[victoria's pov]

"I don't want to hear it, Nicholson," I told Richard as he caught up to me in the corridors. It had been a week now since Tom had proposed for me to join him and his secret alliance, but he still didn't allow me to attend the meetings. He had told me I'm "not ready," to hear what they discussed, which had temporarily made me ignore him for a day. I still was.

"But you will want to hear this one!" Nicholson said. "It's not about Theodore, I swear on Salazar's name!"

I pause and give him a suspicious side eye. He's practically on his knees, begging for me to listen.

"Fine," I said. "What is it you wish to tell me so bad?"

He nods and drags me roughly to the side of the corridor, making sure no one was listening.

"Earlier today at Quidditch practice–a shame I won't get to play again until next term, I was eavesdropping on Malfoy and Black. Apparently, Viridian was killed."

I felt my breath cut short.

"I know you were close to her, so I wanted to tell you what could perhaps be the truth," he said.

"Tell me more," I demand quietly. "What else did you hear?"

He's eager to spill what he knows. His mouth rambles, thinking faster than he can speak.

"Well erm, apparently it's what her parents believe because in a small column article from the Daily Prophet, it was briefly mentioned that her family may have been... I don't know how to say it... abusive towards her mental health so that's why she ran away and uh... got killed," he said. "Malfoy told Black that her family is holding a closed casket funeral for her later tonight at their home because they want it to be discreet. It's a closed invite and from your reaction, I'm assuming you didn't know..."

He was right. I didn't know.

"Oi, can you hear me, Victoria?" Richard said.

I couldn't find the words to respond to him. Her poor parents. They were such good and hard working people. Everything they did was for their daughter. Their one and only daughter. The rest of the world would never look at them the same and they would never see her again.

"Please keep this to yourself," I managed to say before walking off spacelessly.

"I will!" he calls out from behind me. "I promise!!"

But his voice fades away as I can only think of the damage I've done. Her mother... she had gone through birth for no reason now. She would not get to sit on the lawn with her grandchildren. And her father... he would never get to walk to the aisle. They'd never get to see her one last time at King's Cross station.

And instead of carrying down her body, they'd only get to carry down the ghost of her.

"I've been calling you, situation" Tom says from behind me, tugging me by the shoulder. I meet his eyes and he raises a brow. "Why is it that you're always upset?"

"Shut up, at least I'm not crying," I said angrily at his comment. "And don't call me 'situation.'"

"Fine then, doll," he said.

The corridors were empty and quiet as he didn't know what to say. I was supposed to be giving him the silent treatment for shutting me out, but it was not on my mind at that moment.

"What is it?" he asked.

"Her parents," I said. "Serenity's parents... they'll be holding a closed casket funeral for her tonight."

"Did you want to go?" he asked. "Is that why you're upset?"

I scoff at his cluelessness. He was a mastermind, yet he wasn't able to filter why I was upset.

"You're an idiot, Tom," I said angrily.

"Don't call me that."

"I'm upset because it's my fault!" I exclaimed. "It's my fault that they have to go through that. Go through the loss of their daughter. No parent should have to bury their child."

He then grabbed me by the shoulders and forced me to meet his eyes as he bent down sternly.

"It's something you'll have to live with for the rest of your long life," he said. "So enough with blaming yourself. It's what brought you to me and we can't change that no matter how many times you try to make it right."

As much as I wanted to disagree, he was right.

He tugged me harshly by the arm and wrapped his arms around me tightly without a word. One of his hands rested on the back of my head as he rocked me side by side slowly. It was out of character, but I didn't want to change the way he comforted me.

"I hate you for always being right," I mumbled.

"You know you would love me if you could," he said smugly. "Don't lie to yourself."

I ignored his comment and pushed myself away from him. He grinned and grabbed my waist from the side as we made our way to the dungeons.

"We have a graduation to prepare for," I said, grinning ear to ear. "Just a couple more days before I we get on that train."

"Just a couple more hours until we're alone."

