Here's the next chapter everyone! It's a little shorter than my normal length. If I would have kept going and this chapter would have been 20 extra pages.
From all the research that I've done, I know Tom starts to acquire his whole Voldemort persona cause this is his sixth year and then in his seventh year, no one calls him Tom anymore. So, I just wanted this chapter to signify his authority and what he's capable of if anyone crosses him.
Happy reading.
Chapter 11: Ties that Bind Part 2
Inside the Hufflepuff common room, the cozy ambiance offered a sense of refuge from the enigmatic challenges that lay ahead. The warm light of the common room's lamps danced on the walls, casting a comforting glow that enveloped Kavya.
As she settled into one of the armchairs, her thoughts continued to revolve around the events of the day. Tom's confession, the blood pact necklace's peculiar reactions, and her encounter with Myrtle's ghost had all left her with a sense of wonder and curiosity.
Her fingers lingered against the chain, traveling down to the snake-shaped pendant that had hers and Tom's blood.
The silence in the room was broken by Cinnamon running towards her. He jumped on her and nestled into her lap.
Cinnamon's presence was a soothing balm to Kavya's racing thoughts. She gently scratched behind his floppy ears, finding solace in his comforting presence. It was moments like these that allowed her to ground herself and find clarity amidst the mysteries surrounding her.
As she sat in the warm embrace of the Hufflepuff common room, Kavya couldn't help but wonder about the future and the challenges that awaited her and Tom. The bond they shared through the blood pact necklace was a source of strength and uncertainty, a reminder of the profound connection they had forged.
With a contented sigh, she closed her eyes, taking a moment to simply be in the present, cherishing the warmth of the common room, the soft presence of Cinnamon by her side, and the enigmatic journey that lay ahead.
Kavya whispered to her loyal companion, "Cinnamon, I wish I could understand the secrets of this necklace and what it means for us." Cinnamon responded with a soft, understanding woof, as if offering his own form of reassurance.
As Cinnamon nestled closer, Kavya continued to stroke his soft fur absentmindedly. She couldn't shake the feeling that the necklace held answers to questions she hadn't even thought to ask yet. It was a symbol of the bond between her and Tom, a bond that had been formed in secrecy and mystery.
With a determined glint in her eyes, Kavya made a silent promise to herself. She would uncover the truth behind the blood pact necklace, not just for her own sake but for Tom as well. Their love was a powerful force, and she was ready to face whatever challenges came their way, armed with the knowledge that together, they could overcome anything.
As the minutes stretched into hours, Kavya and Cinnamon remained in the comforting embrace of the Hufflepuff common room.
Just as Kavya was lost in thought, she saw Amara and Myra come up to her. They seemed concerned for her.
Amara, her face filled with concern. She hurried over to Kavya, her voice laced with worry. "Kavya, are you alright? Erik told us what happened with those Slytherin girls. We were worried about you."
Beside Amara stood Myra, her expression mirroring the concern in her friend's eyes. "Yeah, we wanted to make sure you're okay."
Kavya offered a reassuring smile, touched by her friends' concern. "I'm fine, really. Erik came to my aid. I'm safe, thanks to him."
Amara and Myra exchanged glances. Their curiosity was evident.
Myra finally spoke up, her voice tinged with curiosity, "By the way, we couldn't help but notice that necklace you were wearing, Kavya. It's unique, and we've never seen anything like it. What's the story behind it?"
Kavya's fingers instinctively touched the pendant as she considered her response. She knew she couldn't reveal the full truth about the blood pact necklace, but she also didn't want to lie to her friends.
Kavya hesitated, her fingers instinctively tracing the pendant. She knew she couldn't reveal the true nature of the blood pact, not yet. "It's... a special gift. From Tom. I can't say much more about it, I'm afraid."
Amara and Myra exchanged a knowing glance, clearly sensing that Kavya was keeping something to herself. "Alright, Kavya," Amara said gently, "just know that we're here for you, no matter what."
Kavya looked at her two housemates, her friends. She smiled. "I know you two are here for me," she told them reassuringly. "But honestly, I'm not even sure what this necklace is capable of either."
"Isn't that dangerous?" Myra asked.
Kavya's fingers trailed against the pendant on the chain. "That's what I would like to find out." She told them remembering that the necklace nearly strangled her to death. "If Erik hadn't helped me earlier, I'm not sure what would've happened to me."
Myra chimed in as her brow furrowed. "That Erik guy seems pretty protective of you."
