Iris looked at her past self and didn't miss the look of awe; she glanced over to her companions and saw the same expression on their faces.
"This is creepy." Caroline muttered, they were all standing to the side. They were standing at the end of a dimly lit chamber.
"This is it." Iris muttered she glanced down feeling someone brushing their hand against hers. Klaus intertwined their fingers and held on tight. He made her feel safe, something that she hadn't felt in such a long time.
"Here goes." Damon murmured they followed after little Iris and Elijah were pleased to note that the twelve year old was armed. They trailed after little Iris as she pulled her wand out and moved forward.
"You know this dingy little place would be an ideal make out spot." Damon exclaimed breaking the tension. "What?" he asked seeing the incredulous looks the others were giving him.
"You're such a dick." Alaric muttered under his breath.
"And I thought Kol was stupid." Rebekah whispered to Iris causing the raven head to snigger. Kol who heard his sister and shot her a dirty look.
Klaus pulled Iris ahead so they were only a couple of steps behind the past witch. The hybrid didn't like the way little Iris's footsteps seemed to echo off of the stone floors. It was the most obvious way to alert enemies.
Jeremy shuddered as they walked passed stoned snakes; their hollow eye-sockets looked as if it was following their movements. Alaric could see that little Iris was jumpy and he didn't blame her, every time she seemed to believe a snake was moving the twelve year old would clamp her eyes shut every time something jostled.
"Whoa." They all gaped at the sight of a massive looming shadow that was almost as tall as the chamber itself.
Little Iris wasn't the only one who had to crane her head up. "That is creepy." Caroline muttered seeing the giant face above them. It was ancient and monkey like, with a long thin beard that fell almost to the bottom of the wizard's sweeping stone robes. Elijah's fingers itched to touch the intricate stone designs, but he easily controlled himself. His sweeping eyes landed on a small figure with flaming red hair in between the two stone giant feet.
"Ginny-"little Iris muttered.
"No-"Klaus grimaced when he saw the past raven head sprinting to the eleven year old. They watched as little Iris dropped to her knees, and shake the small girl.
"Ginny! Wake up! Don't be dead! Please don't be dead!" iris winced when she saw her former self flinging her wand aside as she grabbed Ginny's shoulders.
"Ow-"Iris yelped when Kol slapped her upside the head. "What the hell?" she snapped glaring at him. But the Original glared right back at her.
"That was one of the dumbest moves I've ever seen." He shook his head.
"He's got a point-"Rebekah nodded, couldn't quite believe that Iris had been so foolish.
"Yeah really dumb-"Damon added. Stefan hastily nodded
"Just pure utter dumbness-"
"Alright." Iris snapped and narrowed her eyes at them. "I got it. It happened already get over it."
"Still dumb-"
"Shut up Jeremy!" Iris huffed and pouted. She crossed her arms across her chest and leant back against Klaus. The hybrid pulled her close and grazed his fingers down the side of her neck, causing her to feel a shiver run down her spine.
"Let's just watch." They all did as she had instructed ad witnessed little Iris pressing her fingers against Ginny's pulse. The vampires could all hear the heartbeat but it was painfully slow.
"Wake up Ginny-"little Iris.
From the corner of his eye Klaus saw a figure moving in the shadows, he stiffened at the sight of the teen that appeared from behind little Iris
"She won't wake-"the unknown teen said softly. The twelve year old girl gasped and spun around on her knees.
"No shit" Alaric muttered, Elijah narrowed his eyes and took in the male. He noted several things as did the others. The teenager was tall black-haired, and the dark haired Original didn't appreciate the way he was casually leaning against the stone pillar. He looked over to Iris and saw how tense the teen was.
Klaus didn't miss the way Iris's body stiffened and glanced back over to the scene. And scowled seeing the expression on the hazy tall teen's face as he looked at little Iris. Rebekah saw the way her eyes widened and knew it was perfectly justified when she heard what came out of little Iris's mouth.
"Tom-Tom Riddle?" little Iris asked.
"Fuck…."Damon whistled and gawped at the misty teen. They were all just as surprised par Iris.
"This is some twisted shit." Jeremy nodded staring wide eye at the tall teen.
Little Iris anxiously licked her lips, "What do you mean she won't wake?" her emerald green orbs flickered over to the younger girl. "She's not-she's not…?"
Rebekah narrowed her eyes hating the gleam that emitted from Riddle's eyes. "She's still alive….but only just."
"Yeah that'd make her feel better." Alaric mumbled, he found this even weirder. He swore in some of Iris's previous memories the teen was meant to be fifty or more years old.
"Are you a ghost?" little Iris whispered. Elijah tutted in disagreement this was no ghost.
"A memory-"Riddle revealed "Preserved in a diary for fifty years."
"Knew it-"Klaus sang thinking that was impressive magic.
"Ok this is all kinds of fucked up." Damon exploded, "sure ghosts, witches and vamps. Hell I can get my head around trolls and freaking unicorns but a live in memory? Come on and humph-"he was cut off mid rant when Stefan slapped his hand over his brother's mouth effectively shutting him up.
"Finally" Rebekah muttered ignoring the glare that the raven head vampire shot her way. She focused back onto the scene and saw the teenager pointing little Iris's wand towards the floor near the statue's giant toes.
"The diary." Caroline exclaimed recognising the little black book.
Stefan didn't miss the torment of emotions passing across the twelve year old girl's face, he could tell that she was confused but there were more pressing matters to attend to.