"And free," I add.

Hearing voices ahead, I peck his cheek quickly before releasing myself from his grip. He returns my grin as I head to my dormitory to change into my robes.

[author's pov]

The school was full of laughter and cheers, now that the term was over. It was a night of joy for most and a night of sorrow for some. Some seventh year students couldn't help but shed tears at the goodbyes. As they were set on a new life, solely dependent on no other but themselves.

The students of Hogwarts could think of nothing else but their goodbyes. Goodbyes to their professors–as the night was a bid farewell to Professor Merrythought. Goodbyes to their mates and the old, protective childhood. A childhood of magic and opportunities. For some, it was the end of a tale.

But for some, like Tom, it marked a new beginning.

He walked up the spiral steps of the headmaster's office entrance. His footsteps were the only sound audible in the moment, as every student was preparing for the graduation.

He had just left Victoria by the Slytherin common room, unaware of the fact that the corner of his lips were still slightly curved from her quick touch.

He knocked on the headmaster's door and it unlocked, allowing him in. Headmaster Dippet sat at his desk, surprised by Tom's presence.

"Ah, Riddle!" He greeted him. "You have a graduation to get to in an hour here, but come in, take a seat..."

Tom smiled charmingly and replied, "No, thank you. You are kind. I simply came to ask a request."

He stood closely to the Headmaster's desk. Even under the steps, he stood taller than Dippet in his chair.

"Ask away then, m'boy," he said. Dippet knew how much of a great student Riddle was. His academic records were not one you would forget. Extra credits and all, including great professor comments.

"You see," Tom began. "It's said that Professor Merrythought is retiring after this term. I was wondering if that pending spot would be available for me?"

Dippet didn't seem surprised at his request. He nodded hesitantly and said, "Why, Tom, you have a full life ahead of you! Why spend it here in Hogwarts? Go out and explore the world instead of growing old in these castle walls. Minds like you are meant for great things to be done at the Ministry."

Tom couldn't help but feel agitated by Dippet's lack of perspective.

"But sir, Hogwarts has always felt like a home to me," he said. "I don't imagine leaving for a couple of years."

Dippet once again nodded hesitantly and said, "Tom, you are still young. Let it be a few years until we have this discussion again if I am still in position. But as of now, enjoy your youth. Trust me, as you are hearing it from an ancient one."

Professor Dippet laughed at his joke and Tom chuckled lightly, playing a well role of an innocent.

"Yes, headmaster," Tom said, closing the conversation. "Thank you for your consideration."

"Of course," Dippet said. "Now hurry along, you do not want to be late to your graduation, do you?"

Tom bid him goodbye with a weak smile before shutting the door to the headmaster's office. By the time the steps behind him disappeared, he could already hear students chittering in the corridors excitedly. All he could think about was now leaving the place with Victoria.

He reached the Slytherin common room and scanned it. He was looking for her. He always was, whether it was in the corridors or in the great hall. Even if he knew she was absent.

Disappointed, he made way to his room. He had to change into his own suit and uniform anyway. On his way up the stairs, he passed Theodore Nott. The both of them exchanged glares. Tom noticed his new bad habits. Practically everyone had and it only made the girls love Theodore more.

Not long later, the Slytherin common room was practically empty. Everyone had been called to the great hall.

"Come along now!" the Bloody Baron called. "Last round of students, come on! Seventh year students!"

Victoria had put on an ankle-length white dress. Its silky skirt rippled like water against her thighs and the waistline hugged her breasts comfortably. The sleeves of her dress stopped at her shoulders, flowing like petals. The neckline of her dress was a short "v," modest and pure.

And to compliment it, she removed the chain of Tom's ring and wore it on her right index finger. At this, Tom noticed and he couldn't help but grin proudly at the sight of her.

He was waiting for her at the end of the hall as she came from her dormitory. The sight of her made him feel an unfamiliar sensation. A feeling of wholeness. Part of it.

