Alphards' POV
Alphard had thought Victorie to be extremely stupid. Did she really think Tom loved her? But then again, he could hardly judge. It wasn't long ago that Tom had him fooled just the same. He uses people to reach his own goals and then disposes of them. Alphard had been certain Tom intentions with Victorie were no different.
Tom had befriended Alphard not long after they came to Hogwarts and for a couple years they were inseparable. Well, in private at least. Tom used the same excuse for years; he didn't want people to think he even had friends because sentiment makes you weak. It wasn't until their fourth year that Tom gave Alphard another reason. Tom had told him he wanted more than friendship, that over the years he had developed stronger feeling for his him.
Alphard was not that way. Unlike in the muggle world such relations were pretty common and accepted but Alphard had never felt anything towards men before. He had never felt anything towards a girl though either. Tom seemed to be his exception. During all four years at Hogwarts Tom had been his only friend, he didn't even try to talk to other people. It wasn't until Tom admitted his feelings for Alphard did he realise that what they had was more than a friendship.
Every time he thought back to that he had a strong urge to want to punch his younger self in the face. How they hell could one be so damn clueless? He would wonder. Tom had made Alphard believe that he cared for him but in reality Tom only wanted to use his ability. Alphard could control minds without the use of magic. He didn't need spells or potions or even a wand, only his mind. Alphard could make someone do something and there would be no indication that it wasn't of their own free will. It was a skill desired by many, Tom included.
Tom and Alphard had become extremely close in the months that followed Tom's "confession." Tom had asked if Alphard was willing to use his skill to help Tom. In return Tom would share the power they attained. But eventually, Alphard had grown suspicious of Tom. He started asking questions and refusing to help him. One night in the midst of an argument Alphard kissed Tom. There was no denying that he had fallen in the love with Tom Riddle. He was not shown any affection in return. Tom had shoved him off and punched him in the face. Alphard was completely broken.
Tom told him that he never had feelings for him and that Alphard was an idiot. After that, Tom had made his life hell. Alphard left school it got so bad. But he had sworn the day he left he would come back one day to get his revenge on Tom Riddle. And after he saw what Tom was doing to another innocent person he knew it had to be soon.
Victorie was the missing piece in his puzzle. It would be her to help Alphard destroy Tom. He just had to make her see the truth.
Victorie's POV
Victorie woke up the next morning to find Tom still laying beside her. They had went to the room of requirement again instead of going to separate dormitories. She had expected him to be gone like he was the previous morning and was happy to see that he hadn't left. Tom woke up a few minutes after her when she had started stirring. "Why are you getting dressed?" He asked. "We have classes this morning."
"We're feeling ill." Tom said with a grin on his face. He pulled her back down to the floor causing her to land on top of him. "You're a very bad influence." Victorie told Tom. She couldn't stop smiling. "The worst." He crashed his lips onto hers and tangled his fingers into her hair slightly pulling. "Shouldn't we be planning for next week?" Victorie asked while catching her breath. "I've already got it covered. All you'll need to do is be strong. I know you'll make it to the well, in your dreams you always succeeded." Tom told her pulling her face back down to his. Victorie hadn't had any more dreams about the obstacles to the well in months. But even so, she trusted Tom entirely. If he believed she could do it then so did she.
*****
They finally left the room of requirement that afternoon for dinner. Tom didn't stay long, he said he had something to take care of. An owl arrived for her almost immediately after he had left. Victorie knew it must be from Alphard. No one else here would send her anything. She took the letter and left the Great Hall. She opened it once she saw no one was looking. Astronomy tower. Now.
Victorie rolled her eyes at his rudeness but headed to the tower anyway. On her way they she would constantly check to make sure no one was following her. When she reached the tower Alphard was standing off into the shadows, looking out upon the castle grounds. "Why do you always take so long?" Alphard asked turning to face her. "I came here the minute I got your letter. I should've just not came at all." Victorie said, a scowl painted on her face. "What do you want?" She added before he could say anything.
"I only want you to know the truth. I'm sorry we got off on the wrong foot the other night but sometimes my temper gets the better of me. Please just hear me out." Victorie answered by taking a seat on the floor of the tower. She sat and listened to Alphard tell her the whole story between him and Tom. When he finished she just sat there and silently pondered what he had said. "He's using you Tori."
"Only I can call her that." Tom voice rang out in the tower causing Victorie to jump. "Everything he just told you was true. Except for the last part." Tom said to her. "How did you know I was here?" She asked. "I knew that dog was up to something the moment you said you met him in the forest. He's mad I'm not in love with him." Tom laughed and walked over to the two of them. "You narcissistic git. I'm mad because you ruined my life. And I'm not going to watch you ruined her life too." Alphard and Tom stood facing one another, both daunting a look that could kill. Victorie got up and was about to step in between them but it was too late.
Alphard punched Tom hard in the face. "I owed you one." Tom wiped the blood away from his mouth and went to grab his wand but Alphard was quicker. He grabbed Tom by the collar of his shirt and shoved him against the tower wall causing Tom to hit his head hard. It all happened so quickly. Victorie was yelling at them to stop. Alphard hit Tom once more and shoved him hard off the tower. Victorie's heart dropped to her stomach as she screamed out. She ran to the edge and nearly cried for joy when saw that Tom was hanging on. She reached out a hand and tried to pull him up. Victorie heard cursing behind her and felt Alphard reach out and grab Tom's arm helping pull him up.
She looked up at Alphard confused. Hatred gleamed on his face. "I've changed my mind. Death is too easy for Tom. I want to watch him suffer. He doesn't love you, Victorie. And the moment you realise that, send for me. We can destroy him together." Alphard said walking out of the tower. Victorie looked down at Tom, his face was unreadable. "We go to the Wishing Well tomorrow. I'm tired of waiting."
Victorie watched as Tom picked himself up and fixed his clothing. "I'm not going anywhere until I know the truth." She told him, tears soaking her face. "You want the truth? The truth is that unless, pathetic excuse for a wizard was given and extraordinary gift. One that I wanted to harness. I didn't care for him at all but I needed him at the time. Once he served his purpose I got rid of him. You are not him. You have made me feel something that I can't even describe. I was going to kill you yesterday. I had thought you were becoming a liability. But I couldn't. No matter how hard I try I can't get you out of my head! I want to be with you. I need you."
She started crying even harder. "I love you." Victorie confessed in a whisper. Tom held out his hand and she took it pulling herself up. "We need to go tomorrow. Too much is happening to risk waiting." She nodded in agreement but was uncertain of everything. Victorie was so torn she felt as if she could break at any second. "I've got to go. I'll come get you in the morning." Tom said before giving her a quick kiss and leaving. Once he left the tower she collapsed to the floor.
Victorie's hand was burning. She bit her lip to stop from screaming out. Appearing on her hand were letters. It took several minutes for the whole message to show.
Dumbledore is dead. I've told everyone the truth. We're bringing you back soon. -Harry.
The message was gone almost as soon as it appeared leaving no trace on her skin. Her heart was pounding. She felt in her pocket for the potion Tom had given her, she carried it around with her everywhere. Once she felt that the vile was still in her pocket she stood up and began to leave the tower. Tom was right, they would have to go to the well tomorrow. Time seemed to be caving in around her, and Victorie was coming undone.
Happy holidays!!