For months I have been contemplating to write a sequel to my first Harry Potter fic entitled Loving You is a Losing Game. So, defintely give that a read before you read this fic.

This story is taking place during year 6 so Tom's officially going to be transitioning into Lord Voldemort because this is the year when he discovers what horcruxes are and the fact that he murders his dad and his family.

Maybe there will be some type of redemption. I'm not sure as of yet since this is just the first chapter.

Happy reading and review

Disclaimer: Harry Potter is owned by J.K. Rowling

Fragments of Love

Chapter 1: Shadows of the Past

The somber atmosphere hung heavy in the air as Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry gathered to bid farewell to one of its own. Myrtle Warren, the ghostly quiet girl from Ravenclaw had died in the bathroom, had met a tragic demise, and her funeral drew students, teachers, and staff together to pay their respects.

Among the mourners, a Hufflepuff student Kavya Singh stood quietly, her gaze fixed on the grieving parents. She felt a pang of sorrow for Myrtle, a fellow student whose life had been cut short in a mysterious and haunting manner. As she contemplated the fragile nature of existence, Kavya noticed a commotion nearby. Myrtle was one of her dear friends. With everything that happened this year including her parents' death, this was the worst year in Hogwarts she ever had. As she contemplated the fragile nature of existence, Kavya noticed a commotion nearby.

The presence of Tom Riddle and his entourage had not gone unnoticed. The headmaster's gaze lingered on the enigmatic Slytherin, a mix of caution and intrigue in his eyes. It was no secret that Tom possessed a charisma that drew others to him, but Dippet, like Kavya, sensed a growing intensity within him that demanded attention.

Tom accompanied by his Slytherin companions, watched Kavya from a distance. His eyes held a mix of guilt and longing, but Kavya quickly looked away, unwilling to acknowledge him.

A Hufflepuff student beside Kavya stood by her side, offering comfort amid the sorrowful scene.

"This is so tragic, Kavya. Myrtle didn't deserve this fate." She whispered.

Nodding in agreement, Kavya replied, "No, she didn't. It's hard to believe she's gone."

Headmaster Dippet stood before the gathered students and staff; his voice solemn as he began to speak.

"Today, we gather here to honor the memory of Myrtle Warren, a beloved member of our school community," he said, his tone filled with sorrow. "Myrtle was a very quiet girl, however, she warranted a great sense of curiosity, and her unwavering dedication to her studies."

He paused for a moment, allowing the weight of Myrtle's absence to settle in.

"Though her life was cut short in tragic circumstances, let us remember her for the joy she brought to our halls and the friendships she forged," Headmaster Dippet continued. "May we find solace in the knowledge that her spirit will forever be a part of Hogwarts."

The students listened attentively; their hearts heavy with grief as they reflected on the loss of their fellow student.

As Dippet's speech came to an end, Kavya stepped back, glancing once more at Tom and his entourage. She felt a mix of nostalgia and wariness, aware that their relationship had changed, and the path ahead was uncertain. The echoes of their past friendship mingled with the foreboding presence of Tom's newfound power, setting the stage for the complexities and challenges that awaited them.

Kavya left the Great Hall and headed towards the Girl's bathroom on the first floor where Myrtle was murdered. Her friend's blood was still on the floor. She still couldn't fathom how Hagrid's pet spider was responsible for the murder of her good friend. She knew Hagrid wasn't a killer. She had a few encounters with the friendly giant, and she knew he wasn't the type of person to hurt someone. Kavya was trying to process everything that had occurred. It didn't add up at all.

Suddenly, a soft voice broke the silence. It was Mrs. Warren, Myrtle's mother, her eyes red and puffy from tears.

"Oh, Kavya," she said, her voice trembling with emotion. "Thank you for being here today. Myrtle always spoke so highly of you."

Kavya's heart ached as she approached Mrs. Warren, offering a sympathetic smile. "I'm so sorry for your loss. Myrtle was a dear friend, and her absence will be deeply felt."

