Madness- T.M.R.

Tom was absolutely thrilled. After so much time, after so many questions. Finally, he knew who he was. The thick book on ancient wizarding blood lines lay forgotten in his lap as a terrifying smile spread across the boy's usually so stoic face. He always knew that he was different, better than his classmates but never, oh never could he have imagined this. A descendant of Salazar Slytherin himself...this would most definitely send him soaring up the hierarchy of Slytherin house. 

And there was a chamber built just for him, a chamber only he had access to and a monster...a monster that would help him take the first steps to achieving his long-term goal: cleansing the world of those unworthy to be considered a witch or wizard. Tom would continue his ancestor's noble work. Abraxas was looking at Tom from the other side of the common room, sporting a worried expression. Whenever something made Tom Riddle smile, someone would get hurt shortly after. He quickly and in a fluid motion got up from the couch he had been resting on and made his way to the other side of the room, taking a seat in an armchair facing Tom. 

"I know that expression. What are you planning? Who will have to endure your Cruciatus?", Abraxas inquired. "You, if you don't shut up, Malfoy", Tom shot him an angry glare however his lips quirked to form a small smirk. Abraxas was the only one who could tease Tom like this and get away with it unscathed as he held a rather special position within Tom's inner circle. He was the closest thing to a friend, as far as Riddle was concerned. 

He had been the first to acknowledge Tom after his placement in Slytherin and he had been the one to convince the other students to overlook the possibility of him not being a pureblood. "If the sorting hat thought of him as worthy enough to be in Slytherin's house, I don't see a reason to doubt that", he had said. Tom had never forgotten and held the young Malfoy heir in special honors. "Look, Abraxas, no one is going to get hurt...at least not yet", the creepy smile hadn't left Tom Riddle's face. 

"I believe, old friend, it is time for you to do what you do best. Snoop around in other people's business and inquire them about their bloodstatus. Make a list of all the mudbloods in this castle and hand it over to me when you're done", Tom ordered, knowing that not even Abraxas Malfoy would dare disobey his orders. There was a limit to his extent of favoritism for the blond boy and they both knew it. "Of course, Tom. I'll see to it starting tomorrow. I will charm the list so that you and I will be able to read it. Whatever it is your brilliant mind is planning, it should probably not become public knowledge." 

Tom nodded, thankful that Abraxas knew how to handle the quests Tom gave him, and he watched him retreat back to the couch he had sat on earlier pulling out a blank piece of parchment and immediately beginning to layer countless secrecy charms on it. Tom was certain that it wouldn't take him too long to figure out the exact location of Slytherin's secret chamber and when he did, he would make sure to wreak havoc on the school and the filthy mudbloods that flounced through the hallways. They didn't belong and they had to go! Excited for what was yet to come Tom made his way to the Great Hall for breakfast quickly followed by the eight boys who formed his inner circle.

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Although very young,Seraya Cassedy had seen many things, but only few of them had been as impressive as Salazar Slytherin's private study. She had heard the basilisk hissing something about going for a quick hunt. Seeing as a large deadly snake leaving the girls' lavatory and slithering through an entire castle seemed rather daring and suspicious, she figured that there must be multiple entrances and exits to and from the chamber. Maybe even one leading directly into the Dark Forest. 

The door to the study closed behind her and the room was basked in the eerie green light created by several large lanterns floating near the ceiling. Dark polished bookshelves framed the walls, filled to the brim with ancient looking books, some of them seemingly a bit brittle from the tooth of time.There was a large desk in the center of the room its legs decorated with intricate carvings of serpents and dragons. How typical. There was a single armchair behind the desk with pine green satin cushions. 

Curios Seraya made her way to the first shelf of books. They were categorized as 'Dark Arts'. Intrigued, the girl reached for a promising looking book on ancient dark rituals and bloodmagic. The next shelf contained books on parseltounge and the magic that was connected to that specific language. Now that was more like it. All of said books were written in parseltounge making sure that the knowledge didn't fall into unworthy hands. The other book still firmly in her grasp, Seraya reached for another book titled 'The art of parselmagic- Volume I'. 

Similar to the steel door leading to the Chamber of Secrets, the door was locked by several small silver snakes. Another precaution to ensure the safety of the secrets of this mysterious branch of magic. 'Greetings, I wish to acquire the knowledge you guard' she hissed at the silver serpents. In a swift movement the snakes slithered to the back cover of the book and gave it free to read. Seraya stalked towards the large and truly expensive looking desk and took a seat in the quite comfortable armchair. Resting the book on dark rituals and bloodmagic on the desk she opened the book on parselmagic and began reading, occasionally taking notes in a notebook bound in dragon leather.