Tʜᴇ Dᴀʀᴋ Lᴏʀᴅ's Aɴɢᴇʟ | Tom Riddle √

126: Tom Riddle's Return

It was another night, and Cassiopeia found solace in her own company in front of the fire at the Common Room. The calm of the night, with everyone asleep, provided the perfect atmosphere for her studies.

Her future as a Potions teacher, a path Dumbledore had agreed to after her graduation, drove her to study harder than ever. Cassiopeia craved knowledge and the discovery of new things, much like Tom did in the Dark Arts.

Tom Marvolo Riddle.

He was the boy who had entered her life uninvited, making a thousand empty promises, bringing happiness and a sense of being blessed, and then ultimately leaving her alone. His physical absence was one thing, but he had left an unfillable void in her heart.

Sometimes, that emptiness screamed for her to find a real partner in life. But it wasn't that simple. Her mind and heart were already committed to one person. Despite Tom's broken promises, she had vowed never to leave him. Though they were separated physically, she yearned for him to find happiness in his newfound chance at life. Even though dark plans loomed in his mind, she believed he would eventually let go of them.

The sound of footsteps on the stairs to the boys' dormitory interrupted her thoughts. She furrowed her brows and glanced at the entrance, wondering who might be awake at this late hour.

Draco Malfoy appeared at the dormitory entrance, dressed in all black and looking unusually handsome. Cassiopeia couldn't help but wonder why he was awake at this hour in such a stylish outfit.

"What are you doing here?" Draco asked as soon as he saw her.

"I could ask you the same," Cassiopeia raised an eyebrow. "I was reading a book, but what about you?"

"I couldn't sleep, just felt like going for a walk," he approached her. "You should get some rest."

"Well, I want to come for a walk too," Cassiopeia yawned, placing her book on the couch after closing it. "I gue—"

"I need some time alone," Draco cut her off, his expression troubled and uncertain. "I'll be back soon, okay?"

"Alright, then," Cassiopeia sighed. "Good night, Draco."

He gave a small smile, nodded, and left the room. Cassiopeia stood up, heading towards her dormitory, but her steps faltered as a troubling thought crossed her mind.

Tom wanted Draco to kill Dumbledore...

Was he...?

Her eyes widened, and she scolded herself for her momentary lapse in judgment. She couldn't believe she had forgotten for even a brief second. Determined to ensure Draco's safety, she quickened her pace, running out of the Common Room. She didn't care that she was wearing just a nightgown with a cardigan over it. All she wanted was to keep her promise to her uncle and aunt.

"Draco, don't do anything reckless," she muttered as she made her way through the corridors. Her first destination was the Gargoyle corridor, but she soon spotted Draco heading towards the Astronomy Tower.

Wait, didn't he really go to kill Dumbledore?

Cassiopeia couldn't help but tail after him to know what was in his mind. She didn't want to hear tomorrow that a student had jumped off the tower due to distress. She knew how hard it could be for him since he didn't share it with anyone.

She hid behind walls, watching him climb the stairs to the towers. As soon as he did, she stepped where he had been until she saw him facing both Dumbledore and Harry.

Seriously? How did he know Dumbledore was here? Of course, now she saw why he was called Mr. Outstanding.

Draco pointed his wand at Dumbledore with shaky hands, clearly showing his fear. When Cassiopeia tried to approach him, Dumbledore spoke.