Timeless Charm (Tomione fanfic)

Chapter 25: New Darkness Approaching

The forest echoed with the sound of Archon's furious blows against the sturdy tree. Each strike reverberated through the air, punctuated by the sharp cracks of wood splintering under his relentless assault. With each blow, his hands grew raw and bloody, but the pain was nothing compared to the seething anger that consumed him.

Archon's rage burned like a wildfire, fueled by the knowledge that his carefully laid plans had been unravelled by none other than Tom Riddle. How had Riddle discovered and lifted the spell he had placed on Hermione? The question gnawed at him, driving him to greater depths of frustration and fury.

As he pounded the tree with his bloodied fists, Archon's mind raced with thoughts of vengeance. Tom Riddle had crossed a line, and now he would pay the price. But how could Archon eliminate him without drawing suspicion or risking exposure?

Lost in his tumultuous thoughts, Archon paused for a moment, his chest heaving with exertion and emotion. Then, with a determined glint in his eyes, he resolved to find a way. He may not have all the answers yet, but one thing was certain: Tom Riddle had made an enemy, and Archon would stop at nothing to bring him down.

As Archon stood amidst the dimly lit corridor of Hogwarts, his mind wandered back to the tragedy that had unfolded months ago—the petrified girl who had met her untimely demise. He knew, deep down, that Tom Riddle was behind it all. The thought of the injustice fueled his anger, but it also ignited a spark of cunning determination within him.

A sly smile crept across Archon's lips as he contemplated his next move. He could easily expose Tom's nefarious deeds to the authorities, but where was the fun in that? No, Archon had a different plan in mind—one that would bring him far greater satisfaction.

With a calculating glint in his eyes, Archon envisioned a scenario where Tom Riddle would suffer the same fate as his unfortunate victim. Petrified and helpless, just like the girl whose life had been cut short by Riddle's malevolent actions.

But of course, there was one small obstacle standing in his way: the Chamber of Secrets. Archon didn't know its exact location, nor did he possess the means to access it. Yet, as he pondered the Chamber's existence, an image flickered in the recesses of his mind—a hidden chamber concealed within the depths of Hogwarts, shrouded in mystery and darkness.

As if guided by an unseen force, Archon's thoughts drifted to the legend of Salazar Slytherin and the secrets he had buried within the school's walls. Could it be that the answers he sought lay hidden within the very corridors they walked each day?

*****

Inside the Defense Against the Dark Arts classroom, Hermione found herself struggling to muster the energy to fully engage in the lesson. There were too many pressing matters weighing on her mind, foremost among them being her determination to open the Chamber of Secrets.

Lost in her thoughts, Hermione was startled when she felt a presence behind her. Turning slightly, she saw Archon standing there, his voice breaking through her reverie. "A penny for your thoughts," he said, his tone both curious and concerned.

Hermione blinked, momentarily taken aback by his unexpected presence. "Archon," she replied, her voice tinged with surprise as she greeted him. His sudden appearance had caught her off guard, but she appreciated the gesture of concern.

As she glanced back at Tom, she noticed him watching her intently, a faint smile playing on his lips. Hermione couldn't help but wonder what was going through his mind as their eyes met, but she quickly refocused her attention on Archon, ready to address whatever he had come to discuss.

As they found themselves in a lull between classes, Archon leaned over to Hermione with a hopeful smile. "I was thinking... maybe we could go to Hogsmeade again this weekend. What do you say?"

Hermione hesitated, her mind already consumed with thoughts of the Chamber of Secrets and the looming threat of the Basilisk. "I appreciate the invitation, Archon, but I don't think I'll be able to make it this time," she replied apologetically.

Archon's smile faltered slightly, but he nodded understandingly. "That's okay, Hermione. We can always go another time."

Meanwhile, Tom observed the exchange from across the room, his expression darkening at the sight of Archon seeking Hermione's company once again. His suspicions stirred, wondering if Archon had intentions similar to his own past actions with Hermione. Tom was about to approach them when their professor entered the classroom, signaling the start of the lesson and diverting his attention away from the situation.