Disclaimer 4- I have said that Tania is a Third, almost Fourth Year.
Well....she acts like she's older. Deal with it.
Disclaimer 5- I forgot this when I wrote Disclaimer 3, the name of Hunter Dethart was originally from a friend of mine from a HP RPG site. Credit should go to him.
Remember HARRY DOES NOT WIN. IN FACT HE DIES A HORRIBLE DEATH AT THE END.
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Tania looked up from the book she was reading as a foul smell came to her. She saw a guy with white-blonde hair mixing ingredients. A blue smoke was pouring from the beaker. She sighed and walked over. She stood over his shoulder and glanced at the potion he was trying to make.
"You are doing it wrong." she sneered, then frowned. Why had she said it like that? It felt right, as if she normally spoke that way. He looked up and glared at her.
"And I suppose you're going to tell me what I'm doing wrong." he retorted.
"Maybe. I don't know if I should waste my time. It's not that hard of a potion, I've made potions that are much harder, perfectly." A low chuckle interrupted them. They both turned to see Tom and a group of Slytherins standing at the bottom of the steps. Tom was amused.
He walked over to them, the group following. "You should let her, Lucius. I've been exploring the depths of her knowledge and she seems to have a brilliance in regard to Potions." Lucius nodded.
"Slytherins help each other. I'll take any assistance you can offer. I am Lucius Malfoy." He stuck out a hand. She studied him for a moment, glancing at Tom, who gave her a small smile. She took Lucius' hand.
"I am Tania. I don't remember my last name yet. I will someday. And don't worry, Draco had problems with that one too."
Lucius frowned. "Who is Draco?" he asked.
She paused. "I don't know. I don't remember."
Tom put a hand on her shoulder. "Let me introduce you to some of my closest friends. This is Narcissa and Bellatrix Black. You've met Lucius Malfoy, and this is Severus Snape, Charles Cromwell, and Kent Dethart. Crabbe and Goyle have detention, so you can meet them later. You appear to have a great deal of knowledge that we are very interested in. We'd like you to join us. We'll be you guides and protectors around school and you can teach us what you know."
She hesitated. She didn't know why, but she was very wary of sharing her knowledge. He put his other hand on her shoulder and looked her in the eyes.
He smiled. "Please. I'd really like you too. I think you'd fit in perfectly."
She grinned back. "Alright, Tom. Sure."
He chuckled and hugged her. "Good. I knew you'd say yes. Classes start tomorrow. Kent, Lucius, Severus, and Narcissa are fourth years with you. Crabbe and Goyle are third years and Bella, Charles, and I are Fifth. Now, I can do that potion, but I just mastered it over the summer. Why don't you explain to us all how it's supposed to be made." She nodded and all of them crowded around the table.
"Potions is the best of the arts, in my opinion. It is a subtle art that few have any real talent for. For those who have the skill, you can bottle fame, brew glory, and put a stopper in death." she began.
"Amazing." Severus whisper, awed. His eyes were alight with eagerness. She grinned. "Yes, there is nothing better than a softly bubbling cauldron. So, here is where you started to go wrong, Lucius..."
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Many weeks had passed since Tania came to Hogwarts. She had become good friends with Tom's group and was even closer to Tom himself. He seemed to understand her better than she did. He was sweet and charming, but wanted power and had ambition to match what she felt for herself. Tom seemed to feel the same way. He had asked her to walk down to the Lake with him after classes. The rest of the group had dispersed for the afternoon.
"We're very alike, you and I," he said as they started down the path toward the lake. "You seem to understand me better than anyone, even Bella." Tania suppressed a sneer at Bella. She like Bellatrix well enough, but it bothered her how close she was to Tom.
She nodded instead. "I feel the same way. You have the same thirst for power and knowledge that I have." Tom stopped abruptly and pulled her to face him. She looked up at him, waiting. He searched her face for a moment.
"I have never met anyone who seems to see my dream as clearly as I do, even Bella, for all she tries." He touched her face, then leaned over and kissed her. It was short. When he broke off, she looked at him. His eyes were full of passion, his face flushed and his breathing a little ragged.
She licked her lips and reached out and touched his. He kissed her fingers, waiting. She took half a step closer and that was all the encouragement he needed. He put his arms around her waist and pressed her against him, capturing her mouth with his. She wrapped her arms around his neck, running her fingers through his hair.
After a few amazing moments, they broke apart for air. Tom grinned at her. This was different from every other time she had seen Tom smile. Those were charming, polite, kind. This was ambitious, cunning, possessive, passionate. She laughed.
"So there is the real Tom. I was hoping that I had figured out the hints correctly. This is the Tom I want to see." She stroked his face with one hand, the other still entangled in his hair. He trailed kisses from the corner of her mouth back to her ear.
"I knew I was right about you." he whispered. She leaned her head on his shoulder and felt his breath moving gently across her neck and shivered in delight. She heard an amused chuckle in her ear.
"The others call me Voldermort, but I want you to always call me Tom." he whispered.
"Alright." she said. They were both shocked back to reality when cries split the air. Cruel laughter followed. Tania pulled out her wand.
"That was Potter and Sirius laughing." she ground out, fury replacing the passion. They hurried down to the Lake.
