[HP Translation] Rectifier: Bending Right and Wrong, TMR-Centric

Excuse me, it seems that the translator has not translated the next chapter, so I personally worked on Chapter 22, based on the translator and search engine, and later proofreading + polishing, there may be errors. Chapter 23: The fifth Horcrux Tom looked around the room. Half the contents were destroyed, leaving only a thick layer of ash on the floor. In the merciless flames, some larger objects were burned into piles of garbage and scattered everywhere. The wanton use of dark magic filled Tom's heart with an addictive excitement. Tom lowered his head and stared at his wand, and for a moment he was confused by this. What would Albus say if he knew- No, Albus is not here - the Albus he values does not exist here, his Albus is in another world, and no matter what Tom does here, it will not affect his world. He can do anything and there will be no consequences - Tom stopped thinking. What was he thinking? He looked around again, and the room was completely destroyed by him. Although fire was one of the best ways to destroy a Horcrux, he could have stopped after the crown was destroyed, but Tom angrily increased the spell and allowed the fire to continue to spread. Is he trying to prove something? Why did he do this? He was obviously not from this world, and no matter what Voldemort did in this world, it had nothing to do with him. Tom tried to convince himself. Tom exhaled and took back his wand. When he knew how his opponent, Voldemort, lived in this world, he knew that this journey was bound to be bumpy. Therefore, in this world, he has always been cautious about his words and actions, but now... He found the diadem in the room, and Voldemort said that he had never changed and would still follow the path he had given up on, and then everything began to change. Three days ago, he talked to Albus all night long, recounting his past experiences and digging out his long-hidden memories. When Tom told him about his dark past, the uneasiness took root in his heart and became more and more intense, as if the choice he made fifty years ago was just a temporary suppression. It was only now that he could see clearly what kind of path he had given up and what path he had chosen. And Snape, who was so different from Albus, compared Tom to Voldemort. Snape knew nothing about Tom, but this bold comparison finally made Tom realize that this journey was different. It was no longer to satisfy his desire to explore, and he was no longer just an audience. Voldemort was no longer a Dark Lord who just threatened the world, but the incarnation of Tom who had been fighting for many years. Somehow, his war with Voldemort became a battle with himself, fought not in England but in his heart. A few weeks ago, Tom had decided to turn a blind eye to Voldemort's Horcruxes, but just now he burst into the Room of Requirement and destroyed them. Not because he wanted to prove anything, but because he realized he couldn't stay out of it. Although he has now destroyed the Horcrux, Tom wants to know what stopped him before and why he wanted to protect Voldemort? He was not Voldemort, who had sacrificed everything to stay away from that dark path. Tom shook his head, turned and left the room. None of that mattered anymore, he just needed to make sure this situation didn't happen again. If he wants to stay in this world, he must maintain his will more firmly and restrain his own power. On the way out, Tom glanced at the remains of the vanishing cabinet not far away. The disappearing cabinet was completely black, and half of the door fell off. Even if the appearance could be restored, its ability was permanently erased by the fire, and it could not be connected to the disappearing cabinet on the other side. Albus would be happy about that. Tom destroyed one of Voldemort's Horcruxes and prevented Draco Malfoy from opening a hidden passage that would have prevented Death Eaters from bypassing Hogwarts's defenses. I don't know what made Draco confide in Moaning Myrtle. Myrtle is afraid of Tom and he learns from this particular ghost what Draco is doing. Tom has no regrets about destroying the disappearing cabinet. He will protect his snakes, but this protection ends when the behavior of one of them endangers other snakes and the rest of the school. The trouble is far from that. Tom didn't understand why Voldemort asked Draco to perform this task. Tom knew the consequences of Draco's failure. Should he intervene in this matter? Or will this make things worse? After all, Voldemort ordered his subordinates never to let Tom go. With a tired sigh, Tom left the dilapidated room. Things change, and he must rethink his role in the war. But Dumbledore will be very happy about it later, Tom thought. Voldemort continues to attack and murder in Britain, and fear is growing. More students are dropping out of school, and more and more students are choosing not to stay in school during the Christmas vacation. Tom thought indifferently, how many people will come back in the new semester? News of the diadem surprised Albus, and Tom found some time to do his research - the purpose for which he was brought to this world in the first place. He understood that the peaceful time was short-lived, but a week into the holiday, the peaceful time was broken. The day started off quite normally, with Tom spending most of his time looking up information. An hour before dinner, a familiar feeling of emptiness came over him, as yet another Horcrux was destroyed. A few minutes later, Filch called him to the school infirmary, where Albus was lying on the bed, unconscious. "What happened?" He asked, coming to Albus's bedside. Madam Pomfrey was diagnosing the old wizard. Behind her were McGonagall and Snape, who was glaring at Harry Potter. The boy sat on the bed next to Albus, looking pained but uninjured. Tom was too close for the Potions Master to ignore him. Snape looked up and narrowed his eyes. Neither of them had forgotten how their last conversation ended. "Apparently, the Headmaster and Potter went on an excursion," Snape said. "Hiking," Tom repeated. Snape nodded slightly, confirming what he already knew: Albus had led Potter to another Horcrux. Tom looked past Madam Pomfrey to the motionless figure on the bed. Albus didn't suffer any external injuries, but he was pale and sweating profusely - signs of overuse of magic. Albus's body couldn't handle the exertion he was exerting, which would make... Tom glanced at Albus's hand and cursed inwardly. Albus's weakness allowed the curse to spread. This suicidal old fool! What on earth was he thinking? "I'm waiting for your answer, Potter." Snape sneered. Tom's attention turned to Potter, who gave Tom a wary look before speaking. "Professor Dumbledore said he had something to go to Malfoy Manor, but he didn't tell me what it was." Even without Legilimency, Tom could tell he was lying. "Mrs. Malfoy and... Bellatrix Lestrange are there," Potter continued. "They found us as we were leaving, and then Voldemort came." He looked at Tom with an undisguised look. "Professor Dumbledore threw me a key and sent me back here. I don't know what happened next, but I guess they started fighting." Voldemort could cause Albus to become over-exhausted, and Tom had an estimate of his opponent's strength, but since Albus was weakened by the curse on his hand, the estimate was inaccurate. If Tom knew how the battle ended, he would be able to better estimate Voldemort's strength, but Tom doubted Potter would be honest with him. Judging from the boy's expression, he seemed to feel that if he could help Dumbledore there - if you could call it a help, the outcome would be different. Tom understood why Snape was so adamant that the boy was hopelessly arrogant. But at least Albus still had enough sense to save his students... Or did he? Tom noticed the strange confidence in Potter's emerald eyes and froze. "Albus asked you to come back with what you found at the manor, didn't he?" Tom asked. "He tells you how to destroy that thing." The boy froze. Tom was right. Albus wants to obtain the Horcrux and also take this opportunity to train Harry Potter, who has just destroyed part of Voldemort's soul alone. Tom could only think of one reason for training Potter - a reason he had suspected for a long time. "This has nothing to do with you, Professor." Potter's eyes were filled with anger. Tom sighed inwardly. He finally made the boy understand that he and Voldemort were not the same person, and then his opponent Voldemort came and ruined everything. It is not known what the Horcrux said or did to Potter, but it undoubtedly angered him. "Mr. Potter, five points from Gryffindor for your attitude." Tom stepped away from the bed to make room for Madam Pomfrey. Madam Pomfrey had finished diagnosing Albus and was rapidly examining the boy. Madam Pomfrey's face was frighteningly pale. When she handed Potter the strengthening potion, her hands trembled slightly, and Tom took everything in his eyes. After such careful examination, she must have discovered that Albus would die from the curse. After the inspection, Tom was not surprised to see that she immediately asked Potter to leave. "But..." Potter glanced at Tom first, then at Albus. Tom raised his eyebrows, gesturing for the boy to voice his concerns out loud. "The Headmaster will be fine, Mr. Potter," Madam Pomfrey said. "You can go now." Potter hesitated, realizing that he could not fight Madam Pomfrey, wisely agreed, and left the school doctor's office. After Madam Pomfrey closed the door, Snape immediately came to Albus's side. Tom stood just behind him, watching closely as the Potions Master examined Albus's hand. "How is Albus?" McGonagall frowned. "Excessive use of magic," Madam Pomfrey said. McGonagall was startled, which was understandable. Albus was one of the