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WARNING: MATURE THEMES

Wednesday, December 21st 1942:

The illustrious corridors of the chilling school were packed to the brim.

Students were making their way to and from their lessons, only sticking to their cliques as they continued walking.

But as soon as a certain Slytherin group strolled down the middle, pushing and moving everyone out of their way, resulting in glares and groans. Many students' moods turned sour, although they couldn't show it, in fear of being hexed or worse.

Of course, not all of them were causing a ruckus. Tom Riddle and Septrim Seramore allowed their 'friends' to do their dirty work, well at least for today.

After all, today was the celebration of Tom's birthday, his 16th birthday. Although he was born on the 31st, he chose to celebrate it on the 21st. He didn't like that he had to share the attention with the muggle messiah Jesus Christ, so he made sure all the attention was on him.

Septrim mocked him for it, obviously, but he chose to ignore the Seramore wizard.

Tom's friends... subjects, as he liked to call them, decided to throw him a party, only allowing their housemates to attend.

And more specifically, no muggle-borns.

***

Tom stood in front of his mirror, eyeing his reflection so intensely that he failed to notice Septrim stroll in.

The Riddle Wizard's eyes darted over his own features, making sure that he looked excellent, exceptional and superior to those who would show up for him in the common room.

He knew the room was already decorated elegantly unlike one of those Gryffindor parties, that he heard about.

He made a personal checklist for next year. He wanted to carry out his plans of creating a Horcrux, especially after he and Septrim had already discussed the forbidden topic with Professor Slughorn, therefore he had begun sorting out the various ways he would achieve his goals.

He couldn't let anyone get in the way of what he wanted, no, needed to do.

"Tommy, are you listening?" Septrim's voice snapped him out of his thoughts, the Seramore wizard was laid across Tom's double bed, courtesy of being a prefect this year.

"Listening to what, More idiocracies leaving your mouth? I prefer not to if we're being honest." he snapped and didn't stop staring at his reflection.

"Well the mystery of who woke up on the wrong side of the bed has been solved," Septrim quipped and rolled over to his side, looking at the Riddle wizard, who didn't even bother to glance at him.

Septrim had already changed into his all-black suit for the party. He struggled to do so, with Anastasia Rosier constantly trying to undress him only a few hours prior.

But alas, he still managed to get ready on time.

"But can you answer my question," Septrim huffed and stared at Tom expectantly.

"What was your question?"

"What would you name your child?"

Tom turned around, finding the question random and most all absurd. "Why would you ask me that?"

"My father has been hounding me about having an understanding with one of the girls in our house, a pureblood girl, of course, but I'm not ready for it, not just yet."

He didn't want to put his promiscuous years behind him, Septrim was scared of commitment. Frightened of it.

His mates had teased him about it, mainly Abraxas, but he knew he wasn't ready to be tied down to just one girl.

So until then, his father had to just deal with it.

"What does that have to do with children?" Tom asked, struggling not to seem too disgusted by the idea of the small creatures.

But the funny thing is, the Riddle wizard had thought about having them. Only to carry on his great bloodline. Not because he was fond of children, not in the slightest.

"Because I'll have to carry on the Seramore bloodline in this country, while my cousins do it in Italy," Septrim said, sitting up and leaning against the headboard, his feet hung off the bed.

"So why are you asking me about what I would name my child?"

"Curiosity." Septrim shrugged and played with the rings on his hands, Tom turned back around, picking up his tie and putting it on as he stared at his reflection again.

Tom pondered for a moment, "Something strong, glorious and powerful, like from those muggle books you read." he said snarkily making his friend laugh.

"Are you saying you like muggle things now?" Septrim asked with a sly smirk, which only broaden as Tom's expression grew more disgusted.

"Don't put words in my mouth."

"I just did."

"Foolish swine," Tom shook his head disapprovingly, "back to what I was saying, perhaps I would name my child after a greek god."

Greek mythology interested him. The idea of beings being superior and dominant over lesser men, satisfied Tom a lot.

He only read the books occasionally and secretively, but Septrim usually caught him but kept his mouth shut.

"Ares?" Septrim thought aloud, waiting to see his friend's reaction.

Tom tightened his tie, before he replied, "Although I am fond of his bloodlust, it relates to your family name and I don't want you to have that power over me." he said scoffing slightly.