"You've got to help me Tom." They watched as little Iris raised Ginny's head and placed it on her lap. "We've got to get her out of here. There's a Basilisk…I don't know where it is, but it could be along any moment. Please help me"
Kol frowned "He's not going to help." He muttered his eyes hardened seeing the flash of malice in the other dark haired male. Elijah's jaw clenched seeing little Iris trying to hoist Ginny off of the floor, the small raven head was a sweaty and bloodied mess.
"No…"Rebekah muttered seeing little Iris bending down to pick up her wand, instead Riddle had picked it up. Alaric shifted his weight onto the other foot, the pit of his stomach filled up with dread.
"Did you see-"little Iris placed Ginny back on the floor, her eyes widened seeing Riddle holding her wand. "Thanks." She held out her hand but the taller teen merely twirled the thin piece of wood in his nimble fingers. "Listen-"she said urgently "we've got to go. The Basikils-"
"Is not going to come until his master calls." Elijah murmured Iris glanced over to him damn he was quick to figure things out. Merlin she wished she wasn't so naive.
"It won't come until it's called." Riddle uttered.
"Fuck I knew it-"
"Shut up Salvatore." Klaus snarled wanting to able to actually concentrate, he was on edge and idly played with the ends of Iris's raven curls.
"What do you mean?" little Iris asked the questions the majority of the group wanted to know. "Give me my wand Tom, I need it-"
"Such a bad move-"
"Shut up Jeremy." Iris huffed feeling the warmth that Klaus was radiating from behind her. She didn't need constant reminding that was one of her dumbest moves...
Caroline found it creepy when the smile on Riddle's face broadened. "You won't need it." Iris could feel Klaus tensing behind her. She wasn't too surprised when Elijah closed in on her other side.
Little Iris stared at Riddle. "What do you mean?" Rebekah anxiously bit her bottom lip, the female Original willed for little Iris just to run, but she knew that it wouldn't happen, especially if Ginny was in this state. "What do you mean I won't need it?" she asked uncertainty was laced in the raven head's words.
"I've waited a long time for this, Iris Potter…"Elena shivered at the way he said the other girl's name. "For the chance to see you…to speak to you…to touch you-"Klaus's eyes morphed into a golden hue, Iris winced feeling his fingers digging into her soft flesh. They watched as little Iris paled and stiffened when Riddle raised his hand and went to touch her cheek but his long fingers ghosted through her. He wasn't solid…
"Look…"Damon didn't at all blame her when she took a hasty step back. "I don't think you get it-"
"Of course the prick does." Present Iris muttered
"-We're in the Chamber of Secrets-
"You don't-"
"One more word Damon I swear I'll rip your tongue out." Caroline hissed "Now shut up…is it me or is this Riddle cute?" she asked after a moment.
"I think I'm going to puke." Jeremy whispered to the hunter.
Iris rolled her eyes, and then looked back at the scene, she was glad to see her former self beginning to connect the dots…merlin she was slow she thought.
"How did Ginny get like this?" little Iris asked slowly, Elijah folded his arms across his chest also wanting to know the truth.
"Well that's an interesting question-"Caroline blinked she was attempting to pay attention, but this place was creepy, it was dark, cold and damp she couldn't wait till they were out of here. "And quiet a long story. I supposed the real reason Ginny Weasley's like this is because she opened her heart and spilled a her secrets to an invisible stranger. "
Alaric's jaw dropped and Damon's eyes bugged out, there were similar reactions to others. "See Stefan-"the older Salvatore said smugly "keeping a diary is a bad thing…"
Stefan looked at the other vampire incredulously and wondered did Damon hit his head.
"What are you talking about?" little Iris bristled; Caroline cooed at the livid expression on the twelve year old girl's face.
"You are so cute-"the blond vampire gushed.
"You are aware she's in a life threatening situating?" Kol questioned, causing Caroline to blush and look away.
"What are you talking about?" little Iris's voice echoed off of the stone walls, catching the group's attention.
"The diary." Said Riddle "My dairy-"
"What is it with broody men and diaries?" Rebekah muttered under her breath, causing Iris to snigger.
"-Little Ginny's been writing in it for months and months, telling me all her pitiful worries and woes: how her brothers tease her, how she had to come to school with second hand robes and books-"present Iris's hands clenched, merlin she wanted to wallop this pathetic excuse of a wizard. "How she didn't think famous, good, great Iris Potter would ever like her-"his eyes glinted.
"Such a douche…"Jeremy muttered. Elijah and Klaus noted that the whole time memory Riddle was speaking, his eyes hadn't left little Iris's face, he hybrid was discerned to note that there was an almost hungry look on Riddle's face. "It's very boring, having to listen to the silly little troubles of an eleven-year old girl-"
"No one asked you to." Kol spat, envisioning numerous ways of torture of this lowly being.
"-But I was patient-"Riddle went on "I wrote back-"Elijah swallowed not liking the idea of that "-I was sympathetic, I was kind. Ginny simply loved me. No one's every understood me like you, Tom-"he imitated the girl's voice, causing a shiver to run down little Iris's spine.
"I'm so glad I've got this diary to confide in…it's like having a friend I can carry round in my pocket…"Riddle laughed a high, cold laugh that didn't suit him, it cause the hairs on the back of little Iris's neck to stand up. Klaus's eyes narrowed he heard that laugh before…it was eerily familiar. He looked down at Iris's pale face and frowned something was definitely going on. The hybrid felt as if he knew this Riddle character from somewhere before.
