Notes:

Just a quick notice that I changed the number of N.E.W.T.s that Ada and Tom are taking, because I didn't remember Hermione had actually enrolled in seven of those, so I think someone like Tom would need to match that for sure.

Chapter 7: Dreams and Secrets

October 8th, 1943

Ada found herself deep within a forest.

The darkness enveloped her, and something etched in her mind, telling her that it was already past midnight. Faint moonlight trickled through the foliage, offering glimpses of her surroundings.

Before her stood a figure, cloaked in shadow, their face concealed. Ada realised she wasn't wearing any shoes when her bare feet crunched on twigs and moist soil, as she cautiously approached, feeling like she was being pulled by an unexplainable force. When she got close enough, it was this person's eyes that captured her attention – cold, a blend of green and blue, yet so dark that they seemed to swallow the light.

Immediately, she recognised him.

"What are you doing here?" She asked, a touch of annoyance in her voice.

With deliberation, Riddle pulled back the hood of his robes, unveiling a serious expression. His intense gaze made her quiver and Ada immediately looked around, but found no other soul. Her confusion deepened, not understanding how she even got to this forest.

"Did you bring me here?" Her accusatory tone reflected her distrust of him.

Riddle remained silent.

Panicking, Ada fumbled for her wand within her robes, only to discover she was dressed in nothing more than a white lace nightgown. Blushing profusely, she crossed her arms around her petite frame, the chill of the night seeping into her skin.

Her eyes darted back to Riddle, who was scanning her up and down, and her heart raced as he stepped closer. Ada looked around one more time, hoping that maybe someone else would suddenly appear, but they were still completely alone. Slowly, she felt fingertips ghosting over her body, tracing a delicate path from her thigh to her naked shoulder.

Tom Riddle was toying with the strap of her gown, yet his face remained impassive.

Ada swallowed hard. "What are you doing?" She wanted to ask, but her voice refused to obey her.

She couldn't meet his eyes, and her gaze drifted to his jaw, so chiselled that it seemed like it had been sculpted in marble. Dimples on his hollow cheeks appeared as he smiled.

Her heart pounded, and she stood rooted, unable to retreat, as Riddle inched closer. He had a distinctive fresh scent, like a mix between sage and bergamot. Unconsciously she inhaled, but her breath caught on her throat the moment she felt his hand caressing her neck, his finger softly encircling around it, and soon his other hand reached out to grab her waist.

Somehow he got closer.

His breathing brushed the tip of her nose, and her eyes locked with his, imprisoning her in their depth. Ada had never been this close to anyone before. Shivers were running down her spine as his hand moved from her waist to her lower back and then her buttocks. A part of her wanted to run away, as fast as she could. Her mind was screaming at her, saying this was wrong. But her body wouldn't respond, and deep inside Ada knew she also wanted to close the gap between them.

Her arms fell to her sides, no longer acting as a barrier, and she tentatively reached for the hem of his shirt.

…….

"By Merlin's beard, Ada, are you even listening to me?"

Ada's eyes flew open, the sudden brightness hurting her sight. She was lying on the ground by the lake, bathing in the midday sun, the warmth protecting her from the chilly wind. Shielding her eyes with her hand, she turned to Emily who was seated next to her, a trace of annoyance in her expression. She had been recounting some story about her cat's antics. Yet, Ada had to admit, she had only been half listening, and if Emily had asked her a direct question it probably didn't register.

Her mind was preoccupied somewhere else, consumed by the memory of the dream she now deemed forbidden. Ada's stomach sank with the thought of anyone finding out about it.

"Sorry," Ada mumbled. "I didn't sleep well last night."

Emily narrowed her eyes, her curiosity piqued. "Yes, I noticed you talking in your sleep."

Fear gripped Ada. "What did I say?"

Emily shrugged, still looking at her with suspicion. "Nothing comprehensible, just a bunch of random words."

Relief washed over Ada, until Emily probed further. "Is this related to your Saturday night escapades?"

"What do you mean?" Ada feigned innocence, but anxiety was surging within her.