Septrim's face lit up, and he clasped his hands together, in a praying manner, "Please." he pleaded with a pout.

"No."

"Spoilsport." Septrim tossed his head back and stared up at the ceiling, "then what?" he asked, sounding bored.

Tom rolled his eyes as various names raked through his diabolical brain. Each seemed too innocent or worthless to him.

He wanted his child's name to have an impact, nothing like his own. Something would continue to blame his mother for.

His name meant purity and although he had the desire to purify the wizarding community, he didn't believe it held much superiority amongst the people he wanted to worship him.

Tom knew he would have to change that in the future.

"Apollo Riddle has a nice ring to it," he spoke absentmindedly and Septrim made a noise of agreement.

"It does, good on you." The Seramore said with faux praise, even clapping his hands, annoying his friend.

"Shut up."

Septrim ignored him, he cocked his head to the side, "And who may I ask would you have Apollo with?"

His question caused Tom to tense, much to Septrim's amusement.

"I-i don't know." The Riddle boy almost hex the wizard for even asking such a question.

Images of a certain witch flashed through his brain but he shook them away.

"You do, you're just too shy to say." Septrim cooed and Tom shot daggers at him through the mirror.

"I don't get shy." he gritted out, offended by the notion.

Septrim wore a taunting smile and moved closer, sitting on the end of the bed, elbows on knees and legs spread, "You do around a certain green-eyed witch." he sang, further irritating his friend, "don't deny it Tommy I saw you two eying each other during potions."

Tom swallowed harshly and whipped around, "So what? She..."

"... looks like she would snog the face off of you." Setprim snickered.

"Don't be so crass." Tom didn't like the idea that his friend was imagining him in such a position, but he also couldn't help but do the same, "but does she?" he questioned, attempting not to sound too eager.

Septrim grinned as he nodded, "Yes."

"Don't lie."

"Read my mind if you want, I have nothing to hide." Septrim liked to say he was an open book, but only his closest confidants knew that was a lie.

He managed to do so much, with so little effort. No one knew his limits and that's how he wanted to keep it.

His playful facade never slipped, unless he wanted it to.

"I don't want to see your disgusting escapades." Tom snarled.

"Aww, you're so innocent," Septrim placed a hand to his heart, "but don't worry you'll get a snogging session soon." he winked in his friend's direction.

"Salazar's pole." Tom cursed under his breath, squirming in his stance.

He didn't like being touched or touching others unless it was to serve a greater purpose.

Septrim's grin widened, "So you want Nova -" he raised his hands in defence when Tom went to launch something at him, but stopped, "alright alright, I'll stop... for now."

"Forever."

Septrim laughed to himself and stood up, "What would name a daughter?" he neared closer to the Riddle wizard.

The two stood inches apart, staring at their reflections. Their outfits were similar, their demeanours and mannerisms they portrayed to the world, would almost have people believe they were cut from the same cloth.

"As if I would have a daughter." Tom scoffed at the thought and even Septrim was worried about the possibility.

"Come on, amuse me, what you name a daughter?"

Tom huffed, "The only thing suitable."

"Which is..."

"Artemis."

***

Cheers and claps surrounded Tom. Various alcoholic beverages were laid across each surface of the emerald room.

Various purebloods and half-bloods held up a glass to him, to which he plastered on a fake smile and went over to meet his group of 'friends'.

But before he could, someone grabbed his arm, he went to pull out his wand but he halted in his actions when he was met with a shy smile from the one and only; Nova Shafiq.

She stared up at him with her emerald eyes, glowing russet-coloured skin and flowing dress, which greatly insinuated her figure.

Something that Tom already heatedly studied, making her get flustered.

"Happy birthday Tom." Nova greeted him, dropping her hand from his arm, noticing him stiffened at her touch.

Tom knew that many people were already looking over at them, but one glare from the 'birthday boy' and they had gone back to minding their business.

"Thank you, Nova." he mustered up a smile.

"I hope you had a great day." she knew that it wasn't his official birthday but she wanted to wish him good fortunes regardless.

He nodded silently, "I did."

She pressed a kiss to his cheek, he tensed but before he could relax into her touch, she pulled away.