Mr. Warren stood beside his wife; his face etched with grief. He reached out and took Kavya's hand, his voice heavy with sorrow.

Mrs. Warren reached out and placed a comforting hand on Kavya's shoulder. "Myrtle often spoke about you, Kavya," she said, her voice quivering with grief. "She cherished your friendship. You brought light into her life amidst the darkness of this place."

Kavya's voice trembled as she spoke. "Myrtle meant a lot to me too. We shared secrets, dreams, and laughter. She was always there for me, and I tried my best to be there for her too."

Mr. Warren's voice cracked with emotion as he added, "Myrtle was a kind soul. We're grateful she had a friend like you, Kavya. It brings us some comfort to know she had someone she could confide in and share her joys and sorrows with."

Kavya's eyes filled with tears, and she found it difficult to speak. She knew she had been a source of solace and companionship for Myrtle, but now, faced with her parents' grief, the weight of her loss felt even heavier.

"I wish I could have done more," Kavya whispered, her voice choked with emotion. "I wish I could have protected her."

Mrs. Warren gently squeezed Kavya's shoulder. "You were a true friend to Myrtle, Kavya. You provided her with comfort and friendship when she needed it most. Don't burden yourself with what-ifs. Our daughter knew she was loved and cared for because of you."

Kavya tried to find solace in Mrs. Warren's words, but the guilt and sorrow remained. She couldn't shake the feeling that she should have done more to prevent Myrtle's tragic fate.

As the conversation ended, Kavya's heart ached with a mixture of grief, guilt, and determination. She vowed to honor Myrtle's memory by seeking the truth and justice she deserved.

With a heavy sigh, Mrs. Warren wiped away her tears and turned to her husband. "We should be going. It's time to say our final goodbyes to our dear Myrtle."

Mr. Warren nodded; his eyes filled with sorrow. "Yes, Elizabeth. Let's give her the farewell she deserves."

As Myrtle's parents slowly made their way out of the girl's bathroom, Kavya's gaze wandered to a figure lingering nearby. It was Tom, his expression inscrutable as he observed the scene. His presence sent a chill down Kavya's spine, reminding her of the complicated history they shared.

Their eyes locked for a brief moment, and Kavya could sense a storm of emotions brewing within Tom. She couldn't help but wonder what he was thinking, what secrets he held, and how much he knew about Myrtle's tragic demise.

In that fleeting moment, Kavya felt a mix of anger, confusion, and lingering affection. Her heart yearned for answers, but she knew better than to trust the enigmatic boy who had become both a source of fascination and apprehension.

Tom's gaze shifted away, and he turned to leave, disappearing down the corridor. Kavya's mind buzzed with questions, but she pushed them aside for now.

Torn between curiosity and caution, Kavya approached Tom cautiously. "Tom," she called out softly, her voice laced with a mix of uncertainty and longing.

Tom turned his head, his piercing gaze meeting hers once again. There was a flicker of surprise in his eyes, as if he hadn't expected her to address him. "Kavya," he replied, his voice measured and controlled.

There was a heavy silence between them, filled with unspoken words and unresolved emotions. Kavya took a deep breath, gathering her courage to confront him. "Did you... Did you know what happened to Myrtle? Do you know who is responsible for her death?"

Tom's expression remained impassive, but there was a hint of something, a flicker of unease in his eyes. "I know as much as anyone else," he replied cryptically. "Myrtle's death is a tragedy, but I have no information beyond what has been shared with the school."

"I want to understand, Tom," Kavya continued, her voice filled with a mixture of vulnerability and determination. "I want to know what you know about what happened to Myrtle. There are so many unanswered questions, and I can't shake this feeling that there's more to the story than what we've been told."

A flicker of emotion crossed Tom's face, barely noticeable to anyone but Kavya. She could sense the conflict within him, the weight of his own secrets.

"You think I have answers?" Tom replied, his voice laced with a hint of bitterness. "Why should I tell you anything?"

