One Final Embrace

She wrote frantically in the diary; the thoughts in her mind confused in a mix of depression and helplessness.

...because I am weak. I want to be strong - be like you.

As always, his answer came immediately after she made her entry.

Believe in yourself, Ginny. I believe in you, and soon I will show you how much you mean to me.

Her writing was slightly more erratic; she was getting happier and happier with the prospect of finally encountering him.

When can I see you?

The answer came shortly; his neat writing slowly appeared on the page.

In due time, Ginny. Listen, I am your friend. Tell me what's troubling you - I can sense something is wrong.

She hesitated before writing back. The brief memory of unwittingly writing messages on the walls and killing the chickens swayed though her mind. She knew better than to write him; she knew what happened in the past and she feared it again. However, she couldn't stop. Ginny was feeling sick and weak, just as she did several times before. She wanted to stop, but she couldn't help it. After all, he was her friend. She couldn't hide the truth from him. She slowly drew the quill to the blank paper, the ink expressing her thoughts.

It's everything, Tom. No one understands; no one listens. Even when I tried to... when I tried to escape, no one would hear me. I felt as if I was shouting on the inside - no one wanted to listen. They all hate me Tom, and I don't know why.

Again, she hesitated.

...I think they knew it was me.

The words appeared instantaneously, as if he could read her mind.

Why would you think that? You're so sweet, so beautiful, so smart. Ginny, they are all insanely jealous of you.

As always, his kind words touched her deeply. Her pale skin darkened; her cheeks reddened from the sudden compliment.

Tom, you always say the right things to me.

He knew he said the right things. There was a reason for it; not that she'd ever figure it out...again. Not until their "meeting".

Because I care, Ginny.

She sure didn't know why he felt the way he did, nor did she care.

Tom, you are my angel; my only friend. I care for you too.

He seized his opportunity.

Are you crying?

She figured he could tell - her tears were falling on the parchment, quickly drying like the words she'd written many times before. Her body shuddered as the familiar sensation took over once again... the weakness she'd felt several times before.

Yes. I'm weak... why can't I do this? Why can't I forget about you? I know this is wrong; I understand that I should never do the things you tell me to. But I can't stop it. In a way, I want to do it. I want to make you happy, Tom.

Happier than she would ever know. Tom knew Ginny was the key to his release - she was the key to his rebirth.

You do, my dear friend. I want to hold you; to wipe your tears away. Ginny, come to me. I am ready for you to see me - I'm ready to hold you eternally... until you take your last breath.

The process started slowly, then quickened as she submitted deeper and deeper to his enchanting will. She surrendered to him; her body felt detached from her mind, just like the other times she was under his curse...

Tom, my angel... I will come. Open the chamber entrance - I am on my way.

* * *

Ginny entered the Chamber of Secrets; dazed yet optimistic. She walked through piles of shredded skin, scales, rocks and bone. She wasn't aware of the stench - the chamber reeked of death. All she knew was that this was it - she was going to meet Tom in person.

Hazily, he appeared before her. He approached her, slowly and lazily, his arms outstretched. She walked to him, getting weaker and weaker with each step. The exchange of energy took place - Ginny's body was getting colder, weaker. Tom's memory got stronger; his body filling in the ghost-like form standing before her.

Tom Riddle, Ginny's angel. Yes, he was an angel - like Lucifer before dawn of the almighty battle of the Archangels. He stood, arms outstretched; his black wings hidden behind the lies and deceit that brought him to life in the first place.

She brought her soft, glowing eyes to his harsh, cold gaze. She looked at him with the utmost purity - innocent, vulnerable, and trusting.

Tom knew this was his moment; he pulled her body to his, embracing her deeply. He hugged her like no one ever had... like no one ever would again

Ginny's final memory was the most peaceful sensation she had ever experienced - she felt him fully materialize all around her.

Tom Riddle, alive and tangible.

She smiled, knowing she fulfilled him. The final rush of energy left her calm and tranquil - the last emotion she'd experience in his presence.

He felt her energy surge into him; her last bits of strength surrendered to his deep, powerful hold. He grinned as his hands became solid and his body felt stronger. True, he was still a memory, but the power made him feel almost real again... almost Voldemort again. He released her from his embrace, feeling confident and indestructible.

She shivered as her eyes glazed over; the color from her face and lips completely gone. Ginny's eyes rolled back in her head as her entire body went cold and limp before hitting the chamber floor. She was gone, and the now strengthened memory of Tom Riddle - Lord Voldemort - stood over her.

Tom Riddle's memory was alive and well, feeding ever more on the dying spirit of Ginny Weasley. "Thank you, Ginny. I will hold you dear, forever in my memory."

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~*~END~*~