Emily rolled her eyes. "Oh, come on, Ada. I'm not an idiot. I've seen you sneaking out of the dorm every Saturday night for weeks now."

Ada wanted to interject, her mind already coming up with excuses, but Emily didn't give her the chance.

"Is it a boy?" She asked her straight. "You know I won't tell anyone…"

Ada felt conflicted, wanting to clarify that it was not what Emily was picturing. But if she confessed, she would need to explain why she was secretly meeting and staying up past curfew with a certain Slytherin prefect, and she would then need to tell Emily about her mother's book, which also meant talking about her past.

It was simpler to let her believe she was snogging some random boy, thus Ada lowered her eyes and allowed a coy smile to graze her lips.

Emily's eyes lit up. "I knew it! Is it Lyall Lupin?"

Ada was taken aback by the guess. "What? No! Why would you think that?"

Emily explained, "I saw you two chatting during Transfiguration, and he's been giving you looks."

It was now Ada's turn to roll her eyes. "You think everyone is always giving me looks," she retorted while getting to her feet and brushing off some bits of grass from her skirt.

"Not everyone, just Lyall... and Riddle."

Ada grimaced at the mention of the latter, but luckily, Emily seemed unaware as she also rose from the ground.

"Well, keep your secrets," Emily added, her tone playful. "But you should know I will find out sooner than later. I can promise you that." She finished with a smirk that made Ada worry.

She didn't know for how much longer she could keep her meetings with Riddle a secret, but she also didn't know for how much longer they would go on. Tomorrow was Saturday, and after the dream she had, Ada was dreading their encounter.

They had established an oddly comfortable routine, mostly working in silence in the abandoned classroom for hours. Lately, they had been making progress with an archaic spellbreaker that they heard about during their last History of Magic class. Yet, they hadn't cracked it yet, and Ada's frustration grew.

Despite her previous misgivings about Riddle, she also found herself enjoying their time together. She had to agree with Dorea that Riddle was an easy person to work with. This was something the Slytherin girl had mentioned to her the other night when they were coming down from the Astronomy tower, and Ada had learned they had been Potions partners for a long time.

"He's quiet, but not because he is shy. He only speaks when necessary," Dorea had explained.

Ada had confessed to Dorea that Riddle was assisting her with a personal project, as the girl had confronted her about it. Ada had been mortified, but didn't have an option as Dorea had seen them walking together one night after curfew. She had thought that Dorea would tantalise her, or maybe even assumed the worst, like Emily, but Ada had misjudged her.

Dorea had been inquisitive but not pushy, and she had even offered some information about Riddle, revealing that he was an orphan raised in a Muggle orphanage. Dorea also believed he was at least a half-blood, based on some information she said she had but decided to keep to herself, making Ada even more curious, but at least she had spared her from the embarrassment of asking Marie.

"He doesn't like to talk about it, so I wouldn't mention it if I was you," Dorea had warned her too.

Ada continued thinking about that conversation with Dorea, as she and Emily entered the castle, greeted by a tumultuous array of students rushing to their second period classes. When they reached Central Hall, they separated and Ada headed to Charms.

The door of the classroom was closed and only two other students were waiting outside: Eddie Digory, a tall Hufflepuff boy she had met a couple of weeks ago, and the other person was Maureen Williams, the Ravenclaw prefect she had yet to talk to. Ada had asked Emily and Robert about Maureen, to see if she could put a face to the name that Charlus had provided, and she had been glad to discover they actually shared a few classes together.

Maureen was short, with olive skin and dark hair that she always wore in a tight ponytail. Ada had noticed that she had a habit of looking behind her back, which she would try to disguise with scratching her neck.

Ada had tried to come up with an excuse to talk to her, but everytime she approach her the girl would disappear. Today Maureen was purposely avoiding her eyesight, and Ada was begging to think that she was trying to avoid her altogether.

"Hello," Ada greeted the pair as she joined them, and Eddie smiled at her warmly. However, Maureen seemed aloof, her gaze fixated on the floor.

"I'm sorry, but I don't think we've properly met. I'm Ada Burke," she tried again, determined not to be brushed aside.