most powerful wizards in the world. Even fighting Voldemort would not have exhausted him like this. Unless, Albus has been using magic to suppress the curse on his body. Tom waited for Madam Pomfrey to tell the truth, but found that the head nurse looked at him with hesitation. "Thank you for being so cautious, Madam Pomfrey," Tom said slowly, "I am well aware of Albus's situation." Pomfrey narrowed her eyes and looked away from him, looking at Snape. Snape drew his wand and pressed Albus's hand. "Why don't you tell me..." "You know there's nothing you can do." Snape didn't even look up. "What happened?" Mag interrupted them anxiously. Madam Pomfrey answered hesitantly. "The curse on Albus's hand is still in his body," her voice was steady, but her eyes showed horror, "This will kill him." Mag's face turned pale: "But Albus said the curse was resolved." "He lied." Tom said coldly. Given Albus' status, it would undoubtedly have been strategically advantageous to withhold this information during the war, but Minerva McGonagall was trustworthy and Tom had expected Albus to at least tell her. "This is a curse created by the Dark Lord," Snape said. "Used to kill people, we can only suppress the curse." "We should send him to St. Mungo's," Madam Pomfrey said. "Let it be known that the only wizard Voldemort fears is dying?" Tom said. "We have to break the curse on our own." Tom believed that the curse could be broken, and Snape did not question it this time, although they had not yet achieved a breakthrough. Tom was irritated by Snape's strangely deferential attitude. "Can you untie it?" McGonagall asked Tom. Tom looked into McGonagall's eyes and saw what she was thinking - if anyone could undo Voldemort's curse, it would be Tom. "I'm going to do my best," he said. Tom took a deep breath and looked back to see Snape holding his forearm tightly. After a while, he realized that this was Voldemort summoning Death Eaters. "Go ahead," he pulled out his wand and stepped forward, "I will let Albus live." Snape glanced at him, nodded, and quickly walked out of the room. Tom stared at Snape. Another Horcrux was destroyed, Voldemort must be furious. It was going to be a difficult night for the Death Eaters, especially Snape, who had failed when Voldemort asked him to capture Tom, the "damned Horcrux." However, Snape teaches at Hogwarts and is the only one who is likely to catch Tom. He is still valuable to Voldemort. Although a few rounds of Cruciatus are inevitable, Tom is sure that Snape will not die tonight. Think about it, Snape actually did so much for a woman. Tom sneered inwardly, his mind returning to Albus's curse. Even if Snape is an infatuated idiot, he still has to watch over Snape and prevent Snape from passing out in the cold weather and dying from exposure. After all, he has done so much to let Snape get the knowledge he wants to leave in this world, and it cannot be wasted.

Chapter 25: Alternating Self Chapter 25: Alternate Selves He is floating in the dark. There is no light whatsoever, no indication of where he is or how he got here. He is vaguely aware that he should be afraid, but he feels oddly calm, as if someone is using Occlumency on him and blocking off all his troubling thoughts. He reaches for his wand and, for reasons he cannot remember, is surprised to find it in his pocket. He floats in the darkness. There was no light, no sign of where he was or how he got here. He was vaguely aware that he should be scared, but he felt strangely calm, as if someone was using Occlumency on him, blocking out all his troubled thoughts. He reached for his wand and for some reason found it in his pocket. Lumos. Fluorescent lights. He casts the spell non-verbally, reluctant to break the tranquillising silence. The tip of his wand glows, revealing what appears to be a mirror before him, though its surface is dull and all he can see is the blurred outline of his face. Below the mirror is a sink with a serpent engraved on the tap. He knows at once what he has to do - though he has no idea why - and yet he finds himself hesitating. Looking up at the blurry face in the mirror again, he wonders if he really wants to see. But then, he is never one to turn away from knowledge, and the part of him that has acknowledged the need to escape already knows there is no other choice. He cast his spell non-verbally, unwilling to break the sedating silence. The tip of his wand glowed, revealing a mirror in front of him, though its surface was dim and all he could see was the vague outline of his face. Under the mirror is a sink with a snake carved on the faucet. He knew immediately what he had to do - though he didn't know why - but he found himself hesitant. He looked up at the blurry face in the mirror again, wondering if he really wanted to see it clearly. However, he had never been one to shy away from knowledge, and the part of him that recognized the need to escape already knew there was no other option. /Open./ Open As soon as the word leaves his mouth, he feels himself falling. The light of his wand grows brighter and brighter until all he can see is a blinding whiteness. He shields his eyes and tries his best to steady himself, then his feet touches solid ground. As soon as the word left his mouth, he felt himself fall. The light from his wand grew brighter and brighter until all he could see was a blinding white. He shielded his eyes with his shield and tried to steady himself before his feet touched solid ground. He has landed, it appears, in the middle of utter chaos. People are fleeing. The shops on the sides of the road are in flame. The lampposts are skewed, bending at odd angles with a rope hanging down each of them. Tied to the other end of the rope is a rabbit, dangling in mid-air under the extinguished light. Gray with a jagged black crack running its length, as if someone has ripped it into two. Several thin threads remain, holding the broken halves of the sky together like poorly placed stitches in a wound that would not close. He landed, it seemed, in the midst of chaos. People are running away. The roadside shop was on fire. The lampposts were slanted, and a rope hung from each, bent at odd angles. At the other end of the rope was tied a rabbit, suspended in mid-air under the extinguished light. There must have been a dozen, some dead, others still struggling to breathe. But the strangest thing is the sky. It was murky and gray, with a jagged black crack running its length, as if someone had torn it in half. A few thin threads remained, holding the shattered half of the sky together, like ill-fitting sutures in a wound that couldn't be closed. The ground tremors with every several steps he takes, not enough to knock him off balance, but a clear indication that something is very wrong. With no other option, he continues forward, sidestepping the rubble and overturned cars and staying clear of the fire. A woman drops on her knees as he passes by. The ground shook every few steps he took, not enough to throw him off balance, but a clear sign that something was very wrong. With no other choice, he pressed on, avoiding rubble and overturned cars and away from the fire. As he passed, a woman knelt on the ground. A man grabs a child's hand and runs away. Another woman screamed and fled back into the burning house. He realized that they were avoiding him, but that he had no intention of causing harm. Or does he? Really? Did he? Really? Part of him has registered the fact that this is a dream, and dreams are often based on memories. He is starting to remember more now, whereas everything was hazy before. He recognizes the sink he just saw as the entrance to the Chamber of Secrets, though this place is clearly not it. He can also tell that the dead rabbit hanging from the lamppost is the one from the orphanage, the one he killed. He remembers his childhood, his discovery of magic, his time at Hogwarts, up to the point when he opened the Chamber. What happened afterwards? Part of him was already aware of the fact that this was a dream, and dreams are usually based on memories. He was beginning to remember more now, whereas everything before was a blur. He recognized the sink he had just seen as the entrance to the chamber, even though this was clearly not it. He could also tell that the dead rabbit hanging on the lamppost was the one from the orphanage, the one he had killed. He remembered his childhood, his discovery of magic, his time at Hogwarts, until he opened the Chamber of Secrets. What happened next? A startled cry from behind makes him turn. It is a small girl, no more than ten and in muggle clothes, edging away from him. There is a smudge of soot on her cheek; no doubt she has been running from the fire. She looks up as he walks closer, her eyes widening. Before he realizes what is happening, he has lifted his wand. A scream came from behind, causing him to turn around. It was a little girl, no more than ten years old, dressed in Muggle clothes, slowly walking away from him. There was a patch of soot on her cheek, no doubt she had been running away from the fire. As he approached, she looked up, eyes wide. Before he knew what was happening, he had his wand raised. "Avada Kedavra." Avada Kedavra The words roll off his tongue easily, almost without thought, and yet the green light makes him recoil. The girl hits the ground soundlessly, her eyes unseeing. Then he hears several pop sounds and a group of cloaked figures with white masks Apparate before him. They kneel and bow their heads. The words rolled off his tongue easily and with little thought, yet the green light made him flinch. The girl fell to the ground silently, her eyes unable to see anything. He then heard a few pops and a group of cloaked figures wearing white masks appeared in front of him. They knelt and bowed their heads. "My lord," a few of them murmur. "My lord," some