The Prophecy Can't Be Foretold; a Tom Riddle Fan Fiction

15

The pressure of the NEWT exams had reached a fever pitch, leaving me feeling like I was being crushed under a mountain of expectations and self-doubt. Each day seemed to blend into the next, a haze of study sessions, sleepless nights, and unending worry. I was terrified that all my hard work would be for nothing, that I wouldn't make the grade and disappoint everyone who had invested so much in me, including myself.

My thoughts weren't solely focused on my exams, though. The weight of other concerns pressed down on me- the lingering, unsettling thoughts about Tom's plans, and the feeling that I was drifting away from those who cared about me. Nadia's concern was palpable, her constant attempts to reach out only serving to remind me of how isolated I felt. Despite her best efforts, I couldn't seem to bridge the gap that had formed between us.

On one particularly grueling night, while I buried myself in my textbooks in the library, Nadia's frustration finally boiled over. She stormed up to me, her face a mask of worry and anger.

"Caliana, you need to take a break," she said, her voice trembling with emotion. "You're going to burn out if you keep this up. And it's not just about your exams. I can see how you're struggling, and I'm worried about you. You're pushing everyone away."

I looked up at her, exhaustion etched in my features. "I can't afford to take a break, Nadia. These exams are everything right now. If I mess this up, it could ruin everything."

Nadia's eyes softened, but the worry didn't leave her expression. "I know you're stressed, but there's more to life than just these exams. Please, let me help you. We're friends. We're supposed to support each other."

I wanted to cling to her words, but the weight of my fears was too great. I offered a weak smile and nodded, though inside I felt like I was crumbling.

The days following the argument with Nadia were a blur. I found myself trying to focus on my studies but was increasingly distracted by Tom's erratic behavior. His recent outbursts, particularly an angry confrontation with me over something as trivial as a misplaced book, had left me shaken.

Tom had been under immense pressure, his need to stay under Dumbledore's radar only adding to his stress. The confrontation had been fierce, his eyes blazing with frustration as he berated me over something insignificant. I had retreated, hurt and confused, unable to understand why he was lashing out.

But then, something shifted. Tom seemed to realize the gravity of his actions and the risk of losing me. Over the following days, he was a different person—intensely attentive, almost obsessive in his need to make amends. He showered me with affection, his gestures overly dramatic and his words laden with praise.

He brought me flowers, left small notes of apology, and was constantly at my side, his demeanor a stark contrast to the coldness of our previous interaction. It was as if he was trying to make up for his previous behavior by worshipping the very ground I walked on.

One evening, as I sat in the common room, studying yet again, Tom approached with a warm, gentle smile. "Caliana," he said softly, taking a seat beside me. "I've been thinking a lot about our last conversation. I'm truly sorry for how I acted. I didn't mean to hurt you."

I looked up, startled by the sincerity in his voice. "It's alright, Tom. I know you've been under a lot of pressure."

"No, it's not alright," he insisted. "I was out of line. You've been so supportive of me, and I've been nothing but a burden. I need you to know how much you mean to me."

His words, though touching, felt a bit overwhelming. I could see the desperation in his eyes, the way he clung to me as if I was his lifeline. It was both flattering and unsettling.

"I just... I don't want to lose you," Tom continued. "You're important to me, more than you know. And I'll do whatever it takes to prove that to you."

I wanted to believe him, and part of me did. His words and actions were a balm to my wounded spirit, but I couldn't shake the feeling that there was something darker lurking beneath his facade. Still, I accepted his apologies and allowed myself to enjoy the small gestures of affection he showered upon me.

Tom Riddle's POV

The confrontation with Caliana had been a mistake, a lapse in control that could have jeopardized everything I had worked for. The realization hit me hard—if I lost her, I lost everything. She was a crucial part of my plans, a key to the future I envisioned for the wizarding world.

I had to make amends, to ensure that she stayed by my side. Her support was invaluable, and the prospect of losing her was unacceptable. I needed her not only for her loyalty but for the influence she wielded among her peers. If she turned against me, it could unravel everything.

I was desperate to show her how much she meant to me, to prove that I valued her beyond measure. The flowers, the notes, the constant attention—they were all part of a strategy to ensure her continued support and affection. But they also served another purpose: to keep her close and to maintain her belief in the idealistic vision I had carefully crafted.

The pressure to remain hidden from Dumbledore, to avoid suspicion, was immense. Every misstep could be catastrophic. Yet, the thought of losing Caliana to my own misjudgment was even more dire. I couldn't afford any more mistakes.

I watched her closely, noting every shift in her demeanor, every flicker of doubt or concern. It was my responsibility to keep her in line, to ensure her loyalty, and to mold her beliefs to align with my own. I needed her to see my vision not just as a possibility but as an imperative, something worth fighting for.

But even as I worked to mend the rift between us, I couldn't help but plan for the future. Caliana would play a significant role in that world, whether she realized it or not.

Losing her was not an option, and I would do whatever it took to keep her within my grasp.