"If I say it myself Iris, I've always been able to charm the people I needed-"
"Arrogant dick." Damon scoffed and rolled his eyes seeing the look his brother was shooting him. "Yes I know I am one too…but at least I'm tasteful about it." He added.
"-So Ginny poured out her soul to me-"Elijah noted that this was rather an odd choice of words. "And her soul happened to be exactly what I needed. I grew stronger and stronger on a diet of her deepest fears, her darkest secrets. I grew powerful, far more powerful than little Miss Weasley. Powerful enough to start feeding Miss Weasley a few of my secrets, to start pouring a little of my sound back into her-"
"What?" Elena spluttered.
The Originals all exchanged venomous looks, this was very dark magic, and they hated that Iris seemed to have been involved in it somehow.
"This is…wow-"Caroline gaped, Iris herself cringed at that as did she past herself.
"What do you mean?" little Iris asked, Jeremy looked over to Alaric and saw that he was just as miffed as her.
They all unconsciously took a step forward when Riddle started speaking again. "Haven't you guessed Iris Potter?" he asked softly, Klaus bit back a growl seeing the tall teenager taking another step closer to little Iris.
"Ginny Weasley opened the Chamber of Secrets-"Elijah closed his eyes of course…that's what Riddle was using the eleven year old for, it was completely immoral "-She strangled the school roosters and daubed threatening messages on the walls. She set the serpent of Slytherin-"Klaus had connected the dots and was sickened by what Riddle had done. Sure Klaus possessed a few people in his times but never did he use children…even he had morals. "On the Mudbloods and the Squib's cat."
"Shit me…."Damon breathed he was never ever to cross the red head again.
"No-"little Iris whispered, shaking her head.
"Yes-"Riddle said calmly, causing Kol to sneer "Of course she didn't know what she was doing it at first"
"So she was possessed?" Jeremy questioned.
"Yep…it's not a pleasant sensation." Iris murmured causing those who had heard her to exchange looks, Klaus frowned Iris was possessed? He wanted to question her but could see that she was focused on what was going on in front of her. Klaus decided to push that to the back of his mind; no doubt he'll see what happened.
They all looked back over to Riddle as he carried on speaking "-It was very amusing-"Caroline scrunched up her nose, this guy was sick "I wish you could have seen her new diary entries…Far more interesting, they became…Dear Tom-"he recited, Alaric had the urge to stake the teen seeing the delightful look on Riddle's face as he watched the horrified expression growing on little Iris's face.
"I think I'm losing my memory. There are rooster feathers all over my robes I don't know how they got there-"Damon balked hearing Riddle mimicking Ginny. Riddle easily towered over little Iris, he circled her, his footsteps echoed off of the stone walls. The air was cold and frigid easily setting the mood. "Dear Tom, I can't remember what I did on the night of Halloween, but a cat-"
"That creepy cat…Doris-?" Jeremy mumbled remembering the petrified cat…damn that seemed so long ago.
"It's Mrs Norris" Stefan told Jeremy, this time Damon shot his brother a look
"Seriously? Remembering a cat's name-"
"Shut up."
Iris rolled her emerald green orbs and looked back at the scene she felt a surge of hatred as Riddle kept taunting her past-self. "Was attacked and I got paint all down my front. Dear Tom, Percy keeps telling me I'm pale and not myself. I think he suspects me…"Elijah didn't believe so, if that was the case then the more intelligent Weasley would have easily alerted someone higher up for his sister case. "….There was another attack today and I don't know where I was. Tom, what am I going to do? I think I'm going mad…I think I'm the one attacking everyone, Tom!"
"He's such a fucking prick…worse than Damon." Alaric spat in anger, little Iris's had clenched her own hands till her nails dug into the palms of her hands.
"It took a very long time-"
"God's sake, he does like to chat doesn't he?" Caroline uttered resting her hands on her hips. "The bad guys always talk…"Iris nodded in agreement; come to think of it the amount of time Voldemort spoke to her he could have easily killed her during that time.
Klaus rested his chin atop Iris's head. "-for stupid little Ginny to stop trusting her diary."
"At least she did in the end." Stefan muttered, for some reason after this whole thing when he returned to Mystic Falls he's going hide his diaries.
"But she finally did." Riddle declared "And because of this she tried to dispose of it-"
"By trying to flush it down the toilet." Iris muttered to herself, she wondered how they could all miss the signs of Ginny's troubles.
"-And that's where you came in." The tall teenager took another step closer to the terrified twelve year old. Elijah had to hand it to Iris though, even back then she could stand her ground. "Iris, you found it and I couldn't have been more delighted. Of all the people who could have picked it up, it was you. The very person I was most anxious to meet…"he smirked standing completely still.
Little Iris blinked and swallowed, she shifted "And why did you want to meet me?" she asked, Klaus feared he already knew the answer. The hybrid could tell she was struggling to control her anger and keep her voice steady.
"Well you see-"Caroline was oddly reminded of a vulture when Riddle began to once again circle the little raven head. "Ginny told me all about you Iris, your whole fascinating history."
"Not good." Alaric mumbled
"Not good is right." Jeremy muttered.
They watched as Riddle's eyes roved over little Iris's face, and then his eyes finally came to a stop on her lightning bolt scar. Rebekah scowled seeing the teen's eyes turn even hungrier if it was possible. "I knew I must find out more about you, talk to you, meet you if I could. So I decided to show you my famous capture of hat great oaf, Hagrid, to gain your trust"
"He set him up." Kol announced "Of course…the little puny human."
