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CHAPTER NINETY EIGHT - 🍂 ୧ where. . .
his loyalties lie ও🦌

THE MOMENT THE YOUNG SOUL of Tom Riddle intertwined with Elliot Winters, who was just 14 years old, he was thrust into a life he'd never expected to lead. The world around him, familiar and once peaceful, was consumed by darkness as the other half of his soul asserted its control. Thus, Elliot stumbled into a never-ending loop of darkness, one that intertwined his fate with the dangerous allure of the Dark Arts, both his and that of Tom's.

Elliot stumbled upon a captivating relic among his family's collection of cursed artefacts in this first life. This particular object possessed a spell that flung him back through time with a forceful gust. Drawing from the lessons and wisdom he had acquired in his previous existence, he immediately recognised this astounding chance to radically alter his future destiny, redirecting events to prevent the tyranny of Voldemort, who had previously inflicted his iron rule upon the wizarding world.

There was an aspect of Elliot's situation that remained unknown to him: with each life he was reborn into, the young soul of Tom inside him was steadfastly present. Yet, each time he was born anew, Tom's soul was in a state of dormancy, devoid of any memories.

The first authentic timeline, however, held a key difference - Elliot was significantly younger when in the company of those who would later become his closest friends and companions. This was why, despite having lived through his earlier life, Elliot held true affection and concern for the lives that followed.

However, with each instance of Elliot's journey back through time, the once untarnished soul of Tom Riddle would inevitably transform. With each repeated use of the artefact that allowed him to travel backwards, Tom's soul darkened, growing more malevolent and warped.

Tom Riddle—once a young and innocent soul — had now evolved into yet another version of his malevolent alter ego, Voldemort. As Elliot continued to travel back in time, the soul within him was morphing into the Dark Lord's dark reflection, its purity corrupted by the repeated use of the time travel artefact.

Yet, love was the one thing that had the power to contain Elliot's humanity, something that Tom Riddle had never experienced due to the notorious rumours surrounding his origins. The truth was simpler, and perhaps more painful - a child born from a love potion did not lack affection or empathy. Despite the widespread belief, children conceived under such circumstances possessed the capacity to love and empathize as deeply as anyone else. The misconception surrounding the effects of love potions had led to a false narrative being perpetuated.

Elliot's heart held onto this essential essence of his humanity, setting him apart from the darkness within.

Love, in its purest form, served as a beacon of hope within Elliot's heart, illuminating the darkness that sought to engulf his soul. It was a potent force that kept his humanity alive, even as the young soul of Tom Riddle, consumed by the repetition of time travel, continued to darken.

Their friendship was a testament to the power of love, but it was Lily Evans—the love that Elliot was destined for—that truly grounded him. With her, he found solace and a profound sense of connection that surpassed mere friendship.

In the present timeline, Lily stood by Elliot's side, unwavering in her support, irrespective of the choices he made. Nevertheless, he was unaware of a tragic truth: Tom Riddle's soul, so deeply lost in its innocence, yearned to dismantle the very love that bound Elliot and Lily together.

While Elliot basked in the comfort of his love for Lily, he remained oblivious to the malevolent intent nestled within his being. Tom Riddle's darkened soul silently plotted the ruin of their bond, driven by a twisted desire to snuff out the last remnants of Elliot's humanity.

Elliot had been completely certain that this timeline would be the one where he found peace and contentment, even if it meant the end of himself. Yet, the cruel clutches of death arrived sooner than expected, and they mercilessly targeted the one person he held most dear - Lily.

In a moment of manipulation, Elliot fell under the spell of dark whispers convinced that consuming the soul within the locket was the sole path forward. Alas, by the time he recognized the treacherous trap he had stumbled into, it was already too late to turn back.

The once dormant soul of Tom Riddle now stood in the forefront, stronger than ever before. Elliot shoved to the recesses of his mind and watched helplessly as his body became a vessel for more souls from the ominous Horcruxes, further intensifying the darkness that engulfed him.

Elliot was now a prisoner in his own body, an unwilling participant in the sinister scheme unfolding around him. The souls of the Horcruxes continued to seep into him, further empowering the dark force that held sway over him. He could only watch silently, trapped within the confines of his thoughts, his consciousness buried deep under the weight of Tom's malevolent essence.

The details of the past unfolded before Elliot's mind's eye, vivid and poignant. The image of Severus and Autumn working together on the enigmatic task of encasing the ring, coupled with the knowledge that Regulus was looking after their son, filled his thoughts. It was a moment of respite, a snapshot of familial tranquillity that seemed to mock the grim reality of his present situation.

