hopefully i can update the fic once again in around 2-5 weeks! enjoy!
The cool morning air of late January enveloped the Slytherin dormitory in a tight, yet gentle embrace. Tom sat on his bed, calmly getting ready for the day. The warmth of the duvet and comfort of the bed still tempted him to stay just a little longer, especially after his unpleasant dreams had stopped. No more doubts... no more voice to torment him... the twisted, abhorrent reflection of him simply disappeared, leaving him standing alone in the abyss of his mind, laughing at it's defeat. Having rid himself of all weaknesses, nothing was left to challenge his rule over his mind, for he had won.
Knowing this, he confidently went up to the door and left the common room. Today would be a very long and interesting day.
As he walked down the stairs to breakfast, he couldn't help but muse about all of the things that had occurred these last few days. Surprisingly, there had been no attacks, considering the previous flimsy ability of Hornby and her company keeping it at bay. But, there was the rather interesting and important detail of the monster causing Avalite Smaragdovski a very nasty gash across her torso, almost reaching her face. Oh, how surely painful it must've been, judging by the guttural and shrill scream she initially produced... how she must've felt, the fear... the hopelessness...it was simply a thought worth relishing over. The injury couldn't be covered up so easily, neither by excuse nor treatment. Because of that, the suspicion surrounding went from subtle to very prominent, alerting the professors to take action... even the head of their house, Albus Dumbledore. As Tom had learned, today he would have a talk with the three of them, since Avalite was freshly out of the hospital wing, in order to see if the suspicious would be dismissed or further proven.
While nearing the grand hall, Tom heard a voice just behind an isolated corner, a wide grin spreading across his face upon recognising it. Surely, it wouldn't hurt to hear what they have to say...
"What do you mean, Ruth?", Hornby asked.
"Nothing, nothing! It's just going to be so bothersome trying to convince that old man that we didn't play a part in this mess... I've had more than enough of this!", Ruth sneered, groaning and pulling her hair.
"Ruth, please.", Audaxius said in a calmer tone.
"Dumbledore knows us, you know this! He's the head of our house, no doubt he'll be on our side... I'm not a prefect for nothing, you know?", he said kindly.
"No, Audaxius.", Hornby sighed, putting a hand on her forehead.
"He won't hold back no matter who we are... I don't know what to do anymore. Ugh! This is bad, really bad! And my head still hurts from what that Warren freak did to me! ", Hornby replied, furious and clutching her fists.
Tom felt himself twitch at that remark.
"Come on, Olive. You two, along with Avalite, managed just fine that time you went to Merrythought and talked yourself out, even if Riddle and Warren were there. It'll be alright.", he said, a little annoyed.
"Yeah right. It'll be as great as that orange juice we had... still can't believe Avi likes that...", Hornby muttered under her breath.
"You know what? Let's just go have breakfast. We'll talk there.", Audaxius said, walking away from them.
Upon hearing that, Tom retreated further, careful as to not be seen and waited a little for them to distance themselves. Funny, it was... seeing the slow, but steady discord between them grow. And, after they would finish their short talk with Dumbledore... even further.
The great hall glistened with floating candles and the snowy, wintery sky above. Before settling down on the Slytherin table, Tom glanced around a few times in hopes of catching a glimpse of Myrtle, but to no avail. Oh well... she was probably still asleep, he concluded. In front of him, there were various dishes waiting to be eaten, giving him a lot to choose from. But, oddly enough, even if hadn't eaten anything in almost a full day, he still wasn't hungry. Though it wasn't really a qualm to him... all that mattered now was how Hornby and company would try to get out of the mess they made themselves.
Just at that moment, Tom's eyes darted to the entrance of the hall, spotting the three Gryffindors clumsily making their way to their table. It was all so endlessly amusing, watching them quarrel about their impending fate with the morsel of time they had left. The way that stupid prefect would try to bring order, then get interrupted by Hornby, which would all end in an equally pessimistic comment from Ruth, repeating over and over again. It was all such a... harmonious display of chaos, if he could call it that. Then, briefly, Hornby randomly looked away from them, only to seemingly accidentally look at him. An immediate terror washed over her, making her desperately tap Ruth's shoulder, and in that short brink of time, he looked away, pretending to focus on the food. The way a mere glance at him instilled so much fear in her... it was exhilarating, further proof of the sheer effect and control he had on others. Would it be that Hornby is mad for seemingly seeing such things or that Ruth is mad for not believing her? The speculation never ends...
"Mulciber! What are you doing!? I don't want to... sit near that-"
Tom slowly turned his head to see what was happening.
"Are you serious? Just because of the bacon...? Come on...", Abraxas groaned, rolling over his eyes and reluctantly sitting right beside Tom.
"Riddle, move away. I don't want my clothes to come into contact with whatever it is you mudbloods have...", he said, wincing.
Smiling to himself, Tom distanced himself from him.
"Finally.", Abraxas said, glaring at Tom.
"Now, Mulciber... I'm going to strangle you for this later, but now I want to talk about quidditch. I really miss playing it, do you reckon to know when..."
