This is the second to last chapter of this story and what better way to cause drama than with a party because that's what teen drama romances always do.

So, I thought why not follow the trend.

Happy reading.

Chapter 15: Enchanting Deception

The day of the Hogwarts Ball had arrived, and the castle was buzzing with excitement. Students from all houses bustled about, preparing for the evening's festivities. The Great Hall was adorned with enchanting decorations, its high ceilings draped in shimmering fabrics and the floating candles casting a warm, golden glow.

Kavya stood in her room, her dress draped across her shoulders. It was a breathtaking creation of deep sapphire blue, its fabric flowing like water, with delicate beadwork that caught the light. She couldn't help but feel a sense of anticipation tinged with nervousness. Her fingers traced the intricate patterns, and she couldn't wait for Tom to see her in it. Cinnamon was lying beside on her bed panting and wagging his tail.

"Don't worry Cinnamon, you won't miss out on the food. I'll bring some back for you alright?" Kavya told her faithful companion giving him an affectionate pat on the head.

Amara and Myra were equally caught up in the excitement, helping each other with final touches to their own gowns. The air was filled with laughter and the scent of perfumes and wizarding colognes.

"Kavya, you're going to look so beautiful," Myra exclaimed, a mischievous glint in her eye. "Tom won't know what hit him."

Amara nodded in agreement, adjusting a strand of Kavya's hair. "You look absolutely stunning, Kavya. He won't be able to take his eyes off you."

Kavya smiled, a mixture of gratitude and nervousness fluttering in her chest. "Thank you both for helping me get ready. I just hope Tom likes it."

"Are you kidding?! He'll be all over you!" Myra chimed in happily.

Kavya's cheeks flushed redder.

"You're making her blush, Myra. I wish you would learn some discretion." Amara replied giggling lightly.

In the Slytherin common room, Tom stood before a mirror, adjusting his robes. He had chosen attire that exuded an air of quiet confidence, the dark colors accentuating his sharp features. Despite his meticulous preparations, there was a restlessness within him, a nagging uncertainty that refused to be silenced.

Nagini, coiled around his shoulders, gazed at him with her intelligent eyes, sensing his inner turmoil. She remained a constant presence, offering silent support in the face of the darkness that loomed over them.

Tom ran a hand through his perfectly combed hair, a nervous gesture he wasn't usually prone to. He realized that he was no longer the boy he had once been, the boy who had first come to Hogwarts. The innocence had been eroded by the relentless pursuit of power, and the weight of his decisions seemed to bear down on him.

Meanwhile, as he adjusted his attire, a group of admiring Slytherin girls gathered around him, their eyes shining with a mix of admiration and fascination. The sight of Tom Riddle in formal dress robes had a magnetic effect on them, his aura of confidence and ambition drawing them in like moths to a flame.

"Oh, Tom, you look absolutely divine," purred one of the girls, her voice brimming with adoration.

"Indeed, he's quite the heartthrob," chimed in another, with a conspiratorial wink to her friends.

Tom received their compliments with grace, his charming smile acknowledging their praise. He was no stranger to the allure he held, and he was skilled at playing to their adoration. The Slytherin girls swooned over him, their hearts fluttering in response to his charisma.

"Thank you, ladies," he replied with a smile. "You all look quite enchanting yourselves." He had no attachment to these girls at all, but he knew how they worked. It was easy to charm them for someone like him.

Their giggles filled the common room as they basked in the brief attention that he had bestowed upon them. But Tom's thoughts remained veiled, shrouded by the complexities of his ambitions, the dark magic he sought, and the secrets he dared not share.

Amid the flattering whispers and admiration, Tom's eyes drifted back to the mirror, where the reflection of the boy he had been continued to blur with the man he was becoming, a man on the precipice of his own unique destiny.

Kavya made her way down the stairs, her heart pounding with a mix of nervousness and eagerness. Her dress billowed around her as she descended, and the blood pact necklace nestled against her skin, a reminder of the bond she shared with Tom.

Upon entering the Great Hall, Kavya's breath caught. The transformation was nothing short of magical. The enchanted ceiling was a canvas of shifting stars, and the tables were adorned with delicate flowers that seemed to glow in the candlelight.

