Apologies for the late update. I've been busy this entire week. I didn't have the time to update on my normal schedule. It happens, life gets in the way of updating.
So, this chapter and the next kind of reflects on the consequences of what the blood pact does. In my honest opinion, I feel like each blood pact is different depending on what the couple promised one another. In Grindelwald's and Dumbledore's case they promised not to fight one another. In Tom's and Kavya's case they promised to be together despite what happens.
Happy reading.
Chapter 10: Ties that Bind Part 1
It had been a few weeks since Tom and Kavya sealed their blood pact, their connection growing stronger with each passing day. They had become an official couple, a fact known to their closest friends and the few who could sense the subtle shifts in their dynamics. Hogwarts, however, had its way of spreading news, and the whispers were beginning to reach even the far corners of the castle.
In the dimly lit Slytherin common room, a small group of students huddled together, their voices lowered in a conspiratorial tone. Among them was Adrian, one of Tom's closest friends, who observed the discussion with a furrowed brow.
"Have you seen him lately?" one Slytherin girl asked, her eyes narrowing.
Avery nodded, his expression guarded. "He's been… different."
"Ever since he started hanging out with that Hufflepuff," another student chimed in, the distaste evident in his voice.
There was a collective murmur of agreement among the group. Tom Riddle, the heir to Slytherin, becoming involved with a Hufflepuff was a source of irritation for some within their house. It was a deviation from the norm, a break from the expectations they had of their charismatic and ambitious classmate.
Avery, however, chose his words carefully, defending his friend, yet acknowledging the peculiarity of the situation. "He's still the same Tom we know. Just... happier, I guess."
The Slytherins exchanged skeptical glances, unwilling to accept this explanation. Tom's relationship with Kavya had disrupted the established hierarchy within Slytherin House, and not everyone was pleased with the change.
Meanwhile, in the Great Hall, Kavya found herself navigating a different set of challenges. Her fellow Hufflepuffs, while mostly supportive, couldn't help but gossip about her newfound romance. She had become the subject of curiosity and sometimes envy within her own house.
As she entered, her friend Amara couldn't contain her excitement. "Kavya, tell me everything! What's it like dating him!?" She was eager to know.
"Let her sit down first, Amara." Myra chimed in.
"But I want to know what it's like dating a Slytherin boy like Tom!" Amara was intrigued.
Kavya chuckled, taking a seat beside her friend. "It's… different. Tom has many layers, and I'm still figuring him out."
Amara raised her eyebrow playfully. "And how do you deal with the Slytherins who aren't exactly thrilled about this?"
Kavya's smile faded, replaced by a hint of concern. "I try not to let it bother me. Tom and I have something special, and that's what matters."
Unbeknownst to Kavya across the hall, Tom had been dealing with his own share of adversity. The Slytherin students were all whispering to each other. Tom watched silently. It angered him, seeing his housemates blatantly being disrespect to Kavya. To someone he cared about.
Myra nodded in agreement. "You're right, Kavya. Love is about the connection between two people, not what others think."
Amara leaned in and asked softly, "Kavya, have you noticed the way some of the Slytherins look at you and Tom?"
Kavya's smile faded, as she took a quick glance at the Slytherin table. Her expression was replaced by a hint of concern. "Yes, I've sensed it too. But I try not to let it bother me. Tom and I have something special, and that's what matters."
Myra nodded in agreement. "You're absolutely right, Kavya. Love is about the bond between two people, not the opinions of others."
Unbeknownst to Kavya, Tom had overheard snippets of conversations among his Slytherin housemates regarding his relationship with Kavya. It irked him, the way they dared to speak about him and his personal life behind his back.
That evening, during a heated debate in the Slytherin common room, Tom's patience reached its limit. He stood up abruptly, his voice commanding attention. "Enough of this nonsense!"
His Slytherin housemates turned to him in surprise, some guiltily trying to conceal their hushed conversations.
"You're the heir of Slytherin, surely you can find someone better than some Hufflepuff. You deserve the best." A slytherin girl told him.
