Seduced By Darkness

Note : This chapter is Rated NC17

\"Destiny is not a matter of chance; but a matter of choice. It is not a thing to be waited for, It is a thing to be acheived.\"
-- William Jennings Bryan

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Chapter 18 : The Meeting

Tom and Lucius did not have to go far for their meeting with Dumbledore since Tom had chosen the forest that surrounded Dragor’s Castle as the meeting place. They were in the deepest part of the forest which hid the castle and nearby village from view, so that his guests wouldn’t know where they were. Tom took out his wand and with a flick of the wrist and a murmured incantation he activated the portkey. In seconds, Severus Snape and Albus Dumbledore stood before them. Severus was staring at Tom with mild curiosity and bewilderment. Dumbledore was very composed, he even had a faint smile on his lips, the corners of his eyes wrinkling a bit because of it. Tom knew him well enough to know that although he looked like a benevolent grandfather he was extremely sharp and dangerous if the need arose.

All four men stared at each other in silence for a few moments. Lucius was worried and apprehensive but one could not tell just by looking at him. On the outside he had the cool appearance of a regal lord, his nose slightly turned up in cocky indifference. With his hands clasped in front of him, Dumbledore turned his full attention to Tom, who was looking back at him with a raised eyebrow. “Thomas, I really never thought to see you again such as you are now. However, knowing you as I did I can see why the red eyes, and reptilian form of Voldermort would not agree with you. I trust that you are in good health?” Lucius looked at Dumbledore as if he thought the old wizard had lost his mind. Severus gave him a similar look, he almost wanted to say that this was not the time for pleasantries, but clamped his mouth tightly shut and said nothing.

“Yes I am Professor Dumbledore... Ah, Professor, excuse that, it’s out of habit that I said that, I can address you as Albus no?” Tom said, not really asking. Dumbledore nodded and began to walk slowly away from Lucius and Severus, but continued talking, clearly intending for Tom to follow him. Which Tom did, so that they could converse in private. “Yes, of course, you are not a student anymore and haven’t been for many years. You know all that’s happened since you put yourself into that diary as a memory. Everything that you had ever wanted came to pass, until Harry Potter came along.”

Lucius and Severus stayed where they were but did not speak to each other, they just watched the other two men guardedly, not entirely certain how things would go. “Yes, Potter. I realized, Albus, that my older self made a crucial mistake when he went after the boy. It was a mistake that has led us to where we are now, and to the reason why I would offer any kind of assistance to you. My beliefs and views have not changed, however I am not blinded as he is and thus am able to see the bigger picture.” He finished. “Which is that you cannot win. Not now, not with so many resisting you, but you can still kill many, before it was one of your goals. You didn’t care how many died, even if the end result was fruitless. You, yourself didn’t want to die, it is why you experimented so much on yourself, it is why the rebound of the curse didn’t kill your older self.”

“Yes. I know all of this. He should’ve gotten more facts about that bloody prophecy before attempting to kill Potter. I am sure that in the rest of it lies part of the reason why the killing curse didn’t work, but I will never know that nor do I care. At the moment I want him gone as do you so we are back to where we started.” Tom stared at him with his face set in hard lines. “Indeed Tom. I assume that he will attempt to come after you, would never suspect that you will have come to me and thus that is where I come in with Mr. Potter.” Dumbledore finished.

Tom curtly nodded before saying, “That is what I am thinking. I can set up a meeting place. There is no doubt that he will call some death eaters to his side. Already Bellatrix is making sure that the word spreads that I am not him, at least not truly him. There are some death eaters, those with brains that will stay with me. While the ones that leave are not too clever, it doesn’t take brains to be effective.”

“When he is back I will let you know and we can then plan accordingly.” Dumbledore smiled lightly before a stern look crossed his features. “Tell me Tom. All your willingness to help isn’t just because you see the future much clearly than your older self. How is Miss Olmo?” Tom frowned but politely said, “Mrs. Riddle is doing very well. She is my wife now Albus, nothing or anyone will change that.” Dumbledore stopped his pacing and looked at him. The possessive tone to Tom’s words was not lost on him, “Hmm, is that so? Does she feel the same way? Does she want to stay with you of her own free will?” Tom’s face was unreadable, his eyes dark, “Yes she wants to stay with me. She isn’t under any spell or potion Albus, although I know that it would make her family and the rest of the people that care for her happy to think so.”