Reckless fool, Tom thought, slowly turning his head back to watch the Gryffindor table. From the looks of it, they appeared to grow even more uneasy, but it was not as noticeable anymore. Just a looming sense of impending dread rather than active, impulsive bouts of rage. Still, it was equally as amusing. Audaxius was talking to Ruth, probably trying to reassure her that everything was going to be fine in the end while Hornby appeared to be reaching out for some toast. Not the same as before, but-
"Ugh, do you see that? That one tall Gryffindor there... Audaxius, was he called?", Abraxas began, pointing.
"What is he doing near those two mudbloods? Him and that Smaragdovski girl... definitely purebloods who've lost the ability to find the good sort.", he scoffed, cutting up a sausage on his plate.
"And the way he talks to that girl beside Hornby... no doubt he has ulterior motives than just aiding them...", he finished, stabbing the cut piece with his fork.
What a surprise... it appears that the snotty pureblood beside him has finally learned to form decent conclusions... Indeed, Audaxius was quite caring when he needed to be, and considering the sheer toll all of this must be taking on Ruth, of course he would act that way. It was all an elaborate plan to save their skin while hiding the multiple wrongdoings they had committed.
"Riddle, what on Earth are you doing?", Abraxas asked, looking at him. Tom didn't budge.
"How long have you even been here? Empty plate and all that? Well, knowing you, probably several hours since you really like getting up early and creepily staring at us.", he scoffed.
"Growing more and more bizarre by the minute...", he muttered under his breath. But, just then, he seemingly had an epiphany.
"Oh, I know... it must be the fear getting to you, right? The last attack was a few weeks ago, but it most definitely isn't enough to get rid of the feeling of dread a mudblood like you would feel. Knowing that the heir of Slytherin is more vigilant than ever... it's only a matter of time before you-"
Tom let out a sinister laugh, still facing away from Abraxas, who let out a mild gasp from confusion.
"...What?", he asked shakily.
Huh... looks like breakfast couldn't hold them for long. It appeared that Ruth had enough and insisted on them leaving early, much to Hornby's dismay, which meant that he should follow soon after. After all, missing the smallest bit of their... talk with Dumbledore would be such a waste.
"What's so funny, Riddle? In my opinion, you'd be the first one to go. A mudblood in the very house that's meant to be pure, especially with that odd name. T-o-m. Stereotypical and common muggle name, only three letters.", he taunted.
Without facing him, Tom calmly stood up, intending to leave the great hall. Though, before that, he locked his gaze with Abraxas.
"Your parents loved you so much they named you after a repulsive demon, Abraxas. I'd say it's rather fitting... further proof of the strong familial bond you have.", he said with a twisted smile.
His smile widened as he saw him open his mouth to say something, only for nothing to come out, mouth left agape. Even as Abraxas tried to feign confidence, his eyes gave away at the deep pain he so desperately wanted to conceal. Those mindless insults he so frequently spouted at him, while varied and plentiful, always missed one crucial thing... They never quite managed to cut deep, something which Tom knew very well how to do. Though, as much fun and joy it was toying with Abraxas and feeling no remorse at all, there were certain... others he would rather gauge the miserable reactions out of.
Facing away once again, unbothered, he continued his way to the exit, never looking back. A little time has passed since the Gryffindors left, but that was all part of the plan so that they wouldn't get ideas. Numerous students breezed beside him, both leaving and entering the great hall. Some Gryffindors, some Hufflepuffs... some with their hair up, some with pigtails and glasses... some without...
That wasn't important right now. Carefully trailing behind them, his eyes darted around cautiously for any signs or professors or... potential participants in this whole ordeal. Well, it would be rather soon as they approached Dumbledore's office. But, taking Tom by surprise, Dumbledore appeared to run right into the three of them, along with the charms professor. At the same time, he went ahead and hid behind a corner, eagerly straining his ears to hear the upcoming conversation.
"Ah, my three students. I have been expecting you today. Come... even if you are a little early, I don't mind.", Dumbledore said to them, smiling.
A few other students appeared to have become interested in the conversation, walking closer.
"Miss Hornby, along with the others, I hope you're going to finally explain thoroughly what has been going on this month in detail. Your friend's injury seemed quite bizarre...", the other professor remarked.
"Don't you worry, professor.", Hornby replied smugly.
The arrogance... the confidence... this was bound to be good. Failing to resist the urge, Tom looked from behind the corner. With a deep sigh, Hornby began to speak once more.
"We will assure you today that we were responsible for what happened.", she confidently said, crossing her arms.
Just a moment later, Tom watched as the words sunk in, making all the colour drain from Hornby's face, her hands rushing to cover her mouth.
"I-I mean we assure you that we were responsible for-"
Her hands were beginning to shake and blood run cold... something was wrong, definitely wrong... and it was exactly what he wanted to happen. The more her confidence went away, the more his smile grew.
"No! This is not what Olive wanted to say!", Ruth jumped in, equally mortified and paranoid.
"What she wanted to say is that we-did-do everything she-", she continued, smushing a few words together.
The charms professor looked at Dumbledore, attempting to whisper something to him. Though, Dumbledore didn't respond to him, looking at the two girls, contemplating something.
"If this is indeed an involuntary confession...", Dumbledore began calmly.