Tom's eyes flashed with a fierce intensity. "I will not tolerate anyone speaking ill of Kavya or our relationship. She means more to me than any of you can comprehend, and I won't hesitate to take action if these baseless rumors persist."
The room fell into a tense silence as Tom's words hung in the air. He wasn't one to make idle threats, and his housemates understood the seriousness of his tone. Tom's assertiveness sent a clear message—Kavya was off-limits for gossip and judgment.
While the whispers and sidelong glances didn't vanish entirely, Tom's stern warning served as a deterrent. He was willing to protect their relationship at any cost.
After the confrontation in the common room, Tom retreated to the solace of his private quarters. The soft glow of candlelight danced across the walls, casting a calming ambiance. He sat at his desk, his fingers tracing idle patterns on the polished wood.
Nagini, ever watchful and perceptive, slithered over to him, her scales cool against his hand. He looked into her intelligent eyes, finding a sense of comfort in her silent presence. With Nagini, he could be unguarded, share his thoughts without fear of judgment.
"They talk as if they understand, Nagini," Tom mused, his voice barely above a whisper. "They think they know what's best for me. But they don't see what I see in her, the strength and kindness that sets her apart."
Nagini regarded him with an unblinking stare, a silent acknowledgment of his words. She had witnessed the evolution of their relationship, from cautious friendship to something deeper and more profound. She had seen the vulnerability in Tom that he showed to no one else.
"I won't let them tarnish what we have, Nagini," Tom declared, his tone resolute. "Kavya is... she's everything to me."
Nagini's presence seemed to offer a form of reassurance, a reminder that he wasn't entirely alone in this turbulent journey.
Tom sat on his bed. He was seemingly a little anxious. He wanted to see Kavya.
His thoughts lingered on Kavya as he sat on the edge of his bed, his fingers absently tracing the blood pact necklace that hung around his neck. He couldn't deny the deep connection they shared, one that had grown stronger with each passing day. It was a connection that both enthralled and terrified him, for it defied the solitude he had embraced for so long.
Nagini, his ever-faithful companion, slithered closer, her eyes glinting with an almost knowing look. She coiled herself around his wrist, a silent gesture of support. Tom found solace in her presence; she was the one being he could confide in without reservation.
"I wish to see her," he murmured to Nagini, as if sharing his thoughts with the serpent could bring him closer to a solution. "But this path I've chosen... it's fraught with danger. I can't afford to expose her to the risks that come with it."
Nagini flicked her tongue in a reassuring manner, her silent communication a testament to their bond. Tom knew she understood his dilemma, for it was one they both shared.
As Tom made his way through the corridors of Hogwarts, his mind continued to wrestle with conflicting emotions. He knew that the choices he made would have far-reaching consequences, not just for him, but for Kavya as well. He couldn't shake the feeling that their fates were intricately intertwined, bound by something far greater than either of them could fully comprehend.
He finally spotted Kavya in the courtyard, her presence like a beacon in the fading light of day. Her eyes brightened when she saw him, and a smile tugged at the corners of her lips.
"Tom," she greeted, a warmth in her voice that eased some of the tension in his chest.
"Kavya," he replied, his own smile mirroring hers. He stepped closer, unable to resist the magnetic pull she seemed to have on him. "I was hoping I might find you here."
Kavya tilted her head curiously. "Is everything alright?"
Tom hesitated, searching for the right words. "I... I needed some air, some time away from the confines of the castle. Would you... would you care to join me for a walk?" He hoped she wouldn't sense the undercurrent of urgency in his request, the unspoken plea for a few moments of respite from the weight of their realities.
Kavya's eyes softened, and she nodded in understanding. "Of course, Tom. I could use some fresh air myself."
As they stepped out into the crisp evening air, a sense of calm settled over Tom. He knew that their time together was precious, a fleeting moment of solace before they would once again be thrust into the tumultuous currents of their lives.
They walked in companionable silence, the rustle of leaves beneath their feet the only sound to break the stillness. Tom stole glances at Kavya, captivated by the way the moonlight danced in her eyes, casting an ethereal glow around her and entered towards the door of the castle.