“And yet you kidnapped her. No matter how she feels now. This union wasn’t entered by her willingly, it doesn’t matter what kinds of vows you performed. Do you believe that when she’s questioned about it that she will lie to stay with you?” Dumbledore asked. “Do you think I will let anyone question her?” Tom asked acidly. Dumbledore smiled, “Yes I do, because you know that for me to accept any help from you that I will want her unharmed, she cannot be your captive anymore. Now if she chooses to stay with you that is her decision but she must make that choice.”

“She’s already made that choice. I will not have her family and friends make her feel guilt over it. I won’t have it, so I will be there with her. Besides my wife, there are certain other conditions that you must agree to for me to offer my help.” Tom finished nonchalantly. Dumbledore almost laughed. The arrogance of Tom knew no limits but then again he was always arrogant, it is why he was so good. He believed himself capable of doing anything he set his mind to. It was not a bad trait to have depending on what one chooses to do with one’s life. “What conditions?” Dumbledore asked. “Lucius must be cleared of the charges against him. He wants to go back to his family and is tired of hiding and running like a common criminal. I am sure, that if you made Severus’s past charges disappear you can do the same for Lucius, can’t you Albus?” Tom said this with a malevolent smile on his face, letting Dumbledore know that he didn’t believe that Severus was loyal to him and hadn’t believed it for a very long time. “Furthermore, over ninety percent of the wizarding world is ignorant as to who I truly am, or rather, who I became. I plan to live among the wizarding society so I do not want the fact that I became Voldermort to become public knowledge. I could care less if they all knew but it would make things harder for my wife. Make that clear to your Order and the Aurors that are aware of who I truly am.”

“You want a lot of things Tom, especially since getting rid of Voldermort still leaves us with you. You are a younger, stronger version of Voldermort, looking even smarter due to all the knowledge that you’ve gained through him and through the years. Is like trading one evil for the same evil only an improved version.”

Tom said nothing, just looked at him for a few moments. “Do you believe that I love my wife?” Dumbledore looked sad now, “Yes and I believe, if what you told me is true, that she loves you back, however you have also told me that your prejudices are the same. I think that you will not be going down the dark path now because of her, because of your feelings for her. However what if something were to happen to her? Then you would be seduced by the darkness once more, no matter whether you could win or not. Perhaps you would be even more vicious then before as you never had anything worth losing until she came into your life.”

“All of this is true, and I won’t even bother to deny it. That’s a chance that you will just have to take. Do you accept or not?” He asked impatiently. He wasn’t going to compromise with him or make promises that he had no intention of keeping and Dumbledore would either have to accept it or there would be no deal. “I will need to consult with the Order, but I have made my decision, however it is not fair for me to give it to you without telling them first.” Tom smiled, “Always the diplomatic one Albus. When you are ready to give me your answer send word with Severus, who will contact Lucius and let me know.” He turned and walked back to Lucius. “The Portkey Severus” He said, addressing him for the first time. They looked at each other briefly before being joined by Dumbledore who lightly touched the dull locket that Severus held. “Don’t keep me waiting too long. He is almost ready to return.” Was the last thing they heard as they felt the pulling sensation of the portkey as it took them back to Hogwarts.

Moments later they were back in Dumbledore’s office. Severus watched as the Headmaster went to Fawkes to call an emergency meeting of the Order. “Well Severus, we need to inform the Order of all that’s occurred and of my decision.” Severus nodded already knowing what Dumbledore planned to do, “You have decided to trust him then?” Grabbing a handful of candy and stuffing it in one of his robe’s pockets he said, “Trust? Not exactly but I think that there is a very good possibility that this Tom will not go down the same path he took years ago.” Severus asked, “Because he believes himself in love with Claudia? What if the girl leaves him once this is all over? Surely...”

“Severus, we cannot determine Claudia’s real feelings for him as we haven’t spoken to her, however, he seems to feel that she wants to stay with him. Also, I do believe that he is in love with her. He says that he has not changed, that all his beliefs are the same, and while that is mostly true he also does not see that he has changed. He has let someone inside his heart, he might carry the contempt and old hatred still but that is not the emotion that now has control of him, even if he doesn’t see it this way. Let’s go to Grimmauld Place, they will be expecting us.”

