Before He Was Voldemort (A Tom Riddle Fanfiction)

Chapter 26: New Year's Eve

December, 1943

Tom understood a vast majority of everything in the world that was logical. He could say this with complete and utter confidence. But something that had always stumped him was the reason why people celebrated birthdays.

Why would you celebrate being closer to death?

Turning seventeen was no milestone. To Tom, it was a wake up call. He's made far too many foolish mistakes during these past few months than he'd care to admit, all because of her.

Tom was prepared to put an end to his distractions tonight. After he splits his soul for a second time, more of his humanity will be lost, and he will no longer be able to feel anything. Then he can finally refocus on what matters most.

"My Lord," said Lestrange as he rose from his kneeling position, bringing Tom away from his thoughts. The boy bowed resolutely. "I have prepared the circle for you."

"That will be all then, Lestrange," Tom replied, watching with satisfaction as his follower scurried back to his place in the circle of Knights arranged around him. Each boy wore a black cloak with the hood pulled over their heads, standing as straight as soldiers at attention.

He began to pace around the neatly drawn circle he'd asked Lestrange to draw onto the floor with chalk, observing the boy's handiwork. Of course the simple job could have been executed with magic. But something about the sight of Lestrange on his hands and knees working meticulously- yet with trembling hands- to draw a perfect circle, knowing all too well he'd be punished severely if he failed, entertained Tom greatly. He decided the circle was adequate enough before taking out his wand, murmuring the levitation charm under his breath to move every bit of furniture in the Room of Requirement against the walls, creating space for his intentions. Next, he pulled the ring off his finger, giving it one last glance before placing it at the center of the circle.

"Tonight is yet another momentous occasion, my Knights," Tom spoke in a clear voice, now pacing before his followers. "I must disclose that I could not wait a day longer for this due to...certain circumstances. As you did the night of the 28th of September, you are here now to witness the next step of your Lord's secured immortality. Another portion of my soul will be extracted tonight to act as an anchor to life; a hindrance against death."

Tom paused to let this settle with the Knights. Little did he know that under the hoods that hid their faces were expressions of uncertainty and dread.

"As I warned you last time," he continued. "No one is to interfere while the process is occurring. I will be in excruciating pain. No matter how much I writhe in distress or beg for it to stop, do not intrude."

"Yes, my Lord," replied each Knight in unison.

"Then I shall begin."

Not a single ounce of hesitancy or doubt existed in Tom as he withdrew his wand from his robes, standing before the circle with determination. He was more than ready for this moment. He was prepared to be inhuman and all-powerful.

He closed his eyes and inhaled deeply as he poised his wand towards the ring, gathering complete concentration as he began to recite the long and complex incantation that he'd come to memorize. Tom chanted faster and faster as he repeated the spell several more times, his voice deepening and rising with volume. In his chest, he felt something that he could only assume was his soul twisting and fracturing by the second. The atmosphere of the Room of Requirement was so intense that the Knights couldn't help but shut their eyes and mentally pray for it to be over soon.

Then, everything was silent.

Not even a second later, Tom's wand exploded with blinding white light, his back arching in a sickening shape as he let out a guttural roar of agony.