I'm back with another update and this chapter starts the beginning of the end of this story. I hope you're all ready for the plot twist I've been anticipating to write since I've plotted out this story.
Happy reading.
Chapter 13: Dark Desires
Headmaster Dippet stood up from the head table during breakfast in the Great Hall, his voice carrying over the chatter of students as he tapped his glass with a spoon to gain their attention. The hall fell silent, and all eyes turned toward him.
"Good morning, dear students," he began with a warm smile. "I hope you're all enjoying your breakfast. Today, I have an announcement that I believe will add a touch of excitement to the school year."
Whispers of curiosity and anticipation rippled through the Great Hall.
"As you are all aware, the world beyond these walls is facing challenging times," Headmaster Dippet continued, his gaze sweeping across the sea of young faces. "With the ongoing conflict in the Muggle world and the rising threat of Grindelwald, it is more important than ever for us to come together as a community."
A murmur of agreement swept through the students. They were aware of the turmoil in the wizarding world.
"To promote unity and camaraderie among the houses, as well as to extend a hand of friendship to our guests, we have decided to host a grand event," Dippet announced, his eyes twinkling with excitement. "I would like to announce that the school will be having a Hogwarts Ball!"
Gasps of surprise and delight filled the hall, and students exchanged excited glances.
"Yes, a magical evening of music, dancing, and celebration," Dippet continued. "Students, staff, and our honored guests, including esteemed members of the Ministry of Magic, will come together for this special occasion. The ball will be a symbol of our strength and resilience, a reminder that even in these trying times, we can find moments of joy and unity."
The Great Hall erupted into applause, and the students couldn't contain their excitement. The prospect of a Hogwarts Ball had ignited a spark of anticipation and hope in their hearts.
"Further details will be provided in due course, but for now, let us look forward to this grand event," Headmaster Dippet concluded with a smile, raising his glass in a toast. "To the magic of Hogwarts and the bonds that unite us all."
As the students raised their own glasses and joined in the toast, the Great Hall was filled with a sense of unity and excitement, marking the beginning of preparations for the Hogwarts Ball.
Most of the students were excited at the idea. This time they wouldn't have to wait for Professor Slughorn to throw his infamous Slugclub parties. This was where the students could have fun during these turmoil times.
"A ball how exciting!" Amara beamed with excitement.
"That does sound like a lot of fun," Myra chimed in as they sat beside Kavya. "At least your lucky, Kavya you already have a date to the ball."
Kavya's face flushed a little. "Just because Tom is my boyfriend doesn't mean he'll be my date. He hasn't even asked me."
Amara and Myra exchanged knowing glances, their smiles growing mischievous. "Oh, come on, Kavya," Amara teased. "It's practically written in the stars that he'll ask you. You two are practically inseparable."
Myra nodded in agreement. "And you make such a perfect couple. I can't imagine him asking anyone else."
Kavya couldn't help but smile at her friends' enthusiasm. "Well, we'll see about that," she replied, her heart secretly hoping that Tom would indeed ask her to the Hogwarts Ball. Her eyes glanced over at the Slytherin table. It was clear Tom did not seem interested at all in what the headmaster was saying. It was like he was in his own little world.
Just then Erik came over placing a hand on Kavya's shoulder, snapping the girl out from her thoughts.
"Are you alright?" Erik asked her. "You seem a little distracted."
Kavya lightly smiled. "Just thinking about the ball. Seems a little odd to have one with everything that's going on."
"I think your headmaster just wants everyone to have a little fun. I commend him for that. If we were in Durmstrang there would be nothing of the sort." He told her.
His eyes filled with an infectious energy. "Are you planning to go?"
Kavya's gaze drifted back to Tom for a moment before returning to Erik "I'm not sure yet, though. Tom hasn't asked me yet."
Erik's expression flickered with a hint of surprise, but he quickly covered it up. "Well, if he doesn't ask, would you consider going with me?" He asked with a twinkle in his eye.
Kavya chuckled, appreciating Erik's boldness. "That's sweet Erik, but I don't think Tom will like that." She told him. It was more of a warning for him.
Erik wasn't about to take no for an answer. "I see, then why not save me a dance then?" he asked her.
Kavya smiled a little. He had been such a good friend to her. "Alright, I owe you that much for helping me out with those Slytherin girls."
Erik's face lit up with a wide grin. "It's a deal then. I'll hold you to it!" He said with a friendly smile and walked away.