It was during this time when Elliot and Lily became aware of Severus and Autumn's journey to Albania, that a sense of normalcy enveloped them within their hidden home. The sight of Regulus and Lily playing with their son, Harry, filled Elliot's heart with contentment and a touch of wonder. The little boy was showcasing his magical abilities, levitating his toys in the air with a natural ease that hinted at the power that lay within him.

Lily couldn't help but let out a cheerful exclamation as she witnessed Regulus narrowly avoiding a wooden toy that nearly struck him. Despite the near miss, Regulus could only respond with laughter, his amusement at the incident infectious.

Elliot's heart was filled with immense gladness as he continued to watch the delightful scene unfolding before him. However, it was as if his happiness had unleashed a sinister inner turmoil within him, igniting the malevolent thoughts of Tom Riddle coiled within. Suddenly, a sharp, stabbing pain tore through his chest, causing him to collapse to the ground, clutching desperately at his chest in agony.

Lily and Regulus were filled with shock and alarm as they witnessed Elliot's sudden collapse, unaware of the dark forces that had taken control of him. Lily, her concern for her partner evident, raced to his side and reached out to touch him, but in that single moment, Tom Riddle's wicked plan came to life.

A chilling scream tore through the air as Lily felt the life force being torn from her body, her very soul being shredded into tatters. Regulus seized Harry, watching from the sidelines with growing horror as he saw a sinister and malefic smile contort Elliot's face.

Regulus, his eyes wide with horror, held onto Harry tightly as he witnessed the horrifying transformation happen. Elliot's smile, once full of familiarity, was now distorted and sinister as he watched Lily writhe in pain, her life slipping away before his very eyes.

Unbeknownst to anyone present, deep within Elliot's mind, a desperate struggle was taking place. His consciousness was desperately trying to break through the darkness that consumed him, desperate to stop the horrifying sight unfolding in front of him.

Inside Elliot's mind, a fierce battle was being waged. His conscience was desperately fighting against the darkness that shrouded his thoughts, struggling to break free and regain control of his own body. It was a silent, internal war against the malevolent presence that held him captive, a struggle to reclaim his will and put an end to the horrifying scene playing out before his physical eyes.

As Regulus held onto Harry, a momentary slip allowed the truth to surface, revealing the deception that had been concealed from Autumn.

In that vulnerable moment, Elliot managed to break through the darkness, his voice choking with desperation. "Take Harry," he pleaded, his words a desperate plea. "Hide him, please. Before he comes back."

Confused, Regulus clutched Harry even tighter, asking, "Before who comes back?"

A tortured cry escaped Elliot as he fought against the malignant presence within him, his voice raw and anguished. "You will know," he gasped, "but please. Just take him, and warn the others. Any way possible. I don't care how but just..." Another scream ripped through Elliot's throat as the internal struggle intensified. "Just make sure they hate me. Make sure they want to destroy me."

Regulus, his heart heavy with a complex mix of emotions, could only nod in response, feeling the weight of the situation and the gravity of Elliot's pleas.

Regulus, his emotions complicated and heavy, nodded in understanding, his expression sombre. But before he turned to leave, Elliot pleaded, his voice edged with desperation. "Take Lily's body. Please," he begged. "I don't want her to be near me when he takes over."

With a sinking heart, Regulus nodded, accepting the weight of Elliot's request. He understood the urgency and the pain behind Elliot's plea, knowing that he had to take swift action. With a heavy heart, he gently picked up Lily's lifeless body, tenderly cradling her in his arms.

Regulus, with a mix of reverence and determination, adjusted Lily's limp form onto his back, her body a heavy weight against his own. His arms then wrapped around Harry, holding the boy tightly to his chest. With a determined focus, Regulus prepared for Apparition, the sensation of being pulled through space and time washing over them as they promptly vanished.

Regulus, in a state of anguish and uncertainty, had Apparated to an undisclosed location, but he felt a gentle touch on his face, tiny fingers brushing against his skin. In an instant, a brief glimpse flashed through his mind.

Confused and uncertain, he suddenly registered the single ray of hope that that brief insight offered. "The Deathly Hallows," Regulus managed to utter, his voice cracking as he spoke of the legendary objects.