of them murmured. The satisfaction that comes with the address clashes with confusion. Unsure of what to do, he takes a step forward. Half of them cower. The one closest to him looks up, waiting for his order. The satisfaction that the address brings conflicts with confusion. Not knowing what to do, he took a step forward. Half the crowd flinched. The one closest to him raised his head, waiting for his command. Yes, he is their leader, isn't he? Yes, he is their leader, isn't he? The ground shakes again. Someone screams. The sound of an explosion comes from a distance. He looks around at the burning town again. There are bodies everywhere. Men. Women. Children. Pillars of black smoke are still rising. The houses are beyond repair. All these were done by the group gathered before him, by his order. The ground shook again. Someone was screaming. The sound of explosions came from a distance. He looked around again, at the burning town. There were corpses everywhere. Man. Woman. Children. The column of black smoke is still rising. These houses are beyond repair. All of this was done at his command by a group of people gathered before him. "That's not you." "That's not you" Lucius Malfoy emerges from a side street. More people follow. Wizards. Witches. All of them are Slytherins. His students. Lucius Malfoy emerged from a side street. More people followed him. Wizard. Witch. They are all Slytherin students. Students? Student? "Why are you here?" He hears himself asking. "Why are you here?" He heard himself ask. "To stop you from acting like an idiot, of course," says Lucius. "Honestly, as if getting yourself bitten by a snake is not enough, you have to go and let that monster's memory wreck havoc in your mind." "To prevent you from acting like an idiot, of course," Lucius said. "Honestly, as if being bitten by a snake wasn't enough, you have to leave and let the memory of that monster wreak havoc in your mind." "Naturally, we come to the rescue." Avery grins, clearly excited. "And don't bother telling us to leave, professor. You taught us better than that." "Of course, we're here to rescue." Avery smiled, obviously very excited. "Don't bother letting us go, Professor. You taught us more." "Be ambitious, but not without rules, right, Tom?" Rodolphus glances at the body of the child, then back at him. "Looks like you've forgotten one of yours." "Be ambitious, but not without rules, right, Tom?" Rodolphus glanced at the child's body, then looked back at him. "It seems you forgot one" "And you're not getting rid of us until you remember it," finishes Mulciber. "You can't get rid of us until you think about it," Mulciber said at last. That is right. He has promised not to kill, hasn't he? But the one who made that promise does not have servants. The one who made that promise is weak and is so afraid of himself that he hides inside a school for decades, willingly submitting himself to someone who will never understand the extent of his sacrifice. That's right. He has promised not to kill anyone, hasn't he? But the one who made the promise had no servants. The man who made this promise was weak and so afraid of himself that he hid in a school for decades, willingly giving himself over to someone who would never understand the magnitude of his sacrifice. "You call these 'sacrifice'?" Avery scoffs, motioning to the Death Eaters. "I'd say good riddance." "You call these 'sacrifice'?" Avery scoffed, pointing at the Death Eaters. "I think that's a good relief." The insult brings the Death Eaters to their feet. It is hard to tell who shoots the first spell, but soon the two groups are exchanging curses. They appear to favor different styles. The Death Eaters' attacks are more aggressive and deadly, aiming to maim or kill. Dream, after all. The outcome of this battle is his to decide. The insult brought the Death Eater to his feet. It's hard to tell who fired the first spell, but soon the two groups were swearing at each other. They seem to like different styles. Death Eaters' attacks are more aggressive and lethal, aiming to maim or kill. Those unmasked selves choose to fight with their brains, piercing their opponents' defenses with just the right curse. Neither side has the upper hand, but that's to be expected, isn't it? After all, this is his dream. The outcome of this battle is up to him. Two possibilities. Two realities. Which one is his? Two possibilities, two realities, which one is his? This situation is supposed to be impossible. No one calls him 'professor' in the world where he became a dark lord. And in the world where he has stayed at Hogwarts to teach, he does not have any followers. But here he is, once again standing at the crossroad. This situation should be impossible. In the world where he became the Dark Lord, no one called him "Professor." In the world where he stayed and taught at Hogwarts, he had no followers. But now he was at a crossroads again. "Crossroad? Come on, professor, don't tell me you're actually considering snake-face's path." "Crossroads? Come on, Professor, don't tell me you're really considering Snake Face's route." "Get a grip, Tom. You are the one in control, not that monster." "Calm down, Tom, you are the one in control, not the monster" To destroy or to protect. To rise above the others or to hide among the mundane and restrain himself at every step. To conquer death and become a monster or to accept it and save his soul. Destroy or protect. Standing above others, or hiding in the world, restrain yourself at every step. Conquer death and become a monster or accept death and save his soul. But he has found another solution, hasn't he? There are two identical souls in this world, and as long as he stays here, he will not die. He doesn't have to be afraid of what is waiting for him after death. He doesn't have to hide his true nature. He doesn't have to keep on pretending. But he found another solution, didn't he? There are two identical souls in this world, and as long as he stays here, he will not die. He need not fear what awaits him after death. There is no need for him to hide his true nature. He doesn't have to keep pretending. "I think we all agree that raw power means nothing when you're barely human yourself." "I think we can all agree that raw power means nothing when you're not human yourself." "What's the appeal of all these destructions anyway? Building things are much more satisfying than destroying them, don't you think?" "What's the appeal of all this destruction? It's more satisfying to build things than to destroy them, don't you think?" "And we could really use a little help here, professor, if you don't mind?" "If you don't mind, Professor, we really could use a little help." "Oh please, Crabbe, we can handle this." "Oh, come on, Crabbe, we can handle it." "Well, Tom?" Lucius' impatient voice cuts over the incessant chatter. "How's it going, Tom?" Lucius's impatient voice interrupted the chatter. The earth gives another heave. Tom's mind is screaming for him to choose, to settle on a version of himself before this dream-like world crumbles under the strain of the conflicting memories. With his students bantering around him, the choice is surprisingly easy to make and he wonders what has taken him so long. The earth heaves again. Tom's mind is calling for him to make a choice, to choose a version of himself before this dreamlike world collapses under the pressure of conflicting memories. The choice came surprisingly easy as his students joked around him and he wondered what was taking him so long. "Admit it, professor, you need us." "Admit it, Professor, you need us." His glare is useless, as always. "Go on then, take care of them." His gaze was as useless as ever, "Go ahead and take care of them." He stands back as his students fight. It is taking a while, but the winning side is clear now. Then again, this is just a dream. He backed away as his students fought. It took a while, but the winner is now clear. After all, it was just a dream. "Ah, but that doesn't make it any less real, does it?" "Ah, but that doesn't make it any less real, does it?" Tom glances sideway at Albus, who has appeared out of nowhere. "I take it this is what you were counting on when you put me in charge of Slytherin?" Tom glanced sideways at Albus who had appeared out of nowhere. "I guess that's why you put me in charge of Slytherin?" The old wizard merely smiles. The old wizard just smiled. "What exactly is this place anyway? What is happening?" "What the hell is this place? What happened?" Albus lets out a sigh, his smile dropping. "Nagini was a Horcrux. When she bit you, you came into direct contact with the piece of soul she carried. This is the result of the merge." Albus sighed, the smile disappearing from his face. Nagini is a Horcrux. When she bites you, you are in direct contact with the soul she carries. This is the result of the merger. " "Merge," Tom repeats, not liking the sound of it at all. "I... Absorbed a piece of Voldemort's soul, then?" "Merge," Tom repeated, not liking the sound of it at all. "I... Absorbed part of Voldemort's soul, and then what?" Albus nods. "Your soul yearns to be complete and calls out to your counterpart's Horcruxes. That's why you were able to tell when one of them was destroyed and why your scar opened when you were near one - your soul was trying to absorb the other pieces." Albus nodded. "Your soul longs for wholeness and calls upon your opponent's Horcruxes. This is why you can tell when one of the shards was destroyed, and why your scars crack when you get close to one of them - your soul is trying to absorb the other shards. " A sudden realization dawns on Tom. "That's the reason I was able to sense the connections between our world and the others." Tom suddenly realized. "That's why I can feel the connection between our world and other worlds. " "And the