Maureen's eyes narrowed as she sighed and finally met Ada's gaze. "The name's Maureen," she said simply, defiance lurking in her eyes.

"It's nice to meet you, Maureen…" Ada replied with caution.

Maureen continued to glare at her, until Ada averted her gaze, feeling confused about her hostility.

They lapsed into silence for a couple of minutes, which was broken by Eddie, "I wonder what's taking Onai so long."

Just then, Robert appeared behind the corner, looking agitated and concerned, "Class is cancelled!" He called out rushing towards them.

"What do you mean? We have our first exam today!" Mauren said, looking exasperated as Robert finally reached their side. Ada noticed he was clutching a crumpled copy of the Daily Prophet, grasping it a little too harshly.

"There's been an attack," Robert said.

Maureen paled and backed against the wall, her eyes darting anxiously.

"You mean like last year?" Eddie asked with worry too.

"No!" Robert said and shoved the paper on his chest. "It's Grindelwald. He has attacked Diagon Alley."

Almost immediately, Professor Dumbledore's voice resonated through the hallways, instructing students to return to their dormitories and confirming class cancellations.

"See, I told you!" Robert said to all of them and then glanced at Ada. "We should find Emily," he motioned for her to follow him quickly. "Her mother works in one of the shops there."

Ada nodded, understanding his urgency, and she tried to match his steps. They were getting close to where she last saw Emily, but suddenly, she collided with someone.

"I'm so sorry!" she hurriedly apologised, but then stopped when she realised it was Riddle right in front of her.

"Burke," he acknowledged her with a mix of annoyance and curiosity. "I'm beginning to think you never look where you are going."

Flustered, Ada nodded, too dishevelled and distraught to muster a reply. Her hasty journey from the Astronomy Wing had left her in disarray, her mind entangled between fear, dread, and now glimpses of the dream she had with the young man standing before her. Ada hoped that these thoughts wouldn't be reflected in her face.

"You should both be heading to the Gryffindor common room," Riddle advised, his stern tone seeping through.

"I need to find Emily. Have you seen her?" Robert spoke up, as he looked around the crowd of frantic students in the hall.

"If she's following directions, you'll find her in the common room," Riddle replied firmly.

Robert gulped, but nodded in acceptance. "Alright, let's go." He told Ada.

She gave Riddle one last look, feeling like she should say something else, but the words evaded her. Suddenly, before they left, Riddle pulled a parchment from inside his robes.

"Before you go, Burke, this is for you," he handed her the roll, and Ada took it absentmindedly. She knew better than to ask what it was in front of her friend, as Robert was looking at them with curiosity.

"Thank you," she mumbled, and then pulled Robert by the arm to turn around and continue on their path.

As they left, she heard Riddle's commanding voice behind her, calming down the other students and directing them to their common rooms.

…….

A crackling fireplace was casting flickering shadows across the polished hardwood floor. The flames danced with a warm glow, offering a comforting refuge from the downpour outside. Seated in a plush armchair, Albus Dumbledore was gazing into the heart of the fire, his eyes flickered with a hint of anticipation when the flames began to turn green.

In came the man he had been expecting, his tall figure still imposing, despite his clouded eyes and the fact that he had clearly lost a lot of weight since the last time they saw each other. A small house-elf followed, her eyes wide.

"Henry," Albus greeted him warmly, rising from his seat. He took Henry's hands in a gesture of friendship, and then proceeded to take his coat. "It's been a long time, old friend."

Henry Potter, in his early sixties but appearing much older, smiled with wrinkled cheeks. "Yes, though time has been less kind to me than to you, Albus."

"If only," Albus said as he guided the other man towards the chair in front of his desk. "I'm afraid time weighs heavily on my mind."

Yet, Albus had to admit that at least physically, their differences were disparaging, even though they were the same age. Albus couldn't help but remember the youthful man he had shared a dorm with, so many decades ago. For reasons unknown, Henry had aged prematurely in recent years.

"To me it is the contrary, I often feel like a young boy trapped inside this frailing body." Henry said, a mindless hand ruffling his already scruffy hair.

"And this must be Cele," Albus remarked, his eyes shifting to the house-elf beside Henry.

