A Change of Heart
Tom Riddle never noticed her in the school; she stayed away from the drama and he was busy planning evil doings for the future. So when they finally met each other in person, they were in a bit of a shock.
"Now that you saw the basic steps of the dance, you will now be partnered to dance." Professor Dumbledore called out. Groans came from the men, the women giggling excitedly. Headmaster Dippet came with a script.
"When I say your name, you are to be partnered." he told them.
Tom stared into space, bored out of his mind. He didn't care about this; he just wanted to hurry and kill another mudblood. When Myrtle died, Tom felt absolutely no remorse and wanted to kill off more filth.
He was pulled out of his thoughts though by the call of his name. "Tom Riddle, and Isabella Santiago!"
Santiago? Tom wondered. How come I have never heard of this person? Who is she?
Tom walked towards the teachers as instructed, and waited for his dance partner to reveal herself. He was curious, much to his dismay.
People parted off to the sides, showing a girl walking down. From what he could see, she had chestnut brown hair that went to her waist, and pale skin. It wasn't until she looked up and connected her deep brown doe eyes to his, did the world around him freeze. He wasn't just enchanted by her eyes and beauty, but when they connected eyes, something opened inside him; an abandoned chest hidden away that he didn't even know with all his emotions. The emotions he couldn't feel for the past years were finally attacking him. Sadness, nerves, joy, relief, pain. . .love. . .
The emotions were too much for him, he fell to his knees, his hands clutching at his chest, trying to take deep breaths in. Everyone started freaking out at the sight of their role model in distress. The teachers immediately came to his aid, wondering and asking what was wrong. But Tom couldn't say anything, only struggling more to breathe. Why was he like this? How come as soon as he and the girl connected eyes he felt all these strange stuff?
"Mister Riddle?" Dippet asked concerned. "Riddle, I need you to say something."
"Help. . .me." was all he could rasp out. Dumbledore raised his eyebrows in disbelief. Not once has anyone heard Tom ask for help.
Dumbledore turned to Isabella with a calm look on his face. Isabella was staring at the scene in shock, feeling guilty somewhat. Multiple thoughts went through her mind. Did Tom think I was not good enough? How come he acted that way? Was it my fault?
"Miss Santiago. . ." Dumbledore called to her. "Do you mind coming here and helping Mister Riddle?" She turned to him sharply.
"What? N-no thank you, sir, I don't think that's appropriate -"
"Nonsense," Dumbledore waved off, "come here immediately and help Tom here."
Hesitantly, she made her way over to him. Everyone was staring at her. Dumbledore motioned for the teachers to step away from Tom, allowing her more room to go to him.
Tom was still breathing heavily, the emotions still coming at him. He looked up through his blurry gaze and saw her coming towards him. No, he thought desperately, I don't want more emotions. Please. . .
Isabella stopped in front of him, and slowly cupped his face in her hands. And then their eyes connected again.
Instead of feeling another wave of multiple emotions, he only felt one.
Calm
Tom's breathing slowed down drastically, and he continued to stare into her eyes on his knees, the feeling of calm sending him peace. Tom knew then that Isabella Santiago was someone important to him.
And just like that. . .
Lord Voldemort was not created.
Trelawney's prophecy didn't come true, and Riddle didn't continue his evil plans.
Now that he was lifted from the curse and felt other emotions, he knew what was right and what was wrong for real. He no longer cared about his evil plans, he no longer cared about the mudbloods, the traitors and the Muggles - though only a bit since he was still furious about his father.
Isabella Santiago was his true love, and therefore broke the curse off him from being conceived under a love potion. Everything evolved around her, and only her. And Dumbledore couldn't be more grateful for everyone.
Tom Riddle had a change of heart, and everything was okay.
Tom was no longer afraid of death.
He lived a happy life with Isabella and had twins: Alice and Alec Riddle.
He got a job as the Defence Against the Dark Arts teacher in Hogwarts.
Everything was okay.
And Harry Potter lived with his parents all those years later.
The End