Tom and Kavya walked together through the dimly lit corridors of Hogwarts, their footsteps echoing softly in the silence. The castle held an air of mystery at night, its ancient walls steeped in history and secrets.
Tom couldn't shake the weight of the truth he had been carrying, and he knew he couldn't keep it from Kavya any longer. As they reached a secluded alcove, he turned to her, his eyes reflecting his inner turmoil.
"Kavya," he began, his voice low and earnest, "there are things about my past, about who I am, that I haven't told you. I want to, but I'm afraid of what it might mean."
Kavya regarded him with a mixture of curiosity and concern. "Tom, you can tell me anything. I won't judge you."
Tom's grip on her hand tightened, as if drawing strength from her words. "I appreciate your trust, Kavya. You see, I've been thinking about something important, something I need to change."
Kavya furrowed her brows, her gaze unwavering. "What is it, Tom?"
He hesitated for a moment, his eyes searching hers. "My name. I want to change my name."
Kavya blinked, clearly surprised by his revelation. "Change your name? Why?
Tom took a deep breath, the weight of his decision pressing on him. "My name, Tom Riddle, is too common, and it reminds me of a Muggle heritage I want nothing to do with. I want to choose my own path, my own identity. I don't want to be defined by a name tied to a past I'm trying to escape."
Kavya's eyes widened with surprise and curiosity. "What name will you choose then?" she asked, her voice filled with genuine interest.
Tom's lips curved into a calculating smile. "I haven't decided yet. But it will be a name that strikes fear into the hearts of those who hear it. A name that commands power and respect."
The torches that lined the dimly lit corridor flickered, casting shifting shadows on the stone walls as Tom and Kavya continued their conversation. His eyes bore into hers with an intensity that sent shivers down her spine, a glimpse of the determination and ambition that defined him.
Kavya couldn't help but be drawn in by his charisma, by the allure of a future where they could create their own legacy together. She placed a reassuring hand on his arm. She looked into his eyes; her voice soft but filled with sincerity. "Tom, I want you to know that I care about you for who you are. You're already remarkable to me."
Tom's gaze softened as he met Kavya's earnest expression. Her words resonated with him, touching a part of his heart that he had long kept hidden. He reached out, his fingers gently tracing her cheek. "Thank you, Kavya. Your belief in me means more than you can imagine."
Their connection deepened as Tom's fingers continued to trace her cheek, his touch igniting a spark of desire within them. Kavya's breath quickened, and she leaned in closer, her lips inches from his. The tension between them was palpable, a magnetic pull that neither could resist.
Tom's voice lowered to a husky whisper. "You're extraordinary, Kavya."
Without another word, he closed the gap between them, capturing her lips in a passionate kiss. Time seemed to stand still as they shared a moment of intimate connection, their hearts beating in sync. In that stolen breath of time, they found solace in each other's arms, forging a bond that transcended their uncertain futures.
As their lips met in a fervent embrace, the world around them faded into obscurity. The corridor's stone walls seemed to melt away, leaving only the two of them suspended in time. Tom's arms encircled Kavya, drawing her closer, their bodies pressed together with an urgency born of longing.
Their kiss was filled with an intoxicating blend of desire and tenderness, a silent confession of the emotions that had been simmering beneath the surface. Tom's fingers gently cradled the back of Kavya's neck, his touch sending shivers down her spine. She responded with equal fervor, her hands finding their way to his chest, feeling the steady rhythm of his heartbeat beneath her fingertips.
When their lips finally parted, they remained locked in a passionate gaze, breathless and overwhelmed by the intensity of their connection. Tom rested his forehead against Kavya's, his voice a soft murmur.
Tom's voice was a delicate whisper against her lips as he struggled to articulate the emotions churning within him. His mind, still fixated on the pursuit of immortality and the creation of Horcruxes, battled against the burgeoning feelings he had for Kavya.
"I…" he began, the words catching in his throat. For a moment, he considered bearing part of his soul, telling her how he felt, but the weight of his ambitions held him back.