"Oh, For the love of Merlin!" she exclaimed at the sight in front of her. Potter had charmed Severus and had him floating mid-air while he and Sirius and Remus Lupin laughed.
Tania didn't know why, but from the first time she had seen James Potter, she had hated him. Sirius Black was the same way, but she felt a condescending distain for him as well. Remus Lupin confused her. She didn't like him because of Potter, but at the same time she was wary of him. But Potter, Potter she hated. She strode into the clearing.
"That's enough. I've had it with you, Potter. I will teach you to mess with my House-mate." She pointed her wand at James.
"Expelliaramus!" she yelled. James flew back and his wand was in her hand. She turned her wand to Severus, who had started to fall. "Wingardium Leviosa " Snape's downward plunge stopped and he was gently set on the grass. She moved over to him.
"Severus, why don't you stand up for yourself? He torments you because you let him. Slytherins stick together. We have your back. Even if Potter is too strong, stand up to him and we will stand with you. If you want I can help you learn the charms to make him back off." Snape hung his head in shame. She pushed it up with her wand.
"No! You are a Slytherin. The Sorting Hat doesn't make mistakes. You are in the best House. There is no shame in asking your House-mates for help. We're your family remember?"
"And family is everything for Slytherin." he finished.
"Right. Now I'll handle Potter now, and we'll work on those spells this weekend." She stood and faced James. He had gotten back on his feet and was glaring at her. Sirius and Remus had their wands out, defending James. She pointed her wand at them.
"I do not take kindly to anyone messing with my House-mates. If you do anything to any of them, you will not like the consequences. This is your only warning." Sirius took a step forward.
"What is going on here?" Tom's voice came across the clearing. He strode into the middle. "This had better not be a duel. I would have to report that." He looked at Sirius, who backed down reluctantly. Tania tossed James his wand. Potter and his gang hurried away.
Tom turned to the Slytherins. "Severus, you know Tania is right. We know that charms are not your strong suit. Help us in Potions and Herbology and we'll help you in Charms. We have your back."
Severus nodded. "I know that now. If you don't mind, I'm going back to Common Room."
"Alright, tell the others we'll have a meeting there later tonight." Tom said. Severus nodded again and hurried off. Once they were alone, Tom pulled her close to him, arms around her waist.
"Beautifully done. Corrected Potter and gave Severus some confidence. That's all he needs, really. Once again you have proven your worth." Tania smiled.
"I aim to please." she said.
Tom arched an eyebrow. "That sentence can have many different meanings, Tani."
She laughed. "Yes it can. And I can guess which one is running though your head, and maybe someday it will mean that." Tom laughed, amused and kissed her again. They continued on to the lake to talk and plan.
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Tania gripped the sides of the sink and looked into the mirror. Her eyes were red and puffy from crying and tear stains streaked her face. She shuddered as fragments of the nightmares returned. They had been horrible, and to make things worse, she was certain that they were memories, that those things had really happened to her as a child.
She wasn't supposed to be here. No student was allowed to roam the Halls by themselves because of the attacks. But she hadn't cared. She couldn't let her House-mates see her like this. Besides, only Mudbloods had been attacked so far.
The door to the bathroom opened and Tania jerked her head up, startled and half afraid that her tormentor had returned from her nightmares. She stared in confusion at who had entered the girls bathroom.
"Tom?" she asked. He looked at her, then rushed over to and pulled her into a hug.
"What happened?" he asked. "Who hurt you?" He stroked her back with one hand, holding her against him with the other. She shuddered.
"Nightmares, but I'm sure they were really memories." she paused, trembling. She felt Tom tense and tried to pull away, but he wouldn't let her.
"No, don't. Tell me, what happened?" he asked again.
"I..I was a little girl. There was a man. He kept hitting me, beating me. I saw my own blood stain the floor. He was so angry. I don't know what I did, I didn't then, and I don't now. He kept yelling that I was worthless, hopeless. I believed him for a long time." she grew quiet.
"If you ever see that man again, you tell me." Tom's voice was trembling in fury. "If he touches you again, I'll kill him." She nodded and they stood in silence for a moment. She pulled her head back to look at him.
"Tom, what are you doing in the girl's bathroom?" she asked.
He grinned. "Well, I trust you above all others, so, I'll show you." Tom's face changed and his hissed. She frowned. A rumbling started and she turned to see the sinks pull away to reveal a passageway. Tom took her hand and pulled her into the dark opening. Her feet slid out from under her and they slid down a long tunnel.
It seemed to go on forever. Both of them had their wands out for light. Tom never let go of her hand, for which she was very grateful. They found the bottom and Tom helped her to her feet. They walked down a long tunnel until they came to a second door. Tom hissed something again and it slid aside. They continued on. Eventually, they came to a large room. Statues of snakes lined the walkway and at the end was a large stone head. Tania studied it for a moment.
"That looks like Salazar Slytherin." she said, looking at Tom. He pulled her close, so her back was pressed against his chest, his arms around her waist.
"Yes, that is our House creator. He built this place."
She thought for a moment, letting all the pieces fall into place. "Then...Tom, is this the Chamber of Secrets?" He laughed and she could feel it vibrate in her back.
"Yes, sweet one, this is the Chamber of Secrets. I knew you would figure it out." He kissed the back of her neck.
