Everything was set in order. Everything was according to plan. The forbidden Forest was just as dark during the day as it was at night, its dense tree life blocking any sunshine from reaching the forest floor. Nobody in their right mind would wander off so deeply into this dangerous magical wilderness, no one but the Dark Lord himself.

Tom was more than capable to protect himself and his unconscious apprentice from anything in his way. After all, he did more than excel in Defence Against The Dark Arts, he mastered it as he did with any skill. But, of course, he did not come here empty handed; he had planned this abduction ever since he had realized how powerful his pupil was. He saw the raw potential, the raw power emanating from her, and he just couldn't resist. Her lust for knowledge and power attracted Tom immensely, her inexperience and naivety only urged him on, her newly discovered blood status further sealed her fate as his student, his companion, his lover. She just had to realize that all she had, that all she'd ever need was him.

Tom waved his wand disguising the passage entrance with a few spells, making sure to leave no trace behind. Picking up a rock, he transfigured it into a small leather pouch, complemented with Undetectable Extension Charm, containing everything they could ever need.

He frowned when he heard a rustle of leaves to his left. Something was here, aware of his presence, aware of her presence. Another sound on his right. His scowl deepened. So, they were surrounded. No matter.

Casting an illuminating spell, he scoffed when he saw a few dozen of giant spiders, circling around, eyeing him and the girl over. Tom levitated her off the ground with wandless magic, firing multiple killing curses at once with his wand, hitting the spiders with expert precision. Magical multitasking was a highly advanced skill; still, it came naturally to him.

Tom blasted the spider that dared to launch at the girl, feeling his anger spike up, casting a rather nasty curse its way. He had to move quickly. Clearing his way through what seemed like unending number of Arthropods, he ran as fast as his legs and magic would allow. Normally, this would be as easy as a walk in the park for Tom; however, having to levitate a human sized object while killing dangerous creatures and running for your life required a bit more concentration. Yes, Tom was running away, how disgraceful. He casted a single glance towards the unconscious body. She better appreciate what he's done when she wakes up.

Finally reaching the limit of Hogwarts grounds and leaving the powerful magical veil surrounding it, Tom, with a slight hesitation, Apparated away, leaving nothing but a swarm of spiders where he stood. It would be suspicious to arrive to an Inn with an unconscious girl levitating behind you. It would spike too much attention even in the most underground places.

He made an annoyed sound when he looked upon that mansion. He hated it. He hated it more than Dumbledore. Still, he'd need to settle in at least for the night until the girl got better. The things she was making him do. Tom shook his head as he looked at her peaceful expression.

The house looked the same as he had remembered, except much older and worn out. It was obvious that no one had been taken care of it since the death of the Riddle family. Good, at least they wouldn't be disturbed.

He apparated into the house and laid the young woman down on the sofa, frowning at the state of the quarters. Everything was dusty but intact, except for the silverware and fine China missing here and there. Tom wasn't surprised to see the place rampaged by thieves. In fact, he was glad. However, to his distaste the living conditions were horrendous.

The Dark Lord sneezed when the dust particles entered his nostrils. Waving his wand he cleaned all the corners of the room until everything was spotless. Much better. Turning towards the fireplace, he casted blue magical fire to warm the place up. Tolerable.

He set down watching the dancing flames, thinking about his next move. Tom honestly did not expect to torture the girl until she collapsed, nor did he expect her betrayal. He knew she would resist in some shape or form but not to the degree he had witnessed. Perhaps, he had underestimated her. He smirked. It didn't matter. She knew she had nowhere else to go now. She knew she'd be charged with Potter's death regardless of her side of the story. Nobody would believe her, except perhaps Dumbledore. His hands coiled into fists at the thought of his nemesis, but relaxed soon after. The old man posed no threat anymore. She had chosen her path, and it was too late to go back now.

The young Lord sighed as he stood up, casting spells all around the mansion. He must make sure the house was secure, he must make sure she couldn't leave him.

You groaned when you finally came to your senses. It hurt to breath, it hurt to move, it hurt to exist. Your entire body was exhausted and in pain, begging for you to lay still.

You looked around recognizing nothing around you but Tom, who was brewing a potion in silence. You noticed ingredients on a table, recognizing the contents for a pain relief potion. He glance at you noticing the pained expression on your face.

"Don't move," he simply said stirring the cauldron a few times. "It's not ready yet," he put each ingredient in the appropriate glass jars before shoving them all in a small leather bag. An Extension Charm. You weren't surprised in the least.

So many question were flowing through your mind, so many useless idiotic questions you knew needed no answer. You gave up trying to understand. You gave up trying to justify Tom's actions. He was evil, sadistic, and manipulative. He played on your emotions. He lured you in with his charm and genius. And now he had you, fully and irrevocably.

"What's the plan?" You spoke feeling your voice crack. You hadn't realized how sour your throat was until now. You were able to catch a glimpse of surprise on Tom's face before it faded away into a stoic expression.

"We lay low until you get better. You're useless to me in this condition," you scoffed at his cold reply. The way Tom spoke made it seem as though it was your fault you were in pain. He sent you an annoyed glare. "You should be thankful. Cruciatus side effects can last up to three days. I'm doing you a favor."

"Yes. Thank you for taking care of me," your voice couldn't be more sarcastic but you remained silent after another murderous glare. You didn't want to admit it to yourself but… you were frightened of Tom, of what he could do to you. He was Lord Voldemort, and he was willing to commit atrocities just to get his way. So seeing such acts of "kindness" was rather strange. Could it be that Tom actually cared for you? No, if he did he wouldn't have made you kill.

