Twenty Six

Locket

  "Catch me if you can!" Rosie screamed as she ran past Lily, tapping her on the shoulder before booting it further down the hill.

  Lily paused, taking a moment to realise what had happened. "Hey- no fair!" She screamed after her as she tried to keep up.

  They hadn't spent much time together recently, and although their conversations were strained by each of their circumstances- stupid moments like this, just playing around, felt like some freedom in the mess of it all. They didn't have to be deep all the time, they could just live, understanding what the other was going through without anything being said.

  That's why they were best friends.

  Tom and Ben observed from a distance, leaning against the castle walls as they watched over the meadow that Rosalie loved so much. The sight of the two girls chasing each other, their voices echoing with unbridled laughter, brought a bittersweet feeling to Tom's heart.

  There was an innocence to their play, a freedom unnoticed by the troubles of the world. Yet, beneath the surface, Tom couldn't shake the nagging sense of danger that lingered, threatening to disrupt their moment of bliss.

  Feeling the weight of his thoughts, Tom turned to Ben.

  "Do you think I'm being selfish, Ben?" Tom's voice broke the silence, his gaze fixed on Rosalie as she darted across the field.

  Ben regarded him thoughtfully before responding. "What makes you say that?"

  Tom swallowed. "I'm keeping her all to myself when she'll likely be killed for it," Tom admitted, his tone tinged with a hint of desperation.

  Ben, without considering Tom's feelings, would've told him to let the girl be killed, that he was better off without her. For his purpose, it was true. But Tom was a man who had his mind made up. Rosalie would stay.

  Ben considered his words for a moment before responding. "You have horcruxes, why can't she? If you can't live without her, make sure she stays alive." He said rather simply, looking out onto the field which held the girl causing his lord so much pain.

  Tom's eyebrows furrowed as he contemplated Ben's suggestion. The idea seemed both logical and terrifyingly reckless. "She would never agree to that," Tom argued, his voice betraying a hint of uncertainty.

  "When have you ever taken no for an answer from her?" Ben countered, his gaze unwavering.

  Tom fell silent, his mind swirling with cynical thoughts. He had the very same Idea some weeks ago, but the very thought of binding Rosalie to him through dark magic felt both enticing and repulsive. He couldn't bear the thought of her being harmed, yet he couldn't shake the feeling that such a decision would only serve to further taint their relationship.

  As Rosalie's laughter echoed across the field, Tom couldn't help but feel torn between his desire to protect her and his fear of losing her forever.

---

  He had been distant to Rosalie most of the week, grappling with his emotions and uncertain of how much of his darkness he should expose her to. The fear of losing Rosalie clawed at him relentlessly, a visceral dread that overshadowed everything else.

  Watching her, engrossed in conversation and laughter with William, Tom felt a pang of jealousy gnaw at him. Why wasn't she looking at him like that? Why did it seem like her joy belonged to everyone but him?

  Jealousy, he knew, was a treacherous emotion, capable of unraveling even the strongest bonds. Yet, despite his growing awareness of its destructive power, he found himself unable to escape its grip.

  He noticed every glance, every interaction with others, especially the American Gryffindor, Daniel. Tom would make himself seen in her presence every moment that he thought that Daniel might approach her. It was a silent sentinel guarding Rosalie from any potential threat, driven by an instinctive need to protect what he saw as his own.

  But despite his efforts, despite his desire to claim her, he remained distant, his actions betraying the depth of his feelings. He kept her at arm's length, afraid to fully open himself up to her, afraid of the darkness within him and the havoc it could wreak on her fragile heart.

  What were they? Was she truly his?

  He sat through dinner without touching his food, his attention entirely consumed by watching Rosalie. She must have felt his gaze on her, but she chose not to acknowledge it. Tom had a way of expressing when something was on his mind, but Rosalie opted to give him space, hoping he would eventually open up to her.

  As dinner came to a close, Rosalie bid farewell to the others and headed towards the Great Hall's exit, intending to retire early for the night.

  Before she could make her way out, Tom rose from his seat and hurried after her. William exchanged a knowing glance with Ben, recognising Tom's struggle with adjusting to having a girlfriend – if their relationship could even be called that.

