Dark Ascendancy | Tomarry

| The Gathering Storm

In the weeks that followed the Hogsmeade massacre, the wizarding world became eerily quiet. Tom's regime solidified its power, and dissent was met with swift, brutal retaliation. Harry Potter, once the symbol of hope and resistance, was now feared and revered as Tom Riddle's second-in-command.

The artifact they had retrieved from the Forbidden Forest proved to be a source of immense power. Tom used it to enhance their magical defenses and to create spells of unparalleled potency. Harry, too, felt the artifact's influence, his magic growing stronger and more precise.

One evening, Tom summoned Harry to a private meeting in the Chamber of Secrets. The chamber, with its cold stone walls and serpentine decorations, had become Tom's preferred place for discussing matters of utmost importance.

"Harry," Tom began, his voice echoing off the chamber walls, "the time has come for us to take the final steps towards complete domination."

Harry nodded, his expression serious. "What do you need me to do?"

Tom's eyes gleamed with a dangerous light. "There are still pockets of resistance, even if they are insignificant. We need to crush them completely. But more importantly, we must ensure that our control over the wizarding world is unbreakable."

Harry listened intently as Tom outlined his plan. They would use the artifact to perform a powerful ritual, one that would bind all magical beings to their will. It was a daring and ambitious plan, but Harry knew that if anyone could succeed, it was Tom.

"The ritual will require immense power," Tom explained. "We will need to draw on the magic of ancient, forgotten places. You will lead an expedition to these sites, gather the necessary elements, and return them to me."

Harry agreed without hesitation. "I'll assemble a team and leave at once."

Tom placed a hand on Harry's shoulder, his gaze intense. "I trust you, Harry. You have never failed me."

Harry felt a surge of pride and determination. "I won't fail you now."

Harry spent the next few days preparing for the expedition. He chose his team carefully, selecting only the most skilled and loyal Death Eaters. Among them was Bellatrix Lestrange, whose enthusiasm for the mission was palpable.

The first destination was an ancient druidic circle hidden deep in the Scottish Highlands. The journey was treacherous, but Harry's team navigated the rugged terrain with ease. As they approached the circle, Harry could feel the raw power emanating from the stones.

With precise incantations, they drew the energy from the circle and stored it in a specially crafted crystal. The process was exhausting, but Harry's determination never wavered.

Their next stop was the ruins of a long-forgotten temple in Greece. The temple, dedicated to a powerful, ancient deity, was said to hold the essence of pure magic. As they explored the ruins, Harry felt a sense of awe at the ancient magic that still lingered.

Once again, they performed the ritual to extract the energy, storing it carefully. The journey continued to other sacred sites around the world, each one adding to the growing power within the crystal.

After weeks of travel and grueling work, they returned to the Ministry, the crystal pulsating with a terrifyingly powerful aura. Harry knew that with this, they would achieve their ultimate goal.