She scanned the room, her heart skipping a beat when she spotted Tom. He stood near the edge of the dance floor, his dark eyes fixed on her. A rush of warmth washed over her, and she couldn't help but smile.

As she approached him, the world seemed to fade away, leaving only the two of them in their own private moment. Tom's gaze was intense, his eyes locked with hers, and for that moment, everything else ceased to exist.

"You look... incredible," Tom finally managed, his voice tinged with a mixture of awe and something deeper, something he couldn't quite put into words.

Kavya's cheeks flushed with a mixture of happiness and shyness. "Thank you, Tom. You look rather dashing yourself."

Tom offered his arm, a small smile playing on his lips. "Shall we?"

With that, they stepped onto the dance floor, the strains of music swirling around them. They moved together in perfect harmony, the world outside forgotten, at least for a little while.

Meanwhile, Erik watched from a distance, his expression inscrutable. He had chosen to attend the ball, though his motives remained hidden. His eyes shifted between Tom and Kavya, observing their interactions with keen interest.

He watched as Tom and Kavya moved gracefully together, their steps synchronized to the lilting rhythm of the waltz. Kavya's laughter bubbled up, light and carefree, as she looked into Tom's eyes. In that moment, the shadows that clung to them both seemed to dissipate, leaving only the two of them, lost in the dance.

Erik continued to watch from a distance, his expression an enigmatic mask. He had chosen to attend the ball, though his motives remained shrouded in secrecy. His keen eyes never wavered from Tom and Kavya, silently observing their interactions.

There was something about the way they moved together, the easy connection between them, that left Erik both intrigued and troubled. He had seen Tom's charisma and determination throughout the school year, but seeing it manifest in such an intimate setting was another matter entirely.

Erik's eyes followed Tom and Kavya as they glided across the dance floor. His observations were astute, noting the effortless charm Tom exuded, the magnetic pull that seemed to draw Kavya closer with each graceful step. He couldn't deal with the weight on his shoulders and what he was about to do. He stepped outside into the courtyard where he saw one of the former Ashwinder's waiting for him.

There was a hint of impatience in his voice. "Why are you lingering here, Erik? There are more important matters to attend to."

Erik nodded, his gaze still fixed on the dancing couple. "Of course, I just wanted to see something for myself."

His companion raised an eyebrow. "And what is it that you're looking for?"

Erik finally tore his gaze away from Tom and Kavya and turned to face the other follower. "The future," he replied cryptically before following the rest of the group, his thoughts heavy with uncertainty.

"You won't have one if you keep stalling any longer! Now get back in there and do your job!" The former Ashwinder replied. "Grindelwald's counting on you to see this through!"

Erik sighed, giving a nod and then returned to the ball.

As Erik rejoined the group, he couldn't shake the sense of foreboding that hung in the air. The ballroom was alive with laughter and music, but beneath the surface, there were currents of power and ambition swirling, each guest carrying their own secrets and desires.

Erik knew that he would need to tread carefully, for the stakes were higher than ever. The fate of the wizarding world rested on their shoulders, and Grindelwald's vision loomed large in their minds.

Meanwhile, on the dance floor, Tom and Kavya moved with a grace that drew the eyes of many. The Slytherin girls watched in awe, their faces a mixture of admiration and envy. Tom's presence was magnetic, and his every move seemed calculated to command attention.

Kavya, too, held her own, her radiant smile and elegant poise captivating those around her. Together, they were a sight to behold, a portrait of youthful vitality and promise.

Yet, for all the splendor of the ball, a shadow of uncertainty clung to the edges of Tom's mind. He couldn't entirely shake the weight of his secrets, nor the knowledge that with each step he took on this dark path, he distanced himself further from the boy he once was.

The dance floor seemed to almost retch on endlessly, and Tom found himself lost in the rhythm of the music, his movements almost mechanical. As the night wore on, he stole glances at Kavya, her presence a beacon of light amid his inner turmoil.

As the evening continued on, Tom and Kavya stepped away from the dance floor, finding a quiet alcove where they could catch their breath. The blood pact necklace, nestled against their skin, pulsed faintly, a reminder of the choices they had both made.

"Thank you for tonight, Tom," Kavya said, her eyes sparkling with a mixture of joy and weariness.