As Erik left, Kavya's thoughts returned to Tom, wondering why he seemed so distant. She saw him get up to leave and her fingers grazed the blood pact necklace around her neck.
Kavya watched Tom's departure with a sense of unease gnawing at her. His preoccupation and distance had become more pronounced recently, and she couldn't shake the feeling that something was amiss.
Unconsciously, her fingers found their way to the blood pact necklace that hung around her neck. It was a constant reminder of the unique bond she shared with Tom, and it had always given her a sense of comfort. Something, it seemed like that connection had grown weaker, as if something was coming between them.
Tom sat in the dimly lit room of the Slytherin dormitory, a place where he found solace and privacy. The air was heavy with anticipation as he contemplated a decision that would bind him to the darkest of magic. At his side, Nagini, his faithful companion, coiled in quiet understanding, her serpentine eyes fixed on him.
"Nagini," he began, his voice low and reflective. "I've been thinking about the ring, my grandfather's ring. It's a powerful heirloom, a piece of my family's history. But it can be more. It can be the next step in my quest for immortality."
Nagini flicked her tongue in silent acknowledgment, her presence a comforting one. She had been with him through every step of his journey, from the orphanage to Hogwarts, and now into the darker corners of magic.
Tom continued, his fingers tracing the ornate design of the ring. "Creating a Horcrux is an abominable act, I know that. It requires the ultimate evil, the taking of a life. But with each Horcrux, I become more invincible. More immortal."
His eyes bore into Nagini's, as if seeking affirmation for his choices. "I've already taken one life to create my diary, and doing so it feels like I'm being torn apart. To split my soul once more. The ring, Nagini, is the perfect vessel for that purpose."
Nagini remained silent, her presence a calming one despite the gravity of the decision at hand. She understood the darkness that had taken hold of her master, and she had chosen to stand by his side, no matter how perilous the path.
Tom's fingers clenched around the ring as he made his decision. "I'll do it, Nagini. I'll turn my grandfather's ring into a Horcrux. And with each one I create, I will become more powerful, more immortal. Nothing will stand in my way."
As the room darkened further, Tom knew that he was on the brink of a journey into the abyss of magic, a journey from which there might be no return.
Amid his determination to create another Horcrux, Tom's thoughts involuntarily drifted to Kavya. She had become a complicated presence in his life, a connection that tethered him to a world of emotions he had once considered weaknesses.
He remembered the warmth of her touch, the depth of her eyes, and the way her smile had once stirred something within him. But those feelings were now secondary, overshadowed by his relentless pursuit of power.
As he contemplated the dark magic he was about to perform, a faint trace of regret flickered within him. What he would become if he continued with this path.
Nagini, sensing her master's internal struggle, coiled closer to him, offering a silent form of support. She was his confidant, his loyal companion in this treacherous journey, and she understood that the ties that bound him to Kavya were growing weaker with each Horcrux he created.
Tom's gaze remained fixed on the ring, and he began to speak softly, as if to articulate the thoughts that had been gnawing at him. "Kavya... she's the last connection to my muggle ties. I'm more than just some muggle boy. I'm destined for greatness. With every step I take on this dark path, she may slip away from me." He knew that much, but he was already so far gone in what he wanted to do.
Nagini hissed softly in response, her serpentine form, a comforting presence. It was a reminder of the choices they had both made.
Tom continued, his voice tinged with a mixture of sorrow and determination. "But I can't turn back now. I've gone too far. The power I seek... it's everything."
As Tom contemplated the weight of his choices, his eyes caught sight of the Daily Prophet lying on a nearby table. The headlines spoke of Grindelwald's rise to power, of the fear and dominance he was instilling in the wizarding world. It was a stark reminder of the path Tom had chosen, and the destiny he sought for himself.
With a determined glint in his eyes, Tom reached for the newspaper. He read the articles about Grindelwald's conquests, about the way he commanded respect and instilled fear in those who opposed him. It was a vision of the future that resonated with Tom, a future where he too would wield that kind of power.
Closing the newspaper, Tom turned back to Nagini, his resolve renewed. "This is the world I want, Nagini. A world where I am revered and feared, where no one dares to challenge my authority."
Nagini gave a hiss of approval to her master's wishes. She watched as Tom took his grandfather's ring off his finger. The stone shimmering from the light of the fire. He glanced around the room, there was no one, but he wouldn't dare take the chance to create a horcrux in the middle of the Slytherin common room.