"Then we must apply the necessary procedures following that, as well as find out what had been causing the latest events. The cause of the involuntary confession will be... searched separately.", he finished.
As the crowd around them seemed to grow larger, Tom stepped out from the shadows, now fully spectating the ordeal as whispers slowly forcing themselves into the long-standing dead silence. Hornby struggled to breathe and stand on her own two legs.
"N-no, professor!", she blurted out.
"You can't- I- you know us! We would-"
Oh, it was also so hopeless, almost pathetic to watch... making it all the more perfect.
"Professor, they aren't themselves since Smaragdovski has been admitted to the hospital wing. We are innocent. Please, let me explain.", Audaxius said, breathing in and mustering all the calmness he could.
"W-we will talk this out in your office. No one can even think in these types of... circumstances.", he shakily said.
Dumbledore sighed.
"Very well, Mr. Lueur. Hopefully you can defend yourself, as well as your friends.", he said, walking away and gesturing for them to follow him.
After those words, the crowd slowly began to dissipate, the process being sped up by the efforts of the charms professor. Among them, Tom began walking to the corridor opposite of the three Gryffindors, briefly glancing behind himself to see them one last time. Though, he did not expect to accidentally lock eyes with Dumbledore, even less so that the look would manage to... unsettle him.
The cold air crackled with tension as the Sun slowly set, moonlight creeping up on it. As Tom climbed the luminescent staircase to Gryffindor tower, the distant voices on the top became clearer and clearer, along with the occasional bickering of the Fat Lady. Tonight, as he had heard, would be time that Dumbledore, along with another professor and head student searched the Gryffindor common room in order to finally uncover the mystery that plagued Hogwarts for almost a whole month. Because of that, Tom showed up to fulfill the role of head student, wanting to see and finally capture the beast, asserting his victory over the three Gryffindors and especially Olive Hornby.
Ah, the finality he had long waited for. Even if it was no mystery to Tom anymore, it was intriguing while it lasted, but all good things must come to an end... The only thing that perturbed him now was that subtle, but at the same time piercing look Dumbledore gave him... why? Wasn't he a changed man in Dumbledore's eyes now? His professor had said that anyone can change... that he did change... so what was this? He couldn't understand it. Now that he was back to being his true self, wouldn't that make him even better?
...Still, it was best to be vigilant.
Reaching the top of the staircase, Tom calmly walked up to them.
"Good evening, professor Dumbledore, professor Merrythought.", he said, smiling and looking at each one of them respectively. After that, he briefly glanced around at his surroundings.
"How are you? Is everything going alright with the preparations?", he asked curiously.
"Yes, it's going all according to plan, Mr. Riddle. Thank you for asking.", professor Merrythought answered calmly, gazing at the entrance portrait.
"Except for the lady in the portrait who seems to be in a bad mood...", she remarked with crossed arms.
"Well, I reckon she's just tired professor. All of this would take a toll on anyone.", he said sympathetically.
"That's why I'd rather get this over with quickly... I've had enough of this conflict and wish to resolve it. How are the Gryffindors feeling, if I may ask, knowing what's about to transpire?", he asked professor Merrythought.
"Oh, Tom.", Dumbledore jumped in, making Tom slowly shift his gaze towards him. What was he planning?
"We are prepared, don't you worry. There are very few things that us professors have failed to see yet in this school, it's that we're just waiting.", he said.
Waiting? For who?
"And, if you desire to know, the Gryffindors are doing just fine. They are taking this bravely, as challenging it may seem to them.", he finished, smiling.
Just then, Tom, along with the two professors, turned to look behind themselves, hearing the clicking of shoes becoming louder and louder. After a few moments, Tom spotted a soft, yellow hue amidst the darkness, emerging from it soon just a few short moments later. Before him was a Hufflepuff girl, panting and trying to catch her breath while leaning on the cold wall.
But this wasn't just any girl, no... surely, it could never be that simple. Instead, it was Felicia Clover, the head girl of Hogwarts.
Why did she have to be here?
"I... I... sorry, professor Dumbledore, professor Merrythought.", she breathed out, standing up straight.
"...For being late. Something happened in the meantime, so I had to quickly attend it, and..."
No... he couldn't let this go any further. He needed to get rid of her or persuade Dumbledore to let him go as well. Felicia Clover was a very considerate and caring person... often too much for her own good. A very simple trait to take advantage of... apart from that, it was also very annoying, so much so that he desperately wished he could just forcefully silence at this very moment.
"...Are we ready, professor Dumbledore? If I may ask, why is Mr. Riddle here?", she asked, looking at him. He tried his best not to lose his composure, suppressing an agitated frown.
"I mean, was this some sort of misunderstanding? I'm sorry if I'm intruding... I wouldn't want to take Mr. Riddle's assigned role, knowing he arrived before me.", she finished, looking at the floor. Tom internally grinned and laughed.
"Yes... that's it, Felicia. Just a little more."
He innocently shifted his gaze at Dumbledore, anticipating an answer.
"No, Miss Clover. I've called you here for a reason and I assure you it was not a misunderstanding. As for Mr. Riddle...", he said, looking at Tom.
"I suppose it was a mistake on his part. Though, I of course, appreciate the consideration.", he finished.