reason you decided to start this project on alternate worlds in the first place." Albus smiles. "It's funny how everything comes full circle, isn't it?" "That's why you decided to start studying parallel worlds in the first place." Albus smiled. "It's funny how everything comes full circle, isn't it?" Tom is not in the mood to find anything funny, not when a piece of his counterpart's soul is inside him and he has just gained an additional set of memories. Tom is in no mood to look for anything interesting, especially when his rival's soul is inside him and he's just gained an extra set of memories. "I don't suppose I can just reject it, can I?" "I don't think I can say no to it, do you?" "Not unless you want to make a Horcrux, no." "Not unless you want to make a Horcrux" "As if I can make one even if I want to," he murmurs. "As if I could do it if I wanted to," he whispered. At least he isn't in any danger of losing control over Voldemort's memory anymore, he thinks as he watches his students stun the last of the Death Eaters and levitate them away. Already he can feel the foreign memories settling in a distant corner of his mind. At least he was no longer in danger of losing control of Voldemort's memories, and he watched as his students knocked out the last of the Death Eaters and floated them away. He could already feel those strange memories staying in a distant corner of his mind. "What now?" He asks. "What now?" He asked. "You have regained control and this place is no longer in danger of collapsing." Albus looks up at the sky, where the large crack is still present. "But as with all magic of this nature, merely wanting to be whole isn't enough." "You have regained control and this place is no longer in danger of collapse. Albus looked up at the sky, where there was still a large crack. "But like all this magic, simply wanting to be whole isn't enough." " "I have to mean it." "I have to mean it" Albus nods, looking him in the eyes. "Remorse, Tom." Albus nodded, looking him in the eyes. "Regret, Tom. " "Of course." Tom sighs. "And should I... Fail? What then?" He would rather not be stuck in this place forever. "Of course. "Tom sighed. "Then... Will I fail? And then what?" He would rather not be stuck in this place forever. "I'm afraid I only know as much as you do, my boy. But as always, I have faith in you." "I'm afraid I know as much as you do, my boy. But as always, I have faith in you. " With that, Albus vanishes, along with the burning town and the body of the child. All that is left is the road Tom is on, illuminated by the faint glow of his wand. He starts forward, only to stop again when a tall stone wall rises from the ground, his way. To the darkness below. He takes a moment to steady himself, then pulls the door open and starts descending. Just like that, Albus disappeared, taking with him the burning town and the child's body. All that remained was Tom's path, illuminated by the faint glow of his wand. He started walking forward, but stopped when a tall stone wall rose from the ground, blocking his path. As he watched, a barred door appeared. He recognized it instantly as the door to his cell in Azkaban, the door he had been staring at for seven years. Behind the metal railing is a staircase that leads to the darkness below. He took a moment to steady himself, then pulled the door open and began his descent.

Chapter 23: Planning Ahead Chapter 23: Prepare for a Rainy Day Severus staggered towards Hogwarts, still shaking from the after-effects of the Cruciatus Curse. Even when he reached the entrance doors of the old castle, the Dark Lord's cold hissing voice was still echoing in his mind. Severus staggered towards Hogwarts, still shaking from the effects of the Cruciatus Curse. Even as he reached the castle's gates, the Dark Lord's icy hiss echoed in his mind. Draco Malfoy had somehow come to the realization that he couldn't possibly kill Dumbledore and had decided to bargain with the Dark Lord. Instead of bringing him Dumbledore's head, Draco would bring him Thomas Kray, who all Death Eaters had been told to capture on sight. Draco Malfoy somehow realized that there was no way he could kill Dumbledore and decided to bargain with the Dark Lord. Instead of Dumbledore's head, Draco brought him Thomas Clay, whom all the Death Eaters were told to capture on sight. Draco didn't know that this alternative mission was equally impossible, considering who Kray really was, but the Dark Lord was well aware that the boy would not be successful. Nevertheless the Dark Lord had agreed to Draco's bargain, knowing that Severus would be forced to complete the boy's task. No doubt Bellatrix had told the Dark Lord all about the Unbreakable Vow Severus had made during the summer. Draco had no idea that this alternative mission would be equally impossible, given Clay's true identity, but the Dark Lord knew full well that the boy would not succeed. Despite this, the Dark Lord agreed to Draco's deal, knowing that Severus would be forced to complete the boy's mission. There was no doubt that Bellatrix had told the Dark Lord of the Unbreakable Vow Severus had made over the summer. "I have given young Malfoy a week into the coming school term to complete his new mission. If he fails, there will be consequences." There was a brief pause. "But we don't want that, do we, Severus?" "I have given young Malfoy one week during the upcoming term to complete his new mission. If he fails, there will be consequences." There was a brief pause. "But we don't want that, do we, Severus?" Now that he was away from the Dark Lord, the anger that he had suppressed in the meeting was coursing through him. That fool! How na? Ve could that boy be? Bargaining with the Dark Lord? Now that he was away from the Dark Lord, the pent-up rage he'd held back in the meeting was boiling over him. That fool! Why is that child so naive? Bargaining with the Dark Lord? The Dark Lord had essentially threatened Severus, not Draco, with death should he fail to deliver Kray within the time limit. Was it simply an indication of the Dark Lord's desperation? Or was it a sign of the Dark Lord's suspicion over Severus' loyalty? After all, Severus was the one who had been ordered to capture Kray before Christmas and failed to complete the mission. He was also the one who told Dumbledore that Bellatrix had retrieved Hufflepuff's Cup from her vault. The Dark Lord was basically threatening Severus, not Draco, with death if he couldn't hand over Clay within the time limit. Is this just a sign of the Dark Lord's desperation? Or does the Dark Lord doubt Severus' loyalty? After all, it was Severus who was ordered to capture Clay before Christmas, but failed to complete the task. It was he who told Dumbledore that Bellatrix had retrieved the Hufflepuff Cup from her vault. Or was it something else? Something that made the Dark Lord believe Severus might not give his best to complete the mission? Or something else? To make the Dark Lord believe that Severus wouldn't do his best to complete the mission? Kray's voice drifted into Severus' mind, "I'm not from this world, and I certainly do not need a follower." Clay's voice floated into Severus' mind, "I'm not from this world, and I certainly don't need a follower." Severus pushed that thought away. There's no point distracting himself with what Kray had said. He had enough to deal with as it was. Severus pushed the idea away. There's no need to distract yourself with what Clay said. He had enough to deal with already. He walked up the stairs towards the Hospital Wing, intending to check on Dumbledore before going back to his room, where he had stored some potions for the after-effects of the Cruciatus Curse. He walked up the stairs towards the hospital, intending to check on Dumbledore before returning to his room. He should have known his long night was far from over. He should have known that the long night was far from over. Entering the Hospital Wing, Severus found the last person he wanted to see lounging in a chair beside Dumbledore's bed. Kray waved his hand and the door shut behind Severus. Entering the hospital building, Severus found the last person he expected to see lying in the chair next to Dumbledore's bed. Clay waved his hand and the door closed behind Severus. "What did he want?" "What does he want?" "What else could he have wanted, Riddle?" Severus snarled. "What more could he want, Riddle?" Severus growled. "In a bad mood, aren't we?" Kray chuckled. "How long did he put you under? Five minutes?" "We're in a bad mood, aren't we?" Clay said with a proud smile. "How long did he keep you unconscious? Five minutes?" Severus narrowed his eyes. "At least twenty," he gritted out. Severus narrowed his eyes. "At least twenty," he said through gritted teeth. For a brief moment Kray looked surprised. Then he took out something from his pocket and held it out. "Half a vial should be enough." For a moment, Clay looked surprised. Then he took something out of his pocket and took it out. "Half a bottle is enough" Severus took the vial cautiously and examined the deep green potion inside. He uncorked the vial and sniffed at its contents. It was the pain reliever for the Cruciatus Curse. Severus was the one who invented it, and he had never shared the brewing instructions with anyone. Severus carefully picked up the vial and examined the dark green potion inside. He uncorked the bottle and smelled the contents. That's the painkiller for the Cruciatus Curse. This was Severus' invention and he never shared the brewing instructions with anyone. "I see you recognize this potion," said Kray, eyeing Severus curiously. "A student of mine invented it seven years ago." "I see you recognize this potion," Clay said, eyeing Severus curiously. "One of my students invented it seven years ago." Severus invented it shortly after his graduation. "Who?" Severus