Tom carefully pocketed his grandfather's ring, knowing that he needed a more secluded and secure location for the dark ritual he was about to perform. He had heard of an abandoned chamber within the depths of Hogwarts, rumored to be the lair of a legendary serpent. It was a place where few dared to venture, and he believed it would be the perfect location to create his Horcrux.
With Nagini slithering silently by his side, Tom left the common room, his mind focused on the path ahead. The power and immortality he sought were within reach, but they came at a great cost, one he was willing to pay.
As they descended deeper into the hidden recesses of Hogwarts, Tom couldn't help but think of Kavya, the girl who had once been a beacon of light in his life. Almost as if on a whim or perhaps call it fate, Kavya walked passed him in the corridors.
Kavya's footsteps faltered as she passed Tom in the dimly lit corridor. She hadn't expected to see him here, in this desolate part of Hogwarts. Her eyes met his, and she saw a mixture of emotions flicker in his dark gaze — a hint of surprise, a touch of longing, and something else, something colder and more distant.
"Tom," she said softly, her voice filled with uncertainty. "What are you doing here?"
Tom's response was measured, his tone controlled. "Just exploring, Kavya. There's much of this castle that remains hidden and uncharted."
There was palpable tension between them, a sense of distance that hadn't been there before. Kavya couldn't help but wonder what had transpired to create this rift between them, but she was also aware that prying too deeply might lead to answers she wasn't ready to accept.
"Are you... are you okay, Tom?" she asked, her concern evident in her eyes.
Tom's lips quirked into a faint, enigmatic smile. "I'm always okay, Kavya. Just focusing on what's important."
Kavya couldn't shake the feeling that something had changed, that the boy standing before her was not the same Tom she had known. She wanted to reach out to him, to bridge the gap that seemed to have grown between them, but she wasn't sure how.
Tom saw this and his hand slowly reached out to hers. With the choices he was making, he didn't want to ruin what he had with her. So, he did something that he had not even expected from himself.
Tom's fingers brushed against Kavya's hand, his touch tentative as if he were searching for a connection that had started to slip away. Their eyes met, and for a brief moment, the world around them seemed to fade into the background.
"Kavya," he began, his voice soft and filled with a hint of vulnerability. "I know I've been distant lately, and I haven't been the best boyfriend. But there are things I need to do on my own."
Kavya's heart ached at his words, the worry in her eyes reflecting her concern. "Tom, we've always been there for each other. Whatever you're going through, we can face it together."
Tom sighed, torn between his desire to be with Kavya and his longing to confide in her about the darkest magic he was about to embark on. "I wish I could, but this is something that I must do on my own, at least for now."
Their hands remained intertwined, a silent promise that their love would endure, even in the face of uncertainty. Tom leaned in, planting a soft, lingering kiss on Kavya's lips, a silent reassurance that he still cared deeply for her.
As they pulled away, their eyes locked once more, each of them silently hoping that the challenges ahead would not tear them apart but instead strengthen the bond that had once felt unbreakable.
Before Tom could pull away, Kavya caught his hand, her eyes searching his. "Tom, even if you can't tell me everything, just promise me you'll be safe."
Tom nodded, his heart heavy with the weight of his secrets. "I promise, Kavya."
A small smile graced Kavya's lips, and she whispered, "That's all I need to hear."
A confident charming smile appeared on Tom's lips and said, "Would you do me the honor of being my date to the Hogwarts Ball? I want to make it up to you."
Kavya's eyes widened in surprise, and a soft blush tinged her cheeks. "Tom, I... I would love to go with you, but I don't have a dress."
Tom's smile grew wider, and he squeezed her hand affectionately. "Don't worry about that, Kavya. I've been saving up some money from working at Borgin and Burkes last year. I'll get you a dress, the most beautiful one you've ever seen."
Kavya couldn't help but be touched by his gesture. Despite the darkness that seemed to surround him, Tom still had a way of making her feel special. "Thank you, Tom. I'd be honored to be your date."
With their plans for the ball in place, they shared one sweeter kiss, a promise of brighter moments to come.
As they parted, Tom couldn't help but notice the faint hint of concern in Kavya's eyes. He knew that he had to tread carefully, that the path he had chosen was fraught with danger. But for now, in this moment, he held her hand, and they both dared to believe in the possibility of a future together, despite the darkness that threatened to consume them.
With a final, lingering glance, Tom reluctantly released Kavya's hand and turned to leave. There was much he had to do, and time was not on his side. Yet, as he walked away, he couldn't shake the feeling that Kavya was his anchor in a turbulent sea, the one thing that kept him from being completely consumed by the shadows.
