Losing (Tom Riddle X Reader)

▕⃝⃤ 04 | The Prophecy

"Tea?" Professor Dumbledore asks, flicking his wand, and a pair of red porcelain teacups and a silver teapot appear on your writing table. As you nod in affirmation, the pot tilts gracefully, hovering in the air as it pours steaming tea into each cup. The delightful, sweet aroma fills the room, wrapping around you like a comforting embrace.

"Now," Dumbledore settles himself at your desk, his piercing blue eyes focused on you. "You asked to talk to me in private, away from Mr. Riddle. What can I do for you, Ms. Y/L/N?"

Your gaze flicks towards the door of your room, suddenly conscious of the potential for eavesdropping. If you could so easily listen in on Dumbledore and Tom's conversation, there's a good chance that the wizard before you could do the same. With a subtle swish of his wand, Dumbledore casts a spell, and the door becomes soundproof, while the keyhole darkens, ensuring your privacy.

"Thanks," you gulp, staring at your frail reflection in the cup sitting before you, your hands clutching your tunic is fist fulls "I know who you are."

"Of Course you do," Dumbledore says patiently "I just introduced myself-"

"No," you squeeze your eyes shut, shivering indoor seat "I mean I've known of you before I met you. I knew you were coming. in fact, I was told to find you."

From there, you narrate and describe in excruciating detail how and why you, tom, Amy and Denis got to the cave and the vision you saw and the prophecy you heard in the cave. Tom as a dark wizard with five mysterious objects and snake. A soul with a serpent. A baby with a thunderbolt scar on his forehead.

Dumbledore listens attentively as you recount your harrowing experience in the cave, your voice trembling with emotion. His expression remains composed, but his eyes betray a depth of concern as you describe the visions and prophecies that have haunted your thoughts.

"So, you've been visited by the same dark dreams that have troubled many before you," Dumbledore murmurs, his gaze distant as he ponders your words. "And you saw Tom as... something sinister, surrounded by objects of great significance. A snake locket, a golden cup, a silver raven tiara... and a snake."

You nod, feeling a weight lift from your shoulders as you share the burden of your fears with someone who understands.

"These are troubling times indeed," Dumbledore says gravely, his eyes meeting yours with unwavering intensity. "But you have shown remarkable bravery and resilience in facing these challenges, Y/N. And I believe you hold the key to preventing the darkness from consuming our world."

His words fill you with a sense of purpose, as though a path has been illuminated before you in the darkness. You clench your fists, determination coursing through your veins.

"What do I need to do?" you inquire, your voice steady despite the fear gnawing at your heart.

Dumbledore smiles, a glimmer of hope in his wise eyes. "I need you to get closer to Tom. Close enough to reveal his plans and secrets. Use them, if you can, to reform him before he goes down this dark path from your prophecy. If not..." he takes a deep breath "...find out his weaknesses so we can defeat him if need be. Do anything in your power that could save all the lives he will inevitably endanger."

"That's a very difficult task," you say skittishly. "I have known him for six years, and he is as cold as ice. And he is not foolish enough to simply reveal everything. Especially to me. He is extra wary of me. Forgive the language, Professor, but this plan sounds like a blind man attempting to ride a motorbike. Set up for failure."

"It would be foolish to assume otherwise," Dumbledore's eyes twinkle at your young wit. "But there is a chance. There is a reason that he hasn't hurt you for six years. There is a reason he keeps challenging you. To some level, he is interested—perhaps, fascinated—by you. At Hogwarts, in a new environment, you will be the only familiar face. You can get closer to him."

"I don't think you understand Tom at all, Professor," you shoot the wizard an icy look. "He is a completely heartless monster. He has no concept of empathy nor emotion!"

"I am aware of that," Dumbledore nods. "It's a biological issue, you could say. He was conceived under a love potion."

"A love potion?"

"It disables him from feeling love," Dumbledore explains, reaching into his robes to retrieve a small vial with some sort of violet liquid. "Here."

"What is this?" you ask as you take the vial from him, startled at how warm it is.

"As many careless wizards and witches have recently been using love potions," Dumbledore says, "an antidote to the effects of the potion on their offspring has been brewed into existence. When the time is right, introduce this potion as a drink. Make sure Tom drinks it all. When he consumes it, all the disabilities of him being conceived under a love potion will disappear. He will finally be able to feel emotions like..."

"Love." you whisper in awe.

"Exactly," Dumbledore nods. "This way, you will be able to befriend him."

You purse your lips. "I-I don't know..."

"Y/N, Tom Riddle will grow up to become a monster not just because of a love potion. He never felt the warmth a mother. Of a father. Any love from any form of family for that matter. If he does, perhaps he will grow up differently. That is why I am asking for your help in this matter and why I think you were the one blessed with that vision," Dumbledore says earnestly. "If this truly is your destiny, Y/N Y/L/N, you have the power to change the future. Prevent children from having to live as orphans as a result of Tom slaughtering their families."

"And if I fail, the blood of those orphans will also be on my hands," you add, your voice trembling.

"Do not let those thoughts cloud you," Dumbledore assures you, his voice calm and reassuring, his eyes twinkling with wisdom. "Remember, happiness can be found even in the darkest of times, but only if one remembers..." With a deft flick of his hand, light bursts forth from the tip of his wand like a miniature sun, illuminating the dim room. "...to turn on the light. So... The question is, Ms. Y/L/N, will you turn on the light?"

You inhale deeply, absorbing Dumbledore's words, feeling a surge of determination welling up inside you. The gravity of the task ahead weighs heavily on your shoulders, but you also sense a glimmer of hope, a flicker of possibility.

"I will," you declare firmly, your voice unwavering despite the uncertainty that lingers. "Only if you do something for me in return."

Dumbledore arches an eyebrow, his interest piqued. "And what might that be?"

You pause, gathering your thoughts before continuing. "I want you to tell me about my family. I know my mother was a devout, god-fearing woman, but I need to know more about my lineage. The voice in my vision spoke of a forefather and a destiny I must fulfill. I need to understand who I am and where I come from."

Understanding dawns in Dumbledore's eyes, and he nods solemnly. "I understand. I shall return to Hogwarts and delve into our archives, seeking any information that may shed light on your ancestry. You will have your answers at the welcoming feast, provided I see you and Mr. Riddle there?"

With a flourish of his cloak, Dumbledore produces a thick envelope sealed with the Hogwarts emblem and extends it toward you. You accept it, feeling a mix of anticipation and apprehension.

"Yes. You will."