"The most difficult thing is the decision to act, the rest is merely tenacity."
Amelia Earhart
II
The attic was dark and dusty, filled with cobwebs and broken furniture. Hermione felt a chill creep down her back, as if a sense of impending doom loomed. The air was thick with dust and the smell of neglect. The room was a desolate place, brimming with forgotten relics of a bygone era. It was a sanctuary for the unwanted, a place where broken dreams and discarded memories resided.
As she carefully navigated through the scattered piles of trash, the nine-year-old saw a faint glimmer of light in the corner. She walked towards it, curious and cautious. There, she found a boy sitting on a wooden crate, holding a candle.
With dark hair that fell over his forehead, and storm grey eyes that seemed to penetrate her very soul, he commanded attention. Clad in worn-out attire, his figure appeared ethereal in the dim light. His name was Tom Riddle, a name that instilled fear and hatred in the hearts of those within the orphanage.
For the safety of all, Riddle had been banished to the attic. Like her, he possessed the ability to manipulate objects without physical contact. Yet, his abilities took a sinister turn, as he could also exert control over animals, forcing them to do his bidding, and manipulate people into harming themselves or others.
Tom's gaze met Hermione's, and there was a flicker of recognition in his eyes. "You're the one who summoned fire," he said, his voice laced with curiosity.
The girl nodded, feeling a blend of surprise and caution. "Yes. But I don't know how. It just happens sometimes," she replied.
Riddle's eyes narrowed, as if he was piecing together a puzzle. "I saw what happened in the backyard," he said, his tone barely above a whisper. "It was... impressive."
Hermione couldn't help but feel a sense of unease. "How did you see it? There's only one window in this cramped room."
The boy's lips curled into a slight smile. "I have a talent for observation, for noticing things that others overlook," he replied cryptically. "It seems we both possess unique abilities."
She couldn't deny the truth in his words. They were both outsiders, united by their shared experiences and the whispers of being different. Still as she looked into his eyes, she couldn't shake the feeling that there was something darker lurking within him.
Tom seemed to sense her hesitation and took a step closer. "We may be different, Hermione, but that doesn't mean we have to be alone," he said, his voice surprisingly gentle. "We can embrace our powers, use them to shape our own destinies."
The girl hesitated, unsure of whether to trust him. But deep down, she knew that she yearned for connection, for someone who understood the weight of her abilities. "What do you propose we do?" she asked cautiously.
A mischievous glint appeared in his eyes. "We explore the depths of our powers," he said, his tone full of enthusiasm. "Together, we can be invincible." And in that moment, Hermione couldn't help but feel a strange mix of both fear and joy.
The stone beach stretched out before them, its pebbles glistening in the gray light of the rainy day. The crashing waves against the rocky shore produced a powerful sound that reverberated through the air, creating an eerie symphony that perfectly matched the dramatic scenery. Enclosed by towering stone cliffs, the beach provided a disquieting backdrop for the events about to unfold.
Hermione trembled as the cold wind brushed against her skin and the wet sand clung to her feet. She longed to be somewhere warm and secure, but she had no choice. Along with the other orphans from Wool's Orphanage, the girl had to endure this trip. It was meant to be a treat, a rare opportunity to see the sea and have some fun. All the same, for the nine-year-old, it felt like a nightmare.
She stood out from the other kids due to her privileged upbringing and quick-wittedness, and they despised her for it. Their cruelty was particularly intense today, after witnessing something extraordinary she had done. Something that both frightened and captivated them. Something she couldn't explain.
Lost in the enchanting world of Alice in Wonderland, Hermione found solace in her battered copy of the book—a treasured keepsake from her late parents, who tragically perished in the fire. So engrossed was she in her daydreams that she failed to notice a group of children approaching her from behind. They swiftly snatched the book from her hands, tossing it around while jeering and mocking her.
"Look at her, the oddball with her precious book!" Amy Benson, the ringleader of the bullies, taunted. "She actually believes it's real, how pathetic!"
"Maybe we should destroy it, just like her parents!" Dennis Bishop, a mischievous older boy, chimed in with a smirk. "Perhaps then she'll stop being so smug!"
A surge of anger and resolve overwhelmed Hermione. It caused her fingers to tingle and her eyes to gleam. Without thinking, she reached out her hand and exclaimed, "Give it back!"
