Truly Yours (TomxLilith)

09

Third POV:

Lilith sat in Dumbledore's office, her hands trembling as she processed the weight of what she had just learned. The prophecy, Tom's future as the Dark Lord—everything seemed to unravel before her eyes. Dumbledore, ever perceptive, regarded her with a knowing look, as if he could sense her shock.

"Professor Dumbledore," Lilith began tentatively, her voice barely above a whisper, "Tom... he's going to become the Dark Lord?"

Dumbledore nodded gravely. "Yes, Lilith."

Lilith's mind raced, trying to reconcile the Tom Riddle she knew with the future Dumbledore spoke of. "But how is this possible?"

"Tom is an... interesting individual. He's one of the few people who are completely devoid of emotion. He may feel some emotions but they are rare and they're mostly anger, envy, greed."

Lilith listened as professor Dumbledore continued talking. "He has a thirst for power and he'll do anything to get it."

Lilith looked up at Dumbledore, her eyes pleading for reassurance. "What do we do now?"

"We watch, we guide, and we hope," Dumbledore replied, his gaze steady. "And we remember that even in the darkest of souls, there is always a flicker of light."

"Does that mean it's my task to prevent Tom from becoming the Dark Lord?" Lilith asked, her voice tinged with a mixture of determination and uncertainty.

"Yes, Lilith."

"But how can I do that?" Lilith questioned, her brow furrowing in concern. "You said he's devoid of emotions, meaning he's like a machine."

Dumbledore leaned forward, his eyes gentle yet resolute. "Like I said, Tom is not yet beyond redemption. Small acts of kindness, showing him the beauty of this world that he has never experienced—these can be the first steps."

Lilith nodded slowly, digesting Dumbledore's words. "I'll try, Professor. But what if he rejects everything I do?"

Dumbledore offered her a reassuring smile. "Patience, Lilith. Changing a person's heart takes time and persistence. And remember, even the smallest spark of goodness can ignite a great change."

Lilith took a deep breath, steeling herself for the daunting task ahead. "I understand. I'll do my best."

"That's all anyone can ask," Dumbledore replied warmly. "And you won't be alone in this endeavor. I will guide you, and there are others who will support you along the way."

After saying goodbye to Professor Dumbledore and receiving the prophecy, Lilith made her way back to her dormitory. She carefully hid the prophecy under the floorboards of her bed and cast a protective charm to ensure it remained hidden. Sitting on her bed, she took a deep breath, her mind heavy with the task ahead.

"How am I going to prevent the doom of the world?" Lilith muttered to herself, feeling the weight of the responsibility. She knew she wasn't the best person, far from it, but she wasn't a monster. She couldn't let the world fall into darkness.

With a sigh, she decided to clear her head and headed towards the astronomy tower. The cool evening air greeted her as she ascended the steps, her footsteps echoing softly against the ancient stones. As she reached the top, she saw a familiar figure seated at the edge, a notebook in hand—Tom Riddle.

She stared at him, wondering how such a person, who could have a great future, chooses the darkness.

Lilith approached with a steady gait, her thoughts still in turmoil. Tom glanced up briefly as she neared, his expression indifferent. She hesitated for a moment before speaking.