  "Rosie."

  "Riddle," she replied curtly, continuing towards the dungeons.

  "Love, please, stop for just a moment," Tom implored, his voice tinged with urgency.

  Rosalie paused, turning to face him with a dull expression.

  "Thank you."

  "I'm not quite sure what you think you've done to win my time," she said quietly, waiting for the few students passing by to clear the area.

  Now alone, Tom felt the weight of their unspoken tension. "I've explained why I prefer you not to be involved with the death eaters, Rosalie," he stated, his body tense with uncertainty. Was she considering leaving him? Physically, she couldn't – or could she?

  Rosalie seemed to reflect his thoughts. "So what do you want me to do instead?" she asked, her tone filled with a mix of amusement and frustration.

  "You want me to wait in your room until who knows what hour, just so we can 'make love'? No, it's not making love, is it? It's just fucking. You want me to sit around, wondering what you're doing, assuming you still like me just because you exchange a few words with me during the day, but you refuse to include me in the things that actually define you. It's like I'm talking to a hollow shell. What happened to you, Tom? Why are you so afraid to show me who you are? You wanted to have me, and you do."

  Tom felt a pang in his chest, unable to refute her words. She was wrong about the real Tom Riddle fading; instead, she was molding him into someone softer, someone meant only for her.

  "Let me take you somewhere, love," he said simply, hoping to mend his own mistakes that he was beginning to understand between them.

  "Did you hear a word I said? You're insecure, I can see it. The way you look at everyone else who even walks close to me. You don't need to be. I'm not going to leave if you let me in – you've got it all wrong. I'll only be bound to you more."

  Was it possible she was right? Tom's mind swirled with uncertainty.

  "Let me take you somewhere," he repeated, extending his arm for her to grasp.

  The sadness and darkness in his eyes pleaded with her, begging for resolution. She had heard every word he spoke silently. Now, it was up to her to act on it.

  Rosalie hesitated, her mind racing, but ultimately, she nodded, her hand finding its place on his arm as they prepared to apparate. With a gentle squeeze, they vanished from the bustling corridors and reappeared somewhere much colder, the air crisp and dark. They found themselves high above, overlooking a familiar landscape – the roof of Hogwarts.

  The sudden change startled Rosalie, eliciting a scream as she instinctively clung to Tom for support. Breathing heavily, she sank down onto the roof, gripping its surface as if fearing it might disappear beneath her.

  He could feel the subtle warmth of her hair against his face as she kept her arms wrapped around his chest upon reaching the roof's surface. Tom held her close, his arm securely around her waist, determined to keep her from slipping as he observed the shock on her perfect face.

  She had come to Hogwarts seeking answers to Tom's dark secrets, and she had already found them weeks ago. But why was Tom so afraid of letting her in?

  Only six words echoed in Tom's mind

  I'm not good enough for her.

  Did she deserve more? Perhaps a freedom he couldn't provide?

  But he was greedy, selfish, craving a love that only she could offer.

  Should he give in to his greed?

  He had always done so in the past, but for some reason, when it came to Rosalie, Tom actually contemplated doing the right thing.

  Her gaze remained fixed on the rooftop, oblivious to the breathtaking sunset – the very reason Tom had brought her here. Gently, he lifted her chin with his hand, guiding her face towards the horizon. As she beheld the stunning sight, her eyes softened, and her fears seemed to dissolve away sitting in Tom's arms.

  Tom leant his forehead into the side of hers and closed his eyes, he breathed and took in her scent, her presence, the feeling of her arms wrapped around his chest.

  "I'm sorry, I thought what I was doing was right."

  Rose felt a small smile on her face - the short victory of his apology enough in her mind. She didn't have to say any more, didn't need to rub it in. Tom knew his own faults - and that in itself was also a victory, a small step forward into him being his best self. That was all Rosalie wanted.

  After a few moments in a beautiful silence, Rosalie opened her mouth.

  "Thank you." She said softly, leaning into his shoulder. 

  Tom regarded her with dark, conflicted eyes, yet the presence of the human sun before him seemed to soften them ever so slightly. "For what?" he inquired, his voice carrying a weight of uncertainty.