Kavya took a step closer, her gaze unwavering. "Because we were once close, Tom. We shared something meaningful, and I believe that deep down, you still care about what happens here. Myrtle deserves justice, and we can help uncover the truth."

Tom's eyes hardened, and for a moment, Kavya feared she had pushed too far. But then, a flicker of something else appeared in his expression—a trace of vulnerability, a hint of regret.

"You don't understand, Kavya," he said, his voice barely above a whisper. "There are things... things you're better off not knowing."

Kavya reached out, her hand trembling slightly as she touched his arm. "I can handle the truth, Tom," she whispered, her voice filled with determination.

'No, you couldn't.' His thoughts spoke and brushed her hand away from his arm. Just for a moment he almost felt bad for what he had done. But he had set his path on a new journey, to be something that no one else could accomplish.

Tom's gaze hardened, and for a moment, Kavya caught a glimpse of a different side to him. "You think you know me, Kavya, but there are depths to me that you can't fathom," he said, his voice low and tinged with a hint of warning. "Don't get tangled in matters that don't concern you."

The weight of his words hung heavy in the air, casting a shadow over their conversation. Kavya felt a surge of frustration, the urge to push for answers conflicting with the knowledge that Tom was not one to easily reveal his secrets.

"I won't stand idly by, Tom," she said firmly, her voice laced with determination. "Myrtle's death deserves justice, and I won't rest until I uncover the truth. Whether you choose to stand with me or against me, that's up to you."

There was a flicker of something in Tom's eyes, a mixture of surprise and perhaps admiration, before his mask of indifference returned. "Suit yourself, Kavya," he replied coolly, his tone tinged with a hint of challenge. "But be careful what you seek. Some truths are best left buried."

With those cryptic words, Tom turned on his heels and walked away, leaving Kavya standing there, a mix of frustration and determination burning within her. She knew that the path she had chosen would be fraught with obstacles and secrets, but she was determined to uncover the truth, no matter the cost.

Kavya sat on the edge of her bed, surrounded by a pile of clothes and personal belongings. Her heart felt heavy with a mixture of grief and uncertainty as she prepared to leave Hogwarts for the holidays. It was a time when students typically returned to the warmth and comfort of their homes, but for Kavya, there was no home to go back to.

As she folded a tattered photograph of her parents and placed it gently into her suitcase, a wave of sadness washed over her. Her parents, the pillars of her life, were gone, their presence forever missing from her world. The empty feeling in her chest seemed to deepen with every passing moment.

Her loyal corgi dog, Cinnamon sat beside her. Some of her housemates had given him plenty of treats for the train ride.

Just as the weight of her loneliness threatened to overwhelm her, an owl tapped at her window, bringing her attention back to the present. She wiped away a stray tear and hurriedly let the owl in, recognizing it as a messenger owl from Hogwarts.

With trembling hands, Kavya untied the letter from the owl's leg and opened it. The familiar handwriting of her aunt and uncle greeted her, and she read their words with a mix of surprise and relief.

Dear Kavya,

We hope this letter finds you well. Your aunt and I have been following the news of your parents' tragic passing, and we want you to know that our home is open to you. We understand that this is a difficult time for you, and we want to offer you a place of warmth and love during the holiday season.

We know it won't replace the love and care your parents provided, but we will do our best to make you feel welcome and supported.

Please let us know if you would like to accept our invitation. We eagerly await your response and look forward to seeing you soon.

With love

Your Aunt and Uncle

Tears welled up in Kavya's eyes as she read the heartfelt words. During her grief and uncertainty, her aunt and uncle were extending a lifeline, offering her a place to call home during this difficult time. It was a ray of light in the darkness, a reminder that she was not alone.

A surge of gratitude filled her heart, and she wiped away her tears, a small smile gracing her lips. She folded the letter and placed it carefully in her pocket, knowing that a new chapter was about to begin.

She patted Cinnamon's small head and then said, "We have a place to live." She told him.

The corgi just wagged its tail in approval munching while munching on a treat.

