Prepare yourself.

"Why would you do that? Why would you say that?" she said moving closer to him. "Why do you think you can talk to me like that, what makes you think you have the right to even touch me!" she screamed pushing him away from her. "Why does everyone treat me like this! I'm not worthless. I try so hard to please everyone. How dare you call me worthless!" She began to slap his chest and push him, focusing all her anger on him. when she finally had him over to the couch and was on top of him, desperately hitting Tom, he grabbed her by the wrists and pinned her onto the couch. "Let go of me! Let go!" her voice began to crack and more tears came barreling down her eyes. She was still trying to hit Tom, but his grip on her was too strong.

"You don't understand Tom! This is all your fault. If you could have just left me alone, and if you were just nice to me. if someone tried to be nice to me, if someone could just help me! but no, everyone has to manipulate me and look at me as if I am crazy! It's not fair! You're so cruel, you're so evil." She choked out through tears, struggling under Toms grip.

"Marcy calm down, please darling shh, It's okay now, you're with me."

"Ha! I'm not with you, I belong to you! Let me go!" He released his grip and she jumped off of the couch.

"Marcy, please stop this."

"No! Everyone is going to regret this. You'll all soon understand my pain! And you'll suffer most of all. I'll make sure you're the one to blame, you homicidal monster." Tom looked at her, taken back by her outburst and hysteria.

"Well you're going to have to get used to this, because it is going to be this way, until I have you completely. You will learn your place, and soon you will not rebel."

"No Tom, I'll be gone before you can lay a hand on me again."

"Marcy, go to your room, and don't come out again until I come to get you."

"I have to go to classes…"

"I will only repeat myself once, I will come to your dorm and get you."

"Tom breakfast starts in 5 minutes-"

"I will get you!" He bellowed shoving her towards the steps. She walked up the stairs and obediently sat on her bed.

'This is all a dream' she thought 'I will wake up in my bed at home, and father will be happily singing, and I will be loved, and cherished and I will not be anyone's puppet'

She waited for a small moment, sitting on her bed staring at the ceiling. She actually began to laugh at the simple fact, that if Tom stayed the way he did, when she fell for him, none of this would be happening. She wouldn't be exiled from almost all of Hogwarts, and she would still be happy with Tom. She heard footsteps and sat up staring at the door waiting for him to enter. Tom stepped into the room, looking marvelous as usual, and was holding his books under his right arm.

"Ready Marcy?"

"Yes." She said slowly. She stood up and walked towards him.

"After you, my darling." He stepped aside and signaled a hand out the door. As they walked, he spoke to everyone except Marcy. When she saw Violet walking through the corridor, Marcy automatically began to run up to Violet.

"No my sweet. You're not allowed to leave my side. Not until I say so." Tom said sweeping her into the great hall.

"Why can't I sit with Violet?" She said sadly sitting next to Tom.

"I meant to talk to you about this. I suppose it slipped my mind. You are no longer permitted to speak to Violet." Tom said nonchalantly.

"W-why? She's the only one that talks to me beside Gregory! She's all I have left." Marcy pleaded.

"She's a filthy Mudblood, not good company to keep. And as for Gregory we'll have to see. You have me though my love, and my friends…"

"Tom you can't do that! Please, I need Violet. She's my only friend." Tears began to pool in Marcys eyes, as she tugged on his sleeve so he would look down at her "I will be obedient, I will listen to you I just want to be able to talk to Violet. That is all."

"I will have to sleep on it. For now, you may speak to her, but you cannot approach her. if she talks to you just make an excuse and send her away. I better not catch you two making conversation, understand?" Tom warned.

"Okay, thank you Tom." Tom leaned down and kissed her forehead.

"I love you, Marcy. I really do." He whispered in her ear, before Macnair and Avery sat down across the table. Marcy stared at her hands in her lap, while Tom talked to his friends. she lost interest in the conversation and fell into thoughts.

"Tom, is she- can we-"

"Shut it, Macnair. She can handle it, she is mine now." Tom said sternly standing from the table "Marcy, come. We are going to class." The four of them walked to the class, keeping up the conversation.

"But, My Lord, what if she gets scared and tells a teacher. Your plans could be jeopardized."

"Avery, she doesn't have much of a choice. I suggest the both of you don't take Marcy into consideration. from this day forward I don't want either of you, to even look in her direction. Got it?"

"Yes My Lord" they chimed following close behind him. Marcy noticed how differently he talked to them versus her. he was so stern with them, and they were certainly frightened. Marcy didn't see much fear when she looked at Tom. She certainly felt afraid when he talked to her or even walked into the room, but she never showed it. She tried her best to not cry, when he was around and most of the time faltered.