Little Iris was just as angry, they witnessed the venomous glare that passed across her features "Hagrid's my friend-"her voice shook "And you framed him, didn't you? I thought you made a mistake but-"but once again Riddle laughed his high cold cruel laugh.
"Yeah he's nuts." Damon declared.
"No kidding." Stefan scoffed under his breath.
Klaus narrowed his eyes seeing Riddle twirling Iris's wand, he noted that he seemed to become more solid. "It was my word against Hagrid's, Iris. Well, you can imagine how it looked to old Armando Dippet. On the one hand, Tom Riddle, poor but brilliant, parentless but so brave. School Prefect model student; on the other hand, big blundering Hagrid, in trouble every week, trying to raise werewolf cubs under his beds-"
Jeremy whistled "Damn his got some balls…"
"-sneaking off to the Forbidden Forest to wrestle trolls. But I admit, even I was surprised how well the plan worked. I thought someone must realise that Hagrid couldn't possibly be the heir of Slytherin-"
"Yeah how the hell did they not realise that?" Stefan's brows furrowed together in confusion.
"-it had taken me five whole years to find out everything I could about the Chamber of Secrets and discover the secret entrance…as though Hagrid had the brains, or the power!"
"Damn…this kid has no life." Damon grumbled thinking why on earth would the teen would waste his childhood looking for dark tunnels…you don't get that part of your life back.
Riddle canted his head to the side peering down at the raven head girl, "Only the Transfiguration teacher, Dumbledore, seemed to think Hagrid was innocent. Her persuaded Dippet to keep Hagrid and train him-"
"So old guy knew the kid was dodgy and didn't do anything about it?" Alaric questioned,
"This headmaster is playing a smart game." Elijah murmured, knowing there was more to the silver haired wizard than he first thought.
"-Yes, I think Dumbledore might have guessed. Dumbledore never seemed to like me as much as the other teachers did…-"
"Because he knew the truth" Kol muttered.
They watched as little Iris glared up at him, "I bet Dumbledore saw right through you…"she said through gritted teeth.
Riddle smirked down at her, Rebekah glanced over to Ginny's still form, and the preteen was pale and lifeless and noted that Riddle seemed even more solid.
"Well he certainly kept an annoyingly close watch on me after Hagrid was expelled" said Riddle carelessly "I knew it wouldn't be safe to open the Chamber again while I was still at school. But I wasn't going to waste those long years I'd spent searching for it. I decided to leave behind a diary, preserving my sixteen-year-old in its pages, so that one day, with luck, I would be able to lead another in my footsteps, and finish Salazar Slytherin's noble work."
"Jeez…he's worse than Katherine when it comes to personal monologues." Caroline muttered to Damon causing the raven head vampire to chuckle.
"Well you haven't finished it" said little Iris triumphantly
"You tell him-"Kol cajoled her.
"This already happened." Iris stated,
"So I can get into this." The lean Original smirked.
They focused back on the scene and saw little Iris looked like she was about to spit rage. "No one's died this time, not even the cat. In a few hours the Mandrake Draught will be ready and everyone who was Petrified will be all right again." Klaus didn't buy it…he got the feeling that wasn't what Riddle intended.
"Haven't I already told you" said Riddle quietly "that killing Mudbloods doesn't matter to me anymore? For many months now, my new target has been you!"
Little Iris just stared at him.
Jeremy's eyes bugged out, and Elena gaped at the scene in shock. The Originals tensed, so this teen was after their Iris…things were quickly going downhill.
"Why are there never teachers around when you need them?" Alaric said gruffly, wanting at least someone to come to the little raven head's rescue…hell Snape would do.
"-Imagine how angry I was when the next time my diary was opened, it was Ginny who was writing to me, not you-"
"Ok he has some freaky obsession-"
"Can you every just shut up?" Rebekah snapped, "I don't want to listen to your constant talking." She glared at Damon, who merely shot her a smirk. She rolled her eyes and looked back at the scene.
"-She saw you with the diary-"Riddle spat they knew he was referring to Ginny. "She panicked. What if you found out how to work it and I repeated all her secrets to you? What if, even worse, I told you who'd been strangling the roosters?"
"So the foolish little brat waited until your dormitory was deserted and stole it back. But I knew what I must do. It was clear to me that you were on the trail of Slytherin's heir. From everything Ginny had told me about you. I knew you would go to great lengths to sold the mystery-particularly if one of your best friends was attacked.-"
"He set the Granger girl up." Elijah mused; it was a tactful move yet sickening at the same time.
"And Ginny had told me the whole school was buzzing because you could speak Paseltongue…"
Klaus pressed his lips together, and burrowed his nose into her thick hair. "No doubt that would intrigue him." He murmured.
"So I made Ginny write her own farewell on the wall and come down here to wait. She struggled and cried an became very boring. But there isn't much life left in her-"present Iris looked down at Ginny, gosh they were really tiny back then. "She put too much into the diary, into me-"Alaric balked this was sick. "-Enough to let me leave its pages at last. I have been waiting for you to appear since we arrived here. I knew you'd come…I have many questions for you Iris Potter." Riddle murmured.
Questions? Kol mused what would the rancid boy want to know about their Iris. He didn't miss the gooseflesh arise on Iris's skin…it must be freezing down here for her.