A flood of realization washed over him as he recalled the story of the three powerful magical artefacts: the Elder Wand, the Resurrection Stone, and the Cloak of Invisibility. Could these items truly hold the key to returning Lily's life?

It seemed almost too good to be true.

Regulus absorbed the information, his mind racing with urgency. He knew the current location of each of the Deathly Hallows. Dumbledore possessed the Elder Wand, the Cloak of Invisibility was nestled within the Potter home, and the final piece, the Resurrection Stone, lay in the possession of Autumn and Severus.

Regulus felt a pang of both hope and desperation. He had to act quickly to reach Autumn and Severus, to get to the ring before Elliot did. Time was of the essence.

Regulus realized he needed to act swiftly but also ensure the safety of both Harry and Lily's body. He quickly considered his options and decided on a secure location for them to wait while he went to find Severus and Autumn.

Regulus had planned to find the pair, but as he watched them from the shadows, a chilling realization hit him. With the knowledge of the true location of the stone, he understood that he couldn't destroy the Horcrux himself. The revelation that it was Elliot who had the power to do so weighed heavy on him, leaving him paralyzed with a sense of helplessness.

Regulus' every attempt seemed to be thwarted by circumstances beyond his control. Despite his best efforts, he had been forced to gather two other Horcruxes, not out of his own accord. His actions were compelled by Elliot's threats, aimed at his mother and the Potter's daughter, leaving him no choice but to carry out the task he had initially tried to avoid.

The knowledge that Lily's death played a part in coercing him into this role only added to his despair. Regulus felt trapped, trapped between his loyalty to his family and the sinister machinations of Elliot's plans. Each step he took only fueled the sense of helplessness and frustration that weighed on him.

In a strange twist of fate, it appeared that the Elliot who threatened Regulus was oblivious to the presence of both Harry and Lily, inadvertently working in Regulus' favour. This fortunate development gave Regulus a small ray of hope to cling to, as he navigated the treacherous waters surrounding Elliot's plans.

Regulus had been lurking in the shadows, watching as Elliot approached Severus and Autumn, carrying on as if nothing was amiss. Everything seemed normal until he witnessed the sudden destruction of months of work with a single gesture.

Elliot shattered the artefact that was meant to safeguard the ring, leaving nothing but ashes. As he observed the wreckage, Regulus stepped in, intercepting Autumn and swiftly abducting her.

The weeks of keeping Autumn captive were a source of great discomfort for Regulus, a necessary evil imposed upon him due to the threats Elliot wielded over the location of the Potter's daughter.

Regulus, seizing the opportunity granted by Elliot's reduced demands, began crafting a daring plan to obtain the Deathly Hallows. He knew that he had to act swiftly and with caution, for the success of his mission depended on his ability to outwit Elliot's dark machinations.

Regulus approached Autumn, the weight of his actions heavy upon him. He hated having to use the threat of her daughter's safety as leverage, but he saw no other choice. He obtained the information about the cloak's location, but he couldn't bear the guilt of exploiting her vulnerability. To ease both their minds, he made the difficult decision to cast a memory charm, selectively removing the memory of the threat he had posed.

Regulus and Severus had a discussion, sharing Regulus' plan. Convinced by the possibility of saving Lily, Severus agreed to participate in a fake, friendly fight. Severus sustained injuries to make the charade convincing, allowing Autumn to be taken to safety. With Regulus' help, Severus was now on a mission to find the Cloak, knowledge of its location in hand.

Severus found no difficulty entering the Potter home, and acquiring the cloak was equally seamless, thanks to the trust he had earned from the Potter family after supposedly saving Autumn.

With the cloak in hand, Severus prepared to embark on the next phase of the plan, his mind focused on the mission ahead.

Severus, true to his nature, harboured a secondary plan that he had secretly devised alongside Regulus. Although he remained loyal to the Order, he was simultaneously carrying out his own clandestine objective.

When Severus entered the headmaster's office, expecting a fight, he was taken aback when Dumbledore handed over the wand without a struggle. Feeling bewildered by the ease of the situation, Severus looked at Dumbledore and asked, "Why do you trust me?"

The headmaster sighed, his eyes filled with a mixture of sadness and resignation. "Ah, Severus, it is not a matter of trust, but necessity," Dumbledore replied, his voice tinged with a hint of weariness.

Severus was taken aback by Dumbledore's response, curious about the true reason behind the headmaster's decision. "Necessity? What do you mean by that?" he asked, his eyes searching Dumbledore's face for an explanation.