Marcy spent the entire day at Toms side. He never allowed her to leave, and he told her when she could speak. Freedom was completely gone, and his grip was so strong on her.

"I feel like we spend a lot of time fighting. Wouldn't it be extraordinary if that changed?" Tom mused. "I think we would both be much happier."

"You're correct. We do spend a lot of time fighting. Why don't we have some separation…" Marcy suggested.

"Or we could spend time getting closer. I personally have a wonderful idea." Tom said smirking down maliciously at her

"Tom, It's always the same thing. Every time we're together its fighting, and then you suggesting we sleep together. I've grown tired of these games. Can't we just talk?"

"Of course, what would you like to talk about?"

"Oh, I don't know. You could tell me about your hobbies. What do you do in your spare time, besides uh, lessening the school population… What's your favorite book?" Marcy asked beaming up at Tom. He glanced down at her with raised eyebrows.

"Are you serious?"

"Of course I am! It's honestly a normal conversation."

"I don't have a favorite book. I do however, enjoy books with meaning, unlike your style of books with little purpose. What about you? What is your favorite book?"

"I like fictional romance novels. Oh, or adventurous books!" Marcy smiled up at him "I know you don't read those books, but I enjoy them."

"Right, these are the conversations you have with friends? you don't find them awkward…?" Tom said walking into the dorm and sitting down on the green armchair.

"Well, it will take some time getting used to. Anyway, What do you do when you're not at Hogwarts?"

"I live in an orphanage. There really isn't much to do, but I spend the days reading mostly, or stealing from the other kids. I get into a lot of fights, so I spend time at the infirmary. It's quite tiresome really." He said with a yawn. "What about you, what do you do at home?"

"I spend time outside. My family goes to Ireland very often because, we are from Fingles and my family lives there. There is a small market, and I wander around there. I have friends there but not many. I play the piano, that is my favorite hobby. I also have a cat named Allermore, which follows me around all day. Great company cats are."

"When did you learn to play the piano?" Tom questioned.

"In the first grade. We all had to learn an instrument, and I chose the piano."

"Why?"

"Because it is beautiful, and relaxing." Marcy and Tom sat in the common room all night, talking and laughing. She told him all about her life at home, and he listened. When she told him all about her family he was very intrigued by the family life. Waldburga Black suddenly trotted down the steps into the Common Room.

"Are you two coming to Hogsmeade?" She asked lazily.

"Not tonight." Tom said dismissively.

"Whatever you say My Lord. It is people will be missing you." Tom thought for a moment and stood.

"Yes I'll go. Marcy dear, would you wish to come along?"

"Do I have to?" she asked hesitantly.

"No, not tonight. You may stay here but you may not leave the Common Room." He said moving closer to the door.

"I understand." She sighed walking up to the dorms. She sat at her desk and wrote a letter to her father.

Dear Father,

I miss you very much so. This year has been going quite slowly, and people are very mean in Hogwarts. I am still very close nit with Violet, though I have a feeling I will unfortunately be seeing less of her. I met a boy named Gregory, who reminded me of you so much. You both enjoy the same things and his favourite sport is a Muggle sport, football! He was trying to teach me the rules as you have but I am still incapable of learning the basics. School has been going well, I enjoy Arithmancy very much as well as potions and defense against the dark arts. I still see Brutus Malfoy, and yes he still fancies me. Mother informed me I must accompany him to some sort of ball in spring. I think she mentioned The Black family. I have no intention of going with him father. I would appreciate it greatly if you would talk to her about her intentions for me and Brutus Malfoy. In your last letter you asked how Tom is doing. I am pleased to inform you he is doing rather well actually. I don't know if you were informed but he won an award for tracking down the heir who was controlling the beast. I spend more time than necessary around him, but I am sure you enjoy hearing that. I know you think highly of Tom Riddle. Anyway, I hope all is well with the family and I hope to hear from you soon. I love you father.

Love, Marcy

Marcy then folded the letter, and gently placed it into an envelope. She sat on her bed and read a book, trying her best to force time to pass. From down the stairs she heard a large bang, and someone hitting the floor. She ran down the stairs and to her surprise found Tom, laying on the ground bloodied and bruised.

"Tom! What happened to you?" she said running to his aid.

"Oh Marcy, my darling. Just a fight, I am fine." He said struggling to stand up.

"No Tom, you're drunk and I think you have a broken hand. Come on,let's get you to bed" she said, as she began to hoist him off of the ground.

"No Marcy! Leave me be!" he bellowed harshly pushing her away.