"Then you are Slytherin's Heir. You are the one attacking the students, attacking those not pureblood. I should have known." He chuckled again. Then he hissed for a third time. The head of Slytherin rumbled and the mouth opened. Two red eyes blinked in the darkness and moved forward. A huge serpent slid into the main room. She tensed.
"Shh," Tom whispered in her ear, "The Basilisk obeys me. You are safe, Tani. Don't you trust me?" Tania forced herself to relax and really look at the creature.
"It's beautiful, Tom. Perfect for getting rid of all those Mudbloods." she laughed.
"I'm glad you approve, darling." he said, a slight mocking tone in his voice. She turned her head and kissed him. As soon as they broke apart, she whispered, "I approve of whatever you do, Tom."
He grinned. "Hmm, well as much as I'd like to keep you here to explore that idea, we need to get back before we're missed." He commanded the Basilisk away and they retreated back the school. They snuck back to Common Room with no one the wiser. And that night, in her dreams, Tom fought the man who beat her, a pair of glowing red eyes behind him.
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Tania Dethart woke suddenly, in a cold sweat. Dethart, that was her last name. She remembered everything, it had all come back. She sat up slowly, so as not to disturb Tom, who was sleeping next to her. They were in the Chamber of Secrets. This was her and Tom's place to be alone.
She had brought chairs, a table, pillows, and blankets down here, spelling everything to resist the water that was constantly on the floor. Here they planned, here Tom had taken her, here they had relaxed and talked late into the night. But no more. She remembered who she was and she couldn't be with Tom.
Tears fell down her face. She tried to stop them. She didn't want to wake up Tom, but they wouldn't stop. They fell freely and she started sobbing. Tania grabbed a pillow to try to stifle the sounds, but Tom woke anyway. He sat up and put his bare arms around her.
"Nightmares again, Tani?" he asked, softly. Here in the Chamber, he was the most gentle, the most tender. She shook her head.
"It's over, Tom." she got out between the sobs.
"What's over?" he asked, concerned. He shifted and held out a goblet. "Here, drink this, it will help." She obeyed and the sobbing subsided.
"Everything is over, Tom. I remember. I remember who I am and where I come from. I come from the future." She heard Tom's sharp in-take of air.
"The future?" he repeated.
"Yes, my name is Dethart, Tania Dethart. I just finished my Third Year at Hogwarts before coming here. I'm not even born right now. My parents are at school now."
"That doesn't mean that everything is over. Who says you have to go back? Why not stay here with me?" he asked.
"Because, my best friend is back there and I can't leave him alone. He and I are allies against our Families. With me gone, he'll be unprotected. I can't do that to him." She buried her face into Tom's shoulder.
"Then we'll get you back and enjoy the time we have left, Tani" he promised softly. He gently pushed her back onto her pillows and they didn't speak for a while.
Later, they lay next to each other, her head on his arm, one hand on his chest. She laughed. "You are successful, you know." she said.
"Oh?" Tom replied.
"Yes, For 15 years everyone trembled at the name of Voldermort. No one will even say the name now, except for Harry Potter, and he's just as much of an idiot as his father, James. You are referred to as 'He-Who-Must-Not- Be-Named' or 'You-Know-Who'. As if saying 'Voldermort' will make you appear."
Tom laughed. "That is wonderful to hear. You said for 15 years. What happened?"
"I don't know a lot of the details, no one does. No one lived after the Dark Lord decided to kill them, except one. Harry Potter. Something happened when you went to kill the Potters, somehow Harry survived and you vanished. Now, rumors are flying that you are returning. Harry claims to have seen you several times and the Chamber was reopened in my Second Year. It seems that you made a diary which preserved the you of this time in it's pages. Some weak-minded fool was taken over by it and reopened the Chamber. The only problem I see now, is that many of your Death Eaters are dead or in Azkaban."
"Death Eaters?" Tom asked.
"Oh.....you haven't come up with them yet, have you? Um, Death Eaters were or are your closest followers. They loved to hunt and kill Muggles and Mudbloods like you did.. um, do. They all have a Dark Mark on their arms, that you can use to summon them. That's all I know, sorry." He stroked her hair.
"That is a wonderful idea. Do you know what happens to any of our group?"
"Let's see, Narcissa marries Lucius and their son is my best friend, Draco. Severus becomes the Potions Master at Hogwarts and is Slytherin Head of House. Bella is in Azkaban along with her husband, I don't remember his name. I'm not sure about Crabbe and Goyle, but they each had a son that are the same year as I am. They act as Draco's bodyguards. Not the smartest, but lots of muscle. Charles has two sons, Justin, my good friend, and his little brother Derek. And Kent........"the was a long pause. "Kent is my father."
Tom looked at her, sharply. "Your father? Kent is your father." She nodded.
"Yes, but you can't say anything. I shouldn't have told you as much as I did. You can't act on any of this knowledge. If you do, you could change everything." He kissed her.
"Don't worry. It will be alright." He thought for a moment. "I think I know what spell I would have used to create these Dark Marks. If you have to go back, why don't I make you a Death Eater, my first Death Eater, my most loyal follower. That way when I come back, I'll know where you are."
She nodded. "Yes. I can go back and help you in my time. You know I'll serve you forever." He smiled.
"Yes, I know." He looked around for a moment, then his eyes fell on one of the snake statues. "How about a serpent for your Mark? Then if anyone asks, it's a tattoo for Slytherin."