Kavya's eyes searched his, her gaze unwavering. She sensed his inner turmoil, the conflict that tore at him. With a gentle smile, she caressed his cheek, understanding his unspoken struggle.
"Tom," she said softly, "it's alright. We have time."
Tom closed his eyes, a mixture of relief and frustration coursing through him. He appreciated Kavya's understanding and the patience she offered him. The world he sought to conquer, the power he desired, and the immortality he craved were all-consuming ambitions that had defined his life.
However, amid these pursuits, Kavya had become an unexpected and undeniable part of his existence. She was the one who could see through the layers of his complexity, the one who challenged his beliefs, and the one who offered him solace amid the chaos of his life.
With a deep breath, he opened his eyes and met Kavya's gaze once more. His voice was filled with a sense of longing and determination as he whispered, "Thank you, Kavya, for being patient with me."
Their foreheads remained pressed together, and for a moment, the world outside faded into insignificance. In the quiet intimacy of that moment, they held each other close, cherishing the connection that continued to deepen between them.
In the warmth of each other's presence, time seemed to stand still. The tumultuous world they inhabited, the secrets, and the uncertain futures all faded into the background. All that mattered was the profound bond they shared, a connection that had grown stronger with every passing day.
Kavya couldn't help but smile, her heart brimming with affection for the enigmatic boy who had entered her life and turned it upside down. "Tom," she murmured, her voice barely above a whisper, "we'll face whatever challenges come our way together."
His response was a tender kiss, a promise sealed with their lips, reaffirming their commitment to one another. As they held each other in the dimly lit corridor, the world outside continued to spin, but in their embrace, they found solace, strength, and a love that defied the darkness encroaching upon their lives.
With one final lingering kiss, Tom and Kavya reluctantly parted. Their fingers intertwined for a moment longer before they finally released each other.
"We'll see each other soon, Kavya." Tom said to her.
"I'll be waiting, Tom." Kavya remiled with an angelic smile.
Their hearts were heavy with longing, but they knew they had their own paths to tread, challenges to face, and secrets to keep.
Tom turned to head down the corridor, but he couldn't resist looking back one more time, his gaze meeting Kavya's with a promise of their future together.
"Tom, remember, we're in this together." Kavya told him. Her eyes lingered on him.
Tom nodded, a hint of determination in his eyes. "Together."
As they walked away in opposite directions, the memory of their shared moments lingered like a sweet melody in the air, a source of comfort and strength in the tumultuous world around them.
As Tom disappeared down the dimly lit corridor, Kavya couldn't help but feel a mix of emotions—excitement for their budding relationship, curiosity about the blood pact necklace, and uncertainty about what lay ahead. She took a deep breath, resolving to face whatever challenges awaited her with courage.
Kavya had found herself in the second-floor girls' bathroom, a place she hadn't visited since her first few years at Hogwarts. She had stopped coming in here since Myrtle had mysteriously died. Those memories still lingered. The way she found her cold lifeless body and she had died in her arms.
Kavya sighed deeply. She would have loved to tell her everything that was happening to her and her relationship with Tom.
As Kavya looked into the cracked and faded mirror, a soft, melancholic voice echoed through the bathroom.
"Hello there! Are you lost too?"
Kavya spun around, her heart skipping a beat as she saw the translucent figure of Myrtle hovering near one of the bathroom stalls.
"Myrtle?" Kavya's eyes filled with both surprise and nostalgia. "Is that really you?"
Myrtle's ghostly features formed a mischievous grin. "Who else would it be? It's been ages, Kavya!"
A bittersweet smile tugged at the corners of Kavya's lips as she approached her old friend. "I've missed you, Myrtle."
Myrtle's transparent form floated closer, and she regarded Kavya with a wistful expression. "I've missed you too, you know. It gets quite lonely haunting bathroom fixtures all day."
Kavya couldn't help but chuckle at Myrtle's comment, her heartwarming at the familiar banter. "I can imagine. So, how have you been?"