In the Hufflepuff common room, Myra and Amara were sitting across from each other. They kept Cinnamon company and then looked up as Kavya came in.
Cinnamon immediately ran over to her. The small corgi saw how happy she was. Myra and Amara had also noticed the smile on her face.
Amara grinned as she looked at Kavya. "You seem really happy, Kavya. What's got you in such a good mood?"
Myra nodded in agreement. "Yeah, spill the beans! You've been beaming ever since you came in."
Kavya couldn't contain her excitement, and she shared her news with her friends. "You won't believe it, but Tom asked me to the Hogwarts Ball, and he even offered to pay for my dress!"
Amara and Myra exchanged delighted glances before squealing with joy. "That's amazing, Kavya!" Amara exclaimed. "Tom really knows how to sweep you off your feet, huh?"
Myra added, "We'll have to help you find the perfect dress, something that'll make you look even more stunning."
"Gladrags Wizardwear in Hogsmede is an amazing store to go. I'm certain that they will have the perfect dress that you need for the ball." Amara chimed in happily.
Kavya blushed, her heart swelling with happiness. "Thank you, both of you. I'm really looking forward to it, and I'm so lucky to have friends like you." Cinnamon barked in agreement, as if celebrating the joyous news with them.
"See we told you had nothing to worry about." Myra told her with a smile.
Kavya nodded, grateful for her friends' support. "You were right, Myra. I guess I was overthinking things. I should focus on the happiness that Tom and I share." She gave Cinnamon a loving pat on the head.
Amara chimed in, "Exactly! Now, let's start planning your outfit and make sure you have the most unforgettable time at the ball."
As they delved into discussions about dresses, hairstyles, and other ball-related details, Kavya couldn't help but feel a sense of anticipation for the upcoming event, even if it was tinged with the knowledge of Tom's dark path.
During their planning and excitement, Kavya couldn't help but wish that she could share these moments with Tom. She knew that he was dealing with his own heavy burdens and secrets, but a part of her longed for the Tom who had once been her confidant and partner in all things.
As Kavya discussed the ball preparations with her friends, she couldn't help but reminisce about the happier times she had spent with Tom. They had shared countless moments of laughter, quiet conversations, and stolen kisses. She knew he cared for her, and she would always be by his side no matter what.
However, something had changed in Tom, something that went beyond the typical struggles of a young wizard finding his way in the world. Kavya sensed a darkness in him, a drive for power that seemed to consume his thoughts and actions. She couldn't put her finger on exactly what he was up to, but it left her feeling uneasy.
Despite the unease, Kavya remained determined to enjoy the upcoming ball with her friends. She hoped that the event would provide a temporary respite from the growing shadows that seemed to envelop Tom and his secrets.
On the seventh floor of Hogwarts Castle, Tom stood beside a wall. He took a deep breath. He was in desperate need of a room that would assist him in making his next horcrux.
Tom closed his eyes and focused his thoughts on what he required. He knew that the room he needed must be hidden, concealed from anyone who might stumble upon it. As he concentrated, the magic of the castle responded to his desire.
Slowly, an archway appeared before him, seemingly leading to nowhere. Tom's heart quickened with anticipation as he stepped through the archway and into a hidden chamber beyond.
Inside, he found a vast, dimly lit room filled with an assortment of objects, some broken and discarded, others seemingly untouched by time. It was the Room of Requirement, a space that adapted itself to the needs and desires of the one who entered.
Tom couldn't help but marvel at the room's power. It was perfect for his purposes. He knew he needed a secluded place to perform the dark ritual of creating a Horcrux, and this room offered the ideal seclusion.
With a determined glint in his eyes, Tom began to gather the items he would need for the ritual. It was a sinister and forbidden act, one that would forever change the course of his destiny, but he was willing to pay the price for the power and immortality he sought.
In the dimly lit confines of the Room of Requirement, Tom Riddle meticulously studied the ancient tome laid out before him. The book, hidden away in the restricted section of the Hogwarts library, contained the darkest of secrets, knowledge that would allow him to transcend mortality itself. The pages were filled with incantations, rituals, and curses, detailing the creation of Horcruxes.
Tom's obsession with immortality had grown ever since he had learned of the existence of these dark objects. He had already created one Horcrux, his diary, and the power it granted him was intoxicating. But he craved more. He desired to split his soul into multiple fragments, making himself virtually immortal. Taking the Gaunt ring from his pocket. He held it proudly.