"Alright. Put it on my upper arm, near my shoulder. That way I can hide it if needed." She handed Tom his wand.
"Do it now, please." she asked. He nodded and touched her upper arm with his wand.
"This will hurt, I'm sure." he warned.
She nodded. "I know. Do it."
"Brandus Karha "he said. A sharp pain hit her arm and she bit back a scream. It felt like a hot poker. It burned to her mind and heart and through her body. Then it slowly faded. She looked at her arm. A snake in Slytherin green and red eyes stared back at her.
She touched it. "I can feel you, Tom." she whispered.
He nodded. "I can feel you, too." Her fingers came away covered in blood. She found a piece of cloth and wiped it away.
"I am yours now, Tom, for now and for ever."
He pulled her close. "I wouldn't have it any other way." He held her until she fell asleep, his mind whirling with everything she had said, and more importantly, what she had not said.
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Tania stormed into Common Room. "That's IT!!" she yelled. Everyone jumped. "Assemble the House. Everyone, NOW!" A string of First years filed in behind Tania, heads bowed, covered in dirt and blood. Tom walked over to her as the Slytherins were gathering.
"What happened?" he asked.
She looked at him. "If you don't mind, I'll tell everyone at once. I don't think I can say it twice." He nodded and sat down. Soon everyone was there.
"Potter and his gang have gone too far. They ambushed this group of First Years. They were tied up, pelted with rocks and left hanging on the edge of the Courtyard. There was no way for any of them to defend against Potter. We have let him annoy and torment us all year. I am sick of it and I know you are. So I propose that we teach them a lesson they will never forget. Who's with me?" There was silence for a moment.
Then Severus stepped up. "Why are you asking us that? We're Slytherin. You need us to watch your back, we're there. You need us to help you take out Potter, just tell us when and where. Slytherin is family."
"He's right!" "What are we waiting for?" "Let's teach those Gryffindors not to mess with us." "What's the plan?" Tania held up her hands for silence.
"The plan is simple. After dinner we lure them to the edge of the Forbidden Forest, where there are no teachers, no help...." Tania laid out the rest of her plan as Tom watched, impressed.
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Night had fallen in the Forest as the Slytherins waited. A few of them were leading Potter to rest of the House. It wouldn't be long, now. Tania twirled her wand in her fingers, impatient. She didn't know how much longer she had here. Somehow she knew that she was going back soon and wanted to finish this.
Soon enough the bait, followed by Potter and his gang, came into view. They passed into the clearing and every Slytherin came put of their hiding place, wands trained on the Gryffindors, who wisely froze. Tania stepped into the middle.
"Well, well, well. What have we here? Potter. Sirius. Remus. Welcome. You are all our special guests for the night. Tie Sirius and Remus to the trees. Make sure they can't escape." Groups of Slytherins dragged the two kicking and screaming to the tree trunks and tied them there. Tania accepted their wands from two Slytherins. She tucked them into the pocket of her blazer.
"Now Potter, your friends will watch you learn a very important lesson. Hopefully, if they are smart, they will learn this lesson, too." Potter spat at her.
Crabbe back handed him, sending him crashing to the ground. He groaned and stood, blood flowing from his mouth and a cut on his forehead. Tania placed a hand on Crabbe's arm.
"While I thank you for defending me, Crabbe, don't do that again. There are other ways to make Mr. Potter hurt without out making a mark on him. Marks let him prove his story." Sirius yelled for her to stop. She ignored him.
"Now, Potter, here is the lesson. You and your friends have been bothering us all year. And we ignore you like the fleas you are for the most part. But, you have now crossed the line and you need to understand that there are consequences for that." She pointed her wand at Potter and spoke a spell word.
Red light shot from her wand and dug itself into his skin. He dropped like a rock, screaming. Severus took a step forward, his eyes filled with hate and vengeance. She smiled. The spell faded and the only sound was James' breathing.
"James?" Sirius called. Potter stood up and nodded to his friend.
Tania sneered. "Bad move." She spoke again and again Potter fell to the ground, writhing. Sirius and Remus strained to break free, to save James, but they couldn't. They were forced to watch and helpless to act. This went on for hours. Tania was the only one to hurt Potter.
She and Tom had talked and decided that since she felt she was going home soon, she wouldn't be around to get in trouble. Potter couldn't say that anyone else had attacked him but her, and she would be gone. Finally, she grew bored and stopped.
"Release them," she commanded and Sirius and Remus were untied. They ran to James and picked him up. Their wands were tossed to them.
"Don't forget, or we will have to teach you again." she warned. They fled. The Slytherins laughed, long and hard. They started filing back to the School in twos and threes. Then only she and Tom were left. He pulled her close.
"You truly are my soul mate. That was perfect. You are perfect." he kissed her, hot after all the pain and torment. She kissed him in desperation. Many kisses later, they broke apart.
"Tom?" she said.
"Hmm?"
"I have to go. Now." she said.
He looked at her sharply. "Now?" She nodded.
"Whatever brought me here is taking me back. I can feel it. Tom, I will be waiting for you in the future. I will always be faithful. Don't forget me." she begged.
He kissed her again. "I won't. I will find you again. I could never forget you, Tani." She stepped back from him. She saw the world around her blur and reform into the main room of her home, right in the middle of her funeral.