And then it happened. A spark of blue fire engulfed the book reducing it to ashes. The orphans screamed, dropping the burning pages in horror and awe. Hermione rushed to extinguish the flames, but it was too late. Her beloved tome was gone, reduced to mere remnants. She sobbed, clutching the ashes of her cherished book.
The other children recoiled, their eyes filled with fear and hatred. They whispered among themselves, labeling her a witch, a demon, a monster. They hurried to Mrs. Cole and recounted the incident. The matron scolded Hermione, banishing her to the stormy beach and instructing her to remain there until further notice. She warned her that there would be consequences, emphasizing her disapproval and labeling her a very naughty girl.
Sitting alone on the beach, Hermione felt utterly isolated and despondent. She longed to disappear, to understand why she was different and possessed abilities beyond others' comprehension.
Unbeknownst to her, Amy and Dennis trailed behind her, seeking revenge. They caught up to her on the beach, seizing her arms and forcefully dragging her toward the water. They threw her into the waves, reveling in their cruelty.
"Let's see if you can swim, you freak!" Benson taunted, kicking sand in Hermione's face.
"Maybe you'll drown and do us all a favor!" Bishop sneered, spitting at her hair.
Coughing and struggling to escape the water, Hermione fought back, but they overpowered her. The two hauled her back to the shore, pinning her down. They subjected her to the humiliation of eating sand, further depleting her physically and emotionally.
"Please, stop!" Hermione pleaded, tears streaming down her cheeks. "Please, leave me alone!"
Her pleas fell on deaf ears. The torment continued, with Amy and Dennis relentlessly taunting her.
"You're a freak!" Amy jeered, forcing sand into the girl's mouth.
"You don't belong here, or anywhere!" Dennis spat, slapping her face.
From a hidden spot, a pair of eyes watched the older orphans as they tormented Hermione. The grey eyes belonged to Tom Riddle. He had witnessed their cruelty, and he was furious. The boy had a plan to make them suffer, a plan that involved his secret power. A power that he shared with Hermione, and no one else.
The nine-year-old had volunteered to help with the food for the trip, knowing that it would give him a chance to sneak into the kitchen and find some useful items for his projects. He had finished his work and headed down the stairs of the inn by the beach, where the orphans were staying. Riddle had sensed that something was wrong, and he had followed his intuition.
"Hey, Tom. What brings you here?" Amy inquired upon noticing his approach.
"Hi, Amy. Hi, Dennis. I was actually looking for you. I have something to show you," Riddle replied, feigning friendliness.
"Really? What is it?" Bishop asked, genuinely curious.
"It's a surprise. But I assure you, you'll be thrilled. It's something completely new to you," Tom enticed them.
"Alright, you've piqued our interest. Where is it?" Benson asked, intrigued.
"It's not far. Just follow me. It's on the beach. Come on, let's go," Tom explained, leading them away.
Riddle guided them to a nearby cave that he had discovered during a previous visit. The hollow was treacherous, prone to filling with water during high tide. It was the perfect setting for his scheme.
"Here we are. This is the cave I mentioned. Isn't it incredible?" Tom said as they entered the dark and damp space.
"It's creepy, that's what it is. What's so special about it?" Amy questioned, feeling uneasy.
"You'll see. Come on, follow me," Riddle replied, proceeding further into the cave.
"What is it? What have you been saving for us?" Dennis inquired, following closely.
"It's a secret. But I promise you, you'll love it," Tom assured, reaching a big hole in the wall. "Here it is. This is what I wanted to show you," he gestured towards the opening.
Bishop and Benson exchanged glances before directing their attention to the hole. They were curious, yet suspicious. What was Tom hiding? What was his ulterior motive? They decided to investigate, hoping to discover something valuable, something they could claim for themselves.
With their faces leaning in, they peered into the hole. Darkness greeted their eyes. Coldness enveloped their senses.
Then, a faint click reached their ears.
Startled, they turned around and found Riddle standing behind them, clutching a rock. Utilizing his magic, he had sealed the hole, trapping them inside. His face bore a cruel and icy smile.
"What are you doing?" Amy asked, trembling with fear.
"I have done what needed to be done. What you deserved," Tom replied calmly.
"What do you mean? What are you talking about? Let us out. Let us out right now," Dennis pleaded, panicking.
