Harry Potter and the Two Faced Mirror - Updated Chapter 6 Part 7 - Page 13

"Harry, we need to talk about something. Tom said the moment Roy left.

"I know exactly what you want to talk about. Harry answered heavily.

Tom understood. Apparently, Riddle wasn't the only one who had apparated at the Shell Cottage to save him. Harry would have been with him as well. But he had something else on his mind too. "There's more. I have a long due apology to you. Harry opened his mouth to argue when Tom started again. "I transferred my position to Riddle without asking you. I broke your trust. But Harry, I was scared to see James in my room when Riddle cursed me. Harry closed his mouth. "James, Alex, Albus...all the children, we keep trying to protect them from all this and suddenly, James was right in the middle of it. The last thing I wanted was for him to be scared of a threat, like many in your childhood had to be because of my father. There he had said everything that had led him to trust Riddle.

Harry smirked.

Tom raised his eyebrows.

"This is the first time I have heard you address Voldemort as your father. Harry answered his questioning look. "I was under the impression you never considered him your father.

Tom shook his head. "Not in the way you think but the fact remains Harry. I am his son and I will always be just that. I nearly lost Riddle to his ways. I don't want that to happen again.

"Again? Harry asked. "Tom, how do you know Riddle has changed completely? A few days ago, I had high hopes for him but we still don't know if he has changed at all except he doesn't kill anyone these days. But that still doesn't alter the reality that he has killed Neville, Hannah, Bolt and Mayweather.

Tom felt as if someone had plunged hot boiling iron through him. "You don't have to remind me of that. I remember everything. Three of these people were my family for almost two decades. They died because of me. Nothing will ever change that but I can't lose Riddle again.

"Are you sure you have him now? Harry asked now more concerned for him than ever. Perhaps, it had been a bad idea bringing Riddle to the Castle.

"What do you mean, Harry? Tom asked not quite getting him.

"I mean, do you trust him completely?

"Don't you? After everything he's done to save me...He didn't take advantage of his position once. He's only been trying to help me all these days. I have no reason to doubt him.

Harry nodded. "Well, if you trust him, I do too. But I still want you to be cautious, trust him but keep an eye on him.

Tom nodded.

"How are you feeling by the way? Harry asked Tom who was taken off guard at the question.

"Depends on whether you mean physically or emotionally. He answered boring into his eyes.

Harry understood. "Physically.

"I have my powers under control. I can use them without killing anyone but right now I am not so sure I don't want to kill someone.

"Tom, let me handle that. Harry replied sternly. He didn't want Tom involved anymore than this.

"No. I won't let him walk away with this. Victoire doesn't deserve this. He had no right to do this to her. He gulped down not knowing how to tell Harry what he was feeling. "You have no idea what he's put me through over her. I gave up on her because she chose him. And this is what he makes of her choice. Forgiveness is not on the table for someone who has no remorse of what he's done.

Harry stared him. He knew Tom was right but it was time he too came clean with him. "I agree but it's like you said. She chose him. Whatever becomes of her fate now is hers to bear, not yours.

"She doesn't have to be alone in this. He answered resolutely.

"She doesn't have to be with you either! There Harry had finally said it.

Tom turned away from Harry. "I am afraid that's not your choice to make!

Harry strode in front of him as Tom made to leave and stopped him. "Are you even listening to yourself? You have no obligation to her. You don't have to be with her.

"Yes, I do. Tom answered shortly and made to leave again but Harry wouldn't let him go just yet.

"Why?

"Because I love her! He answered abruptly then turned away from Harry again facing his desk not wanting to meet his eyes.

Harry stood rooted to the spot. "Since when? He had known the answer to that question when he had asked Tom under the influence of Veritaserum but he wanted to know when he could answer of his own free will.

"Since always... He sighed. "I turned away from her when she chose Ted. I never even thought about her and then...I saw what he was doing to her...I saw how he was hurting her and all I wanted to do was protect her and before I knew, I was in love with her again. I had a broken heart and now so does she... What I feel for her --_

"Is compassion. Ginny completed as he turned back to them sharply. "It's not love, it's compassion. I can't let you carry her pain with you because you feel sorry for her. Apparently, she had just returned from invigilation and entered to hear him confess about how he felt for Victoire.