invented it shortly after graduating. "Who?" "He was never born in this world," said Kray after a long pause. He motioned to the vial. "Drink it." "He was never born into this world," Clay said after a long silence. He pointed to the pill bottle. "Drink it." It was a command and Severus found himself doing as Kray said. The cool liquid washed away most of his pain and relaxed his trembling muscles. It also left a bitter aftertaste that was annoyingly fitting to how he felt about his current situation. It was an order, and Severus found himself doing as Clay said. The cool liquid washed away most of his pain and relaxed his shaking muscles. It also left a bitter aftertaste that was annoyingly consistent with how he felt about his current situation. Looking up, he saw Kray eyeing him with clear amusement. "How obedient," he said. "Albus and my counterpart have trained you well. Well enough to endure torture for failing a mission that you couldn't possibly complete without my cooperation." He looked up and saw Clay looking at him with obvious amusement. "So obedient," he said. "Albus and my rival trained you well. Well enough to endure the torture of a task that would have been impossible for you without my cooperation." Years of dealing with Dumbledore and the Dark Lord helped Severus to control his annoyance and focus on the matter at hand. "You talk as if you've changed your mind." Years of dealing with Dumbledore and the Dark Lord had helped Severus get a grip on his worries and focus on the matter at hand. "You make it sound like you've changed your mind." "It's about time for the long overdue meeting, don't you agree, Severus?" "The meeting is long overdue, isn't it, Severus?" Severus was certain that Dumbledore would not agree, but it was his own life on the line. And while Severus had no wish to tell Kray about the Unbreakable Vow, he would rather not be killed for an unnecessary charade. Severus was sure Dumbledore would not agree, but this was his own life at stake. While Severus didn't want to tell Clay about the Unbreakable Vow, he also didn't want to be killed over an unnecessary guessing game. "I assume you're still the one in charge of my… capture?" Kray continued. "How much longer has he given you?" "I assume you're still the one in charge of my... Capture?" Clay continued. "How long did he give you?" "One week after school resumes." "One week after school started" Kray appeared to be deep in thought and Severus wondered what he was planning. Clay seemed lost in thought, and Severus had no idea what he was planning. "I'm sure Albus will have come up with a plan by then." "I'm sure Albus will come up with a plan in time. " Caught off guard, Severus could only stare as the older wizard turned towards Dumbledore's bed. He could have sworn Kray was grinning. Severus was caught off guard and could only watch as the old wizard turned towards Dumbledore's bed. He swore Kray was snickering. "I have slowed down the curse," said Kray, steering the conversation away from the Dark Lord, "but the damage has been done." "I have slowed the curse," Clay said, steering the conversation away from the Dark Lord, "but the damage has been done. " Severus glanced at the unmoving figure on the bed. "How long?" Severus glanced at the motionless figure on the bed. "How long?" "Six months." "Six months" Before the end of the school year then. The weight of what he had to do when the time came sat heavily on Severus. Then again, if he failed to complete his latest mission for the Dark Lord, he wouldn't even live long enough to become Dumbledore's murderer. Suddenly Severus felt more tired than ever, though he made sure his face showed nothing. That's before the school year ends. The time had come, and what he had to do weighed heavily on Severus. But then again, if he hadn't completed the Dark Lord's latest mission, he wouldn't have even lived to kill Dumbledore. Severus suddenly felt more tired than he'd ever felt before, even though he was sure there was no expression on his face. "That is," Kray went on, "assuming the curse still remains unbroken." "That is," Clay continued, "assuming the curse remains unbroken. " Severus didn't bother challenging Kray. The man was as unyielding as the Dark Lord was when it came to achieving what was impossible. Severus didn't challenge Clay. He is as relentless as the Dark Lord in achieving the impossible. "No words of discouragement, Severus? Perhaps my counterpart's torture has left its mark on you after all," drawn Kray. "I'll monitor Albus' condition. Leave and take a rest. I expect to see you in my office tomorrow morning. I intend to break this curse within the next four months." "Aren't you discouraged, Severus? Perhaps the torture of my opponent has finally left its mark on you," Clay drawled. I will monitor Albus's condition. Come on, get some rest. I hope to see you in my office tomorrow morning. I intend to break this curse within the next four months." Severus glared into the pair of determined blue eyes, annoyed by the order and the casual tone the man used to dismiss him. First the Dark Lord, then Albus Dumbledore, and now there was this Dark Lord's double. Severus glared into those determined blue eyes, annoyed at his order and the casual tone the man used to dismiss him. First there was the Dark Lord, then Albus Dumbledore and now there's the Dark Lord's double. But as always, there was nothing he could do. With a quick glance at Dumbledore, he turned on his heel and strode away. But as always, there was nothing he could do. He glanced briefly at Dumbledore, turned around and strode away. Tom watched as the Potions Master walked out of the room. Snape was still being strangely obedient, but if he expected to find a new leader in Tom then he was sorely mistaken. Tom watched as the Potions Master walked out of the room. Snape was still surprisingly obedient, but if he expected to find a new leader in Tom, he was sadly mistaken. "So you've been working together to break the curse." "So you've been working together to break the curse." "Surprised, Albus?" Tom glanced at the old wizard as he slowly pushed himself to a sitting position. "You're supposed to be resting. Pomfrey will have my head if she knows I'm talking to you at this hour." "Surprised, Albus?" Tom glanced at the old wizard, who slowly pushed himself into a sitting position. You deserve a good rest. Pomfrey would kill me if she knew I was talking to you at this time." Albus smiled. "Nothing you can't handle, I'm sure." He propped up his pillow and leaned back, studying Tom. "Why Severus?" Albus smiled. "Nothing you can't handle, I'm sure. He propped up his pillows and leaned back, studying Tom. "Why Severus?" "At first, merely for information gathering." "In the beginning, it was just to collect intelligence." "He impressed you." "He made a lasting impression on you" "Yes," Tom admitted. "His attitude left much to be desired, but he is skilled enough to handle what I've been teaching him." "Yes," Tom admitted. "His attitude leaves a lot to be desired, but he's got enough skills to handle what I've taught him. " Not that their meetings involved much teaching, but Snape had definitely been learning from their various debates. At the very least, the Potions Master should now be able to make sense of his newly acquired research notes, and hopefully do something useful with them. Not that their meetings contained much teaching, but Snape certainly learned a lot from their various debates. At the very least, the Potions Master should now be able to understand his newly acquired research notes, and hopefully do something useful with them. "Is that all?" Asked Albus. "Is that all?" Albus asked. "What else do you expect?" "What else do you expect?" But loathe as Tom was to admit it, there was indeed another reason – the Severus Snape in this world reminded him of himself. Somehow, like Tom, the Potions Master had found himself living a life that was against what he really wanted. As much as Tom hated to admit it, there was another reason - the Severus Snape of this world reminded him of himself. Somehow, like Tom, the Potions Master found himself living a life that was antithetical to the life he really wanted. While Snape had changed his allegiance, he had not changed much at heart. He still looked up to Voldemort, probably not so much for the nonexistent leadership, but for the immense hunger knowledge and power. His constant for respect had not been squashed, but instead transformed into bitterness and an almost childish tendency to stress his authority in classrooms. He likely detested Albus' ideology, but that didn't matter as far as his loyalty was concerned. It didn't even matter what Snape himself wanted, because Snape's drive came from somewhere else entirely – Lily Evans. The impact of Evans' death had been powerful enough to push Snape onto a new path and bind him to it irrevocably. Although Snape changed his loyalties, he essentially didn't change much. He still worshiped Voldemort, perhaps not because of the non-existent leader, but because of his immense knowledge and power. He had always longed for respect, but instead of being suppressed, this desire turned into resentment and an almost childish tendency to assert his authority in the classroom. He may have loathed Albus's ideology, but that didn't matter as far as his loyalty was concerned. It didn't matter what Snape wanted for himself, because Snape's drive came from somewhere else entirely - Lily Evans. The impact of Evans' death was powerful enough to propel Snape down a new path and bind him irrevocably to it. After living with a choice that went against his own desire for years, Snape's mask had slipped when he was presented with a third option – a leader who he had worked for, who understood what he wanted and who had nothing to do with the death of the woman