Dumbledore sighed and looked at the wand in his hand, which he was about to entrust to Severus. "The Deathly Hallows is the only way to bring Lily back," Dumbledore explained.

Then, with a solemn expression, he added, "I did mention that I retain memories from my previous life. This is my way of making amends for the sacrifices you and Autumn had made, transforming yourselves into villains. I intend to use this new life to rectify the wrongs of the past."

Dumbledore's expression grew heavy with regret as he lowered his head and spoke. "I've made grave mistakes in my past life. I wronged Elliot and Harry, imposing my own will upon them. It was a disservice to their youth and growth." His voice trembled with a mix of shame and remorse. "I burdened them with my plans, expecting them to carry out my purpose. It wasn't fair to them. They deserved to be children, to live their lives without the weight of my expectations. I failed them as a mentor and guide."

Severus finally reached out to take the wand from Dumbledore's hand. "I will return this to you once we are done with it," he assured the headmaster.

Dumbledore nodded, his eyes conveying a mixture of hope and concern. "If you think it's necessary, do you have the other two?"

Severus shook his head. "Just the Cloak. The ring is currently in Winters' possession. Regulus and I have yet to figure out how to obtain it."

Dumbledore continued walking in a contemplative circle in his office," Since the ring is no longer a Horcrux, the resurrection stone is as it is. However, the ring still retains a curse. Be careful, Severus."

Severus let a sly smirk play upon his lips. "Did you think all my months of work amounted to nothing?" he challenged. "Even when Winters destroyed the artefact, the curse was simultaneously eliminated."

Dumbledore blinked in surprise, but then he chuckled in realization. "Ah yes, I should have known that was within your realm of possibilities." He nodded, then added, "Now, go and do what must be done."

Autumn sat there, her mind reeling with a mixture of disbelief and shock. From learning the truth about Tom and Elliot's fate to witnessing the tragic events surrounding Lily's death, she was overwhelmed. Amidst the chaos, she was aware of Regulus's deception but also recognized the necessity of their actions.

As the flood of information coursed through her thoughts, she knew they had to act. Saving Elliot was on her mind, but she understood the gravity of their mission. They had to stop him and weaken the powerful grip of Tom's soul within him.

While she yearned to share her discoveries and emotions with Severus, she was acutely aware of the importance of their mission. The impending battle against Elliot required their collective focus and resolve. Autumn resolved to push aside her inner turmoil for now and channel her energy into unravelling the secrets of Tom Riddle's past.

The focus of the group's research was to gather any possible intelligence on Tom Riddle. Their reasoning behind this was that understanding his weaknesses would give them a strategic advantage in their impending confrontation with Elliot.

Raven sat beside Remus, who was resting in preparation for the upcoming full moon. James, Sirius, and Peter were also asleep, sprawled out on the living room floor covered in cushions. Autumn glanced at her husband and friends, then looked at Raven and voiced her observation.

"It's been strangely quiet," Autumn remarked. "Haven't heard of any Death Eater trouble lately."

Raven leaned forward, her tone cautious. "Do you think... it might be connected to Elliot?"

Autumn let out a weary sigh, adjusting the blankets on James and Peter before responding to Raven.

"It's hard to say," she admitted. "The lack of Death Eater activity is unusual, and my visions have been limited to the past. But anything is possible these days."

Remus stirred in his sleep, his restlessness likely a result of the approaching full moon. The others remained deeply asleep, oblivious to the conversation between Autumn and Raven.

Autumn glanced down at their sleeping friends, her voice lowered to a hushed whisper. "I haven't had any visions predicting the future lately. It's been mostly visions from the past, which has been quite strange."

Raven thoughtfully touched her lower lip, contemplating the implications of Autumn's words. "Perhaps that's precisely what we need," she said, a glimmer of realization in her eyes. "The past often holds answers that we seek."

She looked back at Autumn, her expression a mix of determination and optimism. "Maybe your visions aren't just giving us glimpses into the past but providing clues to the future. We just need to decipher them."

Autumn's expression mirrored Raven's determination as she nodded in agreement. "You might be right," she said with a hint of excitement. "If my visions can lead us to answers, we need to find a way to harness them more effectively."

Raven paused for a moment before asking what had been on her mind for a while. "You mentioned that the original Elliot is the reason you have these powers, right?"

Autumn nodded in agreement to Raven's question, and she continued, "How much control do you have over the powers?"

"I don't have as much control as I'd like," Autumn admitted. "But it never fails to show me things when I need it."