"That's not true. I don't know how to explain it but I love her and I don't need you to believe it. I need her to believe it.

"And I can't let you do that. Ginny said folding her arms adamantly. "I can't let you ruin her marriage. Teddy will make up to her. We will help them get through this. We will help Teddy see that his deduction about their child was wrong. He will understand and things will get back to normal between them. I love you Tom but I won't let you get in the way of their marriage.

Tom stared at her rather hurt. Then he looked at Harry and realized something. "She doesn't know...

"I don't know what? Ginny said quickly before Harry could cook up a cover up.

Tom waited for Harry to answer but when he didn't he decided to. "Ted has divorced Victoire. He sent her the papers this morning.

Ginny stood gaping at him. "Is this true? She turned to Harry.

Harry sighed and nodded.

"How do you know? Ginny turned to Tom suddenly.

"I just went to see her at the Burrow to see how she was doing. That's when I saw the deed on her table.

"Harry, we need to talk to Teddy. This is ridiculous. We can't let him do this. She turned to Harry now who sat down heavily in a nearby chair.

"I tried that, but he just won't listen to me. And while I was at it, I had his memory removed of Riddle's presence here.

"He found out about him? How? What happened today? Ginny finally asked the two of them folding her arms.

They asked her to sit down and explained everything that had happened. Harry explained to her about Tom's switch with Riddle and Tom added his errand outside the castle when Latnok caught him almost three times today.

"I still don't get how Latnok was able to follow you when you disapparated everywhere. Harry said feeling quite worried now.

Tom shook his head. "I have no idea.

"What are we going to do, Harry? Ginny said turning away from both of them. "How will we ever explain this to Ron and Hermione? And Bill and Fluer...Poor Victoire...I don't even have the courage to look them in the eye...

"I know. Harry answered her quickly embracing her from behind as Tom stood watching them. "Even I don't know how we're going to get through this but we have to, haven't we? We'll see them tonight. Let's hope everything goes well.

Tom stood staring at them wondering how they could still feel they could get through this. He had always felt in awe of the companionship that Harry and Ginny had because he had seen them gain strength from it. But this incident, what Ted had done, if he put himself in Harry's place and Alex in Ted's place, he didn't think he could ever get through this. He knew Harry loved him too much to give up on him and yet, he couldn't ignore how Victoire had suffered because of him. He walked out of Harry's office giving them the room they needed.

Tom returned to his room wanting to make up to Riddle but to his surprise found his room empty. It was nearly dusk. There would be dinner in the Great Hall in half an hour. Where had Riddle gone to at this hour? Tom sat down on his bed waiting for him, thinking. Was Harry right? Should he be cautious with Riddle? Where did he keep disappearing to? He was just thinking when someone knocked on his door.

Tom didn't answer. He and Riddle had made a habit of keeping their door locked and they generally unlocked it themselves to come in. Neither of them knocked. Suddenly, the door unlocked. Tom stood up suddenly and disillusioned himself. He stood with bated breath as Roy entered levitating a few trays carrying food. Tom sighed with relief as Roy stood rooted to the spot.

"Tom, are you disillusioned? He asked looking exactly where he stood.

"How did you know? Tom asked curiously.

"Anyone would know if you disillusioned your whole bed as well. Roy answered and Tom looked behind him to see that his bed was indeed gone. He sighed.

"I will fix it. He said then removed the disillusionment charm. Thankfully, both and his bed reappeared in the room.

Roy conjured up a table and a couple of chairs for them, placed the trays on them and conjured up plates and goblins for them. As he sat down Tom still stood staring at him feeling as if the old days had returned.

"Everythin' alright? Roy asked him quietly.

Tom blinked furiously then smiled slightly. He felt as if he had smiled after years. He sat down at the table. "Yes. I just don't remember when I did this the last time. You know, just sat with one of my friends for dinner. I mean, since I transferred my post to Riddle, I have stay in as he goes out in the Castle. So, I can't see anyone. I wonder how they must all see me now, so distant and quiet.

Roy smiled, relieved. This was the first normal conversation he was having with Tom after his return and he was glad. "I know how they see you, I was one of them until yesterday, remember? They probably feel as neglected as I did. All I wanted was to hear your voice even if it meant all your hatred came with it.