Myrtle sighed dramatically, her translucent form swaying slightly. "Oh, you know, the usual. Sulking, eavesdropping on students, and occasionally scaring them for fun."
Kavya couldn't help but smile at Myrtle's spirited response. "Sounds like you're keeping busy."
Myrtle's gaze turned thoughtful, and she drifted closer to Kavya. "Speaking of which, what brings you to my domain today? It's not often that someone comes to visit me."
Kavya's smile faded as she considered her answer. "I guess I just needed a moment alone, to clear my head. Things have been... complicated lately."
Myrtle's spectral eyes filled with understanding, and she floated even closer, as if offering comfort. "Complicated?"
Kavya took a deep breath, her eyes meeting Myrtle's with a mixture of vulnerability and determination. "It's about Tom," she began, her voice steady. "We're together now."
Myrtle's eyes widened in surprise, a delighted grin spreading across her ghostly features. "Oh, Kavya, that's wonderful news! I always knew you two would find your way back to each other."
Kavya couldn't help but chuckle at Myrtle's enthusiasm. "You think so?
Myrtle nodded emphatically. "Absolutely! Not that any boy has ever done that for me, but you and Tom are different."
Kavya felt a warmth spread through her chest, grateful for Myrtle's support and encouragement. "Thank you, Myrtle. Your words mean a lot to me."
Myrtle reached out to pat her back and Kavya felt a chill in the air around her. Her hand just went through Kavya. She almost felt sad that her friend could no longer touch her.
"Myrtle? You're alright here by yourself?" Kavya asked.
Myrtle's translucent form seemed to shimmer, and for a moment, her ghostly features held a touch of melancholy. "I've grown used to the solitude over the years, Kavya. It's not so bad, really. Besides, I have the company of the bathroom fixtures to keep me entertained."
Kavya couldn't help but feel a pang of sadness for her friend's eternal predicament. "Well, if you ever need someone to talk to, you know where to find me."
Myrtle's ethereal eyes brightened with appreciation. "I'll keep that in mind," She giggled. "And if you and Tom need a place to be alone. You're always welcome here. No one comes here because of me." She teased her friend with a sly wink.
Kavya chuckled at Myrtle's teasing. "I'll keep that in mind, Myrtle, though I think Tom and I can find our own space."
Myrtle's laughter echoed in the bathroom, filling it with an eerie yet comforting ambiance. "Alright, my dear. Just remember, I'm always here if you need advice, company, or simply a place to escape the chaos of Hogwarts."
With a final wave to her old friend, Kavya left the bathroom, feeling a renewed sense of purpose and the warmth of Myrtle's enduring friendship.
As Kavya made her way back to the Hufflepuff common room, the echoes of her footsteps seemed to reverberate through the empty corridor. The soft glow of the torches illuminated her path, casting flickering shadows on the stone walls.
Just as she turned a corner, the muted voices of Slytherin students reached her ears. It was a group of Slytherin girls. They stood in a small cluster, their whispers growing hushed as they spotted her approach. A sly grin crept across one of their faces, and he stepped forward, blocking her way.
"Well, well, if it isn't the Hufflepuff who's caught the eye of Tom Riddle." A sly Slytherin girl in the group taunted.
The others snickered, a chorus of low laughter that sent a shiver down Kavya's spine. She straightened her posture, refusing to let their taunts unsettle her.
"Tom and I have our own reasons for being together. It's none of your concern." Kavya retorted. All she wanted to do was return to her common room without any issues.
"Oh, but it is, isn't it? A Hufflepuff and a Slytherin? Quite the scandal, I'd say." Another Slytherin girl scoffed.
They continued their teasing, their words like venomous darts aimed at her. Yet, Kavya held her ground, her determination shining in her eyes. She would not let them undermine what she had with Tom.
"You can say what you want, but it won't change a thing. Tom and I understand each other in ways you wouldn't comprehend." Kavya replied defiantly.
The Slytherin girls exchanged glances, and one of them, with a malicious grin, reached out toward Kavya's neck, aiming to snatch the snake-shaped necklace. As her fingers closed around the pendant, a strange, almost magical resistance met her efforts.
