Veiled Truths - Tom Riddle

Chapter four

Tom knew, of course, that the completion of the Veritaserum potion would not occur today. He was acutely aware that Aria, who was likely already hesitant to be the test subject, would be even more reluctant now that her ex-boyfriend had intervened.

Tom couldn't decide which was more absurd: the fact that Aria had wasted her time on a futile attempt to share her life with another, convincing herself that there was something more profound between them than mere neurochemical reactions, or that she had squandered her affections on someone like Darius. Darius, a contemptible, weak, and ridiculous half-breed with nothing to offer, known for his indiscriminate liaisons with various female classmates.

One thing was certain, however. If Abraxas and the other Knights of Walpurgis had not dealt with the situation as he had instructed, he would ensure the consequences were severe, and Darius would not be the sole recipient of his wrath.

His thoughts swirling, Tom reached Aria's dorm room. He knocked with a commanding force, the sound echoing in the silent corridor.

Aria opened the door, and they stood facing each other, eyes locked in an intense gaze. For a moment, neither spoke.

The first thing Tom noticed was the unmistakable mark of a bruise darkening around her eye. The sight of it ignited a deeper, more primal anger within him.

His expression shifted subtly, his body tensing. He stood there, silent, his eyes fixated on her injuries. The quiet stretched on, heavy with unspoken words.

Then, in a swift movement, Tom propelled Aria back against the wall, his breath warm against her face. His dark eyes bored into hers, darker than she had ever seen them. "The next time I give you an instruction, you will adhere to it without question. Had you been punctual, this could have been avoided."

Aria recoiled slightly, seeing a fierce intensity in Tom's eyes that she couldn't decipher. Was it directed at her, or was it something else entirely? Pinned against the wall, she refused to show fear, her gaze unwavering and resolute. She would not allow herself to be diminished, not even by him.

Tom's gaze was cold and piercing, his mask of composure unyielding even as she met his stare with defiance. His anger simmered, yet he remained composed. Leaning closer, his breath hot against her ear, he spoke again, his voice a whisper of steel.

"Next time, obey me." His words were quiet but carried an undeniable force.

Without another word, he turned and left the room, leaving Aria standing there, her mind a whirlwind of confusion and determination. The intensity of the encounter lingered in the air, a silent testament to the complex and perilous path that lay ahead.

The sun had barely risen over the Hogwarts grounds when Tom gathered with his closest confidants in a secluded corner of the Slytherin common room. Abraxas Malfoy, Ethan Nott, and Alton Mulciber sat with him, their expressions varying from casual indifference to a simmering satisfaction. Alexei Dolohov, however, remained silent and distant, lost in his own thoughts.

Tom's eyes, sharp and calculating, swept over the group. He leaned forward, his voice a low murmur, ensuring their conversation remained private. "I want to know exactly what transpired last night," he demanded, his tone brooking no argument.

Abraxas was the first to speak, his voice steady and controlled. "After your instruction, we found Broadmoar in the east corridor, harassing Aria. He didn't stand a chance against us."

Ethan picked up where Abraxas left off, his tone more animated. "We made sure he understood the gravity of his mistake. He was... thoroughly educated on the consequences of his actions."

Tom's eyes narrowed slightly, a sign for them to continue. Alton, with a dark glint in his eye, added, "By the time we were finished, he wouldn't have posed a threat to anyone ever again. We ensured he would never touch Greengrass or be in our way any more."