Tom sat down ashen faced in front of him quite embarrassed. Roy smiled, "What I am trying to say is that they would be missing you. Get back to them when you can.

Tom smiled too as he sat uneasily in front of him. He knew Roy had been through too much without his father, the least Tom could do was give him some comfort.

********************

"We're on our way. Harry sent a patronus to Hermione as night fell. "Are you ready? He asked Ginny as he braced himself for whatever was going to happen at the Burrow.

"I'll never be ready, Harry. Ginny answered heavily and they had both just made to the office door when Hermione's patronus nearly shrieked at them.

"Don't bother!

Harry and Ginny froze where they stood not knowing what to do. Then they realized that perhaps at this time, some distance may help all of them heal.

***********************

The end of term came with good news for all except James who had got an A in DADA. The standard requirement for the subject was an O but Tom didn't mind taking students with an E but an A was beyond any of their help. The results of exams weren't dispatched until half way through holidays but Harry had informed James about his A during the last couple of days they were at Hogwarts and he had done it in front of a few of his friends to embarrass him on purpose so he stopped fooling around and started concentrating on his studies. As these were school exams and not O.W.Ls James had been saved from Harry's rage for the most part. He knew he could sit O.W.Ls but he won't be able to sit N.E.W.Ts without an O. Now, he also knew that his father had no confidence in him that he would improve from an A to O.

As the last day of the term approached Harry became restless. The beginning of holidays meant that either he left or stayed at Hogwarts. Harry's entire family was longing to go back home and so did Harry want to but if he went he couldn't leave Tom behind and if he took him he couldn't leave Riddle behind to wander around the castle alone and explore it all he wanted. Harry decided to give it a rest until 1st of August as until then he would be staying in the Castle anyway.

Tom on the other hand was excited to stay. He would be able to walk the Castle again freely once everyone had left. He wouldn't have to hide. He had let Riddle continue in his place so he could spend more time with Roy and keep on practicing. He was doing better than before but he still needed to work on many things as Riddle pointed out to him.

"We still need to practice a few more things." said Riddle rectifying his mistake quickly.

"Like?" Tom answered dreading his answer.

"Like your fear of a Dagger." said Riddle as Tom looked away from him. He didn't even want to think about it. Riddle knew that Tom was quite reluctant to practice that but he also knew that this was the time. He had finally made his peace with Lestrange and that was one less worry for him. His chances of overcoming just about anything were well on board now. "I think it is our opportunity to have the Castle empty of students. We can practice more so you can control your fears as well as your anger." He continued.

Tom didn't like the idea at all. As a matter of fact he went in complete denial. "I'm not afraid of anything."

Riddle stared at him. His denying a fact won't change it. "That's good to know." He said calmly. "So, when we duel the next time and I should use a dagger, it won't bother you?"

"Are you a wizard or what?" Tom stood up suddenly not looking at Riddle.

Riddle knew what he was doing but he couldn't let Tom escape now, not when he had progressed so well. He simply needed a bit more effort. "I am a wizard and an extraordinary one that I have proven." He stood up too swished his wand and changed into his usual black cloak. He approached Tom and stood behind him. "If you need to leave this room, if you want your position back, you will have to prove yourself perfectly capable. Otherwise, you are not getting out of here without a duel and this time I shall not curse you. I shall stab you. Then we shall see if you're not afraid of anything."

Tom turned to look at Riddle. Was he trying to crack a joke? He looked at him strangely. He had never seen Riddle trying to be humorous. Both of them stared at each other for a whole minute then Tom burst out laughing. The mere thought that Riddle was trying to be hilarious was funny to him. He walked past him to get the glass from his bedside table for water and as he drank his eyes fell on the mirror beside him and in its reflection he saw Riddle's lips twitched into what seemed like a vague smile. Tom stared. Now he was smiling too? What was happening to him?

Originally posted by: guy3

Happy healthy and prosperous new year dear! Superb update! Felt myself grumbling "stupid Harry Potter but I guess he is only human. Man! Plot thickens with latnok getting closer to the truth...

Originally posted by: guy3

Hey peri, where did you disappear to?

Originally posted by: Periopaque

Hey, I am so sorry for such late posts but I have started a new job and have been trying to make an impression during my probation. That's why barely go time to write. But now that I have started today, I should be able to post every week. Let's hope I can continue to post sooner now😛

Thank goodness! Was worried about you. Congrats on the new job! Hope you are liking it. Take your time. Don't stress.