"Mistake? How dare he!"
"Oh, it's alright then, professor. Even better if there are more of us to help.", she replied cheerfully.
"Ah, that's very thoughtful of you, Miss Clover. Though, as you already know, Mr. Riddle has done more than enough in regards to this investigation.", he said calmly.
Tom briefly faced Felicia with a worried look, then looked to the ground.
"But... professor Dumbledore.", he called out.
"Now that I have arrived here, surely it wouldn't be wrong for me to assist... just like Miss Clover said.", he remarked, facing her once again.
"After the series of things I witnessed this month, I think I deserve to have some sort of closure, sir.", he finished quietly.
"I agree with him, professor Dumbledore. If it weren't for Mr. Riddle and his friend, the two students that were found could've potentially no longer been with us.", Felicia added eagerly.
"Besides, knowing what transpired between him and a few other Gryffindors... he deserves to know.", she finished.
"What? Why would she mention that!? Stupid girl!"
"It's not because of that, professor. I just want to know what has been causing these attacks.", he said.
"I understand what you are trying to say, Tom. But, as I said, you have already done more than enough. I wouldn't want you to experience something like that yet again, as well as letting things escalate further.", Dumbledore said to him. Tom's eyes welled up with desperation, growing more livid by the second.
"B-but sir, I-"
"I have said what I had to say, Tom. Now, if you'll excuse the three of us, we have to go attend to the matter before us. Goodbye, Tom.", he stated firmly, turning around to face Felicia, saying something to her and then disappearing into the common room with them.
How... how could this happen? To him? To the most accomplished student at Hogwarts? To the heir of Slytherin? No... this simply wasn't right. Such a thing couldn't happen to him. That little incompetent, stupid girl simply couldn't piece together the correct string of words to persuade someone. He was the skilled craftsman who could always pick the sweetest, most endearing words and deliver them flawlessly with a silver tongue. And to think that she was the head girl, as in the one who was of equal intellect and capability to him? It was an insult, a disgrace... a pathetic and shallow imitation of him.
But no... In the end, Felicia Clover was just a puppet on strings, part of a bigger scheme that Dumbledore meticulously planned out. Calling her to replace him, embarrassing him like this... it was simply unacceptable. But why? Why would Dumbledore choose to do this now? When he changed? Dumbledore would simply never understand him to the very core of his being. All that talking that fateful day must have been a misunderstanding, a fake agreement carried out so that they wouldn't have to deal with each other again. But what Dumbledore failed to do was carefully peel off the plentiful layers that defined his character.
He wasn't a simple, abhorrent creature who only dwelled on hate and fed on it, no... He was much, much more than that. Now, instead of being that creature fueled by hate, he was instead fueled and empowered by its exact opposite.
Love.
Long ago were the days that previously defined him. It was as if he had been a little, decrepit grub, seeking its place in the world and connecting with it. When the time came, it went through a grueling metamorphosis, its flesh and very being swerving, twisting and melting until they became something entirely different... something beautiful. Like a newly emerged butterfly that broke away from its cocoon, pushing aside the filthy, oozing mucus that had previously defined its old existence, making way for its new, fragile and delicate wings to spread. A pure being, designed to soar away from the vile, sleazy grime which was infested with thorns and into the warm clutches of flowerful trees, their embrace providing a sense of wholeness and long lasting, immortal love.
This was what Dumbledore failed to understand. How could he manage to stay undeterred from his goals this long if there was nothing to fight for? How could he be malevolent and evil when hate was no longer the driving force behind his actions? The answer was very simple. Because of love, he could do no wrong, for it was the purest emotion. Because of his love for Myrtle, he could do no wrong, for it was all necessary for a greater cause.
Besides, who was Dumbledore to tell him what he could and could not do?
A quiet giggle escaped his lips while he gazed at the floor, slowly pulling out his wand. The Fat Lady rolled over her eyes.
"What's so funny? Didn't the professor tell you that-"
As a surge of magic headed straight to her, she opened her mouth to scream, but nothing came out of it. Tom watched her fall down in the portrait, grinning to himself and running up to it. A little memory charm wouldn't hurt, he mused... by the time he would find the monster that lies behind this very portrait, she will be as good as new.
With a flick of his wand, he carefully and briefly swung the portrait backwards, gripping the rim and entering the common room, closing it behind himself. Masked in a shroud of darkness, he could already hear the sweet, muffled commotion taking place in the distance. Not wasting a second longer, he cast the disillusionment charm and went to see what was going on, slowly walking up to them, vigilant as ever as to not cause the slightest noise or get in the way of someone.
"I'm telling you, it's not here!", Hornby exclaimed with a worried look on her face.
Oh, it was only just getting started, he thought with glee. Guess he wasn't late, after all. Settling just behind Felicia, he continued to watch the events transpire.
"Miss Hornby, I'm terribly sorry, but we must proceed. Professor Dumbledore has already talked to you and-", Felicia began.
"No! It was a mishap, I swear! I didn't want to say those things, they were against my will! It's not-", Hornby growled, glaring at Ruth who was equally panicked.
