Dark Phoenix Rising

The spirit of Tom Riddle becomes intrigued by Harry's ability to talk to snakes. A conversation leads to revelations that rock the very foundations of Harry's world. Offered an out, Harry jumps at the chance to stop being the puppet of a man who has done nothing but lie and manipulate him since before he was born and instead embrace a different destiny.

Dark Phoenix Rising

The spirit of Tom Riddle becomes intrigued by Harry's ability to talk to snakes. A conversation leads to revelations that rock the very foundations of Harry's world. Offered an out, Harry jumps at the chance to stop being the puppet of a man who has done nothing but lie and manipulate him since before he was born and instead embrace a different destiny.

The Chamber of Secrets was never silent. Water dripped like a ticking clock, and the great serpent carvings on the wall seemed to breathe in the dim light. Harry stood frozen, Fawkes’ song still echoing in his skull, the basilisk’s corpse at his feet. But it wasn’t victory he felt—it was dread.

Tom Riddle smiled, not with triumph, but fascination. 'You spoke to it,' he said, stepping closer. 'Not spells. Words. In its tongue.'

Harry swallowed. 'It’s called Parseltongue. I didn’t ask for it.'

'No,' Riddle murmured, eyes gleaming. 'But neither did I. They called me a monster for it. Just like they will you.' He tilted his head. 'Tell me, Harry… did Dumbledore ever explain why you have this gift? Or did he just teach you to fear it?'

A chill ran down Harry’s spine. No one had ever asked that. No one had cared.

Riddle extended a hand, not to attack—but to offer. 'What if I told you the prophecy was a lie? That you were never meant to fight Voldemort… but to replace him?'