"Like what?" little Iris spat clenching her fists.
"Well-"Riddle smiled charmingly "how is it that a baby with no extraordinary magical talent managed to defeat the greatest wizard of all time?"
Rebekah frowned, he was a Voldemort supporter? Surely the dark sorcerer came after his time. Things were getting even more interesting.
"How did you escape?" Klaus tensed when Riddle prodded little Iris in the chest with her own wand "with nothing but a scar-"
"Shit." Elijah cursed seeing Riddle using the tips of his fingers to brush aside little Iris's matted curls away from her face. He was able to touch her.
"-while Lord Voldemort was destroyed-"
"Fan of his?" little Iris bristled "he was a coward-"SLAP-. The Originals growled in anger when they witnessed Riddle backhanding the little raven head sending her to the ground.
"Son of a bitch-"Damon cursed, present Iris winced when Klaus's grip tightened on her. Riddle wasn't solid enough to get a foothold yet…but that did hurt.
"Come on." Jeremy urged the stunned twelve year old, he let out a relieved sigh when little Iris got up onto her feet. Elijah's eyes darkened further when he saw the bead of blood running down her temple. She had smacked her head against the stone floor. Little Iris was staring in to Tom Riddle's eyes, emerald orbs meeting a pair of brown. Blood was running down her temple, her eyes glanced over to Ginny's small form
"Why do you care how I escape?" she asked "Voldemort was after your time" and shook when his voice resonated around the chamber
"Voldemort" Riddle said softly "is my past, present and future, Iris Potter…"she watched as Riddle raised her wand and traced it in the air
"Is he on weed?" Jeremy questioned and watched as Riddle raise Iris's wand.
"TOM MARVALO RIDDLE" she saw the shimmering words and with a flick he rearranged it so that now it read "I AM LORD VOLDEMORT"
"No fucking way…this little dick is the mass murderer?" Damon blinked rapidly, Klaus sighed he knew there was more to this teen.
They watched as the twelve year old staggered back at the realisation of it this wasn't Tom Riddle, no this was the younger version of the man who murdered her parents and ruined countless of other lives.
"I'm surprised that you didn't faint." Alaric mumbled, he was just as stunned as the others.
"Me too." Iris uttered and watched as her former self tensed when he took a step in her direction
"You see I was already using that name at Hogwarts" he sneered turning his handsome face ugly "to my most intimate friends"
There was a pause, little Iris kept an eye on Ginny who was looking paler and paler by the minute
"You think I would keep using my foul muggle's father name?" he spat; she could see pure hatred in his eyes when he spoke of the man "the man who abandoned me before I was even born, because he found out my mother was a witch? No Iris I fashioned myself a new name, a name where I knew wizard's would one day fear to speak, when I had become the greatest sorcerer in the world"
"He is a half-blood then?" Stefan frowned wondering was this the reason he hunted Muggle borns down?
"Cliché-"Rebekah sighed "he's got daddy issue-"
"Every crazy guy has got daddy issues…Klaus had massive ones-"Iris squeaked when Klaus pinched her side.
They watched the expression on little Iris's face, they could see that felt a surge of anger go through her, hearing the arrogant man before her, she clenched her fists
"You're not" she said her voice ringing throughout the chamber, it seemed to echo off the walls
"Not what?" Riddle asked his eyes glaring into her
"Not the greatest sorcerer in the world" she said hatred in her tone "sorry to disappoint you, but Albus Dumbledore is the greatest sorcerer in the world" she said her loyalty shining through her "Everyone says so, even when you were strong you didn't dare try and take over Hogwarts, Dumbledore saw right through you when you were at school, and he still frightens you now, wherever you're hiding these days"
Her heart was pounding in her chest she was glaring at the man before her; she saw his face twisting into hate
"Dumbledore has been driven out of this castle by the mere memory of me" he smirked darkly, she had the strong urge to punch him in the face but knew it wouldn't harm him as he was still was an hazy image, but it didn't stop him from reaching forward and tugged her curl, she jerked back
"He's not as gone as you may think" she hissed, just then there was the sound of music it was coming closer
"What the hell?" Alaric looked up and his eyes bugged out at the sight of a flaming bird. "What is that?"
"A phoenix." Iris answered.
"Damn…now I've seen everything." Caroline shook her head.
"Fawkes" little Iris gasped seeing the phoenix as it dropped a black garment on the stone
"What the-"
"That's the sorting hat" Riddle stated,
"He has a thing for pointing out the obvious." Rebekah drawled. Little Iris was confused what the hell was she going to do with a hat? She thought, Merlin she was screwed
"Is this what Dumbledore sends his great defender, a song bird and an old hat" he laughed cruelly,
"No offence Iris but your chances doesn't look good." Stefan muttered. Little Iris shuddered as his laughter echoed around the chamber
"Prick" she muttered picking up most of her bad language from the Weasley family
"Even back then you were a potty mouth-"
"Shove off Damon-"Iris snapped.
Before Damon could retort Stefan slapped him upside the head. The vampires all tensed as Riddle's laughter rang throughout the empty cavern. "Do you feel brave Iris Potter? Do you feel safe now?" he asked.
Klaus growled she was much braver than he, he thought. He was glad that little Iris didn't rise to the bait instead the twelve year of old just stared resolutely ahead.
"To business than Iris." Said Riddle smiling broadly,
"He'd be even more handsome if he wasn't some psycho." Caroline commented, the others just opted to ignore the blond vampire.