"Miss Hornby, I had given you, as well as Miss Bryce and Mr. Lueur, another chance at explaining yourselves. The matter is already discussed and disclosed.", Dumbledore replied, walking further into the depths of the common room.
"Just wait a moment! Olive would never do something like this, I-"
"Enough, Miss Bryce. What you four did is inexcusable.", professor Merrythought hissed sharply and coldly at her.
Ruth reluctantly bowed her head down, the fury visible on her face as she crossed her arms. Around them were multiple students of all ages, some confused, some shocked that such a thing was even taking place in their own common room. Could it really be true that a man-eating bloodthirsty beast was hidden right under their noses, feebly guarded so much so that it could jump out and attack any one of them at any moment? It surely sounded like a terrifying and nightmarish experience that would certainly not plague them, Tom thought.
Professor Merrythought, Dumbledore and Felicia appeared to whisper something, and from what vague words he managed to recognise, it implied that they would be going to the boys' dormitory very soon.
"Ugh, you just won't listen to me... Refuse to do so!", Hornby bitterly said.
"I can't... I can't with this...", she continued, trembling.
Wearing a pained expression, Audaxius went ahead and approached the three of them, wondering what those words were. While doing so, he absent-mindedly reached for and grabbed his black robes that were perched on a wooden chair, the unnatural heaviness of it catching him by surprise and making him accidentally drop it. As it hit the tiled, wooden floor, there was a sharp sound of clinking, drawing the attention of everyone around him. Upon that, Audaxius blushed out of embarrassment, immediately crouching down to pick them up. But, unexpectedly, a mysterious small, glass bottle now laid on the floor, containing the remnants of a clear fluid. Audaxius went pale, swallowing dryly as he looked up at the people glaring at him while picking it up.
"Mr. Lueur, may I see what that bottle is?", Dumbledore asked. Audaxius reluctantly walked up to him and timidly gave it, his hands shaking.
"I don't remember it being there, professor. I don't recall...", he mused out loud, his mouth left slightly agape.
A deathly silence enveloped the whole common room, from Audaxius, to the guilt-ridden half-giant and Avalite who was now leaning feebly against a doorway, anxiously watching. With each mere droplet of the liquid, the tension only seemed to grow, countless desperate eyes reflected on it. Hornby glared at the bottle in Dumbledore's hand, contemplating about disrupting him, but decided against it upon seeing the threatening glare of Merrythought. Finally, as Dumbledore withdrew the bottle, he looked up.
"Mr. Lueur, what you appear to have is a few drops left of a veritaserum potion.", Dumbledore calmly said. At that moment, Audaxius' heart almost stopped, along with Hornby's.
But, instead of staring into oblivion like Audaxius, Hornby clenched her fists tightly, feeling an extreme, seething rage.
"You... you traitor! How could you do this!?", she gutterally shrieked.
"And I thought I could count on you for some assistance, for some help... that we could count on you! No wonder you rejected the orange juice... not because you don't like it, but because you laced it!", she continued, clenching her teeth.
As Audaxius' nervousness and unease reached a peak, he was overtaken by an unbridled rage.
"I... I don't know how this got here! I didn't put it there!", he shouted.
"Why are you so sure that this was my idea!? What if you did this to save your own neck and leave us in the gutter!?", he lividly shrieked, his voice cracking.
They looked at each other for a few moments, not saying anything. Then, with another burst of fury, he one again spoke.
"Or maybe it wasn't you... maybe it was you, Hagrid.", he breathed out, pointing at him.
Hagrid tensed up upon hearing those words.
"It wasn't me! Yeh've got it all-", he timidly croaked out.
"No! Don't pretend!", Audaxius snarled.
"Who else would benefit this much from such a thing!? Dragging this abhorrent creature to the school and leaving us to take care of it! Oh, I'm so tired of this...", he said, clutching his forehead with his hand.
"The countless times I've had to go out at night and slaughter innocent animals, get minimal if any hours of sleep... it drove me mad! And all for what!? Feeding that monster you led to us!?", he screamed.
Hagrid was petrified from the shouting.
"And then we had to feed it hunks of rapidly decaying meat at night!", he vented.
"Are you of sound mind!? Blaming Hagrid for this! You really think-", Hornby shouted.
"Don't you dare think you're sly saying he can't brew such a complex potion... you know well Slughorn sells these. You dragged us to this point, Hagrid.", he seethed.
"Both you and Hornby... and her mindless accusation of Riddle that led to this wretched point!", he screamed venomously.
"You knew what you were getting yourself into, Lueur. Was it that hard to just check your pockets one ti-"
"Well, why didn't you do it yourself!? Must I be the only one who cares about anything at all? That does all the dirty work!?", he began.
"I'm done with tolerating you, Hornby. Now that everything is over, I-I don't care what happens next! The only reason I did so was because of Ruth.", he snarled.
Ruth glared at him, shocked and confused.
"There! I said it. That's why I'm in a situation like this in the first place.", he said, looking back at her, softening a little.
"What are you talking about? What is this?", Ruth breathed out.
He seemed to hesitate, his head bowed nervously at the floor.
"I-I just... I lo-", he stopped, feeling a lump in his throat form.
"Never mind... it's all over now, anyway.", he said, contorting his frown into a neutral expression.