As first of August approached, Harry made up his mind. He decided to stay at Hogwarts. Ginny would leave in a couple of days and Harry would stay the summer with Tom, Riddle and Roy. He was deeply concerned about the turn of events that had taken place a few days ago and even more so for what was going to come.

So far, there was no sign of Malfoy or Zavatti anywhere and they only had one month to find them and help Roy infiltrate their company. The only good thing that had happened since the beginning of the holidays was that all the kids had returned home. Harry had started sleeping better that they were as far away from Riddle as possible.

Tom had somehow stopped seeing that. When Harry had first discovered about Riddle replacing Tom he had been worried that Tom had misplaced his trust in Riddle and he would end up suffering because of his mistake. Once, he had gotten over the initial shock that Tom had begun to trust him completely, he had been in constant worry over the fact that Riddle was coming in contact with Alex on a daily basis. Alex didn't know that but it did not alter the fact that Riddle had murdered his parents in cold blood.

Harry had defended Tom to the Dumbledore's Army for the past two years adamantly because Tom was innocent. He had not touched a hair on anyone but Riddle...that was different. He had intentionally orchestrated and carried out murders of 3 of their own and Andrea Mayweather. No one knew who else he had killed. Harry just found it hard to believe that Tom now trusted him despite all his actions.

At first, Harry thought he should talk to Tom directly about this. No one was comfortable with him trusting Riddle but then he felt Tom had enough on his plate with getting his powers under control so he decided to give it a rest until after he was sure Tom had complete command over all his powers and he was finally feeling better.

"How's your practice going? Harry called Tom in his office in the first week of August to find out how his progress was going.

"It's going good. Tom replied not looking into Harry's eyes.

"I heard you weren't willing to practice with a dagger. Harry said having been told by Dumbledore about the conversation that he and Riddle were having the other day.

Tom looked up at Harry, he was actually keeping track of him again. He looked up at Dumbledore's portrait behind Harry's desk.

"Oh, don't look at me. I still haven't forgiven you for confounding me. Dumbledore spoke up when he felt Tom's gaze.

"I am very sorry for that. And you know it. Tom said for the hundredth time knowing clearly that Dumbledore had forgiven him but he had decided not to tell him on purpose. His twinkling eyes got the message through quite well.

"Well, are you going to start from today? Harry asked him indignantly.

Tom looked away, his face fell.

Harry understood. He knew Tom did not have the courage to. He smiled. "I want you to know something, something that Hermione once told Ron on the matter.

Tom looked at Harry sharply. He had not spoken of Ron and Hermione for over a month. Ginny had told him they did not want either of them to visit the Burrow. Everyone was angry with them over Ted's hideous actions. He could see Harry's eyes gleaming with amusement by mere thought of his best friends.

It brought a smile to his face too. "Okay and what was that? He asked amusingly.

"She said, even if someone put a sword through your body nothing whatsoever will happen to your soul. Harry stopped to see Tom's expression change to shock. "Do you know what was Ron's reply?

Tom shook his head.

"He said, yeah, nothing much, except that you're gonna die!'

As Harry said it Tom burst out laughing and he joined him. Once both of them had stifled their laughter Harry spoke again but this time no mischief lingered his eyes. "What the thing is, Tom, that Hermione was right. The worst that could happen to you if you were stabbed, would be the happening of your death. At least you die with your soul in one piece. Not like Voldemort who gave up his soul for an immortal life.

Harry's words had been a source of comfort to Tom until the mention of Voldemort. Tom had seen him a couple of months ago. He had seen what he had become first-hand and he knew what he was going to become in future. The path he had chosen would not likely leave him that easily. The lure of this world had brought him back. Tom, who had plucked up a lot of courage to stand up against Riddle, felt none left to face Voldemort. But he knew, that when the time came, he'll have to, then, no matter what he felt, he would have to face his past which had suddenly become his future.

"Harry, where are we with finding Malfoy? Tom asked cautiously knowing quite clearly Harry hadn't made any progress.

Harry shook his head heavily.

"I may have an idea. Tom said as casually as he could but Harry knew what he was talking about.

