In a world ravaged by war, Harry Potter returns from death's embrace with a soul marred by bitterness and betrayal. He strikes a dire bargain with Death, journeying back to a time before darkness reigned supreme. Teaming up with the magnetic Tom Riddle, Harry navigates a treacherous landscape of power and manipulation, all while haunted by the specter of Albus Dumbledore's deceit in his previous life. As they orchestrate a perilous scheme to elevate Tom and dismantle Dumbledore's legacy, Harry's own morality blurs amidst forbidden desires. In this murky realm where hero and villain intertwine, Harry confronts the ghosts of his past and grapples with the darkness within. New relationships are formed and those fake faces will be torn apart. After all, the Golden Boy is now as dark as they come. --------------------------- Available on AO3 too.