After what seemed like an eternity Tom withdrew his lips and Artemis took a deep breath. Then another, and another then with the last one she bellowed at full volume "Encosi!" It was one of the most powerful spells she knew and within seconds she could feel the effect of using it wracking her body. Turning her head away from Tom she staggered against the tree coughing so hard into her hand that eventually blood stained it. Concerned Tom stepped forward and held her against him while she shook and continued to cough into his shoulder.
Stepping away and swaying slightly she murmured through her torn throat "expecto patronum." From her wand burst a silver snake, Tom narrowed his eyes and stared at the shape. Artemis closed her eyes; it was as she feared. Ever since she was attacked as a child her patronus had always been a wolf. She let the patronus fade away as she settled herself down on the forest floor.
Tom decided not to ask about the patronus, he could guess it's purpose, and instead asked, "what was that spell you placed on me?" It hadn't had any noticeable effects but knowing Artemis it was not good.
"It removes your ability to use magic for as long as I am..." hmmm, it was best not to let him know that he could remove the spell by killing her. "As long as I am concerned with you misuse of magic." Pure fury erupted in Tom Riddle's eyes as her stared at her and something quieter, more unsettling appeared in them also.
"How," he said carefully," do you perform this wonderful spell?"
Glad that he hadn't attacked her, Artemis responded scientifically "3 breaths; 1 for birth, life and death and cast on the fourth breath which is called the breath of sacrifice. You won't be able to cast that spell however, it's one of the ten spells of Merlin... only heirs can cast them."
"I see..."said Tom slowly, drawing out the last word until it sounded like a hiss, "and how long do you intend to rob me of my powers?"
"I'm never giving them back," Artemis snapped standing up. The sudden movement proved too much however and she began coughing again. Tom, despite his anger and surprising even himself, stepped forward to catch her. "Horcruxes?" came a sad, muffled voice from his shoulder, "why?"
"Because," he responded, and the answer seemed to come from a chamber deep inside him, "I'm scared to die." He violently pushed her away then where she stood shakily staring at him. "I can tell it takes a great effort for you to maintain this spell, it's only a matter of time before you get too weak to maintain it." With that he turned on his heel and glided away.
"We were going to kill you," came her raspy voice, " but we wanted to try to save you first. I want to... try to save you." Artemis, who besides her brother, had never met her equal in power before stared concernedly after him.
Tom barely heard her and kept walking. Even though he should fell unprotected and terrified without his magic, for the first time in his life Tom Riddle was unafraid.