Dumbledore had sent word to Sirius and Lupin to pick up Harry and bring him to Grimmauld Place as Harry needed to be told of what was happening as well. The majority of the Order members and Harry where gathered around the kitchen, all looking anxiously at Dumbledore and Severus. “All of you here know or most of you, that Tom Riddle, a bright and extremely gifted student at Hogwarts over fifty years ago, was the same person who became Lord Voldermort.” He waited as they all nodded, Harry was looking at him with a perplexed look but stayed quiet. “Also, in Harry’s second year at Hogwarts there was that incident with Tom Riddle’s diary were Ginny Weasley almost died as his sixteen year old self nearly came back to life.” Ginny’s mother made a strangled sound at the memory of what almost happened. Her husband, Arthur Weasley, just grabbed her hand and gave it a comforting squeeze.

“It seems that Tom left another diary, this time capturing his twenty-five year old self. He tricked Voldermort and got out of the diary while trapping Voldermort in it. This is why Harry has felt a change in him. He retained Voldermort’s powers and memories which is why Harry feels him, but faintly.” Everyone gasped, they wanted to ask questions, particularly Claudia’s parents but he held up a hand, “Please. Let me explain everything to you before you ask me any questions.” Everyone fell silent as they tensely listened to Dumbledore and Severus explain about Tom Riddle, Voldermort and the diary. However, they all shared looks of disbelief when Dumbledore went on to talk about Tom and Claudia. “That Bastard took my daughter, he’s forced her into... into his bed, he’s forced her into marriage, he still keeps her hidden away and this is love? He doesn’t love her! She’s a possession to him and nothing more. You cannot tell me that he LOVES HER DAMN IT!” Caleb Olmo yelled as he slammed his fist hard into the table.

“Caleb I would be as upset as you, so I understand that you are furious but we have to remain calm, in order to get her back.” Mr. Weasley spoke calmly, patting Caleb on the shoulder. Claudia’s mother, Cora, was dabbing at her eyes with a handkerchief but you only had to look into her eyes to see how angry she was. “Albus, this has to be some sort of trap. I cannot believe that you would put Harry at risk in such a way...” It was Sirius who spoke but he was cut off by Severus, “Are you insinuating that your instincts are better than the Headmaster’s Black?” He asked softly. Sirius turned to him, “I am simply stating what is on everyone’s mind Snape. We do not want to do anything rash.” Severus narrowed his eyes at him, “Ah yes, because you are the poster boy for self-control and sound judgment.”

Before they could continue their banter Harry interrupted and looked at Dumbledore. “Sir? Do you think then that he is sincere? About wanting Voldermort gone, I mean.” Dumbledore smiled at him, “Have a cinnamon toffee Harry.” He said, handing the candy to Harry who seemed amused, Severus and Sirius both rolled their eyes “Yes, I believe that he wants Voldermort gone. I believe that the two of them cannot co-exist. Then again, neither can you and Voldermort but they cannot even co-exist for a few days, they are too closely connected. Voldermort is still obsessed with killing you, and now with Tom but he would not suspect of Tom offering his assistance to me.”

“Of course he wouldn’t Dumbledore. By Merlin, why would he? I still cannot believe that this isn’t a damn set up.” Moody growled. “I believe him. So now we must be ready. I will send word to him that I accept his terms.” Caleb once more got up angrily, “Lucius Malfoy will be free, and the man that has kept my daughter prisoner will also be free? This, I cannot accept Dumbledore.” Dumbledore looked back at him and said, “Caleb you will see Claudia soon, and you will be able to speak to her. If she doesn’t wish to remain with him then she won’t need to as the vows that she took will be annulled if she declares that she was forced into the marriage against her will.” Caleb ran his fingers through his hair, “You actually believe that he was telling the truth? That she now wants to stay with him? My daughter would not fall in love with a man such as him.”

Dumbledore walked to the fireplace, “No sense in continuing to argue over it Caleb, everyone. Go home, rest and we now wait until it’s time to take on Voldermort for one last time, hopefully. Come along Harry, Severus.” They left with a portkey that took them back to Dumbledore’s office. The rest of the Order members stayed arguing about the risk that they were taking, trusting Tom Riddle.

The next day Severus sent word to Lucius telling him that Dumbledore had accepted their terms. “My Lord, he’s accepted. When Voldermort is back we are to contact him.” Tom was looking over the grounds, “I have a feeling that he will know when I know. After all he has Mr. Potter. Lucius, your son is safe at Hogwarts, have you made arrangements for your wife?” Lucius nodded, “Yes, she’s out of the country for a few weeks, longer if need be.”