"Whose wand is that?" You gestured to his hand with a nod of your head.

"Potter's. He won't be needing it," his comment pierced your heart, reminding you of the boy's death. You set in silence for some time, staring at the blue fire, which seemed to calm your raging thoughts a bit. A long uncomfortable silence stretched between you two.

"You shouldn't have done that," Tom finally spoke. You knew exactly what he was talking about.

"I couldn't just stand there and watch you kill…"

"Yes, you could," Tom interrupted you sharply. "You can and you will," his tone was strong and harsh, his eyes glaring at yours. "I wouldn't have put you through this if you just hadn't… been so difficult," you were confused to see a conflicted expression on Tom's face, twisted with anger. "But you left me no choice." Was this an apology? Did Tom regret doing what he did? No, it was impossible. Tom enjoyed putting you in your place, it was more than clear.

"I could say the same," you replied with a sigh. It looked like Tom was going to say something back but stopped, going back to brewing the potion in silence.

You both remained like this until he was done. Bringing the potion in a conjured cup, he pressed it against your lips. For a moment, you didn't know if you should drink it. What if he poisoned this? No, that would be counterproductive. If he wanted you dead, you would be.

Visibly relaxing, you drank the offered liquid, feeling the numbness spread across your entire body almost immediately. Wow.

"This is better than the stuff in infirmary," you simply stated finally sitting up on the couch.

"I know. It's my own recipe. Instead of using lavender I use glow dust. Makes the effects last longer," Tom simply stated. You blinked in confusion.

"Wouldn't that counteract the wolfsbane?"

"That's why I use nightshade," you could see Tom almost rolling his eyes in response. He acted like this was common knowledge, making you feel stupid. You squinted your eyes at him, small pout covering your lips as you crossed your arms looking away. Tom scoffed at your reaction.

"It's not my fault you're a doofus in potions," he said pouring the rest of the potion into a flask to save for later. You were in complete shock, your mouth gaping.

"I am not a doofus! For your information, I had an outstanding in advanced potions," you could feel yourself getting flustered. Tom raised an eyebrow, unimpressed with your statement. His smug expression frustrated you to no end. "Not everyone is a genius, okay?!" you exclaimed seeing Tom smirk to himself.

"Of course not. That's why I'm the Master and you are the Apprentice," he poked your nose as if you were a little toddler. You blushed angry red, eyes wide, hands covering your face, silent with shock and confusion with his actions.

Tom laughed at you, shaking his head in amusement. At this precise moment, Tom looks almost… normal. His smile looked genuine, his eyes sparkled with light. Maybe, just maybe, he wasn't a complete monster… yet? You couldn't help but smile at his teasing, reminding you of all the good times you had talking to him. It was comforting to see that Tom hasn't changed much since then… except for the whole Voldemort part of course.

You physically winced when you were reminded of the events in the Chamber. It was traumatizing to say the least. Tom acted like a completely different person back then, psychotic, sadistic, unstable. It sent shudders down your back. You didn't expect him to go that far, even if you defied him, even if you threatened him. It was clear you needed to keep him content so he'd never Crucio you again. It was clear you had to be obedient and loyal. You never wanted to see those furious red eyes again. You never wanted to be on the receiving end of his wand. It was terrifying to be the object of Dark Lord's anger even for a second.

You eyed him over, noticing his usual charming smile, playful but stern eyes, that silent demand of respect. He seemed to be the same young man you grew to like over the months, the same young man you foolishly trusted. He used you, he used you to set himself free, and now…

You weren't sure why Tom brought you along with him. What could you possibly do that he could not? He was Lord Voldemort, for Merlin's sake! He was much more powerful than you, even if he was still just a teenager. So why? Why did he bring you here?

"You need to learn to block your thoughts, dear," you suddenly heard Tom's voice. You gave him a distasteful look at the invasion of your privacy. "You're practically speaking your thoughts outloud."

"Then teach me," you replied, not sure if Tom was truly willing to pass on the knowledge of occlumency. He eyed you over as if sizing you up and your abilities.

"In time," his voice was soft and content, a small smile on his lips. "For now you rest," he fumbled with his leather bag taking out a large ancient tome. "Here, a light read."

The young Lord watched the girl examin the book, seeing her eyes lit up at the title. Her eager little fingers instantly wrapped around the hardcover, opening the volume and scanning the table of contents. Tom was almost transfixed as he stared at her expression of wonder and curiosity. She reminded him so much of himself, eager to learn, hungry for knowledge. She had no idea how beautiful she looked at this precise moment, how incredibly attractive. Tom felt butterflies in his stomach while he watched the young woman scan the pages, small excited smile on her lips. She was in her own little world, unaware of his presence, of his proximity.

You had no time to react before Tom's lips pressed against yours. It was a gentle, almost loving kiss that swept you off your feet. You couldn't resist even if you wanted to. You could feel the familiar dark magic engulf your form, enticing, tender, and protective. You knew you shouldn't enjoy this. You knew this was the same man who tortured you, who forced you to take a human life. You knew all of this. And yet this felt different, he was different. For just a split moment, he wasn't that murderous monster you came to hate. He was the young man within the pages you fell in love with.

It was silly to believe that Tom held any feelings for you. It was ridiculous to think that he cherished you, cared for you, or even liked you. Tom was Lord Voldemort, and Voldemort couldn't love anyone.

Suddenly, you felt the young man pull away, casting his eyes to the side.

"You're wrong," he spoke frowning, not meeting your gaze. Before you could utter a word, Tom stormed off with a cold emotionless mask, leaving you all alone, confused and flustered.