His gaze drifted to the ring in his hand, a family heirloom that had once belonged to his maternal grandfather. The Gaunt family held this ring for generations in honor pure-blood status.
The ring held sentimental value to Tom, and it was the perfect candidate for his next Horcrux.
As he traced the ornate design of the ring with his fingers, Tom's mind raced with anticipation.
But creating a Horcrux was no simple feat; it required an act of unspeakable evil. Tom had already committed the murder of his father, the one person who he had hated the most.
Tom knew that his Horcruxes were more than just objects; they were extensions of himself, containing fragments of his own soul. With each one he created, he would become less human, less tethered to mortality. It was a price he was willing to pay for the power he sought.
As he continued to pore over the forbidden text, Tom couldn't help but smile. He was on the cusp of achieving true immortality, and nothing would stand in his way. The darkness within him had taken root, and it would only grow stronger with each Horcrux he created.
The room seemed to pulse with a malevolent energy, as if it, too, recognized the magnitude of the magic being performed within its walls. Tom's hands moved with a practiced precision as he followed the steps outlined in the ancient text. The ritual was complex and required unwavering focus.
As he chanted the incantations and performed the intricate wand movements, Tom could feel a part of his soul being torn away and imprisoned within the object he had chosen for his next Horcrux. It was a painful process, but he welcomed the agony as a testament to his commitment to the dark arts.
Finally, it was done. The object before him, a small, ornate ring, now contained a fragment of Tom's soul. It was a piece of himself that he had willingly sacrificed in exchange for power and immortality.
Tom carefully placed the ring inside a concealed compartment in his robe. It joined the ranks of the other Horcruxes he had hidden away, each one a vessel containing a piece of his fractured soul.
With a sense of satisfaction, Tom left the Room of Requirement, knowing that he had taken another step towards his goal. He was no longer bound by the limitations of mortality. He was becoming something more, something beyond human, and he relished in the darkness that now coursed through his veins.
Erik sat alone in the courtyard, the full moon casting shadows across his face. The air was cool and crisp, and everything seemed to stand still, the usual sounds of muffled students footsteps returning to their dormitories could be heard. In his hands, he held the letter that had arrived with the owl.
As he read the message, his expression darkened with a mix of apprehension and determination. The letter was penned in cryptic, dark ink, bearing the unmistakable mark of Grindelwald's followers. It stated:
"Erik,
Time is of the essence. Dumbledore and his allies, especially Newt Scamander, have been relentless in their efforts to thwart our cause. Our acolytes are dwindling, and we face increasing resistance. Grindelwald needs new recruits, individuals who can help us achieve our vision of a world where wizards rule without hindrance.
From the intel and information, we have been receiving from you, Hogwarts may hold potential allies among its students."
Erik's breath caught in his throat as he read the ominous words. The weight of his mission pressed down on him, the knowledge that he was being forced to manipulate the very people he had come to care for. He was aware of what was happening outside of the halls of Hogwarts. Grindelwald's acolytes were falling due to Dumbledore's interference. Now he was just down to a handful of people that followed him.
The letter continued, the words dripping with threat:
"Your loyalty to Grindelwald is expected. Any deviation from this directive will have severe consequences. Remember the power and influence that our cause wields. The consequences of betrayal are not to be taken lightly. Failure to comply will result in dire circumstances, not only for you but for those you care about.
Your mission is clear. Find a student who shows promise, someone who can be swayed to our cause. Grindelwald's vision must prevail, and you are instrumental in making it a reality.
Act swiftly. We will be monitoring your progress."
Erik's hand trembled as he folded the letter back into its original shape, the gravity of the situation sinking in. The threats were clear, and he was trapped in a dangerous game with no easy way out. He had to find a student to recruit, but his conscience wrestled with the sinister path laid out before him.
He sighed deeply. He thought of the friends he had made the entire school year. The girl who stole his heart that belonged to another. Now he has to betray them all. He would surely be thrown into Azkaban if anyone found out why he was really at Hogwarts for. He didn't have a choice in the matter. He had already lost his family due to the muggle war, Grindelwald had approached him in Durmstrang to give him purpose. This was his purpose.
He had to find someone quickly, and he already had a student in mind, but he was afraid to act on what would endanger his life, but everyone around him.
I regret absolutely nothing for this plot twist!
Also, I feel like every Harry Potter fanfic needs a ball chapter and since there is no Triwizard tournament since the Yule Ball coincides with that, I decided just to have one unifying the students.
Review.