“Very good, I need to go and talk to my wife then, I will see you tomorrow.” He began walking away as Lucius said, “Goodnight my Lord.” As Tom opened the door to his room the first thing he noticed was that all the lights were off. He looked toward the bed and expected to find Claudia’s sleeping form but she wasn’t there. His attention then was diverted to the open balcony doors, moonlight was shimmering through and he could clearly see Claudia. She was sitting, completely naked, on a chair, one leg draped over one armrest, a finger in her mouth, her other hand caressing her breast. “I have been waiting for you Thomas.” She said huskily, the sound of her voice, coupled with the picture she presented made him grow instantly hard. All thoughts of conversations flew out of his mind. He began removing his clothes as he watched how the moonlight bathed her body.

She slowly took her finger out of her mouth and lowered it onto her center, inserting it and moaning for him. “I want to feel your tongue right there Thomas, please.” He knelt down in front of her, she took her finger out of herself but he grabbed her hand, taking the finger into his mouth. His other hand went to her other breast and he began to knead it, while pinching her nipple. Once he cleaned off her juices from the finger he bent low and kissed her clit before pushing his tongue as deep as it could go inside her. He loved the way she tasted, the sounds that she made when he did this always brought him to the edge. Tom let go of her breast and with both hands, grabbed her hips and lifted her slightly to gain better access. His tongue now moved to her clit as his fingers went deep inside her. “Yes ... Like that, oh God ...” She said as he began to suck on her clit making her shudder. She climaxed soon after, screaming his name.

Grabbing her by the waist he lifted her as he got up. He rested her back up against the wall as he entered her in one hard thrust. His mouth claimed hers as their tongues rubbed against each other. Her arms went tightly around his shoulders for support as he kept slamming into her, the sensations building the tension in her abdomen once more. He tore his mouth away from hers and began kissing her chin, nose, jaw, and neck while whispering, “You belong to me. Everything about you is mine.” Claudia groaned with pleasure, “Yes... Yours ... All yours… Thomas, oh God...” They then experienced such a shattering orgasm that they almost collapsed on the floor. Tom braced himself to keep from dropping her. He waited a few minutes before moving away from the wall, still inside her, he walked them to the bed. He laid her on her back without sliding his cock from her.

“He agreed to my terms.” He told her, looking down intently at her. Claudia knew that he meant Dumbledore. “When he returns then we will go and finish it, you will see your family and friends then.” She saw the look he was giving her, her hands went to his face and she kissed him, “I’m yours. I meant that.” She whispered. He leaned more into her and kissed her back, softly at first then urgently, he felt himself growing hard inside her once more so he began to thrust in and out of her. She gasped and arched her back while wrapping her legs across his waist. It never failed to amaze her how when they were like this, all she wanted was to get closer to him somehow. She felt herself coming undone once more as she felt his hot fluid shoot inside her. He rolled to his side, taking her with him. She rested herself on his chest and fell asleep while listening to the strong beating of his heart.

***

“Master, it is almost complete, he is almost dead.” Bellatrix approached the reptilian looking Voldermort, who was standing by, watching the young muggle man die. Once he was dead he would be fully restored. “Stay back you bitch! I am not back yet, so do not attempt to touch me while this process isn’t complete. Get me my wand.” Seeing Bellatrix’s horrified expression his sneer got uglier. “You don’t have my wand?” She fell to her knees and pleaded with him, “The impostor has it my Lord, he took it. I got a wand for you but not your own.” Voldermort was so angry that he forgot that he didn’t want to touch her yet. He walked up to her and backhanded her so hard that her head snapped back painfully, hurting her neck.

“I will take great pleasure in killing him. When I am regenerated you will set up a meeting. He will not refuse me, as I know him better than he knows himself. I didn’t anticipate what he had planned to do with me because I forgot my own ambition, but he has to know that we cannot both co-exist. He will give in to me, or I will make him. GET UP you filth!” He kicked her.

“Yes Master, forgive me.” She went to the muggle and he was dead, she looked at her lord. “I am alive once more.” He bent down slightly and touched Bellatrix’s face, “Did I hurt you Bella? Why don’t you show me what your expert little mouth can do?” He said as he disrobed. She had to choke back the feeling of pure repulsion as she looked at him and went about pleasuring him with the dead muggle only a few feet away.

***

Tom’s eyes flew open, he held Claudia tighter to him and whispered, “He’s back.” He narrowed his eyes and could already sense where Voldermort would want to meet him and when. In Hogwarts, Harry fell off his bed, his scar throbbed painfully. Ron quickly knelt next to him and shook him, “Harry! Harry! What is it?” Harry closed his eyes hard and concentrated on breathing, “H-he’s back ... Voldermort. I must tell Dumbledore.”