Hornby glared at him.
"You... because of her? Only? So this was all just a selfish motive in the end? W-What about the rest of us!?", she said in disbelief.
"Selfish!", he sneered.
"How dare you!? Do you see what my "selfishness" led me to, all in an attempt to save you all?", he said, seething.
"Even after I break into the caretaker's office, wreak havoc and destroy the evidence of your misbehaviors and burn them? What's wrong with you!?", he shouted.
Hornby's breath briefly caught in her throat, a disdainful expression overtaking her face. Dumbledore quietly and passively took in the information presented before him, contrast to Merrythought wanting to take action. But, before she could, Felicia stepped in.
"Stop it! We won't get anywhere like this, please calm down-"
"We are already at rock bottom, Clover.", Ruth sneered.
"But I'm just trying to-", Felicia continued desperately.
"It's alright, Miss Clover.", Merrythought said, clearing her throat.
"Mr. Lueur, Miss Hornby, along with the rest of you, what you had just said will be taken as a confession.", she said sharply.
"The only thing left to do would be to find and neutralize the beast you have led to your common room. Now, who will tell me where it is hidden?", she calmly inquired.
A moment later, she looked at Hornby, who was bitterly silent.
"Miss Hornby, tell us where you hid the creature.", she said.
Still, Hornby stood her ground, keeping her mouth shut. Oh, it would simply be beneath her to admit just like that... especially considering how she perceived the two authority figures before her now.
"And you, Mr. Lueur?", she once again asked.
"I don't know.", he replied bluntly.
"What do you mean? You admitted to having played a part in this mere moments ago.", she replied.
"Answer my question."
"I don't know.", he said once again in the same tone.
"Even if you try to force me to answer, I know I'm going to get expelled, so what good would it do me?", he finished.
"It would do good for the students to be safe, Mr. Lueur.", she bit back.
"Better to ask someone right away than to waste time searching. If you aren't going to answer, someone else will.", she finished, facing away from him.
"Hagrid.", she called out.
Immediately, Hagrid, as well as Hornby, felt an unsettling feeling of dread and unease.
"I...", he said, visibly uncomfortable and glancing away.
Hornby's eyes widened.
"You... don't you dare.", she breathed out.
"Quiet, Hornby.", Merrythought quickly said.
"He's in the...", he croaked out timidly.
"Funny... How many more students will it take for you to abandon your affection for that monstrosity, Rubeus?"
"Don't you dare! All of this was because of you... you... oaf!", she spat out.
At that remark, Hagrid's breath caught in his throat with a sharp inhale, growing even more tense while Merrythought lividly whispered something to Hornby. Sharply turning to him, Merrythought locked her eyes with him once again, conveying that he should begin speaking.
"He's... he's under the stairs of the... of the boys' dormitory...", he blurted out shakily, regret consuming him.
"Oh, this is going to be interesting."
With a resolute expression, Merrythought turned to look at Dumbledore, then at Clover and gestured for them to come along as Hornby could only watch, her face pale and full of unease. Slowly, they approached the cold, grey staircase, contemplating on how to unveil the mystery beneath it.
"Wow, there must be a lot of concealment charms placed here... I can see why no one noticed.", Felicia remarked curiously, aiding the two professors.
"Might I ask you three how long you have been keeping this creature here?", Dumbledore inquired, facing away from them.
Dead silence enveloped the whole common room with no one wanting to answer the pending question.
"I need to know in order to estimate the size of the creature, it's for your own safety.", he added.
After that, knowing no one else would, Hagrid broke the silence.
"Aroun'... five months...", he said quietly.
Yes... In reality, as he knew, the monstrous abomination was here since around a year ago, carefully, but at the same time flimsily disguised in the care of one Rubeus Hagrid. He could only imagine how much it could have grown since the last time he laid his eyes upon it... delicately observing it wriggle and squirm, all through the little, rotted holes in the wooden doors, dark eyes peering through them and passively watching every little detail unfold. And now, the time has finally come... Pandora's box is to be open... to which a tumultuous dread threatened to ravage through them all, or a blessing which would finally end their grueling search.
One after another, the concealment charms got peeled off the stone staircase in plain sight, revealing a barren little cramped space in which a locked, dusty wooden chest stood. Yes... this was it.
"Stand aside, everyone.", Merrythought said, drawing her wand.
"We want to make sure it doesn't escape and harm anyone.", she finished, walking closer to the chest.
The entire room was strained by anticipation and unease as she began removing the protective charms. Then, with a cold and sharp snap of the lock, everyone froze. In the midst of the silence, professor Merrythought carefully approached the unlocked chest. But, upon the lid of the chest hitting the wall with a loud and sharp thud, she recoiled, looking at the long, hairy insectoid limb protruding out of the darkness. In an instant, the spider jumped out, revealing its enormous, grotesque form for all to see, its hairs stained and covered in dried blood around its pincers and remnants of rotting flesh. Right as Merrythought went to cast a spell, Hornby lunged at her, knocking her to the ground. Primal screams of pure fear erupted within the students, making them skitter aimlessly like cattle in the room, wanting to get away as much as possible. The creature continued hastily scuttling through the room, eliciting even more shrieks as it did with everyone being unsure if it was going to pounce or flee.