"Seems like you two are more than just friends." Amara teased.
When Amara teased her about her relationship with Erik, the blood pact necklace around her neck started to tighten slightly. As if it sensed the doubt in her heart. It was just a gentle squeeze.
Kavya hesitated for a moment, considering how much to reveal. "He's...just a friend that's all. Nothing more than a friend." She replied to her friend while holding the chain back with her fingers around her neck so it wouldn't choke her again.
Amara exchanged a knowing look with Myra before speaking again. "Well, Erik's waiting outside and asked if he could talk to you. We just wanted to make sure you're alright and that you want to see him."
Kavya appreciated her friends' concern and nodded. "I do want to talk to him. Thanks, Amara, Myra. I'll be careful."
With a last reassuring pat on her shoulder, Amara and Myra left Kavya to her thoughts, heading back to their own corners of the common room. Kavya gently set Cinnamon aside and made her way to the door, wondering what Erik might want to discuss.
Kavya spotted Erik waiting near the entrance of the Hufflepuff common room. It was clear that Erik had tried to enter and was not granted access. The defense mechanism had triggered causing the barrels of butterbeer that hid the common to spray him.
"Sorry, I should've warned you that each house in the school has a defense trigger. No one can enter except for the students in the house." Kavya apologized to him as she walked into the kitchen quickly grabbing a towel as the house elves diligently worked to make food for the students. She gave the house elves a small wave and returned outside handing Erik a towel.
Erik chuckled, his face bearing the faint traces of butterbeer. "No worries, Kavya. It's not every day you get sprayed by barrels of butterbeer, right?" He took the towel from her wiping his face and clothes.
Kavya smiled, feeling grateful that Erik had taken it in stride. "So, what did you want to talk about?"
Erik glanced around the bustling corridor before leaning in closer to her. "I wanted to speak with you privately. Somewhere away from prying ears. How about we take a walk to the Great Lake? It's peaceful there, and we can talk without any interruptions."
Kavya considered his proposal for a moment. She knew the Great Lake was a tranquil spot, and it would provide the privacy they needed. "Sounds good, Erik. Let's go."
They ventured out of the castle's corridors. The echoing footsteps of students and the distant murmur of voices slowly faded as they made their way toward the Great Lake.
As they arrived at the shore, the vast expanse of the water stretched before them, reflecting the pale moonlight. The tranquility of the place washed over Kavya, and she couldn't help but appreciate the beauty of the moment.
Erik took a deep breath, as if gathering his thoughts. "Kavya, I wanted to talk to you about what happened with those Slytherin girls earlier."
Kavya's expression grew serious as she remembered the incident. "It was strange, Erik. They wanted the necklace. But when they tried to take it, something happened. It started tightening around my neck, and I couldn't breathe."
Erik's brows furrowed with concern. "That necklace... it's significant, isn't it? I mean, it's not just a piece of jewelry."
Kavya nodded, touching the pendant with her fingertips. "It's a blood pact, Erik. It connects me to someone in a way I can't fully explain. But it's important."
Erik's gaze was earnest as he looked into her eyes. "Kavya, you need to be careful. Whatever that necklace represents, it seems valuable and dangerous. You might be caught up in something you don't fully understand."
Kavya sighed, feeling the weight of uncertainty pressing down on her. "I know, Erik. But I can't just ignore it. It's tied to someone I care about deeply."
Erik's expression softened, and he placed a reassuring hand on her shoulder. "I understand, Kavya. Just promise me you'll be cautious and keep yourself safe."
As Erik's hand settled on Kavya's shoulder, a strange sensation coursed through her, and the pendant of the blood pact necklace began to emit a soft, eerie glow. Startled, she glanced down at the pendant, her fingers brushing against it, and she felt the familiar warmth of her connection with Tom.
Erik's eyes widened as he witnessed the pendant's reaction. "Kavya, that necklace... it's reacting to me," he exclaimed, his voice tinged with realization.
Kavya's heart raced as she looked at Erik, wondering if he was about to piece together the truth. "What do you mean?"
Erik took a step back, his gaze shifting between Kavya and the pendant. "I've seen this before, Kavya. I've read about it in magical texts. A blood pact... it's a powerful bond between two people who share their blood."
Kavya's eyes widened as she listened to Erik's explanation. "Erik…" She hesitated to say any more. She knew this necklace had some dark magic attached to it, but hearing Erik explain to her confirmed it.