"Please Tom, let me help you." She began to examine his hand, when he grabbed her wrist, with is other hand, and pulled her onto the ground. Before she could react his hand was curled into a fist and he was repeatedly punching her in the stomach. Tears formed in her eyes as she looked up at his angry drunken face. He stopped and stared at her, and malicious smile curling up on his face. He grabbed her wrist with one hand and pinned them above her head, placing all of his weight on top of her.

"C'mon Marcy, I'm tired of waiting." He laughed as one hand probed over her body.

"No! You said you wanted to wait for me to say yes, remember? You're drunk you don't know what you're doing! Stop it!" she squealed underneath him. Marcy writhed her body, trying to release herself, but it was futile. He laughed as his hand began to slowly pull of her white button down shirt. His lips met hers, and she stopped struggling. When his lips released her, she looked deep into his eyes and began to speak to him.

"It's me Tom, you don't want to hurt me. I know you don't, please just let go of me." his eyes focused on her. "It's just me, Marcy. Remember? Only a few hours ago we were laughing together. I just want to help you. please let go." His hands released her wrists and he sat up. "Thank you. can I please see your hand?" Tom nodded and his hand met hers. She examined closely and looked up at him.

"It doesn't look broken, but there are cuts all over your hand. What did you get into a fight with, a glass door?" she laughed, but he sighed.

"No, I forget who I was fighting with." He shrugged and took her face in his hands, kissing her on the cheek. "I'm sorry I scared you. I won't hurt you, I am so sorry, you were just trying to help." He stood and walked to his dorm. She woke up the nest morning and Tom was sitting on her desk reading a small piece of paper.

"What are you doing?"

"Reading." He said flatly, placing the piece of paper on her desk. Marcys eyes widened as she jumped out of her bed, and ran to the desk.

"That's private Tom! That is a letter to my father, and none of your business!"

"Relax my beloved. I Like reading through the things you write. Intriguing really, so your father likes me, huh? That's good, He'll be seeing a lot of me in the future. Your mother will have to release her feelings for Malfoy, I don't approve of that. And as for Gregory, you are not to talk about him anymore. Or see him."

"Tom why would you read through that! It's private." She said folding the paper.

"There should be no secrets between us. Don't become a trader, and go gallivanting with Gregory. I'll know. And as punishment, for speaking about him, I must put the necklace back on."

"That's not necessary. I won't talk about him anymore, I promise." Tom didn't pay attention to her. He grabbed the front of her shirt, near her torso, and pulled her closer to him, clasping the necklace around her neck.

"Don't fret, my sweet. It is only temporary and then I will remove it. Now go get dressed and I shall meet you in the library. I have work to do and I wish for you to come along." With that he smiled, and walked out of the room. Weeks passed with the same routine. She would walk behind him, obey every command, and never talk. Talking was forbidden, unless he asked her question. If someone else was to speak to her, Tom would yell and hex them. It was funny the way things worked. Because she was isolated and not allowed to speak to people she became more dependent on Tom. They would talk all night and she enjoyed their conversations. He knew everything about her, and she knew everything about him. Toms plans frightened her. he was so drawn to power, it was scary. But she had no choice. He didn't beat her as often as he would, but he still hit her. Gregory stared at her in classes and in the hall. He always looked worried it was painful for her. only once did she speak to him and she regretted it.

"What's going on with you and Riddle? Has he hit you? are those bruises?"

"Keep your voice down." She hissed. "Yes they are, Its nothing you need to worry about I promise. I can take care of myself." She said reassuring him.

"I know you can't. He scares you, he manipulates you. this has to stop."

"There's nothing you can do!"

"I can't just watch him beat you! look at these bruises!" Gregory said lifting up her arm showing off, large purple blotches up her arm. She pulled away quickly looking around.

"I need to go, I'll talk to you soon." She wrapped her arms around his neck embracing him. "Please don't worry." She kissed him on the cheek and walked away. Tom showed up in the common room, in a complete rage.

"Think I'm not watching you! I can see you with him!" Tom bellowed pushing her off of the couch.

"I- I'm sorry. I just needed to talk to someone."

"That is why you have me, my love." Tom kneeled down and searched her face with his eyes, twirling a piece of her hair around his finger.

"I'll never do it again. I am so sorry Tom, I didn't mean to betray you." she begged. He nodded and left the room.

That was back in the beginning March. Things changed and he didn't hit her as often. Things actually became better after that though. Marcy knew she loved Tom, it was difficult to explain, but she knew she cherished him. He meant everything to her. Gregory didn't believe her when she told him. It was just a matter of time before he confronted Tom. And that is exactly what happened. It was the end of the day, March 28th, everyone was in the hall, laughing and talking when Gregory pulled Tom to the side.