Tom smiled, a genuine warmth in his eyes. "The pleasure was mine, Kavya. You looked absolutely stunning."

In that moment, the darkness that had threatened to consume him seemed to recede, if only temporarily. The bond between them felt tangible, a lifeline in the midst of the turbulent sea that was Tom's destiny.

The alcove was bathed in a soft, golden light, casting long shadows that danced upon the walls. In the intimacy of that moment, the world outside faded away, leaving only Tom and Kavya.

Tom's eyes bore into Kavya's, searching for something beyond the surface, a connection that transcended words. With a gentle, deliberate motion, he reached out and cradled her face in his hands.

Kavya's breath caught as their lips met, a tender and passionate kiss that spoke of love, longing, and the unspoken promises of a future that held both darkness and light. The kiss seemed to stretch on, as if time itself had paused to allow them this stolen moment.

When they finally parted, their eyes remained locked, a silent exchange of emotions that spoke of their shared journey, their unspoken fears, and the love that had persevered through it all.

Tom whispered, his voice a soft caress against her ear, "No matter what happens, Kavya, I want you to know that you mean everything to me."

Kavya's heart swelled with emotion, and she responded with a fervor that matched his own, "And you mean everything to me, Tom."

Their embrace lingered, a testament to the love they shared. Tom and Kavya had been through trials and tribulations, their journey marred by secrets, darkness, and the allure of power. But in each other's arms, they found solace and hope.

As they held one another, Kavya felt the rhythmic beating of Tom's heart against her chest. It was a comforting sound, a reminder of the humanity that still resided within him. The blood pact necklace, hidden beneath their fancy attire, throbbed in response to the intensity of their emotions.

Tom pressed his forehead to Kavya's, his voice barely above a whisper. "I promise you, Kavya, I'll find a way to make everything right. For us."

Kavya's eyes brimmed with tears, not of sorrow, but of love and understanding. She had always known that Tom was a complex individual, capable of great darkness and great light. She realized how much Tom cared for her and she believed he was capable of great things as a wizard even though he was going down a dangerous path. She had no idea he was making horcruxes.

The words hung in the air, a solemn vow that bound them in a promise of solidarity and love. Their lips met once more, sealing their commitment to each other. This kiss was different from the previous one, deeper and more profound, as if they were drawing strength from each other.

As they pulled away, the sound of distant laughter and music from the ball reached their ears. The world continued to spin outside their haven, but they were in no hurry to rejoin it. Instead, they held each other close, taking solace in the warmth and tenderness they found in their shared embrace.

Unbeknownst to them, a figure lurked in the shadows, hidden from view. Erik watched from a distance, his face a mask of conflicted emotions. He had observed the depth of their love and knew that it was a powerful force, one that could either be an asset or an obstacle in the dark path he had chosen.

As he turned away, Erik's thoughts were filled with uncertainty. The meeting earlier had left an indelible mark on him, and the weight of his mission bore down heavily. He knew that difficult choices lay ahead, and the outcome was far from certain.

Kavya saw Erik walking away. She frowned a little seeing him looking a little distraught. It then dawned on her. She promised him a dance.

"What is it?" Tom asked her.

Kavya's gaze lingered on Erik's retreating figure; concern etched on her features. She turned back to Tom, her brow furrowed in worry. "It's Erik. I promised him a dance, and I don't want to go back on my word."

Tom's eyes followed Kavya's, taking in Erik's distant form. He understood the weight of promises, especially in a world where trust could be a scarce commodity. He gave Kavya's hand a reassuring squeeze. "Go, Kavya. I'll be here when you get back."

Relieved by Tom's understanding, Kavya left the alcove and made her way towards Erik.

In the Great Hall, the ball continued, the music and laughter carrying on into the night. Students danced, laughed, and celebrated, unaware of the shadows that lurked in the corners of their world.

Kavya caught up to him just outside the Great Hall, gently touching his arm to get his attention.

"Erik, are you alright?" Kavya asked, concern evident in her voice.

Erik turned to face her, his expression a mixture of surprise and gratitude. "Kavya, I didn't expect you to follow through with our dance promise."