She held her robes on one of her forearms and he took it, helping her put it on. He tied it for her as she admired his charm. The way his smile curved almost upside down and his eyes danced with cun.

"You're very charming," she said quietly. "Not just charming, but beautiful in the sense that the world could almost pardon you for your sins."

Tom grinned cunningly, perhaps even blushing though he'd never admit it. "And you're very much mine."

He had always been one to have a way with words, but no one else would ever be told those words by him.

No one else.

Truth be told, he did not know exactly what he wanted from her. Just that he made him happy and now that she had involved herself in his life, he couldn't imagine it without her. He thought of her as interesting and powerful, no matter how many times she kept it concealed or denied it. He liked the idea of fixing her.

Even if he didn't want to admit it.

"Come on, we don't want to be late to our graduation," Victoria reminded him with a short laugh.

A moment when I had become we and mine had become our.

She dragged him down the stairs as he kept his hand on her shoulder. She liked his hands on her. His gentle but tender grip.

The common room began to shrink with less and less students, filling the corridors with more and more students. Everyone was making their way to the great hall as the portraits waved one final hello to some of the students. Chattering was loud, laughter, creating moments that'll replay in their heads as they would later sleep that night.

With linked arms, Tom escorted Victoria through the hall. And one couldn't help but notice the change briefly before returning to their bubble. However, Richard Nicholson couldn't help but gasp. He snickered to himself and wiggled his eyebrows at Victoria before disappearing in the crowd.

It was only then that she realised Tom had been okay with the light attention. After all, it was not as if they were snogging in front of the entire school. They were simply arm in arm.

Theodore sat with Cygnus Black, Abraxas Malfoy, and Collin Yaxley in the great hall. Accompanying Cygnus was his faithful girlfriend, Druella Rosier. With her was Josee Laval, her newest friend.

Cygnus had not been looking forward to graduation. It was a call to an end, meaning he would have to go home. To his family, he did not look forward to being lectured every day about the littlest things. But considering he was eighteen, he also looked forward to starting a new life. Under Tom's revolution and beside the woman who would soon be his wife.

Druella had been looking forward to the same but not as much as standing under the protection of death eaters. As it would cost her more than just her life, but it took her long to realise the family she would soon have was now sworn to Voldemort. Her lineage, promised to another. She was chained.

However, on the other hand, Abraxas was honoured to have that protection over him. Over his family. Despite swearing his life for a simple young man, he knew the power that he held. The persuasion and lineage of Salazar Slytherin that Tom Riddle had. It was more than enough to make him think he could bring great recognition to his family. To bring recognition of accomplishment to his father. To make him proud.

And then there was Theodore, who laughed with his mates. Recently, he had not been able to look at Victoria the same. She was different and not the same person. He wanted to speak to her–the old her. She was not Victoria.

"You are a good man, Theo," Cygnus said with a laugh. "Like I said, I am still sorry for saying those things. It was not my place, no matter how much the woman hurt you."

"Don't mention it please," Theodore said with a smile, as it was not a time of grasping grudges. "I may have to take your advice and move-"

His eyes fell on the doors of the great hall. As if on cue, there she was. It was not her white dress that made her stand out in the sea of students, but her face.

The face that he could never forget.

The reminiscent laugh that comforted his heart and the same voice that soothed his worries. The last voice he always heard in his mind before he fell asleep every night.

Her scent that'll always linger near, making him turn his head to search for her. Even when he knew she was absent. Every piece of her lived in some part of his existence.

And all of it would play a part in his life and death. Every cherished moment, he knew they were the realest moments of his life and the most unforgettable.

All of it. All of her. Unforgettable.

His gaze softened as he saw her. He felt his knees go weak and was thankful he was sitting down. The words in his mouth disappeared as he couldn't think clearly. None of what she did to him, made sense and he hated that he couldn't bring himself to hate her for it, even though it was easier than having to let her go.

He could only see her in her white dress and picture a moment that would've been the best day of his life.