Autumn sighed and explained further, "When Severus and I last spoke, he explained that the power only shows me the important parts and that we can't force it to manipulate our actions because it would lead to the outcome. So we have to rely on the visions to guide us and act accordingly."

Raven furrowed her brow as she tried to make sense of the situation. "This whole thing is hard for me to understand," she confessed. "You said Tom took over Elliot and caused Lily's death, right?"

Autumn nodded in confirmation, acknowledging that she had shared her vision with everyone, but had kept the secret of Regulus and Severus's search for the Deathly Hallows to herself.

"Yes, that's what I saw," Autumn affirmed. "Tom's actions ultimately led to Lily's tragic fate."

Raven took a moment to absorb this information before her expression turned contemplative. "If Tom is the one responsible, then I can't help but wonder... what happened to the original Elliot? Did Tom destroy him completely?"

Autumn sighed and crossed her arms, a troubled expression on her face. "I only caught a brief glimpse of Elliot speaking with Regulus when he asked him to safeguard Harry and handle Lily's remains," she recalled. "That was the last time I had any vision of him."

She furrowed her brow, a mix of frustration and determination in her eyes. "I can't help but wonder what we're missing. We know about Tom's family and his past, but what crucial piece of the puzzle are we overlooking?"

The room fell silent as Raven and Autumn wrestled with their thoughts, searching for the missing link that would help answer the questions that haunted them.

"It feels like we've gathered all the essential information, but something is still eluding us," Autumn lamented, her voice tinged with a sense of urgency.

"We've covered Tom's family, his origins, and the events surrounding Lily's death," Raven mused, her eyes fixed on a distant point. "But there's something we're missing. Something right under our noses."

Autumn leaned forward, her hands clenched into fists. "What could it be? It feels like we've left no stone unturned."

"I can't shake the feeling that the answer is within our reach," Raven said, her voice barely a whisper. "We just need to find the right angle, the key piece of information that will bring everything together."

Raven's brow furrowed in contemplation as she voiced her thoughts. "What does Tom really want? Is his ultimate goal the same as Voldemort's?

Autumn took a moment to reflect before responding, leaning back against the chair. "I'm not entirely certain about that," she admitted. "My brief interaction with Severus when Elliot absorbed the soul in the Ring Horcrux made it appear as though Tom was driven by power-hunger."

However, Autumn's expression then turned pensive, her tone trailing off, "But somehow... that explanation doesn't quite feel right."

A sense of unease settled over her, a feeling that something didn't quite add up. She glanced at Raven, hoping her friend might share her scepticism.

"There's just...something that doesn't fit," Autumn confessed, her voice laced with a hint of doubt. "It seems too simple, too straightforward to say that Tom's only motivation is a thirst for power. There has to be something more beneath the surface."

Raven nodded in agreement, understanding the complexity of the situation. "You're right. It can't be that simple. There has to be something more driving Tom's actions. Maybe it's not just power he's after, but something deeper, more personal."

Autumn leaned forward, her eyes intent and focused. "Exactly. We need to dig deeper and find out what's truly motivating Tom. There must be a piece of his past or some hidden truth that holds the key to understanding his true intentions."

...

The sky was still dark, signalling the early hours of the morning. Autumn and Raven had made their way through the woods to a nearby abandoned building that they had transformed into a makeshift base. It bore a striking resemblance to the Shrieking Shack at Hogwarts.

Autumn looked at Ravens slightly shivering," It's still pretty cold, huh."

Raven wrapped her arms around herself, attempting to warm up. "Yeah, it's freezing out here," she replied, her breath visible in the chilly air.

The door opened Peter, who was yawning he led them into the main room, the girls were met with the sight of the other three. Remus appeared half-asleep, still adjusting his clothes, while James and Sirius were using their magic to tidy up their temporary base.

"Any injuries from last night?" Raven inquired, looking at Peter.

He shook his head, a fatigued expression on his face. "Just the usual scratches, nothing major."

They moved further into the room, and a comfortable silence filled the air as everyone focused on their tasks.

Autumn took a seat on a nearby chair, her eyes scanning the room as thoughts ran through her mind. She couldn't shake the feeling that they were closer to uncovering the truth, but the elusive missing piece still evaded her.

Raven sat next to her, a hint of worry in her eyes. "You okay?" she whispered, noticing Autumn's pensive expression.

Autumn's sigh cut through the silent room, and the guys looked up at her. They knew they would be brought up to speed later, so they just silently listened.