A small smile played on Kavya's lips. "A promise is a promise, Erik. Besides, you looked like you could use a distraction. Shall we?"

Erik's features softened, and he offered his arm to Kavya. They made their way back into the Great Hall, joining the swirl of dancers. As they moved together, Kavya couldn't help but notice the weight that seemed to have settled on Erik's shoulders.

"You know, if you ever need someone to talk to," Kavya began gently, "I'm here for you, Erik. We all have our struggles, and it helps to share the burden."

Erik's gaze met hers, a flicker of vulnerability crossing his features. "Thank you, Kavya. That means more than you know."

Tom watched them, his heart filled with a complex mixture of emotions. He knew that Erik was a part of a world that he could never fully understand, and yet, seeing Kavya reach out to him sparked a twinge of jealousy. But he knew he could trust Kavya.

Nagini, sensing her master's inner turmoil, coiled around his arm, offering her silent support. Amid the festivities, the two of them remained a solitary presence. Gently he stroked her. "I thought I told you to wait in the common room." He hissed to her in parseltongue.

Nagini's eyes flickered with understanding as she nuzzled her head against Tom's hand. Despite her initial reluctance, she knew that staying close to her master was essential, especially in the midst of a night filled with intrigue and hidden agendas.

Tom excused himself from the alcove where he had been observing Kavya and Erik. With Nagini in tow, he ventured back to the Slytherin common room,

In the corner of the Slytherin common room, a group of students huddled together, discussing the recent events in the wizarding world. The topic of conversation had shifted to Grindelwald, the dark wizard who was gaining notoriety for his call to establish a new order in the wizarding community.

"I heard some students from Durmstrang volunteered to join Grindelwald," one student remarked, a sense of awe in his voice. "They say he's recruiting followers from all over Europe."

Another student added, "It's said that Grindelwald's vision is to unite wizards and witches, to establish our dominance over Muggles. He's promising a new world order, where we'll no longer have to hide our true power."

Tom, who had been listening to the conversation from a nearby table, felt a shiver run down his spine. The mere mention of Grindelwald and his followers piqued his interest. He couldn't help but wonder if there was more to this than met the eye. Of course he would one day be able to overthrow someone like Grindelwald. His instincts, however, honed by a year of plotting and secrecy, were telling him that there was something sinister lurking beneath the surface.

Nagini, coiled around his arm, hissed softly in response to the conversation. She, too, seemed to sense the significance of the topic at hand.

Tom decided to probe further, joining the conversation with a well-practiced air of casual interest. "You know, it's quite the ambitious goal he's pursuing," he commented, his voice laced with curiosity. "But how does one even go about joining Grindelwald's cause? It's not as though he publicly advertises for followers."

The students exchanged looks, hesitating to reveal too much. But Tom's reputation as a talented young wizard, with ambitions and connections of his own, made him a somewhat respected figure among his peers.

One student finally responded, "Rumors say that Grindelwald's supporters are actively seeking out talented witches and wizards, individuals who share his vision of a new world order. They approach prospective recruits in secret and test their loyalty."

Tom's mind raced with the possibilities. Was Erik's involvement with Grindelwald's followers merely a coincidence, or had he been targeted as a potential recruit? The pieces of the puzzle started to fall into place, and suspicion gnawed at him.

The conversation continued, with some students expressing support for Grindelwald's cause, while others remained skeptical of his intentions. Tom listened intently, the unease in his heart growing with each passing moment.

One student chimed in, "I heard Grindelwald has followers who are infiltrating other schools and recruiting from within. You never know who a sympathizer might be."

With this revelation, Tom's suspicion grew stronger. He had to find out more about Erik's connection to Grindelwald and whether Kavya was in any danger. As the conversation carried on around him, he made a sprint back to the ball. If Erik hurt Kavya in any way, he would not see the light of day. Tom would make certain of it.

Amid the swirl of laughter and music in the Great Hall, Kavya and Erik stood at the edge of the dance floor, their conversation lighthearted. She couldn't help but admire the genuine kindness in Erik's demeanor; he had been a good friend to her during a tumultuous school year.