he was obsessed with. Only that third option was nothing more than an illusion. In the end, one had to live with the choice one had made. For years, Snape had lived with a choice that ran counter to his desires, but his mask slipped when he was faced with a third choice - a leader he had worked for, a leader who knew what he wanted, a leader who had nothing to do with the death of the woman he was obsessed with. Only the third option is an illusion. In the end, people have to accept the choices they make. "While I am pleased to know that the two of you are getting along well, we need to discuss our next move," said Albus. "You're planning to meet Voldemort regardless of what I say, aren't you, Tom?" "While I'm glad to know that you two are getting along well, we need to discuss our next steps," Albus said. "No matter what I say, you're going to see Voldemort, aren't you, Tom?" "Think of it this way, Albus: I'll be able to eliminate another Horcrux for you. Nagini is always by his side, as you well know." "Think of it this way, Albus: I can destroy another Horcrux for you. You know very well that Nagini is always there for him. " "But killing Nagini isn't what you're concerned about, is it, Tom?" "But you're not concerned with killing Nagini, are you, Tom?" Tom eyed the old wizard coldly. "I may have told you my past, but don't think that suddenly means you know all about me, Albus. I'm not about to be tempted," he sneered at that word. Tom looked coldly at the old wizard. "I may have told you about my past, but don't think that you will know everything about me, Albus. I won't be tempted," he scoffed at the word. "Voldemort is dangerous." Voldemort is dangerous "So am I," Tom countered. "Me too," Tom retorted. Albus eyed him for a long while then sighed. "Severus will go with you, and you will leave once you eliminate the last Horcrux." Albus stared at him for a long moment, then sighed. "Severus will go with you and you will leave once you have destroyed the last Horcrux. " Tom raised an eyebrow. "Last? Isn't there another one walking around Hogwarts right now? Or have you finally sent him away to join his friends for Christmas?" Tom raised his eyebrows. "The last one? Isn't there another one at Hogwarts now? Or did you finally send him off to spend Christmas with his friends?" Albus turned serious. "Tom –" Albus grew serious. "Tom——" "I have no wish to interfere in your plan regarding the boy, but I am curious. He seems to believe he actually stands a chance against Voldemort, and you've been encouraging this delusion of his without giving him any training." Tom tilted his head. "You are relying on Voldemort to kill him, aren't you?" "I don't want to interfere with your plans regarding the boy, but I'm curious. He seemed to believe that he had a real chance against Voldemort, and you had been encouraging this delusion in him without giving him any training. Tom tilted his head. "You expect Voldemort to kill him, don't you?" Albus closed his eyes for a long time then he nodded. "I should have told Harry the truth a long time ago, but I care too much about him," he whispered. "Perhaps it is better this way, for him to die fighting for what he believes in." Albus closed his eyes for a long moment, then nodded. "I should have told Harry the truth a long time ago, but I care about him too much," he whispered. "Maybe it's better to let him die for what he believes in." Instead of dying simply because he had to, thought Tom grimly, but wouldn't it be better for the boy to know that his death would actually amount to something? Then again, the boy was a Gryffindor. Wouldn't it be better, Tom thought grimly, to let the boy know that his death would mean something, rather than die simply because he had to? However, that child is a Gryffindor student. "There is another matter, Tom," said Albus. "The war is coming to an end sooner than I expected, thanks to you, but for it to play out to its very end –" "One more thing, Tom," said Albus. "Thanks to you, the war ended earlier than I expected, but it will end until the end..." "You need me to leave this world," Tom finished. "You need me to leave this world," Tom finished. Since his soul was identical to Voldemort's, his presence had essentially created an effect similar to that of a Horcrux. And the same was true in the reverse direction, meaning neither of them could die as long as they co-existed in this world. With a start, Tom realized he had stumbled upon a way to achieve immortality without meaning to. He pushed this thought away and masked his excitement; he would have to look deeper into this theory. Because his soul is identical to Voldemort's, his presence essentially creates a Horcrux-like effect. The reverse is also true, meaning that as long as they coexist in this world, neither of them will die. Early on, Tom realizes that he's stumbled upon a way to gain immortality. He pushed the idea aside, masking his excitement; he had to delve deeper into the theory. "Don't worry, Albus, when the time comes, I'll do what I have to." "Don't worry, Albus, I will do what I have to do when the time comes."

Chapter 24: Second Encounter Chapter 24: The second encounter A scream tore through the empty hall when Tom was on his way to dinner. He turned back to the long corridor he had come from and broke into a run, rushing towards where the painful wail could still be heard. Whoever it was sounded very young. Tom pushed himself to run faster. Tom was on his way to dinner when a scream suddenly came from the empty hall. He turned back down the long corridor and broke into a run, rushing toward where the wails of pain could still be heard. Whoever it was sounded young. Tom forced himself to run faster. A small figure came into view, standing over someone on the floor. Tom felt a sense of déjà vu. "Mr. Gibbon?" A small figure came into view, standing next to someone on the floor. Tom had a feeling of déjà vu. "Mr. Gibbon?" The boy looked over his shoulder then fled towards the other end of the corridor. Tom let him go, knowing he coud easily track him down as long as he remained on Hogwarts grounds, and checked on the fallen student. Mark Williamson, the boy who had tried to curse Gibbon several weeks ago. He was shaking uncontrolably. His pupils were dilated and his skin was burning. There was blood on his robe and on the floor. The boy looked back, then ran to the other end of the corridor. Tom let him go, knowing he could easily find him as long as he stayed at Hogwarts, and checked on the fallen student. Mark Williamson, the boy who tried to curse Gibbon a few weeks ago. He kept shaking. Pupils dilate and skin burns. There was blood on his robe and on the floor. "Pro... Professor..." "Teach... Professor..." "It's all right, Mr. Williamson. You're safe." Tom gathered the trembling boy in his arms and stood back up. "I'm taking you to the hospital wing." "It's okay, Mr. Williamson. You're safe" Tom picked up the trembling boy in his arms and stood back up. "I'll take you to the hospital" The boy clung to him, sobbing quietly. "It... It hurts." The boy held him tightly and sobbed softly. "It... Hurts so much." "Do you know which curse he used on you?" Asked Tom. "Do you know what curse he used on you?" Asked Tom. "The one you showed us. On the first week." "The one you showed us the first week" The cruciatus curse, as Tom had feared. From one first year to another. Albus was going to have a fit when he heard of it. The cross cursed, as Tom feared. From one grade to another. Albus was going to be furious when he heard about this. Tom brought the boy to the hospital wing and handed him to Madam Pomfrey, who alerted Albus and Minerva at once. Instead of waiting for them and their questions, Tom hurried off to track down the culprit. Hogwarts was already pointing him to the direction the wayward snake was escaping to. Tom took the boy to the hospital ward and handed him over to Madam Pomfrey, who immediately informed Albus and Minerva. Instead of waiting for them and their problems, Tom rushes off to track down the criminals. Hogwarts had pointed him in the direction of the wayward snake's escape. The Forbidden Forest seemed to be encased in an impenetrable darkness. Tom could hardly see anything beyond a few feet and he was reluctant to feed the light of his wand for fear of attracting the nearby creatures. The footprints in the snow made tracking Gibbon ridiculously easy. Considering the boy was Slytherin, it was almost as if he wished to be found. Either that, or he was trying to lure Tom out of Hogwarts' protection. The Forbidden Forest seemed to be wrapped in impenetrable darkness. Tom could see next to nothing but a few feet away, and he was reluctant to use his wand to illuminate for fear of attracting nearby creatures. Footprints in the snow made tracking Gibbon incredibly easy. Considering the boy was a Slytherin, it seemed like he wanted to be found. Either that, or he was trying to lure Tom away from the protection of Hogwarts. Could Gibbon be working for Voldemort? Very unlikely. But the boy had used an unforgivable on another student - a crime that could earn him a life sentence in Azkaban, unless - Could Gibbon be Voldemort's man? Not likely. But the boy had used unforgivable means against another student - a crime that could have landed him a life sentence in Azkaban unless - Unless he was under the imperius curse, like Rosmerta had been. Unless he is cursed by the Emperor like Rosmerta. Tom paused at the edge of Hogwarts' anti-apparition ward and stepped over. Cursed or not, he needed to get the boy back to the castle. And if this turned out to be a trap... Well, he was planning to pay his counterpart a little visit, anyway. Tom stopped next to the ghost ward in Hogwarts and walked over. Cursed or not, he had to bring the boy back to the castle. If this was a trap... He still planned