It was strange to see Tom going through the same emotions as the students of Hogwarts. Standing in the bloody ruins of the school, in the crosshairs of the unknown, it was heartbreaking to join forces. Watching the backs of Death Eaters who had recently killed your friends and family - what could be more absurd than that?

Nevertheless, the reality was this. In the blind faith of glory and success, both sides had too carelessly forgotten about safety. Now the Light and Dark sides had to unite to face a new rival who had chosen the right moment to attack.

Tom appears in Manor with a loud clap of apparition. Manor is crowded with the Order and Death Eaters snooping around, arguing furiously with each other. The impending raid inspired no confidence in anyone: several failed attempts before had completely shaken public faith in pulling the forces to their side.

Tom moves quickly, tracking you through the crowd and the hum of disgruntled, tired voices. Picking you out from under the noses of the Order where you're peering at the map, he doesn't even apologise, just throws a warning glance to your colleagues.

"I told you you weren't going on this raid," Tom is disappointed, clearly readable annoyance in his voice. "Your leg hasn't healed yet."

Not only had Riddle lost his power, he'd also lost his self-control: at least to him it looked that way. Having to worry about an Order fighter was a humbling reality and a black stain on his prejudices.

Hurry is replaced by insistence as he leads you into one of the rooms, stubbornly leaning his back against the door, giving no way out.

"You're not going," he emphasises once more, crossing his arms over his chest, unwavering in his attitude towards your foolish heroism.

"Not only will you put yourself in danger, you'll let everyone else down too," Tom says dryly, jaw walking from side to side. Everything is now dripping on the bare wires of his nerves.

"I'll lock you in here if I have to," he warns, breaking the briefly lingering silence.