"I know where you are going but after everything that has happened, you are never going anywhere near the Malfoy's manor. I am aware that they could be inside but it still is an impenetrable fortress in the eyes of the Ministry of Magic and I would like to keep it that way. I am just glad that Terry Boot and Michael Corner have not yet spilled the secret that you can penetrate it to Latnok and so he doesn't have to know and practically throw you inside to find Malfoy and Zavatti.

"But Harry isn't it worth the risk? I mean, I am feeling better. I can take on them easily and draw them out in the open.

Harry shook his head again. "I don't want you anywhere near them and that's final. I am not going to hear another word about it.

Tom thought over it then gave another suggestion. "Alright, how about we send Riddle?

Harry stared at him disbelievingly. "And let Malfoy manipulate him to resume his killing spree? No, thank you.

Tom stood staring at Harry open mouthed. "That's why you brought him here after that night. You didn't want Malfoy to manipulate him again. Do you care for him?

Harry couldn't believe Tom had asked him that question. He looked at him full in the face and answered resolutely. "There will never come a day when I shall begin to care for the man who murdered 3 my closest companions in cold blood. He stopped to see Tom's face lose all color. He backed away from Harry but Harry knew it was time Tom confronted this. He held him by the arm to keep him where he stood and continued. "And I just cannot believe that you of all people, who have suffered at his hands the most and lost the only people who ever gave you a family at his hand has actually begun to care for him.

Tom who stood breathing heavily shook himself free from Harry and turned away from him. Harry was right, there was no escaping the fact that Riddle had indeed cost him everything.

Harry moved in front of him. "Look into my eyes Tom. Tom looked into his eyes with his own welling up with tears, tears of shame and loss of the people who had given him nothing but love and the fact that he had sworn to avenge them and yet had failed to do so. "Is this how you are going to fulfill your promise to Alex?

Tom backed away from Harry as he remembered he had promised Alex that he would find the man who had killed his parents and bring him to justice. He had been living with the same man for the past two months and he had grown fond of him and begun to trust him and care for him because no matter what happened he simply could not stop loving him. But now he stared at Harry strangely. If Harry had not meant to give Riddle another chance at forgiveness, why had he brought him here? Why had he compelled Tom to stay with him all this time? Why not just let him return to Malfoy or strand him on his own? Or better yet, have him sent to Azkaban for all his crimes?

"Why? Tom could only muster that as the tears lingering his eyes finally fell. "Why did you bring Riddle to Hogwarts if you did not see the change in him that I sensed? Why did you keep him with me if you did not expect him to change for good? What is in it for you, doing all this, keeping him safe from the Ministry, keeping him safe from Malfoy? What have you planned for him?

Harry who had kept his plans to himself felt that the time had come for Tom to know the truth, all of it.

He sighed. "I am sorry that you got the wrong message when you saw Riddle here. But he is not here because he is welcome. He is here because I can't turn him over to Azkaban without endangering you as well. Do you really think that if I present him to Latnok, he would just let you walk? No, he will arrest you too and you have done nothing to deserve life in Azkaban and once this news breaks to the wizarding world they will agree with Latnok because that's what they do.

And as far as letting him walk or letting Malfoy take him is concerned, that is completely out of option. Malfoy is working very hard to bring back Voldemort. Do you know how Voldemort can attain a body once more?

He needs the bones of his father, the flesh of his servant and the blood of his arch enemy. I have destroyed the graveyard where his father's bones lay, do you know what that means?

Tom shook his head not knowing where this conversation was going.

"That means, Voldemort cannot have the bones of his ancestors but every ingredient is replaceable in magic. He can use the bones of his successors. Anyone from his bloodline will do. Unfortunately, Tom, you and Riddle are the only ones left from it. That is why I need you and Riddle to both stay away from Malfoy. I can find him on my own.

Tom stood transfixed as Harry finished.

Harry stood staring at his frozen figure then realized that perhaps he had been rather hard on him. "Look, I know this is difficult for you but you need to understand something. Riddle lost the right to be with you and to have your trust the second he used the killing curse on Neville, Hannah, Mayweather and Bolt. He can't come back from that and you know that.

Tom nodded as more tears slipped down his eyes. "I know, Harry. He said as he wiped his face. "I just don't want it to be true.