With renewed hope and a sense of purpose, Kavya started packing her belongings. She would leave Hogwarts for the holiday break, not as a student without a home, but as someone who had found a new family, a new place to belong.

Tom sat alone in his room in the Slytherin common room, staring at the open diary lying on his bed. The pages were blank, but he knew the secrets that resided within its enchanted pages. It was a gift from Kavya, a token of their past connection, a reminder of the affection they once shared.

As he reached out to touch the diary, conflicting emotions surged through him. Part of him wanted to hold onto it, to keep it as a keepsake of their time together. But another part of him felt a strange unease, a sense that this innocent-looking diary held a power he couldn't fully comprehend.

He had been using the diary as a place to confide his innermost thoughts and feelings, unaware of the dark force that lurked within its enchanted ink. It had been a solace, a way to express the parts of himself he couldn't share with anyone else. But now, as he prepared to return to Wool's Orphanage for the holidays, he wondered if it was wise to keep it with him.

His eyes wandered around the room, the familiar surroundings that held both comfort and confinement. Tom knew he would never truly feel at home here, among the orphans and the shadows of his past. Hogwarts had offered him a taste of something greater, a glimpse of power and knowledge that he yearned to possess.

But his ambitions clashed with the reality of his circumstances. He was just a boy, an orphan with no name, no family, and no future beyond the walls of the orphanage. The diary seemed to taunt him with its promises of power and control, a temptation he couldn't easily resist.

As Tom's fingers hovered above the diary, a soft hissing sound echoed in the room. He turned his head and found Nagini, his faithful companion, coiled near his feet. Her slit eyes stared up at him, as if aware of the inner conflict that consumed him.

"You sense it too, don't you, Nagini?" Tom whispered in parstletongue, his voice laced with a mix of curiosity and uncertainty. He knelt and reached out to stroke her scaly head, finding solace in her presence.

Yet, as he considered the path he had walked, the choices he had made, he couldn't help but feel a pang of remorse. Kavya's face flashed in his mind, the warmth of her smile, the kindness she had shown him. He had pushed her away, severed the bond they once shared, all in pursuit of his own desires.

Nagini's eyes narrowed; her gaze fixed on Tom. It was as if she understood the weight of his words, the gravity of the choices he faced. He continued, his voice barely above a whisper.

"I have always believed in my ability to control the forces that others fear," he said, his voice tinged with a mixture of determination and doubt.

He picked up the diary, his fingers tracing the worn edges. It held the key to his darkest secrets, his true nature. It was a part of him, a reflection of the darkness that lingered within his soul. And as he looked at it, a realization dawned on him - he couldn't escape who he truly was.

Nagini uncoiled herself and slithered closer, her presence offering him a sense of comfort. Tom gazed into her eyes, searching for guidance. "What should I do, Nagini? Should I embrace this darkness or cast it aside?"

The snake, wise in her own way, nudged against his leg, as if urging him to trust his instincts. Tom took a moment to reflect, the weight of his choices heavy upon him. He knew that he craved power and knowledge, but he also knew the importance of maintaining control.

With a heavy sigh, Tom placed the diary in his trunk, alongside his few belongings. He knew that returning to Wool's Orphanage would only further fuel his hunger for power and control. It was a place where he could manipulate, deceive, and rise above the rest.

But deep down, he couldn't shake the feeling that something had changed. The connection he had once felt with Kavya, the flicker of humanity within him, seemed distant now. As he closed the trunk, he made a silent vow to himself - to embrace the darkness, to let it consume him, and to forge his own path, regardless of the consequences.

Little did he know that the diary, with its dark enchantment, would become his most treasured possession, a vessel for his true self. And little did he know that it would lead him down a path of darkness and destruction, intertwining his fate with the very essence of evil itself. He knew that the choices he made in that moment would shape not only his destiny but also the fate of the wizarding world.

This chapter officially ends year 5 and summer will now begin. Hope you all enjoyed the first chapter to the new story and I will do my best to continue.

Review.