  "I'm almost glad you didn't want to include me in what you were doing – don't get me wrong, I do want to be involved. But that simple notion meant that you were different to him," Rosalie explained, her words hinting at her father.

  "To him, I was a weapon – to you, I'm-"

  "Everything but," Tom interjected firmly, though deep down, he acknowledged her immense value on his side, rather than anyone else's. She was too strong for her to act against him.

  Rosalie closed her eyes and let out a huffed laugh. "I didn't know you were such a romantic."

  "I'm usually not."

  "Am I your first girlfriend?"

  "Who said you were my girlfriend?" Tom said coolly, his lips twitching with amusement, but Rosalie saw through his attempt at humour when she glanced at his contorted expression.

  "So I am your girlfriend?" she asked, seeking clarity.

  "What else would you be? My servant? I can always arrange tha–" Tom started, but Rosalie interrupted him with a playful jab to his side. "Girlfriend is perfectly fine," she asserted.

  "So am I your first?" she pressed on, leaning against him as the soft winds brushed against them.

  "First and only," Tom replied with a hint of solemnity in his voice.

  "I hardly believe that," she retorted, her eyes sparkling with a mixture of teasing and curiosity.

  Tom let out a scoff. "Do you even remember how horrible I was at confessing myself to you? Why would I go through that a second time? I thought it would've been easier to end my suffering."

  "Everything is easier that way."

  "I suppose."

  They sat in silence for a moment before Tom broke it with a question, "Do you have a patronus?"

  Rosalie smiled, her eyes brightening. "Yeah, I do."

  "What is it?" Tom asked, intrigued.

  Rose reached for her wand and cast a long line of blue light into the air. It danced around in the wind until it coalesced, forming into a shape. Long wings grew from the figure, with a looming neck extending from its dark body.

  "A black swan?" Tom inquired, his curiosity piqued. He had never seen such a patronus before.

  "What's yours?" Rose asked in return, her wand swiftly tucked back into her pocket as the light faded.

  "I don't have one," Tom admitted truthfully, a tinge of frustration evident in his voice. It was the bane of his third year, the only one unable to muster anything.

  "Really? You must do. There isn't a single happy memory in your life?" Rose asked, her tone serious as she looked at him.

  Tom gazed back at her, contemplating. The only good memories he ever had were from the time when Rosalie came to Hogwarts. In the back of his mind, he wondered if he now could produce a patronus, but the rest of his more conscious thoughts decided against it.

  "There is. For some reason, I'm just incapable," Tom explained, his expression tinged with regret.

  "That's a shame. I would've loved to know," Rose said softly, sympathy colouring her words as she felt for Tom.

  Tom looked down at his girl, mesmerised by her presence as she gazed out over the grounds. Her hair danced in the wind, framing her face like a delicate halo. Bathed in the warm glow of the fading daylight, her skin seemed to radiate an ethereal beauty that left him breathless. 

  In that moment, she was more captivating than any creature he had ever beheld. He couldn't fault other men for wanting her- after all, she possessed a beauty that was both enchanting and alluring. Yet, he found himself in the fortunate position where she belonged to him and him alone. Her beauty was his to cherish, his to adore.

  As Tom's thoughts drifted into the realm of the ordinary, he found himself envisioning a future with her by his side. He imagined her in white, a ring sparkling on her finger- a symbol of their union and commitment. She would make the most stunning bride. He pictured her as a loving and devoted wife, and as a mother, her tenderness and care enveloping their children in warmth and security.

  With Rosalie, he dared to believe that he could break the cycle of his past, that he could be the father he never had. She made him want to reclaim his birthright, to embrace his true identity as Tom Marvolo Riddle instead of succumbing to the darkness of Voldemort. Though the transformation seemed inevitable in his mind, he realised that, to her, he was simply Tom- her Tommy.

  Yet, amidst his hopes and dreams, a nagging doubt lingered. Was it fair to subject Rosalie to the perils of his world, to a life fraught with constant power struggles and danger? He longed to provide her with everything she desired, to shield her from harm and offer her a life of happiness and security. But as he grappled with these conflicting emotions, one thing remained clear- his love for her knew no bounds, and he would stop at nothing to ensure her happiness.