to visit his opponent. Gibbon had stopped a short distance beyond the boundary of the anti-apparition ward. The white light of his wand flickered shakily from left to right, then at Tom. Gibbon blocks an anti-ghost ward from the short-distance realm beyond. The white light from his wand flickered unsteadily from left to right, then shot toward Tom. "Professor!" The boy's eyes were filled with panic. "It wasn't me, I swear! It's... It's Malfoy. He... I heard his voice in my head and -" "Professor!" The boy's eyes were full of panic. "It's not me, I swear! It's Malfoy. He... I hear his voice in my head Tom held up a hand to silence Gibbon. "Calm down. You were likely under the imperius curse. Come, let us -" Tom raised his hand to silence Gibbon. "Calm down. You may be under an imperial curse. Come on, let's-" He stopped when he felt magic radiating from the boy - no, from the green and white scarf around his neck. Someone had turned it into a portkey - a portkey that would no doubt send the boy - alone and scared - straight to Voldemort. He paused when he felt the magic emanating from the boy - no, from the green and white scarf around his neck. Someone had turned it into a portkey - a portkey that would undoubtedly send the lonely and frightened boy straight to Voldemort. So this was a trap, after all. It's a trap after all. Tom lunged forward. He dimly heard Gibbon's startled cry as the Forbidden Forest spiralled out of sight. Tom threw himself forward, faintly hearing Gibbon's exclamation, for the Forbidden Forest had disappeared from his sight. When his vision cleared, he was still within a forest, though the air was warmer than before and the snow on the ground not as thick. A narrow path, almost obscured by the grass, lay before him. Without warning, his scar began to burn. Voldemort had arrived. When his vision cleared, he was still in a forest, although the air was warmer than before and the snow on the ground wasn't as thick. In front of him lay a narrow path almost hidden by grass. Without warning, his scar began to burn. Voldemort is coming. Tom took out his wand and turned to the boy behind him. Gibbon looked close to tears, but it was only natural. He placed a finger on his lips then lightly tapped the house crest on the boy's robe. Gibbon's eyes widened, then he nodded and took in a deep breath. When he looked back at Tom, the fear was still present in his eyes, though there was also alertness. Tom cast a disillusionment charm on him, trusting the young Slytherin to stay out of trouble despite what he was likely going to witness. Tom took out his wand and turned to the boy behind him. Gibbon looked almost crying, but that was natural. He put a finger to his lips and tapped lightly on the roof of the boy's robe. Gibbon's eyes widened, then he nodded and took a deep breath. When he looked back at Tom, there was still fear in his eyes, though there was also alarm. Tom cast a disillusionment spell on him, trusting the young Slytherin to stay out of trouble, even though he would most likely witness it. He had imagined this moment many times before. He had even anticipated it, but now he felt neither excitement nor trepidation, only a vague feeling that something in his life was shifting. The first time he felt this way was when he killed the rabbit in the orphanage, the second time was when he promised Albus not to kill again. He strode forward. There was no room for doubts or hesitations, not when it was his other-self who was waiting for him. He'd imagined this moment many times before. He had even expected it, but now he felt neither excited nor scared, just a vague feeling that his life was changing. The first time he felt this way was when he killed the rabbit in the orphanage, and the second time was when he promised Albus not to kill anyone again. He strode forward. There was no room for doubt or hesitation, especially when his alter ego awaited him. A clearing came into view. It looked familiar. Knowing himself, this was likely the place they had met for the first time months ago. Voldemort stood in the middle of the clearing with Nagini hovering behind him in a protective bubble. Draco Malfoy stood before them. His face was pale, though his eyes were shinning in triumphant. A clearing came into view. Looks familiar. Knowing himself, this might be where they first met months ago. Voldemort stood in the middle of the clearing, with Nagini behind him, protecting him. Draco Malfoy stood before them. His face was pale, though his eyes shone with triumph. "I see you managed to create a spell-activated portkey, Draco," said Tom, approaching the pair. "Not bad. Not bad at all." "I see you managed to create a spell-activated portkey, Draco," Tom said, approaching the two of them. "Not bad. Not bad at all. " Voldemort's eyes narrowed. "Leave us," he hissed, his eyes never leaving Tom. Voldemort's eyes narrowed. "Leave us," he hissed, his eyes never leaving Tom. Draco looked up in surprise, but wisely refrained from protesting, or asking for reward. Draco looked up in surprise, but wisely did not protest or ask for payment. "Yes, my Lord," he said with a barely noticeable bow, then reached into his pocket and disappeared in a bright white light. It seemed he had indeed learned quite a bit about portkeys in the past few weeks. "Yes, my lord," he said, bowing slightly, then reached into his pocket and disappeared in a bright white light. He certainly seemed to have learned a lot about door locks over the past few weeks. "Who are you?" Hissed Voldemort. "Who are you?" Voldemort hissed. Tom met his counterpart's eyes and willed his body to get used to the searing pain in his chest. He would not allow it to distract him in the ensuring duel. Tom looked into the other man's eyes, thinking as his body adjusted to the intense pain in his chest. He would never allow this to distract him from the duel. "Shredding your soul has made you slow, I see," he drew. "Tearing your soul apart makes you slower, I see," he drawled. Crimson eyes widened in rage at the reminder of the destroyed Horcruxes. Voldemort trained his wand on Tom, who mirrored the action at once. Voldemort stared at the identical yew wands in disbelief, then his expressions turned thoughtful. The destroyed Horcrux reminded him, and his red eyes widened with anger. Voldemort pointed his wand at Tom, who immediately copied his actions. Voldemort stared at the identical yew wand in disbelief, then his expression turned thoughtful. "Alternate worlds." "Parallel World" Tom chuckled. It seemed his counterpart's brain was still somewhat intact. Tom smiled triumphantly. It seemed his opponent's brain was still somewhat intact. "It is supposed to be impossible." "This shouldn't be possible. " "For most, so is immortality," countered Tom. "The same goes for immortality for most people," Tom retorted. They fell into silence, appraising each other. They fell silent, appraising each other. "Why are you here?" Asked Voldemort. "Why are you here?" Voldemort asked. "Nothing more than curiosity," admitted Tom. "I wasn't planning to get involved in your war." "It's just curiosity," Tom admitted, "and I have no intention of getting involved in your war. " "And yet you have allowed Dumbledore to control you!" "But you still let Dumbledore control you!" "You should know better than to make such an outrageous assumption," said Tom. "Whatever happened was caused by your own carelessness." "You should know better than to make such outrageous assumptions," Tom said. "Whatever happened, it was due to your own negligence." He dodged Voldemort's cruciatus curse and retaliated with a blasting curse. Voldemort blocked it, his eyes gleaming with predatory anticipation. There was a brief pause, then they both started exchanging spells in close range. The intensity with which Voldemort fought surprised Tom, as was the sheer power behind his curses. This, he realized, was why his counterpart managed stay in power despite his many mistakes. He escaped Voldemort's cross curse and retaliated with an explosive curse. Voldemort blocked it, his eyes flashing with predatory anticipation. After a brief pause, they began exchanging spells at close quarters. The intensity of Voldemort's battle surprised Tom, as did the power behind his curse. He realized that this was why his opponents were able to stay in power despite making many mistakes. They fought evenly for a while, then Voldemort began to increase his speed, forcing Tom to do the same. Not used to such an intensive battle, Tom could feel himself tiring out. The pain in his chest was still building up and he was starting to have trouble breathing. This was bad. They fought evenly for a moment before Voldemort began to increase his speed, forcing Tom to do the same. Tom was not used to such fierce fighting and he felt very tired. The pain in his chest worsened and he began to have trouble breathing. Too bad. Two curses from Voldemort forced Tom to dive to the ground, then he rolled out of the way as a killing curse shot towards him. Unexpected fear gripped him at the sight of the deadly green light. He shook it off and pushed himself to his feet, sending off a cutting curse at the same time. Voldemort sidestepped it and Tom waved his wand again. Again, homing in towards the Dark Lord, who narrowed his eyes and blocked it with magic. Two of Voldemort's curses forced Tom to the ground, and he rolled away as a fatal curse was fired at him. Seeing that deadly green light, he felt unexpectedly frightened. He broke free, pushing himself off the ground and letting out a cutting curse. Voldemort dodged it and Tom waved his wand again. The red beam changed direction and bounced back towards Voldemort, who realized what was happening at the last second and managed to dodge. The curse changed direction again, approaching the Dark Lord, who narrowed his eyes and