"What in the world...?" The Slytherin girl gasped.
The necklace, bound by the blood pact, refused to come off. Anger flashed in their eyes as they tugged harder, the chain pulling taut against Kavya's neck. She gasped, feeling the pressure increase, the pendant pressing uncomfortably against her skin.
"Stop it! You're hurting me!" Kavya shouted. The chain was choking her.
But the Slytherin girls persisted, their desperation growing. They were determined to claim the necklace, as if it were a symbol of their house that shouldn't belong to anyone else. As the tension mounted, the necklace tightened, its grip on Kavya's throat becoming suffocating.
"Give it to us!" A third Slytherin girl shouted. "A Hufflepuff like you is undeserving of our house symbol!"
Kavya's vision started to blur, and she desperately clawed at the necklace, trying to relieve the pressure on her throat. It felt as though her very life depended on it. In her struggle, she heard hurried footsteps approaching, and then a strong hand gripped the Slytherin girl's wrist.
"Let go of her!" The demanding voice belonged to Erik.
The Slytherin girls turned to see Erik, his face etched with anger and determination. With a swift and forceful motion, he pried the girl's fingers from the necklace, freeing Kavya from their grasp. She gasped for air, the pendant now dangling loosely around her neck.
Erik's presence had disrupted the would-be attackers, and they stumbled back, their faces paling as they realized the gravity of what they had attempted. The necklace, clearly of great significance, had unleashed a power they hadn't anticipated.
"It's not worth it. Let's go." The Slytherin girl told her friends.
The Slytherin girls hastily retreated, leaving Kavya, still gasping and shaken, in Erik's care. He turned to her with concern, his hand gently brushing her cheek. "Are you okay, Kavya?" He was clearly concerned for her.
Kavya nodded, her voice trembling but grateful. "Thanks to you, Erik."
He offered her a reassuring smile, his eyes filled with genuine care. "Anytime."
As Kavya caught her breath and Erik stood by her side, she stood up hastily. The blood pact necklace around her neck seemed to have a somewhat mind of its own. It wasn't very fond of Erik near her.
They began to make their way back to the Hufflepuff common room, Kavya's heart still racing from the encounter.
However, something strange began to happen as they walked. Each time Erik involuntarily brushed against Kavya, the blood pact necklace reacted. It emitted a faint, eerie glow.
Kavya couldn't ignore this peculiar phenomenon. She touched the pendant, and the sensation of warmth and connection with Tom washed over her. It was as if the necklace itself recognized the touch of another person who had become a part of their shared bond.
Erik noticed Kavya's reaction and frowned in confusion. "Is something wrong with your necklace?"
Kavya hesitated, unsure of how to explain it. "It's... complicated, Erik. But it's nothing to worry about."
Erik glanced at the necklace with curiosity, clearly intrigued by the phenomenon. "Complicated, you say? Well, I've heard of enchanted jewelry before, but this is quite unusual."
Kavya nodded, her mind racing with questions. She was torn between explaining the blood pact to Erik and keeping it a secret, a shared bond between her and Tom. The complexity of her situation weighed on her, and she chose her words carefully. "It's tied to something personal, Erik, and I promise I'll tell you more when the time is right."
Erik respected her response, understanding that some matters were best left unsaid for the time being. As they reached the entrance to the Hufflepuff common room, he gave her a reassuring smile. "Alright, Kavya. Whenever you're ready."
With a final nod, Kavya entered the common room, still contemplating the mysterious connection of the blood pact necklace and how it seemed to respond to Erik's presence. It was a puzzle she couldn't ignore, and she knew that in due time, the pieces would fall into place, revealing the true nature of their enchanted bond.
I am loving these soft fluff moments between Tom and Kavya. These soft moments are what I enjoy about writing this story.
And finally! I was able to bring Myrtle into the fic! It was really difficult where to place her because of everything that's been happening in the story. Finally, Kavya has her bestie back and I couldn't be more thrilled!
Review.