  "I actually have something for you," Tom finally spoke, his trance broken by a sudden gust of wind that tousled Rosalie's hair. She reached up to fix it, while Tom reached deep into his pocket, fingers brushing against something cold.

  Rosalie watched intently as Tom's hand emerged, tightly clenched. She looked at it expectantly, then back at Tom, who met her gaze with a mischievous grin.

  "What is it?" she asked, eyeing his smirk with suspicion.

  Tom's grin widened, and Rosalie leaned in, curiosity piqued, attempting to pry his fingers open herself.

  "Tom!" she exclaimed, giving up with a tut when his hand refused to budge.

  She tried to pull away, but Tom's arms tightened around her, pulling her closer as he stifled a laugh and kissed her atop her head. Slowly, he unfurled his palm, revealing a beautiful piece of gold jewellery—a locket.

  Rosalie's breath caught as she beheld the delicate oval locket, a rose entwined around the letter 'T' engraved on the front like a work of art.

  Her eyes flickered back up to Tom's, her heart racing with anticipation. She reached up, gripping the back of his neck, and pulled him into a soft kiss before pulling back, her hand lingering on the nape of his neck.

  "Thank you," she whispered. Tom smiled, revelling in her touch. He never thought he could enjoy such intimacy, but her presence was intoxicating, more potent than any Muggle drug.

  With gentle hands, he turned her head away and brushed her hair aside, fastening the necklace around her neck. The gold complemented her skin perfectly.

  "Maybe it's terribly cliché but—" Tom began.

  "No," she interrupted, her fingers tracing the locket. "It's perfect."

  Once the locket was secured, her hair smoothed back in place, she turned and playfully tackled him, pushing him back against the roof as she lay atop him, blushing.

  Tom reached up, tucking strands of her hair behind her ear tenderly, the locket hanging from her chest.

  "You didn't spend too much on it, did you?" she asked, her expression softening. She knew Tom's financial situation wasn't as lofty as he portrayed it to be. It wasn't that she minded, but she worried about him.

  Tom met her gaze, knowing the locket had cost him every penny he owned. But her smile was worth more than any amount of money.

  "No, don't worry, darling," he assured her, a smile tugging at the corners of his lips at the term of endearment.

  "Well, now I'll have to get a lovely picture of you to put in it," Rosalie teased.

  Tom laughed, "Please, Rosalie, now that's cliché."

  "Disgusting," she nodded, sarcasm lacing her laughter.

  "Most definitely," he agreed, chuckling along with her.

  "I'm sure Slughorn is willing to take one of the both of us," she remarked, the playfulness fading from her tone. Tom subtly rolled his eyes, though secretly, he wasn't opposed to the idea.

  "Oh, come on," she nudged him. "You love that idea."

  Their laughter faded into silence, but after a few moments, Rosalie reached into her own pocket.

  "You know, I wasn't actually planning on giving this to you quite yet, but since you've got me a present." She pulled out something small, holding it in the palm of her hand.

  "It's nothing like what you got me. But I saw it on my walk around the lake this morning and thought about you." The object was a light gray, almost blue. From what Tom could tell, it was a piece of celestite.

  Tom looked at it curiously, reaching for it slowly. 

  He had never received a present before.

  "I thought since you said you liked that colour, you might like it."

  Now holding it in his own hands, Tom lifted it between his index finger and thumb, examining it in the light, comparing its hue to the colour of Rosalie's eyes. He admired it with childlike wonder, a smile spreading across his face.

  "Thank you, Rosie. Really," he said sincerely, tucking it securely into his pocket before focusing his gaze back on her.  

---

  Rosalie lay curled up against Tom's chest, the warmth of his body comforting her as she drifted into sleep. Tom's mind, however, was far from restful. He carefully reached into his pocket, his fingers closing around the small piece of celestite that Rosalie had given him earlier.

  A sinister idea began to form in his mind. What if he could use this crystal to create a Horcrux for her? It would be a way to protect her, to ensure that a part of her essence would always be safe, even if the worst were to happen.