used magic to block the curse. "So this is the trick I kept hearing about," he said. "Has Dumbeldore deluded you so that you believe you can defeat me with such pathetic skills?" "So this is the trick I keep hearing about," he said. "Did Dumbledore trick you into believing you could defeat me with such pathetic skills?" He sent off a cutting curse, the same curse he had just blocked, though while Tom's was a bright crimson, he was golden and the power radiating off it was unbelievable. Tom knew he should dodge the curse, but he found himself erecting a shield instead, fighting his counterpart's power head on. His hand shook under the force of the curse and cold rage swirled inside him. It was not almost enough. When it came to raw power, he was no match for his counterpart's and his shield was close to shattering. He willed himself to stay calm. He could not lose control, not in a duel like this. He unleashed a cutting curse, the same one he had just blocked, and although Tom's curse was bright red, his was almost golden and the power it radiated was incredible. Tom knew he should dodge the curse, but he found himself putting up a shield to confront the other's power. His hands trembled under the power of the curse, cold rage boiling within him. This is not enough. When it comes to raw power, he's no match for his opponents, and his shield nearly shatters. He forced himself to stay calm. In a duel like this, he couldn't lose control. But what if it was the only way to win? Voldemort had no control. He never had to restrain himself. He never had to deny himself. But what if this is the only way to win? Voldemort had no control. He never had to restrain himself. He never had to deny himself. "You are weak," hissed Voldemort. "You are too weak," Voldemort hissed. Tom's shield shattered. He dived sideway, narrowly managing to dodge it. He would never win this way. He needed more power, power that he knew he possessed. He recalled the time when he let loose his restraint in the Room of Requirement. He needed to do it again, to – Tom's shield shattered. He dived sideways and barely escaped death. He can never win this way. He needed more power, and he knew the power he had. He recalls the time he let go in the Almighty House. He needs to do it again The image of a scared little boy flashed before his eyes and Tom was suddenly reminded of the fact that one of his students was watching. Gibbon. The little fool. The image of a frightened little boy flashed before his eyes, and Tom suddenly remembered that one of his students was watching him. Gibbon. Little fool. "That's all right, sir. I trust you." "It's okay, sir, I believe you." The next moment Tom was falling backward, his wand flying out of his grip. Before he could summon it back to himself, Voldemort stepped on it. The wand broke with a sickening crack. The next moment, Tom fell backwards and the wand flew out of his hand. Before he could summon it back, Voldemort trampled it to death. The wand snapped. "Pathetic," he said, aiming his wand at Tom's forehead. "Do you see now? In the end it is I who emerge victorious. I am curious, however. What made the difference?" "How pathetic," he said, pointing his wand at Tom's forehead. Do you understand now? In the end the winner is me. But I'm curious. What's the difference?" With their magic being identical to each other, any defense was useless and there was nothing Tom could do as the invading presence forced itself into his mind. The memories of the orphanage came first, then his years at Hogwarts. Since their magic was identical, any defense was useless and there was nothing Tom could do as the invading presence forced its way into his mind. Memories of the orphanage came first, then his years at Hogwarts. He was standing at the top of the Astronomy Tower with Albus. The sky was dark. A half-moon was shimmering in and out sight in the fog above the forbidden forest. He and Albus stood at the top of the Astronomy Tower. The sky was pitch black. A half-moon appeared and disappeared in the fog above the Forbidden Forest. "I don't feel sorry for what I've done, I don't think I ever will," he said, "but I promise you I will never kill again. I promise you I will never allow myself to become a monster." "I'm not sorry for what I did, and I don't think I ever will be," he said, "but I promise you, I will never kill anyone again." I promise you I will never let myself become a monster." Tom tried to fight back, but he could barely muster any strength. Tom tried to resist, but he had little strength. He pushed himself to the corner of his cell, cowering away from the dementorx. They wouldn't leave. The coldness was unbearable. Then the world faded away as his worst nightmare came alive. He pushed himself into the corner of the cell, hiding from the dementors. They refused to leave. The cold was unbearable. The world fades away as his worst nightmare comes true. Someone was screaming. The invading presence pushed deeper. Someone was screaming and the intruder was getting deeper. He whimpered under the bench, wishing for the pain to stop, but his maimed body wouldn't move. He screamed, but no one would listen. He whimpered under the bench, hoping the pain would stop, but his crippled body couldn't move. He screamed, but no one listened. More memories were forced to the surface. Him in a small room with his wand pointed at Albus, blaming the old man for all that he had gone through. Him standing in front of a class of scared first years. A Ravenclaw raised her hand and asked why he had been sent to Azkaban. More faces followed, most of them his Slytherins. More memories are forced to surface. He was in a small room, pointing his wand at Albus, blaming the old man for everything he'd been through. He stood in front of a group of terrified freshmen. A Ravenclaw raised his hand and asked why he was sent to Azkaban. More faces followed, most of them his fellow Slytherins. "You are nothing but a complete failure." "You are a complete loser" Voldemort's voice seemed to come from afar, but then invading presence started to withdraw. Acting purely on instinct, Tom gripped onto the fading presence. Same wand. Same magic. He could make this work. Voldemort's voice seemed to come from afar, but then the invaders began to retreat. Out of sheer instinct, Tom clung to the fading shadow. The same wand. The same magic. He can succeed. Voldemort raised his wand and said the two words that had plagued Tom's nightmares for years, "Avada kedavra!" Voldemort raised his wand and spoke the two words that had haunted Tom's nightmares for many years: "Avada Kedavra!" Tom concentrated and tightened his hold on the thread that connected him to his counterpart, gaining control. The green beam paused in mid-air, then shot back towards it caster. Voldemort grew and waved his wand, causing the curse to freeze again, hovering between the two of them. Tom focused on the thread connecting him to the other person and held on tight, gaining control. The green beam stopped in mid-air and then shot towards the caster. Voldemort roared and waved his wand, and the curse solidified again, suspended between the two of them. Then something shot up from the ground and a sharp pain erupted from Tom's forearm. Nagini withdrew her fangs almost at once, as if horrified that she had attacked one version of her master in order to defend another, but the damage had been done. Tom gritted his teeth against the pain in forearm while trying to maintain his concentration. He knew it was not the venom. Nagini's venom wouldn't cause pain. No, something else was - Then something shot out of the ground and pain shot through Tom's forearm. Nagini withdrew her fangs almost immediately, seemingly terrified that she was attacking another version of her master in order to protect him, but the damage had been done. Tom gritted his teeth against the pain in his forearm and tried to stay focused. He knew it wasn't Venom. Nagini's venom causes no pain. No, one more thing... The burning pain spread, traveling up Tom's arm to his chest. For a moment he felt as if his scar was being ripped open and something cold was being forced into the old wound. He heard himself screaming. Memories that weren't his flooded into his mind, then unconsciousness claimed him. Searing pain spread up, down Tom's arm and into his chest. For a moment, he felt as if his scar had been torn open and something cold had been stuffed into the old wound. He heard himself screaming. Memories that didn't belong to him flooded into his mind, and he fell unconscious.

Even though I knew it was a deep pit, I still came here. It's so beautiful.

Damn, that's awesome. I stayed up late and finished reading it. The author really controlled the character of Tom Riddle very well. Maybe everyone will have different opinions on this character, but from the author's point of view, both Tom Riddle and Voldemort in the article were very successful. In a different world, I saw another possibility of Tom. If he had had someone standing by his side to guide him earlier, when he was still willing to reveal his heart. Maybe Tom Riddle will become a completely different person.

After reading it, I was shocked and empty. Wow wow wow, are there any similar articles to recommend?! I still want to look for it!!!!

Awesome, it can be said that the psychological analysis of Tom Riddle is very good, but there are very few works that can describe his true face.

The original author later added a few more chapters, but then he was also fooled... Later, it was told that Tang burned the Horcrux in anger, and met Voldemort and had a fight. After Tang was bitten by Nagini, he was fusing Nagini's soul. Full integration requires repentance.

Albus told Tom everything about him and Grindelwald, but Tom just thought it was an extra point of use, but it was really not OOC at all.