violent curses and dark matter made it the very essence of the Restricted section, and while Liliana often convinced Slughorn to scrawl a note for her when studying things potions-related, she was uncertain she could come up with an excuse for this.
Lumos she muttered as she entered the darkened library. Heading for the restricted section, Liliana felt her heart pound in her chest as she took quiet steps in the dark. With each footfall she hesitated, expecting the caretaker Carolinus Tropnickel to ascend on her at any moment, swooping her down to Headmaster Dippet's office.
Peering around, Liliana took a deep breath the carefully headed deep into the Restricted Section, careful not to disturb any books that would undoubtedly emit wailing shrieks or heinous growls loud enough to wake the castle.
Pointing her wand carefully, Liliana moved her head back and forth as she searched for the thick maroon book which she had read but once.
Julius Hammerby's Companion to the Dark Arts was written by a wizard long dead who found himself the constant companion and close friend of Salazar Slytherin. There wasn't much known about him, though Liliana knew the man was apparently gifted in casting spells non-vocally, something she was still trying to master.
Grasping the book carefully, she pulled it from the shelf and kept it shut tightly so as not to accidentally let a page fall open that might reveal her. Tucking it into her robes, she lowered her wand and began back to her room, mind filled with possibilities.
"Well how about we study for Transfiguration together?"
Tom glanced up from where he sat in the Slytherin common room, watching as Charles DeMarque entered, trailing behind Liliana Rancic.
The past few days as students once again sank back into their schedules, Tom's time had been dedicated to his prefect duties and a heavy Fifth-year course load. He barely had time to think, let alone assemble his followers.
Which made it nothing short of a surprise as he watched DeMarque place a hand on Rancic's elbow, causing her to turn around. Her wavy dark hair was pinned back, allowing a good view of her handsome face. As DeMarque leaned in and whispered something she laughed, red lips parting as she hit him playfully on the arm. She certainly looked nothing like she had the last time Tom saw her, and it seemed their relationship had changed as well.
He was uncertain exactly how to feel about it. In fact, she looked positively…happy. Happy. For a girl he had recently tortured and terrified. It was not only strange, but significantly upsetting. Particularly to see the way she returned to DeMarque after the two had such an evident row.
And here she was, healthier, happier, and perkier than before. It bewildered Tom in many ways, even as he continued to stare at her. The parted ways as she began towards the girls dorm and before Tom could stop himself he called out to her.
"Rancic!" he exclaimed, watching as she turned around.
He waited for her eyes to widen, for her mouth to open. He expected her to freeze in her steps, becoming noticeably tense as she faced him, but instead, she simply smiled, the sultry come-hither expression which sickened him.
"Hello Tom. I didn't even see you there." She smiled, the approached him boldly, clutching her books in one hand. Standing up, Tom narrowed his eyes and stepped close to her only to find himself surrounded by the sweet smell of amber.
"You seem…well." He commented, and she tilted back her head and emitted a soft chuckle, adjusting her books carefully and sighing.
"Yes, you could say that. I've got patrol tonight so I must go finish some assignments. Sorry to cut this short." She stated with a small bow of the head, then spun around and departed as confidently as she appeared before him, sending a surge of various emotions within Tom.
It wasn't possible. She acted so composed and calm, and there was simply no way. Not after what he had done to her. How had she gone from a shambling mess to a collected and carefree attitude? He had control over her. And now?
If Rancic was doing patrols that night, it more than likely meant her fellow Sixth-Year male counterpart would assist. It also meant that Tom was going to lay claim to his prize once more.
The subtle obsession he had suddenly found in hurting the girl was fueled by both a furious anger and desperation to feel the pleasure once more he discovered when he tortured her. Seeing those wide eyes brimming with panic was arousing, desirable, and made Tom feel like a god. A Lord. Having power over her made Lord Voldemort feel alive.
And now? She was the Sixth-Year girl once again who willed boys of all ages at Hogwarts with her charms, controlling them with a simple toss of her hair. Tom would not be one of them.
Standing up carefully, he gathered his things then set for his dormitory so that he could deposit his books before seeking out the person he would need to speak to. As he walked into his room he momentarily made brief eye contact with one of his dorm mates, a quiet and brooding fellow named Cecil who shrouded himself in arrogance and blood-purity mania. In fact, he had very few friends for he thought he was above everybody, including Tom himself (though it seemed he was not foolish enough to admit that aloud).
Setting his books down on his bed, Tom grasped his wand tightly, then left the room, robe trailing behind him furiously. As he bounded down the halls, he wondered if he would be forced to use the Imperius Curse to get Ralph Geldof to agree to his whiles. Though of course, Tom was master of the charm, and curses weren't necessarily always needed.
Nevertheless, he was prepared, wand tucked beneath his robes carefully as he knocked on the door of Geldof's room. After several moments, the door swung open and the lanky blonde Sixth-Year stepped forward dressed in nothing but his undershirt and trousers.
"Need something mate?" he asked, running a hand through his messy blonde hair. Tom noticed a female figure in the back of the room, lounging on what he presumed to be Geldof's bed and knew his job would be much easier than anticipated.
"I was wondering if you might switch patrol with me for tonight. I can't do my night see, and I think this might be the only-"
"Yeah sure. Sorry, I've gotta go. You know what to do right? You'll be with Liliana Rancic. She moves pretty quickly, just meet her at the entrance to the dungeons at 11."
"Thank you." Tom bowed his head, and Geldof turned his back, slamming the door and returning his attentions before Tom could even say another word. Holding back a grin, he strode down the hall, silently thinking of a plan to once again show Rancic that she was under his power. He couldn't have her getting confident enough to tell could he? Of course not! She needed to know what he could do! She needed to fear him!
Tom preferred not to address the fact that she now lingered within the fringes of his consciousness. He had spent four years at Hogwarts giving no thought about the girl, and now, here he was—a man obsessed. He would not allow himself to acknowledge the fact that he wanted to hurt her for no reason than to feel that pleasure again. He wanted to see her in ways he had never imagined a girl before.
A sudden sharp tingling of pain drew his attention, and he glanced down to find he had begun to dig his nails into the pale flesh of his wrist as he once had as a child. As blood trickled slowly from the wound, Tom grabbed his wand then quickly mended the skin.
He was going to feel her pain tonight. He would watch her writhe on the ground and feel himself become hard with the sound of her cries. And then, when it was all over, he would have her just like his Death Eaters. She would fear him and do his bidding. After all, he could use a talented witch of her caliber.
Or so, he would tell himself.