Disclaimer: I do not own Tom Riddle, Hogwarts, the Houses or anything else that appears in the Harry Potter series. Those belong to J.K. Rowling!

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He followed the slender figure in front of him knowing perfectly well it was Cassandra Ignotum. He'd be stupid if he didn't know who this odd Slytherin was and he, Tom Marvolo Riddle, was anything but stupid. He thought she was better off being a Ravenclaw or a Hufflepuff. For the first time in his life, in coming to Hogwarts, he had found an equal. She was witty and studious; however, she did not share his views of the purification because she has no problem with Mudbloods. He did not know why she was put in Slytherin because she did not act like one. For one, she did not feel what a half-blood like herself ought to feel for Mudbloods. Second, she spent so much time in the library it was like her second home. Lastly, she interacted well with other Houses, even Gryffindor, even though she tried to not interact with her own House. In fact, she tried not to interact with anyone, especially her own House, which was odd.

Tom Riddle has never cared for anyone in his life. Even at the orphanage he had taken advantage of his talents and had never looked at anyone twice unless they could be of some gain to him. He was self-sufficient, in control of everything, and has never felt anything for anyone unless the feelings were ill. He was greedy and with his charm and looks, he always got what he wanted.

However, Riddle could not suppress what his sixteen-year-old self felt for this odd girl. She was pretty yes, and she would absolutely complement him nicely with his own handsome features, but there was something about her that he found attractive aside from her looks, which was most unnatural for him. Maybe it was her wit; he could well take advantage of that. Maybe it was that when they looked at each other, which was not often, she smiled softly at him without wanting anything from him, without asking for anything. He knew this because she did not follow him around, did not sit next to him, or giggle about every other comment he made. He knew the other girls, as well as boys, wanted to be seen as his friends because he was liked and was well-known; they just wanted to use him, so in turn, he used them. Cassandra was very different from the giggling and flirting girls, in fact, he cannot remember a time when she giggled or flirted with anyone.

He knew Cassandra had headed toward the common room even if he had lost sight of her, so without delay he headed toward the common room as well. He gave the password and climbed inside. It was almost empty because the students were still in the Great Hall eating supper; Cassandra was the only person here aside from himself. She was facing away from him, looking at the fire, her hands behind her back. He took a step toward her and she turned around. Surprise flickered across her face before she gave him her soft smile. She gave a small curtsy, which was not uncommon, and said,

"Good evening Mister Riddle." Her voice sounded pleasant.

"Good evening Miss Ignotum," he replied, inclining his head a little.

She looked around and then she said to him, "Please forgive me. I did not know someone was here." With another small curtsy she added, "I wish you a good night, Mister Riddle." Then she walked past him, toward the girls' dormitory. His hand had been inside his robes but as he saw her leave, he outstretched his hand and said,

"Wait."

She turned around and stood there looking at him a moment. Then she said quietly, "I will not engage in a duel with you, Mister Riddle. I will not defend myself." She stood there with a passive expression on her face, her eyes staring at his shocked expression.

"Please forgive me Miss Ignotum, I did not mean for this to happen. I do not wish to engage in a duel with you, it was merely –"

"There is no need to apologize Mister Riddle. I understand your reaction better than you might think," he said, interrupting him, giving him another soft smile as he put his wand away. After a short pause she said, "Was there a reason you told me to wait?"

"Yes, I wish to ask you something, but it was not a demand, it was a request," he answered levelly, letting know she could leave now if she desired. She raised an eyebrow, and he knew she understood. She walked up to him and asked,

"Well, then, Mister Riddle, what is it that you wish to ask me?" Her expression was curious. For the first time in a long time his hesitation was real. For once in a very long time he feared being rejected, feeling vulnerable. This one girl could make him feel what other could not. "Mister Riddle are you all right? Perhaps it is better if you sit down," she said in a calm voice. However, when he looked at her he saw concern, real worry in her expression as she looked at him.

"I am fine Miss Ignotum, thank you," he said, taking a step closer. Now they were close enough that she had to tilt up her head slightly. He leaned down until he was close enough to feel her breath. Her face was impassive and her breathing even, but her intense, dark blue eyes widened infinitesimally. Before she could speak he asked very quietly, "Will you please go to Hogsmead with me this weekend?"

He saw with rapt attention as her face softened and she smiled gently. "Thank you Mister Riddle for you generous offer," she said quietly. He thought she was going to reject him nicely, but then she said, "Yes Mister Riddle, I would like to go with you to Hogsmead this weekend." They stared at each other as what she said sunk in.