Erik nodded, his expression filled with a mix of awe and concern. "Yes, Kavya. The person you're bonded to through this necklace—it's someone who shares your blood."
A heavy silence hung in the air as Kavya and Erik stood by the Great Lake, the truth slowly sinking in. Kavya had kept the identity of the person she was connected to a secret, but now Erik seemed to have unraveled the mystery.
"Who is it, Kavya?" Erik asked softly, his voice filled with curiosity and apprehension. "Who are you bonded to through this blood pact necklace?"
Kavya hesitated, torn between revealing the truth and protecting Tom's secret. She knew that Tom had his reasons for keeping their bond hidden from the world, and she didn't want to betray his trust.
"Erik," she began cautiously, "I can't tell you everything right now. It's... complicated. But I need you to trust me when I say that the person, I share this bond with is someone I care deeply about. I can't reveal their identity."
Erik frowned, clearly conflicted by Kavya's response. "Kavya, I understand your need to protect them, but this bond is extraordinary and powerful. If it involves someone dangerous or harmful, you need to be careful."
Kavya nodded. Her heart heavy with the weight of her secret. "I promise, Erik, I'll be cautious. Just know that I'm not alone in this, and I have people who care about me."
Erik sighed, reluctantly accepting Kavya's words. "Alright, Kavya. Just promise me you'll be safe. And if you ever need help or someone to talk to, you know where to find me."
Kavya smiled gratefully, touched by Erik's concern. "Thank you, Erik. I appreciate your support."
With that, she turned to leave, her footsteps echoing softly against the lakeside path. As she made her way back towards the Hufflepuff common room, her thoughts were a whirlwind of emotions and uncertainty.
Meanwhile, Erik remained by the Great Lake, his mind racing as he pieced together the puzzle of the blood pact necklace. Slowly but surely, realization dawned on him, and his eyes widened with shock.
"It can't be..." he muttered to himself, connecting the dots. "The person she's bonded with... it's Tom Riddle."
A sense of unease settled over Erik as he contemplated the implications of Kavya's secret. He knew that Tom Riddle's name carried a dark reputation, and the thought of Kavya being entangled with someone so enigmatic and potentially dangerous left him with a sense of foreboding.
Tom walked briskly through the corridors of Hogwarts, his steps echoing in the dimly lit passageways. His usually composed demeanor was marred by a subtle undercurrent of jealousy. He had heard from other students about what had happened to Kavya, how Erik had come to her rescue.
The thought of someone else protecting Kavya gnawed at him, igniting an unfamiliar feeling within him. He couldn't help but feel a pang of jealousy, a possessiveness that he hadn't experienced before. Kavya was his, bound to him by the blood pact, and yet, someone else had been there for her in a moment of vulnerability.
As Tom approached the entrance to the Slytherin common room, he saw a group of students huddled together, their voices hushed but filled with a sense of excitement. They exchanged furtive glances as they noticed him approaching, their whispers growing even quieter.
"Did you see how she looked when we pulled on that necklace? Priceless!" The slytherin girl who had initiated trying to take the necklace from Kavya laughed.
"Yeah, and that Durmstrang boy who came to her rescue. What's his name, Erik? Pathetic." Her friend chimed in.
"That Hufflepuff should know better than to think she can get involved with a Slytherin's business." The third girl added.
Tom's jaw clenched at the mention of Erik's name. He pushed open the door to the common room, his eyes scanning the room for the familiar faces of the Slytherin girls who had dared to harm Kavya. It didn't take long for him to spot them, their heads bent together in hushed conversation.
Without a word, Tom strode over to them, his presence commanding attention. The girls looked up, their expressions shifting from nonchalance to surprise as they realized who stood before them.
"What's this I hear about you causing trouble for Kavya?" Tom's voice was cold, each word laced with an icy edge. He wanted them to understand the gravity of their actions.
One of the girls stammered, clearly taken aback by his direct approach. "We... we didn't mean any harm, Tom. It was just a bit of fun."
Tom's eyes narrowed, his patience wearing thin. "Fun? Harming a fellow student is fun to you?" He had his fair share of teasing in the orphanage and when he first arrived at Hogwarts, but he always knew how to deal with them.
The girls exchanged uneasy glances, realizing the severity of their actions. They hadn't expected Tom to confront them so directly.
"We didn't think it would be a big deal," one of them mumbled, avoiding Tom's piercing gaze.