"I'm sorry, Dennis. But I can't do that. You see, I know what you did to Hermione. I know how you hurt her, how you made her cry. And I won't let you escape the consequences. I'm going to make you pay. I'm going to make you suffer," Riddle stated, his tone devoid of warmth.
"She's an outcast, an oddity, a person of no importance. She received what she deserved. She deserved even worse," Amy stated defiantly.
"Don't provoke me. I am about to reveal something to you. Something that will be etched in your memory forever. Something that will make you wish you were dead," Tom threatened menacingly.
In a soft voice, he whispered in an unfamiliar language, and observed as a colossal, slimy creature emerged from the water. The enormous serpent possessed scales and fangs, slithering out of its hiding place, hissing at Amy and Dennis. It detected their fear, tasted their blood, perceived their vulnerability, and sensed their pain. It hungered for their flesh, yearned for their souls. It eagerly prepared to strike, ready to end their lives.
The two terrified orphans shrieked as they witnessed the snake approaching them. They attempted to flee, but there was no escape. They tried to fight, but lacked any means to defend themselves. They pleaded for mercy, but no one was there to hear their cries. They were trapped, their fate sealed.
They recalled Tom's words before he abandoned them. He had claimed to know what they had done to Hermione, and vowed to make them suffer. Clinging to each other, they prayed for a miracle, desperately hoping for a way out. They waited for the water to recede, for an opportunity to escape.
The events that led to their torment and the subsequent horror within the cave remained shrouded in darkness. Tom's act of revenge had left an indelible mark on Amy and Dennis, forever altering them and ensuring their silence. A silence born out of sheer terror.
Back at the orphanage, Hermione and Tom found themselves alone, with only each other for company. Mrs. Cole, the caretaker, constantly kept them busy with endless chores, leaving them with no time for themselves.
As the sun began to rise, a black car pulled up in front of the orphanage. A man in a suit emerged, clutching a suitcase and leading a young boy by the hand. The boy, named Billy Stubbs, surveyed his surroundings with a mix of curiosity and disdain, seemingly convinced that he was superior to this place. Billy was the illegitimate son of a deceased tycoon, left with no other family to care for him.
The man in the suit handed some papers to the matron, who regarded Billy with a mixture of pity and suspicion. She guided him inside, where he was met with the curious gazes of the other orphans.
One of them mustered the courage to ask, "Who are you?"
"I am Billy Stubbs, and I am superior to all of you," he responded arrogantly. "My father was a wealthy and influential man, and upon turning eighteen, I will inherit his fortune. This stay here is merely temporary."
The other orphans exchanged knowing glances and chuckled softly. They were well-acquainted with children like Billy, who arrived with grand tales of imaginary families and wealth. They were aware of the truth: the boy was an unwanted child, just like them.
Ignoring their reactions, Stubbs followed the matron to his room. His disappointment was palpable upon discovering its small size and shabby appearance, furnished with only a single bed and a dresser. He opened his suitcase and retrieved a stuffed rabbit, the sole memento from his father, who had gifted it to him on his last birthday. Hugging the rabbit tightly, he whispered, "Don't worry, Fluffy. We won't be here for long."
The rest of the day was spent exploring the orphanage, in search of something to occupy himself. Still, all he found were worn-out books, broken toys, and disinterested children. Determined to find solace outdoors, he ventured into the large backyard, where a swing set, slide, and sandbox awaited.
Sitting on a bench, engrossed in a book, was a girl who stood out from the others. With her untamed hair and vibrant eyes, she exuded an air of intelligence and confidence. Billy couldn't help but feel a twinge of envy and resentment. Approaching her, he called out, "Hey, you! What are you reading?"
Lifting her gaze, the girl frowned and retorted, "That's none of your business. Leave me alone."
Taken aback by her brusqueness, he protested, "Don't you know who I am? I come from a wealthy family."
The girl shrugged dismissively. "I couldn't care less about your background. We're all orphans here."
Stubbs' face flushed with anger. "I am nothing like you. I have a family and a fortune waiting for me. You're just an insignificant nobody, a wild-haired witch."
Amused, the girl laughed and replied, "A millionaire, huh? Sure, and I'm the queen of England. You're nothing but a liar and a spoiled child who needs to learn some manners."
Closing her book abruptly, she stood up and faced Billy. "If you don't want trouble, I suggest you leave me alone. Or else, you'll regret it."
Unfazed by her threat, the boy sneered, "What could you possibly do? Cast a spell on me? You're not a real witch, just a freak."