  With determination in his eyes, Tom retrieved Rosalie's wand from the bedside table. Gently, he shook her awake, his voice low but urgent. "Rosalie, wake up. There's something we need to do."

  Rosalie stirred, blinking sleepily as she looked up at him. "Tom? What's wrong?"

  "You know what to do," Tom said cryptically, his gaze unwavering. "There's only one way to protect yourself." He held up the crystal she had given him earlier in the evening.

  Rosalie's eyes widened in realisation, assuming what he was meaning.

  "Are you insane? How could I- I couldn't that's not me I-" She stuttered clumsily as she sat up further, pushing away from the warmth of Tom's body. Blue light from the depths of the lake entered the room, highlighting all of his angelic features.

  Tom was quick to grab her face, staring deep into her tired eyes.

  "You've killed for me. I'm sure you would die for me. So do another thing as well, live for me." He pleaded.

  Rosalie shook her head quickly, trying not to look into his eyes with the simple fear that she would change her mind. "Tom I can't split my soul."

  Tom looked at her, "you have to." It was a soft command.

  "Why?" She asked, gently, her voice tired.

  Tom stared at her. "I can't lose you. Not when you are the first living thing to ever matter to me." His words were sharp and precise, no thought behind them but they were the words of his soul.

  She could see the hurt, the hatred behind Tom's eyes. She was his weakness, but his weakness could be made stronger. Rose wanted to please Tom, but could she do that to herself?

  "There is only one way for me to ensure you are really protected. That you and I can live together- forever."

  "Forever?" 

"Forever," Tom confirmed, his voice carrying a weight of desperation and longing.

  Rosalie gazed into his eyes, searching for the truth behind his words. She saw the depths of his vulnerability, the raw emotion etched into his features. Despite the darkness of his request, she sensed a genuine need for connection, a yearning for their bond to transcend mortality.

  But as much as she wanted to believe in their love, doubts lingered in her mind. Could she truly sacrifice a piece of her soul for him? Could she bear the burden of immortality, bound to him for eternity?

  "Tom," she whispered, her voice trembling with uncertainty. "I want to be with you, but..."

  He silenced her with a tender touch, his fingers tracing the contours of her face. "I know it's a lot to ask," he admitted, his voice laced with regret. "But I can't bear the thought of losing you. Not after everything we've been through."

  Rosalie felt a pang of guilt, knowing the depth of his fear and longing. She knew she was his weakness, his Achilles' heel, but she also understood the power of their connection, the depth of their love.

  "Forever," she repeated softly, her voice steadier this time. "For you, I'll do it."

  With those words, she made her choice, her heart heavy with the weight of her decision. But as Tom's lips met hers in a tender kiss, she felt a sense of peace wash over her. Despite the darkness of their pact, she knew that their love would endure, bound together for eternity.

  Tom peered deep into the abyss of Rosalie's soul, exploiting her every weakness to make her do his bidding. He tried to feel guilty, to recognise that manipulating her desires—her longing for freedom, her twisted wish to love—was merely a means to keep her by his side.  

  Blood pact. Horcrux. Sex. Marriage.

  Tom would do anything to get her to stay.

  He leant out from her, placing the piece of celestite onto the bed. He leant back over to her side of the bed to grab her wand, he placed it in her hand, wrapping her fingers around it slowly as he kept his hand bound to hers.

  Tom guided her through the incantation, though she knew it on her own. She was too fearful to really put any further thought into it. Tom's voice was steady and sure, muttering under Rosalie's.

  "Divisa est anima mea."

  Her wand emitted a soft blue light, Tom's hands gripped Rosalie's further down onto her wand, afraid she would let go. The light cast an eerie glow in the dim room.

  "Animarum devinctis in perpetuum." They muttered together.

  The blue light surged forward, blinding the two of them as it left Rosie's wand and into the crystal, which glowed in heat and raw magic. It tok a few seconds for their eyes to adjust- and to sense the change in the tiny object. 

  Tom was reluctant to pick it up- but after a moment he did- holding it in his hand meant he was holding part of rosalie's life in his hand. In a sick and twisted thought he loved it- being the protector of her life rather literally.