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Disclaimer 5- I forgot this when I wrote Disclaimer 3, the name of Hunter Dethart was originally from a friend of mine from a HP RPG site. Credit should go to him.
Remember HARRY DOES NOT WIN. IN FACT HE DIES A HORRIBLE DEATH AT THE END.
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Tania looked up from the book she was reading as a foul smell came to her. She saw a guy with white-blonde hair mixing ingredients. A blue smoke was pouring from the beaker. She sighed and walked over. She stood over his shoulder and glanced at the potion he was trying to make.
"You are doing it wrong." she sneered, then frowned. Why had she said it like that? It felt right, as if she normally spoke that way. He looked up and glared at her.
"And I suppose you're going to tell me what I'm doing wrong." he retorted.
"Maybe. I don't know if I should waste my time. It's not that hard of a potion, I've made potions that are much harder, perfectly." A low chuckle interrupted them. They both turned to see Tom and a group of Slytherins standing at the bottom of the steps. Tom was amused.
He walked over to them, the group following. "You should let her, Lucius. I've been exploring the depths of her knowledge and she seems to have a brilliance in regard to Potions." Lucius nodded.
"Slytherins help each other. I'll take any assistance you can offer. I am Lucius Malfoy." He stuck out a hand. She studied him for a moment, glancing at Tom, who gave her a small smile. She took Lucius' hand.
"I am Tania. I don't remember my last name yet. I will someday. And don't worry, Draco had problems with that one too."
Lucius frowned. "Who is Draco?" he asked.
She paused. "I don't know. I don't remember."
Tom put a hand on her shoulder. "Let me introduce you to some of my closest friends. This is Narcissa and Bellatrix Black. You've met Lucius Malfoy, and this is Severus Snape, Charles Cromwell, and Kent Dethart. Crabbe and Goyle have detention, so you can meet them later. You appear to have a great deal of knowledge that we are very interested in. We'd like you to join us. We'll be you guides and protectors around school and you can teach us what you know."
She hesitated. She didn't know why, but she was very wary of sharing her knowledge. He put his other hand on her shoulder and looked her in the eyes.
He smiled. "Please. I'd really like you too. I think you'd fit in perfectly."
She grinned back. "Alright, Tom. Sure."
He chuckled and hugged her. "Good. I knew you'd say yes. Classes start tomorrow. Kent, Lucius, Severus, and Narcissa are fourth years with you. Crabbe and Goyle are third years and Bella, Charles, and I are Fifth. Now, I can do that potion, but I just mastered it over the summer. Why don't you explain to us all how it's supposed to be made." She nodded and all of them crowded around the table.
"Potions is the best of the arts, in my opinion. It is a subtle art that few have any real talent for. For those who have the skill, you can bottle fame, brew glory, and put a stopper in death." she began.
"Amazing." Severus whisper, awed. His eyes were alight with eagerness. She grinned. "Yes, there is nothing better than a softly bubbling cauldron. So, here is where you started to go wrong, Lucius..."
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Many weeks had passed since Tania came to Hogwarts. She had become good friends with Tom's group and was even closer to Tom himself. He seemed to understand her better than she did. He was sweet and charming, but wanted power and had ambition to match what she felt for herself. Tom seemed to feel the same way. He had asked her to walk down to the Lake with him after classes. The rest of the group had dispersed for the afternoon.
"We're very alike, you and I," he said as they started down the path toward the lake. "You seem to understand me better than anyone, even Bella." Tania suppressed a sneer at Bella. She like Bellatrix well enough, but it bothered her how close she was to Tom.
She nodded instead. "I feel the same way. You have the same thirst for power and knowledge that I have." Tom stopped abruptly and pulled her to face him. She looked up at him, waiting. He searched her face for a moment.
"I have never met anyone who seems to see my dream as clearly as I do, even Bella, for all she tries." He touched her face, then leaned over and kissed her. It was short. When he broke off, she looked at him. His eyes were full of passion, his face flushed and his breathing a little ragged.
She licked her lips and reached out and touched his. He kissed her fingers, waiting. She took half a step closer and that was all the encouragement he needed. He put his arms around her waist and pressed her against him, capturing her mouth with his. She wrapped her arms around his neck, running her fingers through his hair.
After a few amazing moments, they broke apart for air. Tom grinned at her. This was different from every other time she had seen Tom smile. Those were charming, polite, kind. This was ambitious, cunning, possessive, passionate. She laughed.
"So there is the real Tom. I was hoping that I had figured out the hints correctly. This is the Tom I want to see." She stroked his face with one hand, the other still entangled in his hair. He trailed kisses from the corner of her mouth back to her ear.
"I knew I was right about you." he whispered. She leaned her head on his shoulder and felt his breath moving gently across her neck and shivered in delight. She heard an amused chuckle in her ear.
"The others call me Voldermort, but I want you to always call me Tom." he whispered.
"Alright." she said. They were both shocked back to reality when cries split the air. Cruel laughter followed. Tania pulled out her wand.
"That was Potter and Sirius laughing." she ground out, fury replacing the passion. They hurried down to the Lake.
"Oh, For the love of Merlin!" she exclaimed at the sight in front of her. Potter had charmed Severus and had him floating mid-air while he and Sirius and Remus Lupin laughed.