"Bye." she waved as she swivelled on her feet and met with her best friend; Kaya Swelyn.

"Bye," he muttered, watching her retreating figure.

"You look like you were about to shit yourself, Tommy." Septrim joked, coming up behind him, with a glass of gin.

"Shut up Septrim." he shoved him back as they neared their unofficial assigned coach.

It was in the centre of the room and everyone knew that's where he and his group sat and no one dared to disrupt that order.

Abraxas sat down next to his best friend, "You did though Tom." he added, making Septrim laugh.

"I don't remember asking for your opinion Abraxas." Tom sneered.

Before the platinum-haired boy could respond, Septrim came to his aid, "Don't be mad at him because you have a crush on little Nova."

"I do not."

"I heard my name." Nott bounced over to the group, more like stumbled, having already had too much to drink.

"How are you drunk already?"

"It's not my fault you arrived late to your own birthday party."

"Speaking of parties," Abraxas joked then turned to his best friend, "where is your date?"

"Which one?" Septrim asked, making the boys laugh. Tom fought off a smile at the question, "Anastasia is waiting in my room."

"Won't her brother be mad?"

"You know he's in the infirmity Brax," Nott interrupted.

Elias was in the hospital, Septrim's doing, honestly who else would be the perpetrator.

"Foolish prick," Septrim muttered angrily, spiking Tom's interest.

"What did you do?" The 'birthday' boy asked.

"He spoke about my father," he answered angrily, "a black eye, a few broken ribs would shut him up."

"He shouldn't have talked about him," Abraxas said lowly, he would've joined in the fight, but there was too much blood to decipher whether or not it was a fight or a murder. "Tactless that was."

"For the second time," Nott added.

Frederick Lestrange, Etienne Rosier and Orion Black strolled over after having spoken to a few of the witches.

They joined the boys, "happy birthday tom," they greeted in unison, freaking out Septrim.

"Oh great the sycophants are here," the Seramore wizard waved at them with faux excitement, he was met with glares from them all.

They went back to ignoring him, scared that they would be on the receiving end of a beating.

"Tom I heard about you and Nova," Lestrange chuckled and unbutton his suit jacket. He didn't notice that everyone had stiffened.

Tom loathed the way he said the witch's name and Septrim knew it too.

"What about me and Ms Shafiq?" Tom snapped and Federick inched back in his seat.

Nott and Malfoy struggled to hide their laughter.

"N-nothing, just that she might like you."

Lestrange turned to Black and Rosier for backup, they all nodded timidly.

"Y-yes Tom," Black clarified, " she likes you."

"Don't tell me things I already know." Tom snapped and they all nodded instantly.

Nott had to leave before he laughed too loudly. He went to search for another drink.

"Yes Orion," Septrim spoke up, "don't tell him things he already knows." he waved his finger tauntingly.

Tom suppressed an eye roll and sat back in his chair, sipping the drink that Septrim had got him, although it did taste rather strong he kept drinking.

Madeline Flint pranced over and whispered something in Septrim's ear, making him smirk, "tomorrow?" he asked.

She made a noise of agreement, and a heated look kissed her face, "tomorrow."

She turned around and rejoined her group.

"Promiscuous." Abraxas rolled his eyes at his best friend's behaviour.

"Oi, don't call Maddy that."

"I'm referring to you, you idiot."

"Rude."

"It's the honest truth."

Septrim noticed the enamoured stares that were exchanged between Nova and Tom.

He found it hilarious. But he also needed to focus on his plan. And what he had installed for the 'birthday boy'.

He had to protect himself and the future of his family and he couldn't have his arrogant friend get in his way.

***

"Come on Tommy," Septrim said, guiding a very drunk Tom back to the prefect rooms.

The Riddle boy was very intoxicated, he could barely see a thing.

He hated the feeling but his group practically pressured him into drinking the entire bowl of punch, neglecting to tell him how much dragon whisky it contained. He only drank out of irritation, not wanting to be known as a coward, especially around people that put him on a pedestal.

Septrim settled the boy on his bed, placing many pillows behind him to keep him up, just in case he threw up.

"S-septrim," Tom burped, "Nova has such pretty eyes."

Septrim nodded quickly, "Very pretty." he muttered absentmindedly. he then glanced at the bedroom door that he left ajar.