As he reached out to grab her book, she swiftly pushed him with force, causing him to stumble backward and collide with the brick wall. A sharp pain shot through his head, accompanied by the warmth of blood trickling down his face.
Groaning, he clutched his head and looked up to see the girl standing over him, a triumphant smile adorning her face. "That's what you get for messing with me. I'm Hermione Granger, by the way. Don't you dare forget it."
The next morning, Billy woke up with a pounding headache and a wounded pride. As he rose from his bed, a horrifying sight met his eyes. His beloved Fluffy lay beside him, but not intact. Someone had torn him open, exposing his stuffing and insides.
The floor was a gruesome scene, covered in cotton and fur. Billy let out a scream and dropped the rabbit. Grief and anger washed over him. He knew exactly who was responsible for this. It had to be Granger and her friend, Riddle. They were the only ones who knew about Fluffy. They had seen him yesterday when he took him outside.
With his head throbbing, Stubbs hurried out of his room. He was determined to confront them and make them face the consequences. He found them in the dining hall, calmly enjoying breakfast with the other orphans. Their innocent demeanor angered him even more. The boy stormed towards them and shouted, "You monsters! You killed Fluffy! You killed my rabbit!"
The other orphans turned to look, puzzled and curious. Hermione and Tom appeared surprised and amused. The girl replied, "What are you talking about, Billy? We know nothing about your rabbit."
Riddle added, "Yeah, Billy, calm down. You look like you have a headache."
A sharp pain pierced through Stubbs' head, causing him to gasp and clutch his temples. He pleaded, "Stop it! Stop hurting me! You did this! You're evil!"
Hermione and Tom exchanged a knowing glance, silently communicating. Riddle said, "Billy, Billy, Billy. You don't understand. We're not evil. We're just different. We possess something you don't. Something that makes us special. Something you can't handle."
Another surge of pain overwhelmed the boy, causing him to fall to his knees. He begged, "Please, please, stop. I'm sorry."
Riddle smiled and replied, "It's too late, Billy. You've made your choice, and now you must face the consequences."
A final wave of pain washed over Stubbs, causing him to collapse unconscious on the floor.
Hermione and Tom rose from their seats and left the dining hall, ignoring the shocked and frightened expressions of the other orphans. They made their way to the attic, where they kept a secret collection of books and objects they had gathered over the years. Their passion for learning and experimenting had grown, especially when it came to things that were off-limits.
Entering the room, they locked the door behind them and settled onto a cramped sofa. Opening a book they had found in an old chest, titled The Art of War by an ancient Chinese general named Sun Tzu, they delved into its pages.
Hermione broke the silence, asking, "Don't you ever read anything else? Something not related to war and power?"
Tom pondered for a moment before replying, "Sometimes. Why do you ask?"
Curiosity piqued, she continued, "I don't know. I was just wondering. Do you ever read purely for enjoyment?"
"I suppose I do, occasionally," Riddle admitted, "When I'm bored or curious. What about you?"
The girl nodded, saying, "Yes, I do. Sometimes, when I need a break or distraction."
Intrigued, Riddle inquired, "What do you read?"
A smile crept across Hermione's face as she reached into her bag and pulled out a book. Its cover was blue, featuring a girl falling down a rabbit hole. The title read Alice's Adventures in Wonderland. Handing it to Tom, she said, "This is one of my favorites."
Excited, the boy opened the book and read the first sentence aloud, "Alice was beginning to get very tired of sitting by her sister on the bank, and of having nothing to do: once or twice she had peeped into the book her sister was reading, but it had no pictures or conversations in it, 'and what is the use of a book,' thought Alice 'without pictures or conversations?'"
A smirk formed on his lips as he said, "This sounds intriguing."
Returning the smile, Hermione replied, "You'll love it. Trust me. It's a magical story."
After the incident with Benson and Bishop, they were banished to the attic, given cramped and neglected rooms to sleep in. One day, Mrs. Cole stared into their eyes and suddenly accused them of being troublemakers. "You two are nothing but trouble," she sneered, her tone filled with accusation.
And so, in that dusty room, a bond was formed between two lost souls. Little did they know that their meeting would shape their destinies in ways they could never imagine. Together, Hermione and Tom would embark on a journey that would test their strengths, challenge their beliefs, and ultimately reveal the true nature of their powers.