Madness- T.M.R.

Chapter 19

And she told him: "First and foremost, the Unforgivable curses. There were multiple instances during the summer-breaks that I involuntarily got caught in battles witch Grindelwald's henchmen. He was desperately trying to recruit and no longer cared how old or how well trained his new followers would be. I told them that I wished to remain neutral in this war but some of those people were pretty dim and extremely aggressive." Tom nodded. 

"Magic always came to me naturally and so I spent some of my time crafting spells. For example, I created a spell that would slowly cause the victim to catch a fever that couldn't be calmed, medically or magically. The fever would raise their temperature to above 42° Celsius and thus cause the denaturation of Peptide-structures within the human body." 

Tom seemed to be thoroughly impressed by her minor knowledge of muggle-science but caught on to the gist of what she had said shortly after: "Raising the body-temperature above the peptide-disintegration temperature, would destroy all proteins and their function, thus resulting in death...You managed to craft a spell that would slowly kill a person and make it look like they actually died of natural causes?" 

His voice was filled with excitement and delight and Seraya couldn't help but feel the tiniest bit proud of her work. It was disgusting and gruesome magic, really, and apart from Tom no one would ever really value the worth of that spell. "It came in handy a couple of times. I managed to nullify the magical resonance of the spell and it therefore cannot be detected. The Killing Curse leaves a powerful magical signature and isn't very helpful when one wants to keep low profile and prevent ministry officials from investigating." 

The Slytherin was looking utterly impressed and his unstoppable thirst for knowledge was reflecting madly in his eyes. Voice laced with respect and amazement, he inquired: "Would you mind teaching it to me? As you've just said, killing without leaving magical traces might come in handy for my, well, our future plans and commitments." The prospect of Tom Riddle gaining the ability to kill without leaving traces was a worrying prospect for all that would dare stand in his way. Seraya couldn't care less for those unfortunate people as long as she wasn't involved in their legal cases. 

"I'll teach you the Patronus-Charm and my own curse if you agree to help me with something." "Anything!", the boy interrupted, voice laced thick with anticipation. The Ravenclaw-girl laughed: "Now, now, don't go making promises too carelessly Tom. But you are in luck, for I merely require your services in acquiring some potions ingredients. It is well-known that you are old Slughorn's favorite student and most prized 'trophy' in his little glory-club." 

A disapproving frown etched onto Tom's face at her wording but nevertheless his voice remained free from emotions: "Getting you supplies from his personal storage will be a child's-play for me. Tell me Seraya, what exactly do you need and what for?" "Some shredded Boomslang Skin and powdered Bicorn Horn will do. I am capable of retrieving the rest myself." The Slytherin looked intrigued. "You're brewing Polyjuice potion," he stated matter-of-factly then continued, "What are you up to, little Eagle?" 

There was an odd feeling buzzing through Seraya at the endearment. Gulping quickly, the young witch forced all feelings back down before calmly replying: "Dumbledore is susceptible to sensing most forms of active magic, which thus renders even the most complicated glamours useless. Since potions are a more dormant form of magic, he will not be able to tell if I were to impersonate someone under the effects of Polyjuice Potion." 

Her response was rather vague and apparently it was not to Tom Riddle's satisfaction as he continued his inquiry: "You haven't yet told me what you are planning to do with the Polyjuice Potion. Obviously it involves a certain bearded individual...Care to explain?" "Even for a Prefect you are particularly nosy, you know that?" She paused.