"Why Marcy? She doesn't deserve that." Tom snorted began to walk away, when Gregory grabbed his shirt and pulled him over. Tom threw a punch to the face and before they knew it, it was a complete uproar. Gregory and Tom were rolling on the ground punching each other screaming.

"Why do you hit her! Does it make you feel like a man! To scare her, and beat her!" Gregory screamed as he drew his wand.

"Gregory, I suggest you forget about Marcy." Tom then drew his own wand. Everyone stopped and stared at them. first Gregory yelled a spell and Tom dodged it. This went on for a while until Tom cast a full body bind around Gregory. Marcy ran over and stood in front of Tom.

"Tom, don't do this. He isn't worth it." She said panicking.

"How dare he even speak to me. I'll kill him." Tom grumbled under his breath.

"No, Tom. Tom!" she screamed but it was too late. Gregory was lying motionless on the floor, and as cold as stone.

"Did you kill him?"

"I'm not that stupid. I wouldn't kill that filth in front of everyone. He'll be experiencing a lot of pain tonight though." Tom said with a snigger as his cronies laughed behind him.

"Fuck you Tom! You ignorant fool! He didn't do anything to you!" She screamed as she sat next to Gregorys body. "He didn't deserve this." Marcy leaned down and kissed Gregory, right in front of Tom. Everyone silenced and watched Tom. His eyes flared, as he gripped Marcy by her hair and pulled her into the dorm.

"DO YOU THINK THAT WAS FUNNY? HUMILIATING ME IIN FRONT OF EVERYONE! BETRAYING ME!" he bellowed. Marcy stood staring at him, shaking because she knew punishment was coming.

"I-I-"

"Shut your fucking mouth, you stupid girl! You worthless whore! I don't need you anymore." He screamed. When she fell silent, he walked over to her and wrapped his long fingers around her throat. She flinched with every breath he took. "The ironic part of all of this, is that if you would have just listened to me, and didn't become infatuated with him, we wouldn't be in this mess, and poor Gregory Abbot wouldn't be in extreme pain at this moment. But you had to be foolish and disobey me." He let go, and walked away.

"Please Tom, please forgive me. I didn't want to upset you. Please Tom, I love you so much, I don't want you to be mad at me." He kept walking, not looking back. She walked after him with her arms out pleading for him. "I'm sorry, please forgive me."

"No. get out of my sight."

"P-please-"

"Shut up! I don't love you. I never loved you. I used you. You were the foolish one that believed me. I hate you. You're disgusting, get out of my sight." He ripped the necklace from her neck and threw it at her face. Tears welled up in her eyes.

"Y-you don't mean that."

"Yes I do. Leave before you mess something else up, and get someone else hurt. Leave now." He commanded forcing her out of the room. Marcy curled up into a ball in the common room, as tears poured down her cheeks. All she felt was guilt, and sorrow. She hated waking up in the morning with no one. She was alone and she knew it. Life just wasn't worth living, and she no longer cared. It was a night as any other. A few kids were in the common room, except Tom. He was asleep. Marcy stood and walked to her dorm. She held the necklace in her hand, and combed her hair. She didn't want to live this life anymore. She stared in the mirror and tears formed. She wanted silence, but all the voices were rushing through her mind. She closed her eyes and stood. Everyone stared after her as she left the common room and walked down the cold corridor. Every step was painful, and cold. She thought of her father, her home, nothing made the pain go away. The choice was made. She knew what she wanted, she knew she wanted death.

Tom was laying on his bed fully dressed with a book laying on his chest. he fell asleep while reading. Tom slowly walked out of his dorm and into the girls dorms, searching for the beds. His curious eyes, fell onto Marcys, vacant bed with the sheets unused. Tom then strolled down into the common room, with no sign of Marcy.

"Avery, have you seen Marcy lately."

"Yes My Lord, She seemed a bit mental, mumbling about a tower. Just left the common room minutes ago." Toms eyes widened.

"Was she talking about the astronomy tower?" He said in panic.

"I think so. She was holding something too."

"The necklace." Tom said as he hurried away.

"Yes it was a silver thing."

Tom sprinted into the corridor and down the steps. He was as far away as possible from the astronomy tower. That was a significant place for Marcy, and Tom knew it. He was completely frantic running around the castle screaming her name.

…...

Marcy opened the largest window of the tower, letting in the moon light. Toms voice was ringing through her ears. She stepped out onto the ledge gripping the side, looking into the eyes of the world beneath her.

"Worthless" She heard him hiss, over again. She took in a breath of air and leaned forward.