"N-no! Don't let it esca-"
In the chaos, Audaxius abruptly turned around, harshly and painfully colliding with Felicia, both falling to the ground out of sheer pain, clutching their throbbing heads. As Dumbledore stepped up, it appeared that the creature was somehow nearing the exit of the room and... no, no, no... he couldn't let this happen again! After so long, for it to be taken away from him once again? The sweet taste of victory?
Oh... it would not happen again, and he would make sure of it.
While the creature scrambled with its hideous and monstrous form and clawing at the entrance portrait, Tom rushed towards it, getting enveloped by the darkness. Right then, Dumbledore appeared to have muttered something Tom didn't quite catch. Though, immediately following that, he saw a bright light reflect on the stone walls beside him, along with a very sharp pain that stemmed from his back. His eyes widened as he stumbled in place, feeling a strong sensation akin to his skin burning along with a nauseating throbbing of his stomach, making him develop a very strong urge to vomit. He leaned on the wall, gasping for air as quietly as possible and trying to maintain his balance.
"No... I can't... I can't... let it-"
Hissing and clenching his teeth, he stood up straight, his trembling hand tightly secured around his wand. Looking in front of himself, it appeared that the monster had slashed the painting and fled from the common room, straight into Gryffindor tower. If he wasn't quick enough, it could escape into the hallways and then potentially outside of the school and-
The monster had already ripped open the painting and fled... no, no, NO! With a panicked stumble, he ran up to the painting, shakily stepping right through it. Drawing out his wand, he began rushing down the stairs of Gryffindor tower, eyes darting around for any semblance of the monster.
How was it so quick... so fast... so utterly annoying!
Each time he thought he had the creature, it would barely manage to outrun him, disappearing into the shadows and making him have to perform nauseating turns across hallways. If this persisted, it was only a matter of time before it would manage to pounce on yet another student, latching onto them and feasting on their flesh. Hopefully he, or the other ones could catch up to it before such a thing-
No... that would be utterly preposterous... others putting the task he had worked so meticulously on to rest? Just like that...? Oh, that would not be the case. It mattered not how many students had to be sacrificed for this noble goal, only that he laid his hands upon the beast that made his recent times so turbulent and unbearable. Just a few more very short minutes and sweet victory would be his.
But, at that exact moment, he heard a shriek from a distant hallway, the familiarity of it making his blood run cold.
Myrtle?
No... this couldn't be happening... it couldn't happen. Myrtle? As in his Myrtle? Getting ripped apart to shreds by that foul, abhorrent monster? Oh, if it did so much as lay one of its filthy appendages upon her, he wouldn't at all hesitate about killing it... tearing it apart to bloody chunks until it was nothing but a pile of flesh, overshadowing its previous ferocity on the victims like the Sun would a little, dying match. When it came to Myrtle, his imagination and number of possibilities in which the monster could be utterly decimated never died out, each one of them leaving the monster unrecognisable by even the boy who had brought it here. He just had to reach it... point his wand... save...
His tired body begged him to cease running, take a break... stop... But the adrenaline kept him going like a puppet on strings, numbing out even the most severe pain and tiredness. It was as if he never took in Dumbledore's spell, now running faster than he ever did in his life. Gasping fervently while sweat trickled down his forehead, he yanked out his wand with a frenzied expression, waiting to strike. Finally, in the corner of his vision, he saw a dark, insectoid shape, rushing towards it. Jolting his head to the side, his blurry vision slowly cleared up, focusing on a figure with blue robes and... pigtails. Briefly locking his gaze with Myrtle who muttered something at him, he let out a gasp of surprise, starting to twitch.
"Myrtle... she's... safe... But I must... finish what I wanted to... No... the others will come. I must regain control."
With a sharp twist of his wand, he pulled away the monster from a Ravenclaw underneath it, relieving the terrified and wide-eyed Myrtle standing beside. It squirmed in his grasp, letting out eerie screeches both of hunger and primal fear, its appendages twitching. As Myrtle went in to aid the girl that had just been lunged at, Tom heard distant footsteps, growing louder and coming towards them. A few moments later, they were met with the familiar figures which Tom had keenly observed in the Gryffindor common room.
"Miss. Warren, Miss. Blyton! Are you alright? Goodness!", shouted professor Merrythought.
Upon those words, a tense surge of words was ignited in that dark hallway, multiple words conflicting with each other. Though, Tom's focus on it blurred and blurred, eventually turning it into a meaningless ambience of a muffled cacophony of voices around him. The only thing which mattered was that Myrtle was safe and nothing else. His dark eyes lingered on each one of their faces... professor Merrythought, Dumbledore, Felicia, Audaxius, Ruth... Olive Hornby. The clearest of them all. As the chatter continued, the other faces blended back into the back of his mind, solely focusing on Hornby. His lips slowly stretched into a wide smile, manic dark eyes piercing her very soul. As she faced away from the others, she unintentionally looked at him, feeling a large pit form in her stomach.
The way her eyes were wide, the way she was petrified in place... it was utmost perfection. Her fear, terror... it was palpable, and he savoured it until nothing was left. Knowing he could instill such feelings of horror within her was exhilarating.