Tania didn't know why, but from the first time she had seen James Potter, she had hated him. Sirius Black was the same way, but she felt a condescending distain for him as well. Remus Lupin confused her. She didn't like him because of Potter, but at the same time she was wary of him. But Potter, Potter she hated. She strode into the clearing.
"That's enough. I've had it with you, Potter. I will teach you to mess with my House-mate." She pointed her wand at James.
"Expelliaramus!" she yelled. James flew back and his wand was in her hand. She turned her wand to Severus, who had started to fall. "Wingardium Leviosa " Snape's downward plunge stopped and he was gently set on the grass. She moved over to him.
"Severus, why don't you stand up for yourself? He torments you because you let him. Slytherins stick together. We have your back. Even if Potter is too strong, stand up to him and we will stand with you. If you want I can help you learn the charms to make him back off." Snape hung his head in shame. She pushed it up with her wand.
"No! You are a Slytherin. The Sorting Hat doesn't make mistakes. You are in the best House. There is no shame in asking your House-mates for help. We're your family remember?"
"And family is everything for Slytherin." he finished.
"Right. Now I'll handle Potter now, and we'll work on those spells this weekend." She stood and faced James. He had gotten back on his feet and was glaring at her. Sirius and Remus had their wands out, defending James. She pointed her wand at them.
"I do not take kindly to anyone messing with my House-mates. If you do anything to any of them, you will not like the consequences. This is your only warning." Sirius took a step forward.
"What is going on here?" Tom's voice came across the clearing. He strode into the middle. "This had better not be a duel. I would have to report that." He looked at Sirius, who backed down reluctantly. Tania tossed James his wand. Potter and his gang hurried away.
Tom turned to the Slytherins. "Severus, you know Tania is right. We know that charms are not your strong suit. Help us in Potions and Herbology and we'll help you in Charms. We have your back."
Severus nodded. "I know that now. If you don't mind, I'm going back to Common Room."
"Alright, tell the others we'll have a meeting there later tonight." Tom said. Severus nodded again and hurried off. Once they were alone, Tom pulled her close to him, arms around her waist.
"Beautifully done. Corrected Potter and gave Severus some confidence. That's all he needs, really. Once again you have proven your worth." Tania smiled.
"I aim to please." she said.
Tom arched an eyebrow. "That sentence can have many different meanings, Tani."
She laughed. "Yes it can. And I can guess which one is running though your head, and maybe someday it will mean that." Tom laughed, amused and kissed her again. They continued on to the lake to talk and plan.
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Tania gripped the sides of the sink and looked into the mirror. Her eyes were red and puffy from crying and tear stains streaked her face. She shuddered as fragments of the nightmares returned. They had been horrible, and to make things worse, she was certain that they were memories, that those things had really happened to her as a child.
She wasn't supposed to be here. No student was allowed to roam the Halls by themselves because of the attacks. But she hadn't cared. She couldn't let her House-mates see her like this. Besides, only Mudbloods had been attacked so far.
The door to the bathroom opened and Tania jerked her head up, startled and half afraid that her tormentor had returned from her nightmares. She stared in confusion at who had entered the girls bathroom.
"Tom?" she asked. He looked at her, then rushed over to and pulled her into a hug.
"What happened?" he asked. "Who hurt you?" He stroked her back with one hand, holding her against him with the other. She shuddered.
"Nightmares, but I'm sure they were really memories." she paused, trembling. She felt Tom tense and tried to pull away, but he wouldn't let her.
"No, don't. Tell me, what happened?" he asked again.
"I..I was a little girl. There was a man. He kept hitting me, beating me. I saw my own blood stain the floor. He was so angry. I don't know what I did, I didn't then, and I don't now. He kept yelling that I was worthless, hopeless. I believed him for a long time." she grew quiet.
"If you ever see that man again, you tell me." Tom's voice was trembling in fury. "If he touches you again, I'll kill him." She nodded and they stood in silence for a moment. She pulled her head back to look at him.
"Tom, what are you doing in the girl's bathroom?" she asked.
He grinned. "Well, I trust you above all others, so, I'll show you." Tom's face changed and his hissed. She frowned. A rumbling started and she turned to see the sinks pull away to reveal a passageway. Tom took her hand and pulled her into the dark opening. Her feet slid out from under her and they slid down a long tunnel.
It seemed to go on forever. Both of them had their wands out for light. Tom never let go of her hand, for which she was very grateful. They found the bottom and Tom helped her to her feet. They walked down a long tunnel until they came to a second door. Tom hissed something again and it slid aside. They continued on. Eventually, they came to a large room. Statues of snakes lined the walkway and at the end was a large stone head. Tania studied it for a moment.
"That looks like Salazar Slytherin." she said, looking at Tom. He pulled her close, so her back was pressed against his chest, his arms around her waist.
"Yes, that is our House creator. He built this place."
She thought for a moment, letting all the pieces fall into place. "Then...Tom, is this the Chamber of Secrets?" He laughed and she could feel it vibrate in her back.
"Yes, sweet one, this is the Chamber of Secrets. I knew you would figure it out." He kissed the back of her neck.