"Thank you, Miss Ignotum, for bestowing me this honor," he said, lifting her hand and brushing his lips against her knuckles. He looked back at her to find that she was blushing the slightest shade of pink.

"The honor is mine, Mister Riddle," she answered quietly. Her hand still in his, she curtsied and he bowed. "I shall see you tomorrow morning then, Mister Riddle. I bid you good night."

"Good night Miss Ignotum," he said and then watched her figure drift away.

Finally, something she had said dominating among the most important thing: Purifying his kind, ruling wizards and Muggles alike. His heart lifted as he remembered her saying: 'I will not engage in a duel with you, Mister Riddle. I will not defend myself.' She was not accusing him and she was not afraid because in that aspect they were alike, they were fearless. He had even seen her duel with other students during practice. He had never had the opportunity of dueling with her himself but from what he saw, he was impressed with her. Feeling better and no longer nervous he headed to the boys' dormitory.

They were walking to Hogsmead alone because they decided to wait for everyone to go ahead of them; even Riddle's friends had gone. They walked slowly, side by side, toward their destination. They were walking so close together their shoulders almost touched. Their silence was almost comfortable.

"Would it be possible for you to tell me what you are thinking about?" questioned Riddle.

"I was thinking about my first year at Hogwarts," she replied.

"Your first year at Hogwarts?" he repeated a little confused.

"More specifically the first night, the night of the Sorting." As they walked, their hands brushed each others and he noticed that she did not pull away. Tentatively, he took her hand in his and stroked her hand with his thumb; she squeezed his hand back affectionately. She continued to talk as if holding hands was the most natural thing. "The Hat told me I could belong to any House, but I could not choose, so it chose for me, and well, I became a Slytherin."

"I am glad it did," Riddle said quietly. She looked at him and simultaneously they stopped walking.

"You are very gallant Mister Riddle," she said blushing as unnoticeably as he was.

"It is the truth," he whispered, taking a step toward her, and with his free hand, he cupped her cheek, leaned in, and kissed her. She made a sound of surprise but did not pull away. She responded just as eagerly and for the moment, all that mattered was each other, being lost in that moment. When they broke apart she traced his lips with her fingertips, as if curious.

"You are a wonderful person Mister Riddle, do you know that?" she asked her voice barely above a whisper.

"It means so much to me, coming from you," he breathed. At that time something between them changed. They looked into each others eyes, both transfixed by what had just happened, the new feelings going through them. "Do you mind if we do not go to Hogsmead?" he asked, wanting to be alone with her.

"I do not mind at all," she replied, seeming to be thinking the same thing as him. They went back to Hogwarts grounds, near the lake. They sat down on the grass and he draped an arm around her shoulders as she snuggled against him. For the time they were there they did not speak except from time to time. After what felt like no time at all but was really a couple of hours, they went to the common room.

The common room was not empty because the first and second years were there, though there were not that many considering the nice weather outside, so they did not notice them going to the boys' dormitory. The exchanged silent request, lying on his bed, relaxing. They spent the rest of the day together.

It was the last day of their last year of school, and it was no secret they were a couple. Not only were they inseparable but what they felt for each other radiated off them almost visibly, though Riddle still kept up his evil schemes without her knowing. Of course, he would not tell her, not until he was powerful because then she would love him more. For that, little sacrifices had to be made, with hopes of being together forever.

They were walking in a deserted corridor, having left the feast early. They finally reached the common room. It was Riddle who spoke first, breaking the brittle silence. Putting his arms around her waist and pulling her closer he said, "There is something very important we must talk about."

"What is it you wish to talk about?" she asked, looking up at him curiously.

"I wish to talk about us," he stated. Her expression went strangely impassive.

"If you wish our relationship to end all –"

"No," he said a little too loudly, interrupting her. His arms around her waist tightened. "No," he said more quietly, "I do not wish that. Do you not believe me when I say that I love you?" How could she possibly think that? Did she not know how much he needed her? Did she not realize how much he loved her? The idea of this miracle ending… no, that could not happen.

She looked at his troubled face for a moment before she kissed him softly on the lips. She smiled at him with that smile she reserved only for him before she spoke. "If it is not that, then what would you like to speak about?"

"There is something gravely important I must do. I cannot emphasize how important it is. Only and only after I have accomplished this, can we truly be together," he said, rushing through the words.

"And you must do this without me?" she asked. He could only stare at her helplessly. Then she said, "I understand… how long you reckon it will take?"

"I am not sure," he said uncertain.

"Than I shall wait for you," she said simply.

"I beg your pardon?"

"I shall wait for you," she said again.