He left Harry's office before he could stop him again. As he clambered down the steps he felt his own weight getting heavier by the second. He felt himself drowning in guilt. In all the time he had chosen to trust Riddle, he had been betraying the memory of Neville, Hannah, Mayweather and Bolt and most of all he had been betraying the promise he had made to Alex. He had been too busy in his own problems to see exactly what he had been doing.

"Tom, are you alright?

Tom froze as he heard a very concerned and very unwanted voice behind him. Dory Rephered who had stayed the summer holidays at Hogwarts before the beginning of her first term here as a teacher was looking forward to running into him. Tom, who was well aware of her affection for him generally avoided her as he himself had no such feelings for her and even if there could be any, he wasn't sure he was willing to explore just at the moment. At least not mere 2 months after the woman he had fallen in love with had openly been declared as deatheater and was now on the run with another one. He had not even had the time or the strength to deal with that yet and here she stood awaiting his attention.

"Yes, quite, Miss Rephered. How are you? He asked turning back to her making sure none of his expressions gave away anything that he was feeling at the moment.

"I am fine, thanks. She answered smiling slightly. She observed his eyes, they seemed watery but she decided not to ask. "I was just going to the Great Hall for evening tea, would you like to accompany me? She asked graciously.

Tom stared at her. He did not remember such grace in her personality. Perhaps, time changes everything. He pulled out his pocket watch. "Ah...well, I had a tea scheduled with Padma today, raincheck? He asked smiling. He had said the first thing that had come to his mind.

Her face fell but she smiled nevertheless. "Of course.

Tom nodded to her and walked past her in the direction of Padma's room. He did not want to see her as well but right now he apparently didn't have a choice.

On the way he changed his mind and went to see Roy. He needed someone who could help him figure this out.

"Are you alright? The moment he stepped inside his room, Roy asked him and without waiting for his reply went over to the bar to make a drink for him which he had been using before his arrival. When he returned to Tom carrying two full glasses he saw him staring at the already open bottle and the bar. "Don' worry about it. This habit was my only companion when I thought you hadn't forgiven me and I didn't know that it was Riddle walking by me in the corridors and not you. I will be able to get rid of it as soon as I get some real work.

Tom gulped down his own glass in one go at the mention of Riddle and Roy took it away from him as soon as he was done.

"Alright, no more drinking. He put away everything and sat down on the floor beside Tom who had sunk down the second Roy had taken the glass from him. "What's happened? Roy asked concern quite visible on his face.

Tom explained everything that had happened in Harry's office as Roy sat listening carefully. After a moment he spoke. "Have you really forgiven him?

"I don't know. I can't even think about it at the moment because I haven't even forgiven myself. I broke my promise to Alex. How am I going to look into his eyes again?

Roy stared. "Look, what you and Alex have, I will never be able to comprehend it. You need to figure that out on your own but I can tell you one thing, Harry's right when he says not to trust Riddle outrigh'. I have seen the evil side of him. I know he didn't cast the killing curse on Rabastian but he good as killed him because he orchestrated the whole plan with Malfoy and there is no forgiveness for someone who takes lives intentionally.

"But he paid for it, when he asked for remorse. Even his soul returned to him. Doesn't that count?

"Perhaps, to the Supreme Being that released his soul but to us humans, he hasn't paid for any of it until he's been to Azkaban.

Tom gulped down. "Do you think if somehow Riddle can help Harry find Malfoy he would be willing to see Riddle in another way?

"I don't think that's a wise option, Tom. Letting Riddle return to Malfoy is the worst thing you can do right now.

Tom stood up at this and turned away from him. "So, what do I do?! I can't help Harry, I can't help Riddle and I can't even help myself!

Roy walked in front of him. "Try helping Harry without getting directly involved.

"What do you mean? Tom asked looking at him properly.

"Well, you think Malfoy's in his manor right and you can't go in there alone? Then don't. Take me with you and just drop me off inside, I'll take care of the rest.

Tom looked at him bewildered. "You're mad. There is no way I am doing this. You will be a sitting duck in there unable to escape and incapable of taking Malfoy with more than a dozen deatheaters. If only there was someone who could penetrate the manor and still not--_ Tom suddenly stopped.

Roy shook him. "Tom, what's wrong?

