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Prince Tom Riddle was the most beautiful boy in the entire kingdom.
With his porcelain skin, almost black blue eyes, and hair as black as the dark starless night, Tom Riddle was the most precious possession of the kingdom and his parents.
When the boy was born, his parents loved him beyond measure, and as the boy grew, the more ready they were to accept his every whim, without exception.
When the prince asked for a knight just for himself, his parents were quick to give him one.
And every time the prince did not approve of their choice, they changed the knight for another, again and again, until the prince was satisfied with his choice.
Harry Potter was the only son of the King's First Knight, James Potter, and the Queen's Lady-in-Waiting, Lily Evans.
He had jade green eyes, similar to the colour of precious stones, and ebony black hair.
He was shy, sweet, but his skill with the sword was unmatched in the entire kingdom.
He was so devoted to protecting the prince that the king, one evening, offered him a night off from all duties, so he could rest.
But that night, the prince was kidnapped, taken from his chambers in the night.
“The monster Voldemort has also kidnapped my son.” The king spoke, looking at everyone present. “There is no one who does not know the violence and rage of Voldemort, his desire to hurt and destroy everything and everyone. I will not ask any of you to sacrifice yourself for us. However, I beg you. Save my son from the horrible end that awaits him.”
Harry stepped forward, kneeling before the king and his wife. “My king, my queen, I volunteer to go and retrieve the prince and challenge Voldemort to save him.”
***
A week later, Harry had reached the tower where Voldemort was said to have his lair.
The few who had entered had never left, lost within the beast’s lair.
Harry tightened his grip on his sword, his knuckles turning white from the force Harry was holding.
He had only one job: to find the prince and then allow him to return home.
“Very well,” a voice purred behind Harry, making him jump and turn, “I was hoping it was you this time.”
Harry’s eyes widened: Tom Riddle was standing before him.
He had no injuries, had not been tortured or manipulated.
Of all things… he looked happy . Satisfied.
“My Lord,” Harry said hastily, looking around for Voldemort, “we are not safe here. There is a beast…”
“Who will not come unless called first,” Tom told him, stepping closer and reaching out to touch Harry’s cheek. “How long it took me to find a precious gem within those castle walls, my brave hero.” Tom smiled. “None of this would have happened if that worm had accepted my idea.”
“Who? What idea?” Harry blinked, curious. “Tom, what are you talking about?”
“My father, that worthless worm , not a noble, not a knight, not a hero. Just a peasant my mother wanted for herself and who decided he was worth more than everyone else.” Tom grimaced in disgust, before he leaned closer and said. “I wanted you, but he denied me. He said the distance would do us good.”
“Tom…” Harry was starting to feel cold. “Tom, were you really kidnapped, or did you just run away?” Then, taking a step back. “Tom, who is Voldemort?”
“My past, present, and future.” Tom smiled, leaning forward and smiling at Harry. “And you, my dear Harry , will be with me for the rest of this life.”
The trap wasn’t for Tom, Harry realised. It was for him .
And, just as his captor had expected, Harry had run into it of his own free will.