"I do not think you understand. If, during my quest, something should happen –"

"Whether your quest takes five, twenty, even fifty years, I will wait if you wish me to. If something should happen to you, I shall never belong to anyone but you," she interrupted, speaking in an unwavering voice.

"I love you Miss Ignotum… would you really wait for me if I asked you to?" he asked, flattered. She would do that for him?

"I love you too, more than you know," she said quietly. "I, Cassandra Ignotum, promise to wait for Tom Marvolo Riddle, not caring how long I should wait." As she gazed at him, he saw her eyes bright with unshed tears. Her fear for him was plain on her face and then he truly understood that she loved him as much as he loved her. He pulled her toward him and he felt her shudder as she cried silently. "I love you Tom, I really, truly, love you," she stated, looking up at him with tears running down her cheeks. His throat constricted at the sight of her. He had never seen her cry and that was the first time he heard her use simply his name, not 'Mister Riddle' or 'Tom Marvolo Riddle' and that meant so much to him. He kissed her and somehow that sealed her promise.

"I love you too Cassandra," he whispered thickly.

A very long time had passed since Ignotum and Riddle had said goodbye. She was going about her business at home when a knock at the door distracted her. When she opened the door she was filled with shock, surprise and elation, but she did not show any of it. Instead she smiled, curtsied and said,

"Good evening Mister Riddle, please, come in." She closed the door and led him to the living room. She could not believe it. Her Tom had come back! She noticed he looked different, still handsome, but different. She accredited that to age. When she looked at him, she saw his hopeful expression. She launched herself at him without thinking and held him tightly against her, feeling his body, and found they still fit nicely together.

He embraced her just as tightly, feeling at ease. He felt overjoyed when he kissed her and she responded as hungrily as him. "I missed you," he breathed.

"I missed you too. I am so glad you came back," she said, her beautiful face radiating happiness. His heart sank at her last words.

"I cannot stay for long, for I am not yet done. I came because I wanted; I needed to see you again. It is so painful being without you, and I just had to see you," he said quietly.

She looked at him with a calculating look for a very long time. Finally, finally, she asked, "Mister Riddle, do you still love me?" He was surprised at her reaction, surprised by her question.

"I love you even more than the last time I saw you, if that is even possible," he replied truthfully, his voice filled with certainty.

"Then my promise to you is intact," she replied, smiling the way she smiled only to him. She kissed him lightly and told him she loved him and he felt his heart soar. Then she asked, "How long will you stay with me?" There was a trace of sadness in her tone.

"I can only stay until tomorrow. I must leave at about noon," he replied, and everything about his expression and feelings mirrored her sad one. She nodded.

"Stay with me. Stay with me until you have to leave. Please," she whispered, her eyes pleading.

"I will," he said and kissed her. Up until his departure, all that mattered was each other. For a very long time they just held each other glad that at least for a moment, they were together.

Slowly, they both became acutely aware of their close proximity, that they were alone, that their situation was real. They looked at each other. He leaned in slowly, asking her permission, which she gave without hesitation. This kiss was different, and though it held longing, it was passionate, with concealed need. She took off his cloak and she slid her hands up his back. His hands slid down to her hips and he pulled her really close. He heard her moan as she felt his hardness. His slender fingers tangled in her hair as she tilted her head back, deepening their kiss. He kissed her jaw and trailed kisses down her slim neck up to where the neck of her robes begun. She gave a little sigh and thrusted her hips, causing a little moan to escape his lips. He pressed her lean body even closer to his and felt her shudder. The reality of what they were doing cut through the haze and he pulled away, putting distance between them. She looked at him with hurt mingled with surprise.

"I cannot do this to you," he said.

"But I want to," she responded. "Of course, we do not have to do this if you do not wish to," she added. There was no accusation in her voice.

"This is not about what I want. This is about what is best," he stated.

"Our instincts know best. My instincts tell me that I love you. I once told you I belonged to you, do you remember? Do you think I would let anyone –"

"No, I do not think that. I do remember and I do love you. I want this as you do, but it is not wise," he interrupted. The idea of her with anyone else… he could not even conceive such thing.

"Do you not see how wise this act is? Do you not see the promise behind it? What it will mean to us?" He could tell by the tone of her voice that she truly believed what she was saying. The fact she wanted to share this with him meant more than she could ever imagine. "Please," she said, her expression wavering some of his determination. "Please," she said again, more quietly, more imploringly. They looked at each other while an internal battle occurred inside of him. Finally, he gave a feeble nod. She was right after all, this was a promise, and it strengthened the one she had made to him all that time ago. She kissed his lips softly. "Thank you," she whispered and led him upstairs to her room.