"I just remembered something. He answered and strode out of Roy's room.

"What did you remember? Where are you going? Roy followed him outside.

Tom turned back to him abruptly. "I am sorry, but I just found my way into the manor and it doesn't include you. Please, tell Harry, I have got it under control. Petrificus Totalus!

Roy froze into a skate board in front of him and he carried him back inside the room. As he was leaving he locked and charmed the door so he couldn't get out in time even if the spell wore off.

Five minutes later he stood outside the door that read, The Librarians'.

Originally posted by: guy3

Thank goodness! Was worried about you. Congrats on the new job! Hope you are liking it. Take your time. Don't stress.

Keep Reading and Commenting 😃😃😃

You are soon getting a new reader, Peri! My son was looking over my shoulder when I was reading the latest update and he spotted the words Harry, Voldemort and Gaunt and asked what I was reading. I have given him a gist of the first book so far. His exams end next week and I will suggest reading your books to him:)

You brought back an interesting perspective: we had all forgiven and forgotten about Neville, Hannah, Bolt and Mayweather. But Harry is right. Riddle has to serve time:(
Poor Tom

*************************************

"You seem to have outdone yourself today. Riddle who sat waiting for Padma as she got ready for their lunch date was dazzled by her incredibly beautiful gown and jewellery.

"Thank you. She said amusingly and sat down on the table he had arranged in her room again. This time she had let him keep the curtains shut. She wanted a candlelight date even if it was lunch.

He pulled out the chair for her as she sat.

"I ordered your favorite today. Riddle said proudly pulling out the chair for her.

As she sat down she observed the platters on the table. "I can see that. She smiled at him. She had dreamt of having a lunch with him that for as long as she could remember and here it was actually happening.

He sat down gracefully in front of her. They ate quietly. She enjoyed the meal in peace and somehow Tom had begun to see that. Before they were dating, every time they had lunch or dinner he just could shut up for a single second. She didn't mind him talking. She loved hearing him talk but she also wanted to enjoy silence with him. For the past two months, she had seen him the way she had always wanted to and he had not disappointed her. It was her birthday today and he had arranged a candlelight lunch for her. Although, she would have preferred dinner, it was something. She had seen him avoid spending nights with her. She didn't know why and she hadn't asked on purpose. She wanted to enjoy what they had just yet before moving forward into their relationship.

Riddle swished the plates away with his hand once they were done. A box appeared on the empty table as Padma sat staring at him. He was getting better at doing magic without a wand.

"What's this? She asked playfully.

"Your gift. Riddle answered smirking with pride. She was going to be dazzled by it.

Padma opened it excitedly but the moment she saw it, she sat stunned. It was a necklace, with real diamonds. "Tom... She looked at him quite beside herself. "How did you get this? She stood up.

Riddle stood up too. "Beautiful, isn't it?

"Beautiful? It looks like it is worth half the Hogwarts.

"Most women would have been pleased by this fact. Riddle said staring at her strangely. She didn't seem happy with his gift. "Do you not like it?

"Tom, this is the prettiest necklace I have ever laid eyes on but -_

"Well now you have. In fact, you can even wear it. You will make it worth it. He said grabbing the necklace with him and putting it around her neck moving behind her to tie the knot. "Look. He conjured out a mirror in front of them and Padma looked into it to see the necklace shining brightly giving her Queen of the lands look. She smiled for a moment to see Tom standing behind her proudly.

She turned to him as the mirror vanished. "I love it, thank you. She stepped away from him and pulled it from around her neck. "But, I can't take it. And you can't keep it. I don't know what it cost you but I want you to sell it get your funds back. I am not worth all this expense, no one is.

Riddle stared her lost for a minute then smirked. "I can't do that.

"Why not?

"Because I never bought it. I summoned it.

She stood gaping at his smirking figure not knowing whether it was the same Tom she had known whole her life. Last she knew he would never take anything that wasn't rightfully his.

"You have to return it. It's not right. Padma said after a moment getting over the shock. She put the necklace back in the box and handed it to him. "Send it back. I don't want anything from you unless you buy it and it happens to have a moderate value. She said sternly as he stood watching her quite enraged.

Nevertheless, he took the box from her, swished his hand and it disappeared back to where it had come from.