  Rosalie's body trembled as the energy flowed through her, leaving her feeling shaken and uncertain. "What did I just do?"

  Tom's expression was unreadable. "You've taken a step to protect yourself, Rosalie. Trust me, it was necessary." He said, not fully telling the truth though also not lying.

  Though doubts lingered in her mind, Rosalie nodded, trusting Tom's judgment. She watched as he carefully tucked the crystal back into his pocket, she kept herself frozen, unsure if she was completely stupid to have so much trust in Tom Riddle to keep part of her life safe in his pocket.

  Tom settled back into bed, pulling Rosalie down with him. She found herself strangely comforted by the weight of her new Horcrux, not at all how she had felt the last time her and Tom had done something like this together- though that time she was the horcrux. 

   Her hand slipped back over Tom's bare chest, his hands in her hair, silently praising her for what she had done. She wasn't sure what she felt. Dirty? Powerful? There was no denying now that even part of her soul belonged to him.

  "You're so perfect- doing that for me." He whispered.

  Rosalie wondered if it really was all for him. She had no other reason to make a horcrux. Her hands gripped onto his skin tightly.

  "You keep trapping me further and further." Rosalie tried to laugh, but she no longer found it funny.

  Tom was silent for a moment, but was vitally aware of the way she clung to him like her life depended on it.  

  "You may talk about freedom, but you can't deny you love being trapped by me." 

  His words sunk into her heart. Not because he was wrong, but because he was right.

  Tom leaned down and pressed his lips against Rosalie's, a hunger burning within him. As he felt her respond eagerly, his desire intensified. With a swift movement, Rosalie slipped her hand to his pants, her intent clear.

  "You don't have to," Tom murmured, his voice tinged with concern.

  But Rosalie met his gaze with determination. "I want to," she whispered, her eyes filled with longing and confusion.

  Tom kept his gaze fixed on her, a mix of anticipation and desire swirling in his eyes. He nodded slightly, granting her permission to proceed. As her cold hand slipped under his boxers, he couldn't help but shiver at her touch.

  Feeling her fingers trace the length of him, Tom's breath hitched with each movement. When she finally freed him from his confines, he exhaled slowly, his body tingling with anticipation.

  As she tentatively took him into her mouth, Tom's head tilted back, overwhelmed by the sensation. He fought to maintain control, his fingers threading through her hair as she moved with uncertainty.

  With each movement, she grew bolder, her confidence building as she found her rhythm. Tom's grip tightened as she took more of him, his breaths became shallow.

  She fluttered her eyelashes up to him, and Tom felt amazing.

  Tom quickly surrendered himself to the sensation, slowly becoming overwhelmed by the intensity of her passion. She pumped faster, Tom's hand went to her head, guiding her down as far as her throat would let her as he gripped onto her roots.

  With each passing moment, the intensity grew, pushing Tom closer to the edge. He uttered profanities, his body reacting to her touch.

  "Rosie-" He groaned, she worked faster, his length twitched in her mouth as he felt himself reaching his breaking point. 

  As he reached his climax, he surrendered to the pleasure, his release flooding through him. He watched in awe as she took all of him, her eyes meeting his with a mixture of exhaustion and satisfaction.

  She took him out of her mouth, swallowing slowly as she looked back up at him, tiredly collapsing back onto his legs.

  He sat up and pulled her back to him, Tom tenderly wiped her mouth and pulled her into a warm embrace, their breaths coming into sync as Tom pulled her even closer.

  They nestled together, finding solace in each other's arms as Rosie slowly drifted back to sleep. As they lay intertwined, Tom whispered softly into her ear, his voice heavy with remorse for everything he felt he had made her do that night.

  "I'm sorry," he murmured.

  Rosalie was already asleep.

a/n

i love adding depth to characters in massive fucking chunk paragraphs sorry i get carried away - though i don't blame you if you skim past really long paragraphs sometimes I do it too

ALSOOOO... There is only 1 (maybe 2) more chapters before ACT 2 starts... so expect some really big plot changes. I mean really big. I mean like you might eventually hate me big. sorry. love you readers.