"-Twice in your past, in my future-we have met. And twice I failed to kill you. How did you survive-"
"Don't tell him" Jeremy cried.
"My god-"Iris exclaimed "This already happened." She shook her head; damn they were really getting into this.
Iris saw her past self-glaring up at Tom Riddle; he obviously just reminded her that he had killed her parents.
"Tell me." Riddle commanded causing Kol to roll his eyes…this Voldemort was such a bratty little child. "The longer you talk the longer you stay alive." He added softly.
"Just keep talking…"Klaus muttered under his breath. His blue eyes darted between little Iris and Riddle, he could see the malice glinting in the male teenager's eyes.
Elijah noted the expression on little Iris's face, he recognised that look, she was weighing her options…he also noticed that Riddle's outline was becoming even more clearer…soon enough he'd be able to do more than just slap her.
"No one-"the little raven head said abruptly, Stefan and Damon inched forward as well as Alaric and Jeremy. "Knows why you lost your powers when you attacked me…I don't know myself. But I know why you couldn't kill me. Because my mother died to save me. My common Muggle born mother-"
"Really?" Rebekah hissed glaring at Iris "Pissing off the guy who wants to kill you?"
"What?" Iris huffed "The prick of the man started this." She crossed her arms across her chest. Iris saw her past-self shaking with supressed rage…merlin she knew she was going to let her mouth run away for her.
Alaric watched as little Iris spat with rage "She stopped you killing me. And I've seen the real you, I saw you last year. You're a wreck. You're barely alive. That's where all your powers got you. You're ugly. You're foul-"
"Oh shit, oh shit-"Jeremy muttered he was a bundle of nerves wondering how the hell Iris got out of this? He watched in disgust when Riddle's smiled his awful smile.
"So, your mother died to save you. Yes, that's a powerful counter charm, I can see now-there's nothing special about you-"
"On the contrary-"Klaus whispered into Iris's ear, "You're the epitome of specialness." Iris's lips twitched when he laid a small kiss on the shell of her ear.
Riddle was smug as he stared down at the small girl "-I wondered you see, because there are strange likeness between us-"Elijah had to grudgingly agree, there was some likeness between the two raven heads "-even you must noticed it. Both half-bloods, orphans raised by Muggles. Probably the only two Parselmouths to come to Hogwarts since the great Slytherin himself…it was merely a luck that saved you…you know when I do return-"he took another step forward, instinctively little Iris took a step back. "I think we could make quiet a team-"
"Then you're wrong." Little Iris scowled. "I will never join you."
"This creep is insane-"Jeremy muttered, did Riddle actually think that Iris would be willing to join the man who murdered her parents.
He didn't like the scowl that appeared on the taller male's face.
"Very well then. Now Iris going to teach you a little lesson-"Riddle declared, present Iris winced when she found herself being squashed in between Klaus and Elijah "let's match the heir of Salazar Slytherin and the power of Lord Voldemort against the famous Iris Potter, and the best weapons Dumbledore can give her" he said, she watched as he approached a fountain where there was a stoned statue of a giant snake "Great heir of Slytherin speak to me"
"Holy fuck, holy fuck-"Alaric breathed heavily, he looked like he was hyperventilating.
"Holy fuck doesn't cover it-"Jeremy yelped and took several steps back along with the rest of the group seeing the giant statue moving.
Klaus didn't miss the way little Iris paled seeing the statue's mouth opened; she clenched her eyes shut as she heard the sound of something heavy slithering towards her.
"This is not good." Kol muttered, wondering how on earth Iris was going to fight. All she had was a bloody hat and a bird that flew away. Rebekah saw the flash of fear passing across little Iris's face, she snarled under her breath wishing she had been there to protect her. The poor girl's knees shook.
"I wish I had a camera-"Damon said in awe seeing the statue's mouth opening wider and wider and hissed. The group were able to understand what Riddle was saying.
"Oh crap-"Caroline breathed and clutched on to Kol's arm when they saw something stirring in the darkness, she was even more frightened when she saw that little Iris was forced to keep her eyes closed and back up against the wall.
"Move Iris-"Stefan cursed and they all watched wide eye as the large snake slithered out from within the depths of the statue's mouth.
Rebekah clutched onto Damon's arm when they saw the mammoth of the snake uncoiling itself, the ground shook as the creature hit it
"Shit-"Alaric breathed holding onto Jeremy…the hunter looked as if he could pass out any second.
"Kill her" Riddle hissed in Paseltongue.
"Fuck—"
"Can't breath-"Iris wheezed feeling as if all the air in her lungs were being squeezed out of her, both Elijah and Klaus loosened up their grips by the tiniest fraction. The Originals were all thinking the same thing thank god that Riddle was dead now, otherwise they wouldn't waste any time and tear the wizard limb from limb.
"No-"Caroline whimpered forcing Kol to clutch on tighter to her, when they saw the scale ridden Basikils moving swiftly towards little Iris, she ran blindly sideways, her hands were outstretched, she was feeling her way.
"Fucking asshole-"Damon growled when Riddle laughed cruelly. Their breath hitched when they saw little Iris trip and fall hard onto the stone wall, Klaus winced when she slammed her face against the floor, and could see the dribble of blood coming from her mouth.
"No get up, get up-"Jeremy urged little Iris, they all felt as if the scene before them was going in slow motion as the Basikils descended upon the little girl.