Henry confirmed, "Yes, she's my lifeline. I'd be lost without her."

The elf curtsied with bashful grace, "Cele feels honoured to meet you, sir."

"Likewise," Albus said, nodding at her. "Thank you for looking after my friend."

Cele blushed deeply and inched closer to Henry.

"I wish these were simpler times and that we could catch up," Albus noted as they both took a seat on each side of his desk. "But I understand you have grave matters to discuss."

Henry's smile faded, and he sighed. "Yes, unfortunately. I have been meeting with Leonard recently, he has been seeking my perspective on a couple of issues… related to Gellert."

Instinctively, Albus leaned forward, concern etched across his face. "What do you need from me?"

"I would like for you to speak with Leonard, if possible."

"The Minister knows I'm at his disposal, but I'm afraid I don't understand how I can be of any help."

Henry shook his head and bit his lip. "Albus, I understand this is difficult for you. But things are getting dire. This new attack claimed twenty lives, and many more are at St. Mungo's. They struck at the heart of our community."

Albus nodded, unable to refute the truth in his friend's words, a truth that had been haunting him recently.

"We have insider information that Gellert is acquiring magical weapons – some sort of ancient relics."

"He's always been obsessed with the Deathly Hallows," Albus interjected.

"No," Henry rose, pacing back and forth with his hands positioned in front of him in case he bumped into something. "He has indeed found the Elder Wand recently, we have been told. But this is something different."

"What do you mean?" Albus asked, straightening his back.

"It is hazy... All we know is that he's searching for a triad of enchanted stones in South Asia, and he's even involved the Muggle Nazi government in the hunt," Henry revealed. "The little information we have came from a very cryptic letter that Seager Burke gave to Theseus Scamander the night he came back."

Albus' mind raced as he pondered the significance. "Do you think she knows about this?"

Henry looked uncertain. "I'm not sure what she has seen or heard. Seager never wanted me to stay in touch with her. I believe he blames me for what happened to… to…"

"It wasn't your fault, Henry," Albus said, his voice filled with sympathy.

"I could have saved them both if I had tried harder," Henry replied, his voice breaking. "But I suppose that's irrelevant now."

The conversation grew sombre, both men grappling with their history and the weight of their past actions.

"I'll summon her tomorrow and see what she knows," Albus offered.

Henry nodded. "Please let me know. I'd like to speak to her as well, but I'm unsure if she even remembers me."

Albus extended another offer. "I can ask her if she's willing to meet with you."

"Perhaps," Henry said, mustering a faint smile. "But we have other concerns at the moment."

With a wave of his wand, Henry produced a black envelope on Albus's desk. "This was sent to the Minister's office, but it's addressed to you. I won't presume to know its contents."

Albus stared at the foreboding envelope, a mix of emotions building up inside of him at the sight of the dark piece of paper. In golden ink and familiar calligraphy, his name glowed.

After a moment of contemplation, Henry continued. "Leonard didn't say much. I'm sure he's read it though, as it was clearly intended. I think he is playing some sort of mind game."

Albus agreed, his eyes still fixed on the envelope. "Yes, that's something Gellert would do."

"Please reconsider speaking to Leonard," Henry urged. "I know you wanted to stay away from this, but he won't let you, Albus. You must know that." Henry said, as he took a couple of steps towards the fireplace and signalled for Cele to approach too.

Albus finally stood up as well, to help his friend put on his coat. He handed him a fistfull of Floo powder. "Thank you for coming, Henry. I hope for better circumstances the next time we meet."

"It was good to see you, Albus." Henry said, patting him in the shoulder, and soon he and Cele disappeared through the flames.

Albus stood still as the minutes passed, his heart beating fast. The emotional part of his mind toyed with the possibilities the letter contained.

"We suffer more in imagination than in reality," he reminded himself aloud to calm his emotions.

With determination, Albus walked back to his desk.

Notes:

The last thing Dumbledore says it's actually a quote I really like from Seneca, a Stoic philosopher of Ancient Rome, just in case anyone is interested.

Anyways, I hope you enjoyed the chapter and if you can leave a review I would greatly appreciate it :)