"Our discussion from last night," Autumn began, and Raven's attention locked onto her, knowing this was about their conversation, "I tried sleeping on it, just like you suggested."

"But no matter how many times I played it back in my mind, I couldn't shake the feeling that we're missing something," Autumn continued, her expression troubled.

"It's like there's a piece of the puzzle that's still hidden from us," Raven interjected, her own concern mirrored in her voice.

Remus, despite his exhaustion, had a sensible suggestion. "Perhaps you should fill us in on what you and Raven talked about last night," he said, his eyes fixed on them. "The more minds we have together, the better our chances of finding a solution."

Autumn shared a quick glance with Raven, silently agreeing to fill the guys in. She took a deep breath before beginning to recount their thoughts from the previous night.

"Raven and I were discussing everything we've learned so far about Tom," Autumn started, her voice steady. "His family, his past, the events surrounding Lily's death...we feel like we've collected all the crucial information, but there's still this lingering feeling that we're overlooking something important."

As she spoke, the others listened intently, their expressions a mix of curiosity and concern. Remus, still fighting the exhaustion from the night before, leaned back against the wall, his eyes fixed on Autumn as she continued.

"It's like we've hit a wall," Autumn confessed, her frustration evident. "We've covered everything we know about Tom, but there's still something missing. Something that just doesn't make sense."

James furrowed his brow in contemplation, placing a hand on his chin. "Maybe what Tom really wants is something he can do for Elliot?"

Peter nodded in agreement, scratching his head as he struggled to find the right words. "Yeah, but that doesn't make sense, considering what Tom did to..." He trailed off, not wanting to say it outright, but the others knew he was referring to Lily's murder.

Sirius chimed in, supporting Peter's point. "Wormy is right. If Tom was doing something for Elliot, why did he take something so crucial from him?"

As these thoughts were exchanged, Autumn closed her eyes and crossed her arms, deep in thought. She was trying to recall the Original Elliot, specifically his words about how Tom needed him just as he needed Tom.

"Wait a minute..." she interrupted, her eyes suddenly opening. "I think James might be onto something."

All eyes turned to Autumn as her words echoed in the room. There was a sense of anticipation and curiosity, everyone waiting for her to explain further.

"What if..." Autumn began, her voice filled with a hint of realization," What if the key to understanding Tom's motives lies in the relationship between him and the Original Elliot?"

Sirius expressed his doubts about finding information on the Original Elliot. "But he's from another timeline, for Merlin's sake! How could we possibly get hold of that sort of information?"

The room fell dead silent as the realization of the challenge sank in. They were right; accessing information about someone from another timeline seemed impossible.

Remus, still looking like he was half awake, finally spoke up, his voice laced with exhaustion. "You're right. It would be like trying to find a unicorn egg in a haystack."

James nodded in agreement, his mind still working through the dilemma. "Not to mention, we don't even have a starting point for our search. Where would we even begin to look for information on the Original Elliot?"

"I think we have a way," Everyone in the room was startled when Regulus suddenly appeared as if materializing out of thin air. Sirius was the first to speak, relief in his voice as he stepped forward.

"Reggie?"

Regulus turned to his brother and nodded in response, then directed his attention to the others. James, however, had spotted something familiar draped over Regulus's arm—his invisibility cloak.

"Hey, wait a minute," James said, his eyes fixed on the cloak. "That's my invisibility cloak. How in the name of Merlin do you have that, Reggie?"

Regulus turned to Autumn and mildly tilted his head. "Have you not told them what you know?"

Autumn furrowed her brow, her confusion clear. "How do you know I know about it?"

Regulus smiled and tucked James's invisibility cloak into his bag, which earned him a disapproving look from James, but he held back, his questions directed at both Regulus and Autumn.

"I made you see it," Regulus explained. "You saw what their son showed me, what I needed. It turned out that the power somehow gave me the ability to send you what I know telepathically." Regulus finished.

A collective murmur of surprise filled the room. The idea of telepathy being a capability was extraordinary.

"Does that mean you know what Tom wants?" Autumn cut in, her voice filled with anticipation.

Regulus nodded in affirmation. "I know what Tom wants" he confirmed. He then addressed James. "I need to borrow your cloak for a little longer. You'll get it back, I promise."

James begrudgingly agreed, letting out a deep sigh but crossing his arms in reluctant compliance. "Okay, fine. But just don't lose it," he grumbled.

