Tom Riddle stepped off the Hogwarts Express, his heart brimming with anticipation. The familiar grounds of Hogwarts welcomed him, and a sense of satisfaction filled his being. It was time to resume his mission, the quest to find the fabled Chamber of Secrets, a term he had stumbled upon in the forbidden section of the library. The cool night air filled his lungs, offering a contented sigh as he strode purposefully toward the majestic Great Hall.

His companions trailed behind, their banter filled with boasts about their fathers' wealth. Riddle, however, paid them little mind.

"My father bought this new wand for me, apparently this is one of its kind!", Riddle heard Avery boast.

"A new wand, you say?", Rosier exclaimed.

"Oh yeah, this is the elder wand!", Avery hushed as he said this.

"For sure, Mate", Rosier nodded mockingly as he hit Avery in his head.

"JOKING!", Avery yelled as he ran for his life.

"What's on your mind, riddle?", Rosier asked Riddle as he turned toward him.

"Nothing specific, My friend", Riddle told as he eyed Rosier with disgust only he felt not show.

He considered these people beneath his notice, convinced of his own superiority and unwavering in his belief that he lacked nothing. Among his followers, Evan Rosier flexed the most about their friendship, though Riddle knew it was merely for the sake of shared glory.

As he entered the Great Hall, the usual spectacle unfolded before his eyes. Cheering students filled the grand space, and the enchanted ceiling painted a breathtaking sky above. Floating candles cast a warm glow, accentuating the magical ambiance.

All eyes turned towards Riddle, who reveled in the attention he commanded. Whispers and giggles rippled through the crowd of numerous admirers, particularly from the intrigued girls. Their infatuation went unnoticed by him, for his heart held no capacity for sentiment.

Anger and an insatiable thirst for true power were the driving forces that fueled his ambitions.

Deep within, Riddle yearned for any clues to his wizarding lineage. Limited to the knowledge of his mother's side, he took immense pride in his direct descent from Salazar Slytherin himself. The connection amplified his determination to complete his studies swiftly, putting aside the distractions of the feast. His focus lay squarely on delving into locating the Chamber of Secrets, continuing the work of his esteemed ancestor.

As the new students made their way into the Great Hall, a wave of murmuring spread through the hall, creating an undercurrent of curiosity and intrigue. Tom Riddle slid gracefully onto the Slytherin table, his piercing gaze, sweeping the room.

The student's attention seemed fixated on the stage where the new arrivals were gathering.

'What's so captivating about this year's newcomers?', Riddle wondered, turning his attention in their direction.

Among them, one figure stood out from the rest, capturing Riddle's attention completely.

She exuded an air of confidence, despite being older than the typical first-year students. Her posture was casual yet self-assured as she observed the hall with curiosity.

Riddle found himself momentarily transfixed by her presence, but quickly averted his gaze, feigning disinterest, as he focused on his thumb.

Thoughts raced through his mind, questioning why a girl of her age had joined Hogwarts. Her hazel eyes remained imprinted in his memory, lingering like an enigma that demanded his attention. Shaking off the distraction, he refocused as Professor Dippet cleared his throat to address the students.

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"Dear students, Welcome and Welcome back to Hogwarts for another year filled with Thrilling magical experiences and learning with your fellow wizards and witches"

The Headmaster's words resonated throughout the Great Hall.

Riddle listened attentively, his mind still preoccupied. Just as Professor Dippet was about to step down, Professor Merrythought, the deputy headmistress, whispered something in his ear, prompting him to speak again.

"Before we continue our sorting ceremony, I must welcome our Transfer student, A talented witch who just got the chance to join us", as he said this he gestured to the girl to come forward.

The girl graciously acknowledged the crowd with a nod, her smile radiating warmth and causing her dimples to appear, captivating those around her.

"She will be joining as with the fifth years", Professor Dippet added.

The mention of a transfer student Joining the fifth years caused a stir among the fifth-year boys from all houses, their excitement filling the air.

Riddle's annoyance grew, his gaze half-drawn towards the girl who stood there with a proud smile. Despite his attempts to maintain a sense of indifference, he couldn't help but feel a certain curiosity about her.

The moment lingered briefly before Professor Merrythought brought the old sorting hat to the table, signaling the commencement of the sorting ceremony.

The sorting hat began singing.

Gryffindor, brave and bold,

With courage, their stories unfold.

Hufflepuff, loyal and true,

Kind hearts in all they pursue.

Ravenclaw, wisdom's embrace,

Seeking knowledge, their minds race.

Slytherin, ambitious and sly,

Their power reaches high.

In this weave of fate and time,

A hidden arrival, secrets to find.

A path unseen, whispers so slight,

Shaping Futures, in the Moonlight.

Hogwarts, where destinies align,

A tale of magic, so divine.

"What's up with this rubbish hat, Never made any sense with its songs", Rosier commented as he looked at Riddle, who clearly didn't pay attention.

Names were called one by one until it was the turn of the transfer student.

"Ravenwood, Morsia," Professor Merrythought announced, and a silence fell over the hall, everyone eagerly anticipating the Sorting Hat's decision.

All eyes were on Morsia, with each student secretly wishing she would be sorted into their respective house. The hall held its breath, captivated by the unfolding moment of mystery and possibility.

As the Sorting Hat settled upon Morsia's head, it unleashed its proclamation with a voice that resonated through the Great Hall,

"SLYTHERIN!!"

The words reverberated through the room, causing an uproar of applause and cheering from the Slytherin table. Tom Riddle, however, rolled his eyes at the extravagant display of approval, unaffected by the commotion.

Morsia descended from the stage, her pace deliberate and measured, as she made her way toward the Slytherin table. She took her place beside Rosier, who sat between Riddle and her.

Riddle couldn't help but flinch as he glanced toward her, his mind momentarily distracted.

With a swift proclamation, Professor Dippet declared, "Let the feast begin!"

Instantly, an array of delectable foods materialized on the students' plates, enticing them to indulge. Conversations buzzed around the Slytherin table, as the students bombarded Morsia with questions. She answered a few, leaving others to simply smile in response while she enjoyed her meal.

The Slytherin students cast stern glances toward any boys who dared approach Morsia with curiosity, as they sensed an undeniable allure surrounding her. Her appearance held an air of enchantment, hinting at her veela ancestry, though her long black hair cascading down to her knees contradicted the traditional expectations. The feast progressed, and as it came to an end, the students dispersed, moving on to their respective activities.

As a prefect, Riddle took on the responsibility of leading the Slytherin first years to their dormitories. With the other prefects by his side, he guided the young students through the halls, their eyes filled with admiration as they looked up to him.

The prefects voluntarily joined in, ensuring a smooth transition as they walked the first years to their designated dormitory. Riddle found himself momentarily free from the duties of leadership, seizing the opportunity to venture upstairs for a breath of fresh air, contemplating his next move in his quest to find the Chamber of Secrets.

Lost in his thoughts, he returned to the dungeons just in time to retire for the night. However, his heart sank when he spotted Morsia standing by the entrance to the Slytherin dormitory.

He halted in his tracks, feeling her hazel eyes play tricks on him. Determined to maintain his distance, he turned his face away from her gaze and continued walking toward the door, ignoring her presence.

Without a word spoken, Morsia approached him, silently standing by his side, prompting him to glance at her.

Their eyes met briefly before Riddle shook his head in dismissal.

He uttered the password, "Cunning Conquest," causing the dormitory door to open, and granting them entry.