Once in her room they discarded their robes and they lay on her bed. Her body was beautiful, and the little flaws made it perfect. He allowed her to explore his body and she did so with awe and a little curiosity. Her touch made him shudder and it was such sweet torture. Her fingertips skimmed his skin, teasing him, and a moan escaped him. Then he kissed her, his hands feeling her smooth skin as she trembled beneath him. He unclasped her bra as he kissed her deeply, and then trailed kisses down her neck. Then he removed her panties as he admired her. She was more than he deserved and he could not believe she was with him. She stroked his length and he threw his head back and inhaled sharply. She thought he was beautiful, almost flawless, and she needed him like he needed her. He slid into her and she made a hissing sound. He looked at her and saw the pain. Her maidenhood had been broken.

"I-I am sorry, I did not know. I –"

"Keep going," she said through gritted teeth. He pulled out almost completely and slowly eased himself back in. He kept thrusting, careful to cause the least of pain possible until her painful cries became cries of pleasure. In her pleasure he found his own, thrusting faster, hitting her sweet spot, encouraged by Ignotum calling his name. They climaxed together and then they were both trembling with the bliss of what had happened. He kissed her softly and they drifted off to sleep.

A year and eight months later, Lord Voldemort stood in Cassandra Ignotum's living room. She had acted with indifference toward him and he was surprised.

"Miss Ignotum, I am most surprised at your attitude," he stated.

"I do not see why," she responded, trying her hardest to contain her pain.

"I would think, Miss Ignotum, you would be delighted to see me. That I have finally returned. I would have thought you would be happy of what I have accomplished and that we would be together, that you do not have to wait any longer," Voldemort said.

"I am sorry to say you are wrong, Lord Voldemort, and I shall explain why. I hardly know who you are. What I know is from what I hear. I do not relish in what you have accomplished because I do not share your views, I never have. I cannot be together with someone I do not know. Lastly, I will continue to wait and keep my promise," she answered. He was baffled.

"But I am here. You do not have to wait any longer."

"Again, you are wrong. I promised to wait for Mister Riddle, not Lord Voldemort. I professed love to Mister Tom Marvolo Riddle, not Lord Voldemort, in fact, I still love him. As I said, you are a completely different person."

He understood what she was saying, that she did not want him. There was unimaginable pain, it hurt that all this time he worked for all this for her, for them, and she did not want it. She spoke again.

"I will not engage in a duel with you, I will not defend myself if you wish to kill me."

He felt a stab of pain as those were almost the same words she had said when he first asked her to Hogsmead. He felt fear, he felt vulnerable and he, Lord Voldemort, should not feel either. From that moment on, he became even more brutal, cold, unforgiving, and unmerciful. He promised himself never to love again, never to care for anyone. This would be the last time anyone betrayed him.

"Kill you?" he queried amused, though inside he almost overtaken by fury and pain toward her.

"Surely you will not hurt your reputation by leaving me alive. As I said, I will not defend myself if you wish to kill me." With that, she threw her wand in the fire.

"If that is what you wish," he said coldly. She stood up straight, tilting up her chin in a defiant manner. She put her hands behind her back and looked at him.

He raised his wand and said, "Aveda Kedavra", and a jet of green light flashed; she fell to the floor, her face impassive. Wordlessly, he placed her in an armchair, turned his back on her and left without a second glance. He left without knowing he had killed someone who had loved him regardless of what she had said, someone who had wanted to die; he did not know he had killed a mother who knew her son would be safe with her sister.

Author's Note: Yes, I am well aware that I have not updated my Host story in months but really, can you deny inspiration? I think not. I just finished reading the Harry Potter series, so yeah. If you want this to be a story please message me. These are your choices of who my character can be paired with: Neville Longbottom, Draco Malfoy, Percy Weasley, George Weasley, Sirius Black, or Severus Snape. Keep in mind that if you pick one of the last two, my main character will have to die at the end (because they die). Let me know what point of view you would like it to be (first or third). How many of you have read the Mortal Instrument series (with Jace and Clary)? I'm planning to make her a Shadowhunter (yes, at the age of eleven, and before… like, when she's nine. Ridiculous, but this would be my story). She will be part angel so, her 'angel magic' will be different AND I'm going to distort the Shadowhunter stuff seriously, because I am going to make Jace die (sorry for the people who like Jace!). This Shadowhunter part wouldn't be pronounced because after all, this would be a Harry Potter story. My character is going to be Harry's guardian. Let me know if you want it to be a story!