While James looked less than pleased, the others waited patiently for Regulus to continue. He took a moment to gather his thoughts before speaking again, his eyes scanning the room.

"Tom's goal is not to simply have power. He doesn't care that much about it," Regulus began to explain. The room filled with expectant silence as Regulus continued to reveal the truth.

"Tom's ultimate objective is to find a way to ensure Elliot dies," Regulus explained, the seriousness in his voice sending a chill through the room.

Sirius made a face, clearly surprised by this revelation. "No way," he exclaimed. "So its just time kill Elliot?"

Regulus shot a pained smile at his brother. "Yes," he replied. "Tom simply wants to guarantee that he dies permanently, and he's willing to eliminate anyone and anything to make sure it happens."

Peter's question followed, "Then why can't we just kill Tom?"

Regulus shook his head, his expression weary. "If it were that simple, we would have stopped him a long time ago."

Autumn was silent for a moment, grappling with her thoughts before suddenly understanding. She closed her eyes, dreading the answer that formed in her mind.

"Oh..." she whispered. "The only way for that...is..." Her words trailed off, leaving them all waiting for her to finish.

The room was filled with a heavy silence as everyone waited for Autumn to finish her thought, dreading what she was about to say.

"The only way for Tom to die permanently..." she paused, her voice barely above a whisper. "Is for Elliot to cease to exist." The room fell silent as her words hit them like a hammer. The gravity of Autumn's realization was heavy, and the implications were far-reaching.

Remus was the first to speak, his voice sombre. "Are you saying that to end Tom, we have to..." He couldn't bring himself to finish the sentence.

"We have to erase Elliot from existence," Autumn filled in the blank, her voice hollow.

Raven's expression showed her struggle with this possibility. "But then what happens to all the timelines he created? And what about his and Lily's son? If we erased him, wouldn't they cease to exist too?"

Remus added his concerns to the discussion, his brow furrowing as he considered the consequences. "Not just that. Wouldn't everything just cease to exist since we are currently living in a timeline that's a result of Elliot's existence?"

The room was filled with a heavy silence once again, the weight of this revelation and the consequences it could potentially bring bearing down on them. The gravity of the situation was immense, and they all felt the weight of the decision that was on the table.

Remus broke the silence this time, his words filled with a resignation. "So...what do we do?" He asked, his voice full of uncertainty. The others looked at each other silently, unsure of how to answer him. This was a weighty decision, and the outcome, they understood it now, could be catastrophic.

Peter posed a reasonable question, "But why does erasing Elliot's existence make sense?"

Then a new voice, one they hadn't expected to hear, spoke up. "Because it's the only reason Tom existed,"

Their eyes widened in shock, and they all turned to see who had spoken. The name "Lily" slipped out of Raven's mouth as everyone processed the sight in front of them.

There, standing in the doorway, was the undeniable spitting image of Lily Evans. Her emerald eyes scanned the room, meeting the gazes of each individual as she spoke. "Hello, everyone."

The room was immediately filled with a chorus of gasps as they struggled to come to terms with what they were seeing. For a moment, no one knew what to say, the sight of Lily standing in front of them was too hard to process.

Lily stepped further into the room, her words sending a shockwave through the group.

"I'm not your Lily," she clarified, her voice heavy with truth. "Not from this timeline." Their momentary hope vanished as they processed her words. This was not the Lily they knew.

Raven, still bewildered by the uncanny resemblance, voiced the lingering question," Then who...who are you?"

"I am a collective of all the versions of me from my previous timelines."Lily provided a brief explanation, attempting to make sense of her presence.

"I've come here to tell you," she said gently, "that everything will be fine. Erasing Elliot..." Her words caught in her throat, the weight of the decision clear in her pained expression. "This timeline will continue to exist, but..." Lily took a deep breath before continuing.

"Whoever does the final blow has to have their entire heart in it, and they have to truly wish for Elliot to cease to exist."

The room was filled with stunned silence, each person processing this information in their way. Amidst the tension, Autumn gathered herself enough to ask the next question.

"Why can't we just wish for Tom to not exist?"

Lily's eyes met Autumn's, her gaze holding a quiet sadness. "Because..." Lily paused, her voice shaking as she revealed the truth, "Elliot... IS Tom."

The room was plunged into deeper silence, the shock from this revelation hanging thick in the air. The gravity of the situation was more intense than ever. Every person in the room struggled with this truth, struggling to comprehend how one person, two sides, could exist at once.