Tom's voice dropped to a dangerous low, his tone dripping with disdain. "You will never lay a hand on Kavya again. Is that understood?"
The girls nodded frantically, their faces pale with fear as they retired to their dorm as did every student that was still lingering in the common room. Tom turned on his heel, leaving them in his wake. He couldn't stand the sight of them any longer. He was desperate to teach them a lesson that they wouldn't forget.
Just as he was about to exit the common room and go to his room, an owl came soaring through one of the open windows, landing gracefully on a nearby table. It was sleek and dark. Tom's eyes narrowed as he recognized the owl as belonging to one of the Slytherin girls who had harassed Kavya.
Tom's lips curled into a sinister smile as he glanced around to ensure no one was watching. In a low, hissing voice, he spoke to Nagini in parseltongue, his instructions clear and cold. "Nagini, attack!"
Nagini, ever obedient to her master, slithered toward the table where the owl perched. With a swift, lethal strike, she incapacitated the bird, rendering it unable to deliver the message. Tom's heart raced with a sense of satisfaction as he watched the owl flutter helplessly. He watched with satisfaction seeing his pet snake kill the owl. Droplets of blood dripped from the table to the carpet staining it with blood.
He approached the owl, his mind working swiftly. Tom quickly penned a short message, his elegant handwriting contrasting with the coldness of his words. He then attached the letter to the owl's broken leg.
As Tom sealed the letter, he couldn't help but feel a sense of vindication. The owl, once a messenger and a loving pet to one of the Slytherin girls, was now a silent witness to the consequences of their actions.
With a final glance at the incapacitated bird, Tom turned and made his way to his room. The corridors seemed to close in around him, the dim light casting long, ominous shadows. He needed solitude, a moment to collect his thoughts and reconcile the conflicting emotions that surged within him.
Nagini followed, her movements sinuous and graceful. She seemed to sense the gravity of the situation, her presence a silent affirmation of their shared purpose.
Inside his room, Tom closed the door behind him, shutting out the outside world. The space was suffused with a muted, eerie light from the low-burning lamps. His eyes fell on the parchment and quill, and the one book he had taken from the restricted section of the library. He was still trying to understand what a horcrux was.
With deliberate focus, Tom began to transcribe the passages that intrigued him the most. The process was meticulous, each stroke of the quill a testament to his determination. He knew that the pursuit of knowledge came at a price, but he was willing to pay it.
Time seemed to blur as Tom delved deeper into the forbidden knowledge. The room around him faded into insignificance, and the only sound was the scratching of his quill on parchment. His thoughts swirled with the possibilities and implications of what he was discovering.
Hours passed, and Tom's obsession with horcruxes only intensified. He couldn't shake the notion that this dark magic held the key to the power and immortality he sought. It was a dangerous path, one that he was willing to walk, no matter the cost.
Tom muttered to himself as he transcribed the ancient text, his voice a low, eerie murmur that filled the room. "Horcruxes... objects that can tether one's soul to the mortal realm... a fragment of one's essence hidden away... a path to immortality." He knew that much, but he wanted more knowledge.
He paused, his eyes narrowing as he absorbed the implications. The darkness of the magic intrigued him, and he couldn't help but feel a thrill at the thought of achieving something so forbidden. He had already made one and he wasn't satisfied.
He was determined to find out more about how to make more horcruxes.
As Tom's quill scratched against the parchment, his mind couldn't help but wander to Kavya. She was a beacon of light in his increasingly dark world, a reminder of the vulnerability he felt, even in his pursuit of power. He knew that to truly protect her, he needed to delve deeper into the forbidden magic he was studying.
A conflict raged within him, the dichotomy of his desires and ambitions becoming increasingly apparent. On one hand, there was the allure of immortality, the power to transcend death and become an immortal wizard of unparalleled might. On the other, there was Kavya, a Hufflepuff girl who had inexplicably found her way into his heart.
His fingers pressed against the blood pact necklace he hid under his shirt. Kavya would be very valuable to him; he knew that much. He wondered if his feelings for Kavya and his insatiable thirst for power and immortality would one day have to make him choose between her and his quest for power. The answer remained elusive, buried beneath layers of ambition and darkness.
The weight of his actions settled on his shoulders, a stark reminder of the path he had chosen and the lengths he was willing to go to protect what he held dear.
Things are getting more and more dire for everyone involved with Tom.
As for Erik's role in this story, you'll just have to keep reading and find out.
Review.