"Then you are Slytherin's Heir. You are the one attacking the students, attacking those not pureblood. I should have known." He chuckled again. Then he hissed for a third time. The head of Slytherin rumbled and the mouth opened. Two red eyes blinked in the darkness and moved forward. A huge serpent slid into the main room. She tensed.
"Shh," Tom whispered in her ear, "The Basilisk obeys me. You are safe, Tani. Don't you trust me?" Tania forced herself to relax and really look at the creature.
"It's beautiful, Tom. Perfect for getting rid of all those Mudbloods." she laughed.
"I'm glad you approve, darling." he said, a slight mocking tone in his voice. She turned her head and kissed him. As soon as they broke apart, she whispered, "I approve of whatever you do, Tom."
He grinned. "Hmm, well as much as I'd like to keep you here to explore that idea, we need to get back before we're missed." He commanded the Basilisk away and they retreated back the school. They snuck back to Common Room with no one the wiser. And that night, in her dreams, Tom fought the man who beat her, a pair of glowing red eyes behind him.
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Tania Dethart woke suddenly, in a cold sweat. Dethart, that was her last name. She remembered everything, it had all come back. She sat up slowly, so as not to disturb Tom, who was sleeping next to her. They were in the Chamber of Secrets. This was her and Tom's place to be alone.
She had brought chairs, a table, pillows, and blankets down here, spelling everything to resist the water that was constantly on the floor. Here they planned, here Tom had taken her, here they had relaxed and talked late into the night. But no more. She remembered who she was and she couldn't be with Tom.
Tears fell down her face. She tried to stop them. She didn't want to wake up Tom, but they wouldn't stop. They fell freely and she started sobbing. Tania grabbed a pillow to try to stifle the sounds, but Tom woke anyway. He sat up and put his bare arms around her.
"Nightmares again, Tani?" he asked, softly. Here in the Chamber, he was the most gentle, the most tender. She shook her head.
"It's over, Tom." she got out between the sobs.
"What's over?" he asked, concerned. He shifted and held out a goblet. "Here, drink this, it will help." She obeyed and the sobbing subsided.
"Everything is over, Tom. I remember. I remember who I am and where I come from. I come from the future." She heard Tom's sharp in-take of air.
"The future?" he repeated.
"Yes, my name is Dethart, Tania Dethart. I just finished my Third Year at Hogwarts before coming here. I'm not even born right now. My parents are at school now."
"That doesn't mean that everything is over. Who says you have to go back? Why not stay here with me?" he asked.
"Because, my best friend is back there and I can't leave him alone. He and I are allies against our Families. With me gone, he'll be unprotected. I can't do that to him." She buried her face into Tom's shoulder.
"Then we'll get you back and enjoy the time we have left, Tani" he promised softly. He gently pushed her back onto her pillows and they didn't speak for a while.
Later, they lay next to each other, her head on his arm, one hand on his chest. She laughed. "You are successful, you know." she said.
"Oh?" Tom replied.
"Yes, For 15 years everyone trembled at the name of Voldermort. No one will even say the name now, except for Harry Potter, and he's just as much of an idiot as his father, James. You are referred to as 'He-Who-Must-Not- Be-Named' or 'You-Know-Who'. As if saying 'Voldermort' will make you appear."
Tom laughed. "That is wonderful to hear. You said for 15 years. What happened?"
"I don't know a lot of the details, no one does. No one lived after the Dark Lord decided to kill them, except one. Harry Potter. Something happened when you went to kill the Potters, somehow Harry survived and you vanished. Now, rumors are flying that you are returning. Harry claims to have seen you several times and the Chamber was reopened in my Second Year. It seems that you made a diary which preserved the you of this time in it's pages. Some weak-minded fool was taken over by it and reopened the Chamber. The only problem I see now, is that many of your Death Eaters are dead or in Azkaban."
"Death Eaters?" Tom asked.
"Oh.....you haven't come up with them yet, have you? Um, Death Eaters were or are your closest followers. They loved to hunt and kill Muggles and Mudbloods like you did.. um, do. They all have a Dark Mark on their arms, that you can use to summon them. That's all I know, sorry." He stroked her hair.
"That is a wonderful idea. Do you know what happens to any of our group?"
"Let's see, Narcissa marries Lucius and their son is my best friend, Draco. Severus becomes the Potions Master at Hogwarts and is Slytherin Head of House. Bella is in Azkaban along with her husband, I don't remember his name. I'm not sure about Crabbe and Goyle, but they each had a son that are the same year as I am. They act as Draco's bodyguards. Not the smartest, but lots of muscle. Charles has two sons, Justin, my good friend, and his little brother Derek. And Kent........"the was a long pause. "Kent is my father."
Tom looked at her, sharply. "Your father? Kent is your father." She nodded.
"Yes, but you can't say anything. I shouldn't have told you as much as I did. You can't act on any of this knowledge. If you do, you could change everything." He kissed her.
"Don't worry. It will be alright." He thought for a moment. "I think I know what spell I would have used to create these Dark Marks. If you have to go back, why don't I make you a Death Eater, my first Death Eater, my most loyal follower. That way when I come back, I'll know where you are."
She nodded. "Yes. I can go back and help you in my time. You know I'll serve you forever." He smiled.
"Yes, I know." He looked around for a moment, then his eyes fell on one of the snake statues. "How about a serpent for your Mark? Then if anyone asks, it's a tattoo for Slytherin."