"Don't talk about her." Tom snapped, struggling to sit up. It was already bad enough that he was aware that Nova had a small history with the Seramore wizard. But he tried to not think about it.

One day he wanted Nova to be his, whether or not he could fall for her, he didn't care. He just wanted her to be his. His girl. Regardless of whether it sounded possessive or not.

Septrim raised his hand in mock defensive, "I won't talk about her Tommy if you do something for me."

"I'll agree if you stay away from Nova."

Setprim held back a scoff and eyed the drunk boy, "Deal," he said, crossing his fingers behind his back, then he ushered Tom onto the floor. "come on birthday boy."

Tom slipped off his bed, Septrim held him up to stable him, his hands were swatted away by the Riddle wizard, whose eyes stayed on the emerald green rug of his room.

He failed to see that Septrim had ushered in his best friend.

The Seramore wizard wanted Abraxas to be the bonding agent for what he was about to do.

All unbreakable vows needed a third party and Abraxas was the only person he truly trusted in the school, Nott and Riddle tying for second.

"Malfoy?" Tom hiccuped as he looked up, barely making out his platinum locks.

The Malfoy wizard froze, unsure of what to say, "happy birthday tom."

"Thank you."

Septrim rolled his eyes and clasped Tom's right hand.

The Riddle wizard didn't have the energy or the strength to push him away.

"Tommy listen to me carefully," Septrim emphasised each syllable of his speech, knowing that it would only take one wrong move and everything could go haywire.

"...yes," he responded, attempting to make out the sounds around him.

Septrim exchanged a nervous glance with Abraxas, who kneeled alongside them, his wand at the ready.

They made sure to close the bedroom door so no one could interrupt them.

Septrim was already working against time because he had a certain Avery witch waiting in his bedroom and he knew how impatient she could get.

He cleared his throat, causing Tom's head to snap up, "Will you, Tom Marvolo Riddle, promise to never harm me or family and their family to come? Bloodline included."

"I will." The boy replied quietly. His head drunkenly dropped backwards, but Abraxas was quick to hold it up, keeping his wand close to the pair of holding limbs.

"Will you promise to keep this promise as long as you live?" Septrim asked, slightly louder, waiting for Tom to accept the term.

"I will," he replied as his eyes fluttered closed.

Abraxas and Septrim watched as a thin stream of fire, emitted from the former's wand, weaving and lightly binding around the joint arms.

Ensuring that the vows couldn't be broken.

Not unless Tom wanted to die.

Abraxas sent his best friend a grin, upon seeing how the vow was completed. "It's done."

***

Circa January 1943:

To say Tom was angry was an understatement.

He felt violated and there wasn't a damn thing he could do to get back at Septrim.

It took him a while to gain back the memories of his birthday party.

He distinctively remembered how Septrim wanted him to drink the most of all of his peers and he stupidly went along with it.

Although he couldn't fault the Seramore wizard, believing it was a very clever plan he put together.

And if Tom could kill Septrim he would.

But he can't and he couldn't even make the Seramore bloodline pay because that would only ensure his imminent death.

Another thing he couldn't abide.

Death.

In his eyes, it was a weakness and his fear of death was perfectly rational.

Septrim had even been with him when he questioned Professor Slughorn, so the Seramore wizard was aware of his plans.

Tom wished he could turn back time and make sure that he never let his guard down around Septrim, but doing so had proved that they were equals.

He would even go so far as to claim that they were twin flames, something he wouldn't admit aloud.

But now he knew that he had met his match, but with that Tom had to act accordingly and fast.

***

February 26th 1943:

It was Septrim Seramore's 16th birthday and also the day of Tom's revenge.

Tom burst into the Seramore's prefect room, making both Septrim and Madeline flint jump apart.

The Riddle wizard was quick to pick up the witch's robe and throw it towards her, making her hastily cover her uniform.

"Get out," he snapped at the girl and she quickly rushed out of the room.

"Really Tommy?" Septrim started straightening his tie, "at least let me have some fun before the party begins." he whined, but Tom remained unamused.

Septrim couldn't wait to celebrate his birthday, he loved the attention.

"You think I care about your birthday? When you ruined mine?"