They heard a loud explosive spitting sound coming from the King of the Serpents. "Shit-"Alaric gasped and they all cringed when they saw the snake swing it's heavy tail and hit little Iris sending her crashing across the Chamber.
"You're ok, you're ok-"Klaus muttered breathing in Iris's scent, the raven head decided to let the group have at it and not bother saying that this was already happening. She saw her former self kneeling; her ribs had killed her for the next couple of hours after this incident. Little Iris was covered in dust and dirt,
"He had to take her wand-"Stefan muttered as once again the snake loomed over the little girl, they all gaped in shock when they saw the large fangs…
"Oh shit…best bird ever-"Damon declared witnessing Fawkes soaring overhead and attacking the giant snake,
"Oh…damn-"Elena breathed seeing little Iris peering through her thick lashes, they all tensed when the serpent swayed dangerously above little Iris.
"Smartest snake ever-"Iris countered, Elijah whole heartedly agreed the wonderful little Phoenix had managed to blind the serpent ultimately giving Iris some of the advantage, at least she wouldn't be hindered too much.
"NO-"Riddle roared causing them all to look at the enraged teenager. "Your bird may have blinded the Basilisk…but it can still smell you. And hear you"
"I'll be damned." Alaric muttered, he and the others were relieved when they saw little Iris staggering on her feet, Fawkes flew off…at the moment none of Iris's companions cared.
"Oh…Run-"Kol hissed seeing the Basikils freezing at the sound of little Iris's feet hitting the sopping wet ground.
"Run-"Klaus shouted as the snake lunged at little Iris, "Come on-"the small witch sprinted down a soaking wet pathway, they ran after her. They entered a tunnel just as the snake smashed into ground.
The group easily kept up with little Iris as she raced down the dark tunnel. Elijah was tensed hearing her shoes echoing against the floor. The creature would easily find her. Klaus had a death grip on Iris's hand…no way in hell was he going to let her go.
The twelve year old rounded at the bend, and Jeremy swore when they came to a dead end. They all stood to the side, and Rebekah's breathing hitched seeing the giant snake sliding towards little Iris, despite being blinded the creature was still deadly.
Klaus saw the terrified look on Iris's pale, bloodied and dirtied face. Damon licked his lips the vampire didn't even realise that he was holding onto the female Original, they were all too focused on the scene in front of them.
"Do something…please." Caroline muttered and they all watched as little Iris laced her hand over her mouth to quieten her rapid breathing.
"I think I'm going to die-"Alaric muttered when the snake opened its mouth, they saw past Iris slowly bending down and picking up a rock. Klaus swallowed as the twelve year old threw the rock causing a distraction and it worked. The snake slid away…causing everyone par Iris to sag in relief.
The group found themselves where they started, they were back with Riddle, Ginny and now a blood covered Iris.
"She doesn't look so good." Damon muttered seeing a barely breathing Ginny. Little Iris fell to her knees beside the red head.
"The process is nearly complete Potter." Riddle smirked; Klaus had the urge to tear the puny wizard's throat out. "In a few minutes Ginny Weasley will be dead and I will seize to be a memory, Lord Voldemort will return very much alive-"
"Fucking hell he never stops talking does he." Stefan scowled. They all gasped and little Iris spun around when the Basikils emerged from the tunnel, snarling and hissing as it did so.
"Do something-"Rebekah uttered getting more and more anxious, they watched as little Iris stumbled on to her feet she took more than a few steps back.
"Help me…someone help me-"Klaus felt his heart clench hearing little Iris whispering frantically. Caroline gasped when the twelve year old tripped over…the hat. "This is getting even more wow-"Jeremy gaped at the sight of a sword appearing within the Sorting Hat's depth,
"Dodge-"Damon shouted as the snake flung its tail out, little Iris ducked and she gasped when its forked tongue lashed out. Klaus pressed his lips together; he unconsciously rubbed her side seeing that.
"You are a resilient little thing." Elijah muttered as little Iris carried on running. They watched as the small raven head dodged and ducked as the snake lunged at her. She raced towards the statue and leapt onto it.
"At least don't fall-"Caroline gasped when little Iris slipped but she kept climbing.
"Where the hell are the teachers?" Klaus fumed surely they would have noticed that two of their numbers were missing as well as Lockhart.
The group watched as little Iris wield the sword, Jeremy cringed when the snake lunged itself towards Iris, she dived towards the side, shards of rocks tumbled onto the floor, further covering the twelve year old in dust. Kol noted that she was an agile little thing as she managed to get to the top of the statue, so she was now face to face with the massive serpent.
"You need to find a kink in the armour." Elijah muttered seeing that none of little Iris's jibes were doing any damage.
"No-"Rebekah dug her nails into Damon's hand when the serpent knocked the small witch over forcing her onto her back.
"The sword-"Alaric cried out, seeing Iris's only weapon slipping away, but was pleased when she just managed to catch it. She scrambled onto her feet as the Basilisk lunged again but this time little Iris met it halfway.
"Whoa-"Elijah was impressed when she managed to pierce the snake through the roof of its mouth. Klaus narrowed his eyes when he saw a flash of pain cross little Iris's face, present Iris itched her arm where the fang had impaled her….there was a faint scar.
Little Iris wrenched the sword and cried out. The basilisk collapsed on the stone floor causing the whole Chamber to shake. Rebekah gasped when she saw the large fang protruding from Iris's upper arm-Klaus grabbed Iris's hand and shoved the sleeve of her top up.