The longer the silence lasted, the heavier the truth weighed on them. The realisation that Elliot, the one they had known and tried to save, was also Tom, the very enemy they were fighting against, was incomprehensible.

Sirius stepped forward, his voice firm as he posed a question. "Will it erase everything Voldemort has done this timeline if we do this?"

Lily turned to face him, her expression sympathetic as she shook her head. "Tom will cease to exist. However," she explained, "The Voldermort in this timeline is his being, separate from them. But with Elliot having most of his soul, when it comes to the fight, half of Voldermort will be dead, leaving only a fragment of him left to fight."

Lily spoke with finality, her words heavy. "All the previous timelines will cease to exist. This timeline will be the only one to remain."

James, still struggling to grasp the situation, turned to Autumn briefly before addressing Lily again. "But how can this timeline continue to exist without Elliot? And what about Autumn's powers that she got from the Original Elliot?"

"Those powers were always yours." Regulus intervened, his voice clear. "Elliot had stolen your powers from the first timeline." He turned his gaze to Autumn, who stood dumbfounded," He simply gave them back. It was doomed to kill him because it was never his."

"And as for this timeline," Regulus continued, his words sinking in, "Is the one that you created."

The revelation left Autumn speechless, her mind reeling as she tried to process this information. The idea that she had been the one to create the current timeline was almost too much to absorb.

Remus, sensing her shock, stepped closer to her, a hand on her shoulder. "Are you okay, Autumn?" He asked, his voice gentle.

"How was I even able to create a timeline?" Autumn asked, her voice wavering with a mix of shock and confusion. She quickly reassured Remus and James, who were watching her closely, that she was okay.

Lily turned to James, her gaze lingering on him before she spoke. "It was... Losing James. You lost him in every timeline. Losing him was the reason for your power's instability. I assume you eventually figured that out."

Autumn reached out to hold her husband's hand, her eyes meeting his. "Elliot told me that my powers were often unstable and could lead to my death," she admitted.

Lily nodded, her expression solemn. "Yes, losing James was often the cause of your death. Tom had figured out that you two being together weakened him, so he did everything in his power to break you up."

The room fell silent as the group absorbed the gravity of this revelation. The impact was immense. Autumn, holding onto James's hand, felt a mix of emotions: understanding, sorrow, and a heavy realization.

"Your grief was strong enough to create this timeline," Lily continued, her voice soft. "And... it's hard to think about having to erase Elliot from existence, but... if it's the only way, the sacrifice must be made."

Lily then moved closer to Autumn, placing a gentle hand on her cheek. "You and everyone deserve this. All those timelines were filled with so much pain."

Autumn's voice trembled as she spoke, her concern for Lily evident. "But what about you? What about your happiness?"

Lily's expression softened as she looked into Autumn's eyes, her hand still resting on her cheek.

"I have been given peace," Lily answered, her voice soft yet firm. "I have had peace to live out the rest of my life. For me, there is no need to worry."

Lily, her gaze meeting Autumn's eyes, reached out and embraced her tightly. "The Lily in this timeline will be fine," she whispered reassuringly. "She will still have Harry, and her love is strong enough to make him exist."

Autumn, caught in the moment, felt her heartache at the words and the embrace. The thought of a world where Lily could still have Harry, where love had the power to create life, was a bittersweet revelation. She returned the hug, feeling a wave of sadness and hope mixing together in her chest.

Autumn opened her eyes and looked up at the abandoned building's ceiling. It had all been a dream, or so it seemed.

"Bloody hell," Sirius was the first to regain his composure, his voice filled with disbelief. "Did we all just... see that?"

Raven, rubbing her eyes, asked, "It depends. What did you see?"

James, still prone on the ground, groaned, "Well if it involves my cloak being in the hands of Reggie—"

Peter, sitting up, couldn't help but snort, "Oh, then I guess it happened."

Autumn's heart pounded in her chest, her mind still processing the dream. The rest of the group began to wake up, each one expressing their own confusion and disbelief.

Remus nodded, a weight on his shoulders as he broke the silence, "So, we have our answer. We know what we have to do now."

James grumbled, finally getting up from the floor. "Regulus never did tell us why he took the cloak," he muttered.

Sirius chuckled, giving James a playful kick. "Prongs, just drop it with the cloak," he said jokingly.

The group began to rise, each one still trying to process the revelation. Autumn stood, her heart heavy with the knowledge of what lay ahead.