"Alright. Put it on my upper arm, near my shoulder. That way I can hide it if needed." She handed Tom his wand.
"Do it now, please." she asked. He nodded and touched her upper arm with his wand.
"This will hurt, I'm sure." he warned.
She nodded. "I know. Do it."
"Brandus Karha "he said. A sharp pain hit her arm and she bit back a scream. It felt like a hot poker. It burned to her mind and heart and through her body. Then it slowly faded. She looked at her arm. A snake in Slytherin green and red eyes stared back at her.
She touched it. "I can feel you, Tom." she whispered.
He nodded. "I can feel you, too." Her fingers came away covered in blood. She found a piece of cloth and wiped it away.
"I am yours now, Tom, for now and for ever."
He pulled her close. "I wouldn't have it any other way." He held her until she fell asleep, his mind whirling with everything she had said, and more importantly, what she had not said.
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Tania stormed into Common Room. "That's IT!!" she yelled. Everyone jumped. "Assemble the House. Everyone, NOW!" A string of First years filed in behind Tania, heads bowed, covered in dirt and blood. Tom walked over to her as the Slytherins were gathering.
"What happened?" he asked.
She looked at him. "If you don't mind, I'll tell everyone at once. I don't think I can say it twice." He nodded and sat down. Soon everyone was there.
"Potter and his gang have gone too far. They ambushed this group of First Years. They were tied up, pelted with rocks and left hanging on the edge of the Courtyard. There was no way for any of them to defend against Potter. We have let him annoy and torment us all year. I am sick of it and I know you are. So I propose that we teach them a lesson they will never forget. Who's with me?" There was silence for a moment.
Then Severus stepped up. "Why are you asking us that? We're Slytherin. You need us to watch your back, we're there. You need us to help you take out Potter, just tell us when and where. Slytherin is family."
"He's right!" "What are we waiting for?" "Let's teach those Gryffindors not to mess with us." "What's the plan?" Tania held up her hands for silence.
"The plan is simple. After dinner we lure them to the edge of the Forbidden Forest, where there are no teachers, no help...." Tania laid out the rest of her plan as Tom watched, impressed.
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Night had fallen in the Forest as the Slytherins waited. A few of them were leading Potter to rest of the House. It wouldn't be long, now. Tania twirled her wand in her fingers, impatient. She didn't know how much longer she had here. Somehow she knew that she was going back soon and wanted to finish this.
Soon enough the bait, followed by Potter and his gang, came into view. They passed into the clearing and every Slytherin came put of their hiding place, wands trained on the Gryffindors, who wisely froze. Tania stepped into the middle.
"Well, well, well. What have we here? Potter. Sirius. Remus. Welcome. You are all our special guests for the night. Tie Sirius and Remus to the trees. Make sure they can't escape." Groups of Slytherins dragged the two kicking and screaming to the tree trunks and tied them there. Tania accepted their wands from two Slytherins. She tucked them into the pocket of her blazer.
"Now Potter, your friends will watch you learn a very important lesson. Hopefully, if they are smart, they will learn this lesson, too." Potter spat at her.
Crabbe back handed him, sending him crashing to the ground. He groaned and stood, blood flowing from his mouth and a cut on his forehead. Tania placed a hand on Crabbe's arm.
"While I thank you for defending me, Crabbe, don't do that again. There are other ways to make Mr. Potter hurt without out making a mark on him. Marks let him prove his story." Sirius yelled for her to stop. She ignored him.
"Now, Potter, here is the lesson. You and your friends have been bothering us all year. And we ignore you like the fleas you are for the most part. But, you have now crossed the line and you need to understand that there are consequences for that." She pointed her wand at Potter and spoke a spell word.
Red light shot from her wand and dug itself into his skin. He dropped like a rock, screaming. Severus took a step forward, his eyes filled with hate and vengeance. She smiled. The spell faded and the only sound was James' breathing.
"James?" Sirius called. Potter stood up and nodded to his friend.
Tania sneered. "Bad move." She spoke again and again Potter fell to the ground, writhing. Sirius and Remus strained to break free, to save James, but they couldn't. They were forced to watch and helpless to act. This went on for hours. Tania was the only one to hurt Potter.
She and Tom had talked and decided that since she felt she was going home soon, she wouldn't be around to get in trouble. Potter couldn't say that anyone else had attacked him but her, and she would be gone. Finally, she grew bored and stopped.
"Release them," she commanded and Sirius and Remus were untied. They ran to James and picked him up. Their wands were tossed to them.
"Don't forget, or we will have to teach you again." she warned. They fled. The Slytherins laughed, long and hard. They started filing back to the School in twos and threes. Then only she and Tom were left. He pulled her close.
"You truly are my soul mate. That was perfect. You are perfect." he kissed her, hot after all the pain and torment. She kissed him in desperation. Many kisses later, they broke apart.
"Tom?" she said.
"Hmm?"
"I have to go. Now." she said.
He looked at her sharply. "Now?" She nodded.
"Whatever brought me here is taking me back. I can feel it. Tom, I will be waiting for you in the future. I will always be faithful. Don't forget me." she begged.
He kissed her again. "I won't. I will find you again. I could never forget you, Tani." She stepped back from him. She saw the world around her blur and reform into the main room of her home, right in the middle of her funeral.
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