"Oh I get it, you're up in arms because you can't hurt me," Septrim mused as he sat on his messy bed.

"It's more than that," Tom snapped and strode over to the grinning boy, "you will perform an unbreakable vow again, now."

He was initially met with silence, but then that silence slowly turned into laughter. Septrim bent over and grabbed his stomach.

Tom stood there with a scowl, resisting the urge to hurt the boy in any way, knowing that once he starts it would end in death.

"No way," Septrim spoke through his laughter, staring up at the boy in disbelief that he would even suggest such a thing, "I'm not doing it," he added sounding more serious.

"You know it's only fair." Tom took a menacing step forward.

Septrim squinted his eyes, "Is it though?"

"You took advantage of my intoxication," Tom stressed, clenching his fists in anger.

Guilt seeped through Septrim's body, "I know."

The Seramore wizard knew what he was doing was morally wrong, but he had to protect his family.

Being in Tom's close circle... scratch that, being close to Tom, period, allowed him to see the extremities that he would release to the world in the future and he can't allow anyone that carried his blood to be collateral.

He was thinking long-term.

"If I could, I would have already killed you." Tom snarled, looking directly into his brown eyes.

Septrim slowly rose from the bed, only adorning a vest and trousers, "And you can't. Thus proving why I did the stupid vow, to begin with." he exclaimed and walked around Tom, "and it's not like you can do the same vow twice, it would be redundant."

"I wasn't going to perform the same vow twice." Tom scoffed.

"Then what?"

"You're just going to have to do it."

Septrim spun on heels and faced the boy with a malice glint in his eyes, "Or what?"

"Do you really want to be on the receiving end of my threats Seramore?" Tom asked darkly.

"Does it look like I give a damn?"

Tom cocked his head to the side, noting how his equal was becoming angrier, "You should, just because I can't kill you doesn't mean I can't attack your weak best friend..." he trailed off.

Septrim whipped out his wand, pointing it directly in his face, "If you dare put a hand on Braxy-"

Tom swatted the wand away, "I won't, only if you do what I say." he waited for a moment, but he saw the contemplation on the Seramore wizard's face, "the clocks ticking Septrim."

"Fine." Septrim gave in, knowing that his best friend wouldn't stand a chance against Tom. He would feel sick if he knew he was responsible for the Malfoy wizard's death.

Tom grinned and then glanced at the door, "Come in Abraxas."

The door was weakly opened, revealing a sullen Abraxas, he took tentative steps into the room, shutting the door behind him.

He played with his fingers as he stood closer to the Seramore wizard. "I'm sorry Seppy," he murmured not wanting to glance at either of them, especially his best friend, feeling like he was betraying him in some way.

"It's fine, it's not your fault." Septrim didn't blame anyone but himself.

Tom nodded, a smirk etched on his face, "He's right, it's his..." he pointed at Septrim.

"Shut up tom."

Tom ignored him and stared at the platinum-haired boy, "Your wand."

Abraxas shakily pulled out his wand, placing the tip on the wizard's joint right arms.

Septrim glared at a grinning Tom, who cleared his throat before speaking the terms, "Will you, Septrim Stefan Seramore, promise not to interfere with any of my future prospects?"

"I will." Sepptrim gritted out, closing his eyes out of annoyance.

"Will you, promise not to meddle, disrupt in any way?" Tom asked, emphasising each word, knowing he couldn't have a Seramore ruin his plans.

"I will." and after Septrim finished muttering his words, a thin stream of fire, emitted from the Abraxas' wand, weaving and lightly binding around the joint limbs.

Tom and Septrim stared darkly into each other's eyes as they felt the vow engulf them.

Abraxas pursed his lips, staring out at nothing in particular, "It's done."

***

a/n:

tom and septrim scenes are so much fun to write.

what do you think of tom saying that he would've named his daughter artemis and his son apollo? it seems those names have been bounced around between different generations.

this chapter is to show that tom/ voldemort can't hurt the seramore's even if he wanted to. it was referenced in "the good old days." but I didn't go into too much detail.

also, this scene was based a few months before "the good old days" chapter.

septrim did make sure that tom got very drunk so he could make him do an unbreakable vow. I'm not excusing his actions because tom didn't know what he was doing.

these characters are incredibly twisted and match each other's energy.

any questions?