"What do I get you then? He asked gulping down all his rage and stepping towards her holding her by the shoulders.

"It doesn't matter what you get. I love anything you gift me. She said smiling as he stared into her black eyes with amazement. He hadn't met a woman who wasn't interested in riches. It was a first for him.

"I will make it up to you. I promise. He said quietly the kissed her.

When they broke apart he made up his mind to buy her something pretty.

"I will see you in an hour with your gift. He said abruptly and turned towards the door to leave. She stood staring at him. She hadn't meant he should go right away to get something. However, he had only reached the door when he suddenly fell.

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On his way here Tom had seen Malcolm cataloging new books in the library. This was perfect opportunity for him to get Seth on his own. Why hadn't he thought of Seth before? He was the only one who could draw Robert out of the Malfoy's Manor for them. Tom wouldn't even have to go with him. This way he would be able to penetrate it without going inside himself.

He held the locked door knob, Alohomora! and turned it. He stepped inside the room quickly and shut the door again locking it.

Seth who sat packing his things looked up at the abrupt noise.

"You?! What the hell are you doing here?! He advanced on him threateningly.

Tom backed away automatically. "I need to talk to you and this time you are going to hear me out.

The look of pure loathing that Seth gave him made it very clear to Tom he did not want to talk to him.

"Get out! He said menacingly pulling out his wand.

Tom who knew none of Seth's wand work could do any harm to him stood his ground.

"I can't. I need your help, please, you have to hear me out. He took a brave step forward but Seth nearly ran into him as he strode forward, grabbed his front and slammed him into the door, his wand tip buried in his chest.

"Leave, or I will make you.

Tom pushed him away. He swished his hand and Seth's wand flew right out of his hand and in a corner of the room. He advanced on him as Seth backed away fear flooding his eyes. Tom stopped when he saw sweat breaking on his forehead.

"Look, I am not going to hurt you. I just need your help and if you help me, I will be able to get your family back together, I will be able to get Robert back. He stopped and gulped down as Seth's expression changed from fear to anger again and stepped forward once more as Tom backed away.

"Robert? He laughed out sarcastically. "Even I don't know where he is. And now I don't want to know. Do you know why? He took another angry step forward as Tom backed away further shaking his head. Before Seth continued tears sprang up in his eyes and Tom stopped short not understanding what was happening. "Because my mother just died. Now, I don't care about anything that happens to anyone, not even Robert. I don't want him back in my life. Do you know what I want to do? Tom gulped down and backed further away finding himself slammed against the door again. "I just want to go home and bury her. So, get out.

"Okay. Tom said quietly as he realized his mistake. He nodded. "I am leaving. He said as Seth turned away from him.

Tom turned to the door to leave then realized he hadn't offered his help. He turned back to him as Seth picked up his wand from the floor.

"I am very sorry for your loss. If there's anything I can do...Do you want me to come with you? I can help. He said as Seth stood with his back to him apparently not wanting to see him. Tom decided to leave him alone. He had turned back to leave when Seth spoke up again.

"On second thoughts... Tom turned back to him to see if he could help in anyway but as he did he found Seth standing right up close to him and his wand again buried into his chest. "Crucio! Seth had cursed him so suddenly he hadn't even seen it coming. He had aimed the curse directly at his heart, he knew how Unforgiveable Curses worked.

Tom fell to the floor the second Seth removed the curse.

"You are responsible for this! You scared Robert off and he never came back after that day! My mother died calling out for her eldest son and he didn't show up because he was afraid you could be lurking about our place! He kicked him hard in the ribs as he got up on all fours clutching at his chest. He fell right back as Seth kicked him again and again until he heard a nasty snap. He pulled him off the floor and slammed him into the door again. "I wish I could just kill you and be done with it! You've taken everything from me! He buried his wand into his chest again.

"No, please... Tom could only muster that through the pain. This time he knew what was coming but he knew he couldn't stop it. Maybe he did deserve it. He had let Alex down too, Seth's hatred towards him was nothing compared to how Alex would feel when he found out about his betrayal. If he died before that, it would at least save him the humiliation. He closed his eyes for what was coming but he just couldn't be prepared for what did.

"Crucio!

Tom screamed louder than ever as he felt his heart getting stabbed by a hundred knives over and over again for over a minute and then everything went black.

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