In contrast, Erik had to put on a facade of normalcy while he secretly wrestled with the task that lay before him. The Imperius Curse was a dark and forbidden spell, but he knew that the success of his mission depended on it. He was Grindelwald's pawn, and his loyalty to the dark wizard was unwavering. The choice to curse Kavya weighed heavily on his conscience, yet he had no other option.

In a quiet, casual tone, Erik said, "Kavya, you know, you've always been kind to me, even when I first arrived at Hogwarts. I don't think I ever properly thanked you for that."

Kavya smiled warmly, appreciating his words. "You're a good friend, Erik. There was no need for thanks."

As the conversation continued, Erik slowly directed his wand hand toward Kavya, hidden by the flowing fabric of his robes. His fingers subtly performed the precise wand movements required for the Imperius Curse.

"Imperio." He subtly said casting the spell to control Kavya.

For a moment, Kavya felt strange like she lost the will to control herself. A tinge of white appeared in her dark eyes before taking over completely. She was like a mindless doll.

Erik's mind raced as he silently issued his commands to Kavya, using the curse's power to manipulate her actions. "Now, Kavya, I want you to take a stroll with me to Hogsmede. It's such a beautiful evening, and you deserve to enjoy it." He held his hand out to her. "Take my hand." He told her.

Kavya's hand shook almost as if she was struggling to fight off the spell, but even she wasn't strong enough to fight off one of the unforgivable curses. She obeyed the command, her movements fluid and unthinking, as if she were in a dreamlike state.

As Kavya took Erik's hand, she felt a strange disconnect between her actions and her own will. It was as if she were a mere observer in her own body, watching as her limbs moved in response to an external force. Her gaze was distant, her mind clouded by the effects of the Imperius Curse.

Erik led her away from the Great Hall, their figures blending into the sea of masked students. The night air was cool and filled with the scent of blooming flowers from the Hogwarts gardens. They walked in silence, Kavya's steps guided by Erik's subtle commands.

Kavya's housemates and other students noticed that there was something off about her as Erik led her away.

Tom returned to the Great Hall scanning the room for any sign of Kavya or Erik. He clenched his fist when he didn't see either of them.

In a quiet corner, he spotted Myra and Amara, Kavya's closest friends in Hufflepuff. He approached them with a sense of urgency.

"Have you seen Kavya?" Tom's voice carried a tinge of worry, his eyes darting between Myra and Amara. "I can't seem to find her anywhere."

Myra exchanged a concerned glance with Amara before turning her attention back to Tom. "We did see her with Erik a little while ago. They left the ball together," she replied.

Tom's heart sank at the mention of Erik's name. He had a sinking feeling that something was terribly wrong. "Did she seem... okay? Did anything seem off about her?"

Amara nodded, her brow furrowing in concern. "Now that you mention it, she did look a bit strange, like she wasn't herself. We thought it was just the excitement of the ball."

Tom's mind raced, his thoughts consumed by a sense of urgency. If Kavya had been acting strangely while with Erik, it only heightened his suspicions. He needed to find her and ensure her safety.

Without another word, he turned and began to weave his way through the crowd, heading toward the exit. His every step was driven by a desperate need to locate Kavya, no matter the cost.

In the distance, the lights of Hogsmeade twinkled, casting a warm glow over the cobblestone streets. The village seemed to hold a surreal charm, its quaint shops and bustling inns a stark contrast to the dark undercurrents that threatened to disrupt the tranquility.

As they approached the outskirts of Hogsmeade, Kavya's senses began to sharpen, her awareness struggling to break through the veil of the Imperius Curse. She felt a surge of panic welling up within her, a desperate need to regain control of her own actions.

Erik, sensing Kavya's internal struggle, maintained his calm facade, though a flicker of concern danced in his eyes. He knew that the success of his mission hinged on keeping her under the curse's influence.

"Kavya, isn't this a lovely night?" Erik's voice was soothing, a gentle attempt to maintain the illusion of normalcy.

Kavya's response was automatic, her words distant and devoid of her usual warmth. "Yes, it is..." The Imperius Curse had her ensnared, and the shadow of a hidden puppeteer loomed over her, threatening to turn her into a pawn in a dangerous game.

Well Erik, it's been nice knowing you, but you're a dead man for messing with Tom's girl.

Oof I can't wait to finish this story next week!

Review.