Tʜᴇ Dᴀʀᴋ Lᴏʀᴅ's Aɴɢᴇʟ | Tom Riddle √

65: A Proposal for Real

"It's beautiful, isn't it?" Cassiopeia asked Tom, who lay with her on the green lawn, gazing at the starry night sky after dinner.

After two days, Cassiopeia had recovered from her injuries, and they had moved to a new location, Tom's father's house. She had suggested the move because it was no longer safe for Tom to remain at Black House with her.

The Riddle House stood on a hill in Little Hangleton, overlooking the village. It was a grand manor surrounded by a vast expanse of velvety green lawn. It was the largest and grandest building for miles around, but it had boarded-up windows and had fallen into disrepair.

Tom had confessed to her that he had murdered his father and grandparents at this house to create his second Horcrux, Marvolo Gaunt's Ring, which carried a powerful death curse. Cassiopeia tried not to dwell on it too much; after all, he was no longer the person who had done those things. He had further explained what had transpired in her absence, leaving her feeling regretful that she hadn't been there to stop him.

Together with the help of Kreacher, they had transformed the Riddle House into their new home. Using magic, they had cleaned the house and arranged everything, turning it into a luxurious residence. While Cassiopeia had pushed Tom to help, he had initially resisted, but eventually, he had joined in. She wanted to encourage him to let go of his selfish and arrogant nature.

"I think I have the most beautiful star with me, by my side," Tom said, turning his head to look at her, who was gazing at him. Cassiopeia's head was resting on his outstretched hand.

"I'm talking about the stars up there, Tom," she playfully hit his chest and gestured for him to look at the night sky.

He shrugged his shoulders and then looked up at the sky as she pointed.

"There, it's Draco," Cassiopeia pointed out a constellation in the shape of a dragon. Her hand dropped as she remembered her dear friend. "Damn it! I really miss him."

"He's a brave boy," Tom remarked. Cassiopeia furrowed her brows at him.

"Brave, yes, but what do you mean?" she asked. "How is he?"

"He's become a Death Eater," Tom confessed. Cassiopeia was taken aback. Draco had already been under enough pressure due to his family's involvement with Voldemort. "I made him one."

"You what?" Cassiopeia was alarmed. Draco was just a teenager, and he was already grappling with his family's reputation. "How could you do that to him? He's been through so much."

Tom sighed and sat up, mirroring Cassiopeia. "I know, it wasn't an easy decision, but it had to be done. You need to return to Hogwarts soon, before he completes the mission I gave him."

"Tom?" Cassiopeia eyed him suspiciously. She knew he wasn't Voldemort anymore, but the events that had unfolded could not be changed, and even the Dark Mark on his arm had faded.

"I—I ordered to fix the vanishing cabinet and create the entrance for Death Eaters to Hogwarts as soon as he killed Dumbledore," Tom confessed, and a deep sigh escaped him. Cassiopeia's eyes widened as she listened to him.

"He's just a boy, Tom. How could you—?" Cassiopeia's voice faltered, and she ran her fingers through her loose hair.

"I wanted to torture Malfoy, I'm sorry. I really regret what I did," Tom explained, taking her hand in his. "Please, don't be angry with me, Cassie."

"No, I'm not. It's just... I care about Draco. He was like my brother. Even though we fought and weird things happened between us, at the end of the day, he was there by my side when I needed him," Cassiopeia explained. "Now, I think I really have a reason to return to Hogwarts. But I cannot leave you here, alone!"