Weakness or Wickedness
1992- Chamber of Secrets
"It took a very long time for stupid little Ginny to stop trusting her diary,“ said Riddle. "But she finally became suspicious and tried to dispose of it. And that‘s where you came in, Harry. You found it, and I couldn‘t have been more delighted.Of all the people who could have picked it up, it was you, the very person I was most anxious to meet…“
"And why did you want to meet me?“ said Harry. Anger was coursing through him, and it was an effort to keep his voice steady.
"Well, you see, Ginny told me all about you, Harry,“ Riddle whispered. "Your whole fascinating history.“ His eyes roved over the lightning scar on Harry‘s forehead, and their expression grew hungrier. "I knew I must find out more about you, talk to you, meet you if I could. Of course, here we are so I'd say things have gone to plan but.... one more question, how-" the spectral form started pacing around the antechamber, seemingly deep in thought. But as he finally spoke, his voice grew with hatred. "-How on earth did you defeat the greatest wizard since Merlin? And as a babe no less....oh, and Harry?" Riddle smiled sickiningly before continuing, "Be very careful as to how you answer, poor Ginny's life is on the line."
Harry took a few steps closer to the chambers doors, but stopped at hearing Riddles last remark. "Why do you care so much about Voldermort? He was after your time." Another laugh overtook the chamber. As laughter turned to wheezing, Riddle eventually got control over himself. "Yes, yes you are so right! Listen Harry, what matters now is that you want to save the day, don't you? Want to save little Ginny here and stop the beast of Slytherin?" As Harry glared at him Riddle continued. "Well.... if you truly want to be the hero, pick up my diary. Let me bring you into my world and we will battle there and, if you win, I'llleave the girl and the shcool alone You would be a hero...."
Harry looked on at the apparition, scared, untrusting, yet curios. Tepidly, he replied. "Would- it would be fair right? We'd fight fair?" The smile struggled to remain hidden as Tom laughed internally. "Of course! As equals even. We couldn't have any less, not with so much at stake...." Still cautious, the twelve year old boy nonetheless grabbed at the diary set between them, and immediately fell into his own mind. Looking around for Riddle, Harry found himself alone, trapped in a room with no light. "Riddle... I'm here! Where are you you coward?" Even as he spoke such courageous words, Tom could feel the fear in his adversary's voice. "Oh Harry... I expected more! Honestly, I truly did but I suppose my trust was misplaced. As was yours, obviously. Unfortunately, this is the end for you. I suppose I could explain what's about to happen but...... why? It's only us here. No one will ever be able to listen in and besides, I'd rather not deal with your whining. Just..... try to relax." Harry began hyperventilating as he felt his body start detaching and dissolving in on itself. Sobbing and wails ensued, but Riddle just watched on as the Biy who Lived was reborn, in his image of course.
As Tom stood up, he figured that much time had passed, if the familiar hospital room was anything to go by. Turning on his side, Tom sighed. Alas, it would seem that Ginny managed to survive. Poor Ginny..... but he supposed, she was also very lucky. Lucky that he wasnt some queer who'd settle for her body. Lucky that he had standards. Unluckily, Dumbledore noticed his waking up, the git.
Sitting down besides the young boy, Albus gently put a hand on his shoulder as he spoke quietly the world's next hero. Tom listened on, informing the old man of everything he wanted to hear........