All he could see was what they could have been. What they could have had together. Perhaps a day that could have vowed their life together for as long as they lived.

Forever... for better, for worse

For richer, for poorer, in sickness and health, to love and cherish,

until parted by death.

His sudden silence did not go unnoticed as the four around him turned their heads in the direction of his attention. Their eyes fell upon not her, but Tom Riddle. Abraxas could not help but grin to himself. His suspicions were right.

Theodore felt his heart ache the same pain he felt over the last weeks. Despite his new bad habits, it had only been a temporary solution.

"Perhaps the rumours were true," he thought. He didn't know what to believe anymore. Though now, most certainly not in her. He clasped his hands as he watched them both sit at the end of the tables near the back, beside each other. Arm still in arm.

He forced himself to look away as he felt his chest grow heavy and his throat go numb. All of the memories, feelings, the unforgettable moments... we no longer wanted them. All he wished for in that moment was to forget as remembering was a curse. He wanted them to have never happened.

To forget all of it.

Josee Laval felt her heart break. She had always hoped that she was not the other woman but instead the woman. It wasn't easy for her to watch them... she didn't even have to try to get Tom Riddle and he was hers as much as she was his. It was not a pleasant feeling: the line between heartbreak and envy.

Victoria's attention was on Tom. His warm fingers played with her knuckles underneath the table as Headmaster Dippet was preparing for his very long speech.

"I'm hoping you will agree to move in with me after this is all over," Tom says. "I have a flat above Borgin and Burkes, as you don't seem comfortable to step foot into your new manor."

"No, I'm not comfortable," she said. "It's the home of a dead woman I knew and nothing more. I will go back when the time is right..."

"That is a yes?" Tom asked her.

As much as she didn't want to admit it, she inherited a good sum of money from Annabeth McCallian to start a new life. But she couldn't just drop everything and leave.

"Of course," she replied with a helpless smile. "Though I wish to say goodbye to Gwendelyn first though."

Tom nodded and turned his attention back to Headmaster Dippet who was now coughing into his sleeve.

"Attention, students of Hogwarts!" he called. "This enchanting evening has fallen upon us, marking an end of a wonderful–but also tragic–school term. Let us all have a moment of silence for one of our own, Serenity Viridian, as I heard her family is now mourning more than just her disappearance."

The great hall fell silent and Victoria's breath slowed as everyone's heads looked down, almost in prayers. She looked at Druella and caught her looking away. A guilty move. She couldn't help but feel a rise of anger, but then felt Tom pressure her hand lightly. She looked at him and he shook his head.

She felt the grudge she had slowly rise. But she had to set it aside, as Druella was not the only one in the wrong.

"Now," Dippet said after a few moments, "Please, let us find out which house has earned the house cup this year. It was a very close tie this year, surprisingly... a very last second marker!"

Behind him, all of the professors stood and clapped their hands as Professor Merrythought appeared with the very reflective trophy in her hand. She raised it and the entire great hall cheered excitedly.

Dippet didn't even bother to coat suspense and called, "Slytherin!"

The Slytherin table erupted with cheers and the table boomed as a group of students bounced wildly. Once again, Slytherin had won the house cup.

"Ravenclaw had fallen close behind," Headmaster Dippet said. "But we shall see next year, as it has been a suspenseful term."

The great hall was still full of roars, perhaps not in celebration at Slytherin's accomplishment, but at each one of their own. Every student had their own little world they lived in with their own lives to worry about. With their own problems to deal with. Problems that could not be compared to one another. Every child in that room had a future ahead of them and some's futures were destined to be cut short–a couple, extended.

Professors watched them happily, seeing none other than themselves that had sat in the very same room with the very same joy. The same joy that had brought them back to teach at Hogwarts. Exams were completed for the year, a great weight had been lifted off their chests, and all was right.

For most.

-------

I wasn't going to update today, but it was about time we had to know how Theo felt. My heart breaks for him so horribly.

Your author, riddlefiqs.

January 8th, 2024.