As the world began fading back into focus, Tom glanced around himself, watching the professors help the now crying girl up from the floor. In comparison to the other victims, she got away relatively well, suffering only minor scratches. Still, the shock and fear must have had a decent amount of affect on her.
"Thank you, Mr. Riddle. You and Miss Warren really were wrongfully suspected of having ties with this incident and we will do our best to make up for that.", Merrythought said to him.
Tom turned to face her with a small smile, running a hand through his now frizzy hair.
"Oh, it's no trouble professor. I'm just doing my duty as prefect and head boy.", he said lightly.
"Rather, don't focus on me, but on the girl that was just attacked. I'd say she needs someone to talk to.", he finished.
With a nod, professor Merrythought bid her goodbyes to him and went away with the rest. Glancing at Hornby one last time, Tom slowly turned his gaze to Myrtle, who looked like she desperately wanted to say something to him.
"Tommy, you did it- you came- we-", she began, her words melting together.
"Yes, Myrtle. We did it.", he said, walking closer to her.
"We did it.", he repeated triumphantly.
Her eyes twinkled both out of excitement and unease. Glancing at him, she could tell that something was a little amiss, but didn't really want to bring it up. The frizzy hair... the absence of his usual calmness... This was nothing like Tom Marvolo Riddle.
"You did excellent, Myrtle.", he said to her.
"It takes advanced magic to restrain such a being, something I had no doubt you could do. Together, we put this mess to a closing end. We won, Myrtle.", he whispered.
Myrtle breathed out a sigh of relief, looking up at him once again.
"Such a foul, ugly creature at that. Surely you agree with me, Myrtle? Have you seen the remnants of flesh between the nasty pincers? Probably from all sorts of things, really.", he mused casually to her.
"Dried blood from the two students we've previously seen... the only thing that could make it truly abhorrent is the sight of your blood mingling with and staining that monster. If that had happened... I don't think I could control myself, Myrtle.", he breathed out.
Glancing at her and smiling, he could see that she looked increasingly pained and... perturbed.
"Ah, I see. I should let go of those grim themes... No need to fret anymore, Myrtle, because-"
"N-no... it's not that!", she said through a choked sob.
His gaze softened.
"Then what is it, Myrtle?", he gently asked.
"It's..." she began, but stopped.
She started to take off her heavy bag, setting it on the floor and rummaging through it. He curiously watched her, waiting for her to show him the thing that has been bothering her. Then, she slowly stood up, looking down at the old, warn and dense tome in her hands. It appeared that she was hesitant to show him, staring at the glistening, gold-tinted tome for quite some time. Finally, with a slow turn, she began approaching him. As she stopped in front of him, he could now read the title.
History of Slytherin
He watched as the pages rustled, a thousand years of history breezed through in an instant. Though, it appeared she didn't stop to look at any of them, resorting to the very end, never gazing away from the tome. But, she halted near the end, letting out a heavy sigh.
"What is it, Myrtle?", he inquired.
"Is everything alright?"
Just near the end, where family trees most often resided.
"It's... look.", she replied, flipping the page and showing it to him.
His dark eyes glanced at the portrait of Salazar Slytherin, a few lines sprouting from underneath it like veins, beneath which were all countless names flowing in the sea of history. As the pages went on, the links lessened, becoming like mere capillaries, dying out until just one link was left. But, as his dark eyes trailed the delicate and worn parchment, it gradually seemed to become... charred, ripped apart, erased.
"I've wanted to make sure that... that what you said really was true, Tommy.", she said quietly.
A small smile tugged on his lips as he closed the tome and locked his gaze with hers.
"And that I could get those thoughts out of my mind, Tommy. I had to make sure... but I doubted you. These pages... someone must have ruined them a long time ago... you wouldn't... you wouldn't do something like this. I-I'm such a bad friend... oh, I'm so sorry!", she said through strained voice, running up to him.
His smile turned into a wide grin, his dark eyes looking down at her. The bloodline was not erased, it had just ended prematurely.
"You have nothing to be sorry for, Myrtle.", he said softly, embracing her.
"All I see is your perceptiveness and thirst to find the knowledge and conformation you desire. One of the many qualities I treasure within you.", he said calmly.
"Really?", she croaked out timidly, stepping away a little.
"Of course, Myrtle. I wouldn't lie to you.", he replied. He looked at the tome clutched in his hand.
"Now, I suppose we can return this flimsy book back to the library. But, I'd rather do it later... this day was rather difficult for the both of us."
"Yes, I agree.", she said to him, smiling timidly.
"A little break could be good.", she added.
"Oh, Myrtle. I had the exact same thoughts.", he mused, letting out a laugh.
"And I have thought about it... when it goes dark, what do you say about going to the astronomy tower? Just like that one night last December, the stars were so bright and shiny. The sky today reminded me of that...", he said, gazing at her as if trying to gauge out the conformation.
She let out a quiet laugh.
"Sure, Tommy. I'll go.", she replied.
He smiled, dark eyes narrowing.
"Excellent. The greatest fun yet awaits, Myrtle.", he said, parting ways with her.