Tom POV~

In my weakened state, resting in a comfortable chair in a warm blanket in front of a burning fire, I feel pain wash over my temporary human form. I felt the emotions and feelings of another in my mind as my Horcruxes start to appear around me. I watch as the memories/shades/soul fragments begin to form around me. I felt the familiar magic surround us as they start to merge with my weakened soul. 

I was banished from the temporary body and felt my soul be encased within a body of my own. I felt every cell, bone, muscle, tendon, vein, nerve, skin, and hair regrow. I watched as a body—my body-formed around me. Not only that, but I felt my magic nearly triple as the magic coils within me grew, and new ones be created. I felt my core stabilize and begin to heal me. 

Once I opened my eyes, I could see my dark brown wavy hair touching the floor. I had healthy pale skin and a healthy body. Rushing to a mirror, I nearly fall over in shock as my twenty-year-old-ish body and face stared back at me. 

Reaching out to the presence in my mind, I feel exhaustion, hope, and pain. Transfiguring some robes, I walk out to the graveyard and summon my followers. For those I know are held prisoner in Azkaban, I send them a small call. One by one, they appear before me. Taking a knee, they line up in order of rank. 

"Welcome back, My Lord, we have been eagerly awaiting your call," Lucius spoke. 

"If you were as faithful to me as you claim, why did not even one of you search for me?" My voice was cold and hard. Another crack of apparition sounded behind me. Turning to see the being interrupting me, I see an ethereal woman standing there. My magic sang, and my creature purred as they begin to walk towards me. 

"Calm, love, they did not search because I was not ready for your arrival. Dumbledore had too much control over me for it to be safe." With her melodious voice, the anger I felt start burning within me calmed into hot coals. The moment she was within arms reach, I apparated us to Slytherin manor. My creature purred as we landed within my quarters. Holding her close to me as my creature scented and responded to our mate. 

"Mine" I growled out. Feeling her wrap her arms around my neck and pulling me closer, she rested her head in the crook of my neck. 

"Yours forever and always. Till death do us part and the end of time. We must return, though-" A deep guttural growl cut her off. I wouldn't allow her to leave until she was claimed by me. Marked for the world to see. Though, my now more rational mind was winning. The claiming, marking, and Union rites would take to long. We would be stuck within this room for a week at least, a month for normal pairs, but for us who have stronger more powerful magic than others? Who knows. Taking a deep breath, I claim her lips with a promise of what is to come. 

"Beware, mate of mine, I shall claim you soon." His tone lustful. I apparate us back to the graveyard. 

"I will return when I have everything in place at Hogwarts. Key me to the wards? We may continue after we talk. I advise you go to gringotts. There are many secrets you must find. Many to be uncovered." She could before apparating away. After dismissing my subordinates and returning to Slytherin manor, I realized that I did not ask for her name.