"Klaus-"Iris yelped. But the hybrid ignored her and true enough there was a scar…how the hell could he not have noticed that before? He thought.
Iris groaned realising that the hybrid was going to go into over-protective mode when they got out of here.
"Shit…that was epic though-"Damon muttered and watched as little Iris staggered and slipped as she climbed down the side of the statue. "What-"
"Basilisk fangs are venomous-"Elijah was the one to answer the others unasked question. They saw little Iris clutching onto her blood covered arm and she fell onto her knees beside Ginny. The red head was still clutching onto the dairy.
"God Iris…you don't look good-"Jeremy muttered seeing pale and clammy looking twelve year old. He saw her slowly looking up as Riddle waltzed over to her, his shoes echoing against the walls.
"And now there is a bird…not even that weird anymore." Alaric muttered seeing Fawkes landing beside Iris.
"Fawkes…"little Iris whispered "You were brilliant-"they saw the beautiful bird laying its head where the gushing wound on Iris's arm was.
None of them missed the way Iris's eyes were glazed over, she was fading fast. "You're dead Iris Potter." Riddle declared causing Klaus's hackles to rise. "Dead, even Dumbledore's bird knows it…do you see what it's doing Potter-"Kol blinked "it's crying-"Elijah and the other Originals smirked causing the rest of the group to look at them in confusion.
"What-"Stefan frowned.
"Such a fool." Elijah tutted, this was going to be Riddle's downfall…himself. He witnessed large pearly white tears coming from the bird's eyes.
"She looks like she's going to collapse any second-"Caroline muttered seeing the paleness of Iris's face.
"So ends the famous Iris Potter-"Riddle stood above little Iris. "Alone in the Chamber of Secrets-"
"Oh god here comes another speech." Damon grumbled, this guy has major issues.
"-forsaken by her friends defeated at last by the Dark Lord she so unwisely challenged. You'll be back with your dear Mudblood mother soon, Iris…she bought you twelve years of borrowed time….but Lord Voldemort got you in the end…as you knew he must-"
"Such a douche." Alaric snorted "Even Damon doesn't refer to himself in third person." The raven head vampire shot him a glare.
"Whoa-"Elena gasped seeing the wound on little Iris's arm beginning to heal. Riddle didn't miss it as well.
"Go away bird-"he shooed the lovely creature away, he snarled seeing the small faint scar left behind. "Phoenix tears…of course.-"The bird flew off. Riddle peered down at her face "No matter, it makes no difference-"the group stiffened when he raised Iris's wand "I prefer it this way-"there was a rush of wings, Damon snickered when Iris was hit in the head by the bird, what laid before the twelve year old was Riddle's dairy.
"Damn-"Stefan could feel the tension in the air, there was a split second where Riddle and little Iris just stared at each other, then without another second wasted they saw little Iris raising the Basilisk's fang and plunged it straight into the heart of the book. The vampires hissed and grimaced hearing the high pitched shrieking that came from Riddle.
Klaus watched on in satisfaction as Riddle writhed and twisted and let put shrieks after shrieks, the dairy spluttered ink staining little Iris's face…and then he was gone.
"Whoa-"Damon breathed…"That was awesome."
Iris snorted and shook her head; she could still feel how tense Klaus was behind her.
"She's awake…finally." Kol muttered as Ginny came back to the world of the living, she was pale and shaking all over. The red head let out a small moan.
"You do make a scary picture-"Jeremy commented seeing Ginny gaping at the blood soaked robes that little Iris adorned.
"Iris oh Iris-I tried to tell you at breakfast-"Ginny spluttered, present Iris frowned she was glad that Ginny now had fully recovered from her ordeal…it took her time to get back to normal…but she eventually did. "It was me Iris-"
"You're late-"
"Shut up Damon-"Rebekah snapped.
"-but I didn't mean to-R-Riddle made me…the-"
"It's all right Ginny-"little Iris cut her off. Causing Kol to relax he didn't want to listen to the eleven year old blubbering. "Riddle's finished. Him and the Basilisk-"
"Quite a feat for a twelve year old-"Elijah praised her causing a smile to appear on Iris's face. "But completely reckless as well-"
"Ease up brother…it was a sight to behold." Rebekah defended the raven head; they watched as little Iris helped Ginny onto her unsteady feet. And trailed after the pair of girls as they re-entered the tunnels,
"Finally-"Damon muttered hearing the sound of the rocks being shift.
"Ron-"little Iris yelled grabbing Ginny's hand forcing her to go faster. "Ginny's ok, I've got her!"
They heard Ron give a strangle cheer and they turned at the next bend and spotted Ron's eager face, he had made a sizable gap through the rubble.
"Ginny-"Ron exclaimed thrusting his arm through and he pulled his sister first. "I don't believe it what happened?"
"That's such a long story-"Klaus muttered to Iris, causing her to smile. "Here we go-"he exclaimed. The scene changed so now the group were behind the quartet of dirt covered people.
They were outside McGonagall's office door. Little Iris knocked on the door and pushed it open.
AN: Another finally chap done. So this is the one you guys have been waiting for...so I combined the book and the movie for this part. We see Iris's and Riddle's confrontation. Along with a lot of comments from the group...Damon is found to be disturbed...Alaric nearly faints...and Klaus is annoyed.
Next Chap-Dobby's Reward. And some bonding time for the group, along with Klaus and Iris time.
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