The one I tried to save (Tom riddle fanfic)

𝓐𝔀𝓪𝓴𝓮𝓷𝓲𝓷𝓰 𝓢𝓱𝓪𝓭𝓸𝔀𝓼

"Are you ready, Sephora?"
-Tom riddle

Sephoras POV
"Come with me," Tom said, his smirk still evident as he turned and began walking away. I hesitated for a moment, torn between distrust and curiosity, but ultimately followed him. As we walked through the intricate corridors of the treehouse, I couldn't shake the unease settling in my gut. Tom seemed too composed, too in control of the situation, and I wondered what game he was playing now.

The treehouse was a blend of ancient magic and meticulous craftsmanship, with winding staircases and rooms that seemed to appear and disappear at will. Tom led me through a series of twists and turns until we arrived at a small, dimly lit chamber. He motioned for me to enter first, and as I did, the hairs on the back of my neck stood on end.

Inside the chamber, shelves lined the walls, filled with dusty tomes and mysterious artifacts. A single, flickering candle illuminated a large stone table in the center of the room. On it lay a map, intricately drawn and marked with symbols I couldn't decipher.

"What is all this?" I asked, my voice barely above a whisper.

Tom moved closer, his presence looming over me. "Knowledge, power, and secrets," he replied cryptically. "And now, they're yours too."

I felt a chill run down my spine as he spoke, his words laden with promise and danger. Despite my apprehension, a part of me was drawn to the allure of what lay before me. Tom's eyes glittered in the candlelight as he watched my reaction, a faint smile playing on his lips.

"Welcome to a world beyond Hogwarts, Sephora," he murmured, his voice echoing in the chamber. "Welcome to your future."

I stared at Tom, unsure of how to respond. His words hung in the air, heavy with implication. This wasn't just about knowledge or power; it was about a path diverging from the familiar grounds of Hogwarts into something darker, more uncertain.

"What do you mean, my future?" I finally managed to ask, my voice betraying a mix of curiosity and apprehension.

Tom stepped closer, his gaze intense. "You have potential, Sephora," he said, his tone almost reverent. "More than you realize. Dumbledore sees it too, hence why he sent you to me."

I frowned, trying to process his words. Dumbledore had sent me to Tom? For what purpose? My thoughts raced, but Tom continued before I could voice my questions.

"You have a thirst for knowledge, for power," Tom continued, pacing around the chamber. "You're not like the others at Hogwarts, content with the ordinary. You see beyond the surface, beyond the confines of the school walls."

His words struck a chord within me. It was true—I had always felt different, disconnected from the typical ambitions of my peers. But to what end was Tom guiding me? And why did Dumbledore believe he held the answers I sought?

"You have questions," Tom stated, stopping in front of me again. "I can provide you with the answers you seek. Together, we can unlock your true potential."

His offer was tempting, seductive even. But beneath his charismatic facade lay an enigma, a darkness that both intrigued and unnerved me. Could I trust him? Could I afford not to, given the mysteries surrounding my own abilities and the unsettling events of recent days?