Ch. 1Twin Stars Fall · A Miracle Is Born

Key Plot Points and Events

  • Ares Phoenix, a consciousness from another world, transmigrates into a child's body in 1932 London, near Wood Orphanage.
  • He learns he must "anchor" Tom Riddle's fate to prevent him from becoming the Dark Lord and save the wizarding world.
  • Ares witnesses Tom Riddle being bullied in an alley. Riddle uses a mysterious power to scare off his tormentors.

Character Developments

  • Ares Phoenix: A transmigrator with a mission to guide Tom Riddle, possessing a unique body and magic.
  • Tom Riddle: The future Dark Lord, displaying his mysterious power and calm demeanor despite being bullied.

Significant Themes

  • Fate Manipulation: Ares's mission to alter Tom Riddle's fate.
  • Power and Vulnerability: Both Ares and Tom possess power but are also vulnerable in their current states.
  • Loneliness and Isolation: Both characters experience loneliness, with Tom being bullied and Ares being a transmigrator in a strange world.

Character Interactions

  • Ares and Tom Riddle: Although they haven't interacted yet, Ares observes Tom's power and calmness, while Tom remains unaware of Ares's existence.
  • Tom and the Bullies: Tom displays his power to scare off the bullies, showing his calm and dangerous demeanor.

Ch. 2Reflections in Heterochromatic Eyes

Key Plot Points and Events

  • Ares, a time-traveler, encounters Tom Riddle (the future Voldemort) in an alley, after Tom has used magic to drive away bullies.
  • Tom notices Ares, who is cowering in the shadows, and senses something unusual about him.
  • Ares tries to make first contact with Tom, using a submissive gesture and his unique heterochromatic eyes to disarm Tom's hostility.
  • Tom asks Ares how much he saw of the incident with the bullies, testing Ares's reaction.
  • Ares offers Tom money to share a meal and get out of the rain, convincing Tom to lead him to the orphanage.
  • Ares successfully completes his initial mission, "Anchor's Beginning," and receives a reward of a Basic Magic Stabilization Technique and some currency (shillings).

Character Developments

  • Ares: Shows caution, adaptability, and resourcefulness in making first contact with Tom. He also demonstrates empathy and understanding, offering to share his money with Tom.
  • Tom Riddle: Reveals his magical abilities and his predatory nature when facing potential threats. He shows curiosity and interest in Ares due to his unique appearance and the money he offers.

Significant Themes

  • First contact and initial trust-building between Ares and Tom.
  • The power dynamics between Ares and Tom, with Tom initially holding the upper hand due to his magical abilities and Ares's vulnerable position.
  • The importance of appearances and first impressions, as Ares uses his unique eyes and a submissive gesture to disarm Tom's hostility.

Character Interactions

  • Ares and Tom's initial encounter is tense and filled with suspicion, but Ares's calm demeanor and unique appearance pique Tom's interest and lead to a tentative agreement between them.
  • Ares's system provides guidance and commentary throughout the encounter, helping Ares navigate the situation and make decisions.
  • The system also rewards Ares for successfully completing his mission, providing him with new knowledge and currency to aid in his future interactions with Tom.

Ch. 3Silent Conspiracy

Key Plot Points and Events

  • Ares infiltrates Wood Orphanage, posing as an amnesiac child named Ares.
  • He meets Tom Riddell, who leads him to the orphanage director, Mrs. Cole.
  • Ares is given a bed in the dormitory and receives supplies from Sister Martha.
  • At night, Ares notices Tom having a nightmare and uses a calming spell on him.

Character Developments

  • Ares: Shows his acting skills and uses magic discreetly to help Tom.
  • Tom Riddell: Initially indifferent, but shows a hint of favorability towards Ares after he uses magic to calm Tom's nightmare.

Significant Themes

  • Deception and manipulation: Ares uses his acting skills and magic to gain Tom's trust and blend in.
  • Isolation and vulnerability: Both Ares and Tom are isolated within the orphanage, each dealing with their own struggles.

Character Interactions

  • Ares and Mrs. Cole: Ares successfully gains Mrs. Cole's sympathy and allows him to stay at the orphanage.
  • Ares and Tom: Ares uses a calming spell on Tom during his nightmare, sparking a silent connection between them. Tom shows a hint of favorability towards Ares afterwards.

Ch. 4Fierce Violence and Poetic Solace

Key Plot Points and Events

  • Ares wakes up to a new system task: complete three non-verbal effective interactions.
  • Tom is bullied by older kids, leading to a tense confrontation in the backyard.
  • Ares intervenes, using his magic to calm the situation and prevent Tom's magic from causing harm.
  • Ares and Tom leave together, and Ares gestures that they are "the same kind," implying they share a secret.
  • Ares completes his first task, and the system rewards him with a beginner physique enhancement.

Character Developments

  • Ares: Shows his ability to calm and soothe, different from Tom's destructive magic. He takes the first step in befriending Tom.
  • Tom: Becomes less hostile towards Ares after witnessing his ability. He's still wary but less aggressive.

Significant Themes

  • Coexistence of different forces: Ares's calming magic vs. Tom's destructive magic.
  • The struggle for acceptance and understanding between two "special" individuals.

Character Interactions

  • Ares and Tom: Their initial hostility turns into a cautious alliance. They share a silent understanding of their shared secret.
  • Ares and the bullies: Ares intervenes to prevent a fight, using his magic to calm the situation.

Ch. 5The Pendant and the Accomplice

Key Plot Points and Events

  • Ares and Tom establish a silent understanding, communicating non-verbally over two days.
  • Tom's pendant is found and taunted by Albert, causing Tom's magic to fluctuate dangerously.
  • Ares intervenes, using a ruse to distract Albert and protect Tom, leading to Albert's retreat.
  • Tom and Ares share a silent moment of understanding and mutual aid.

Character Developments

  • Tom: Shows vulnerability and attachment to his mother's pendant, begins to accept Ares's help.
  • Ares: Demonstrates cunning and resourcefulness in protecting Tom, solidifying their bond.

Significant Themes

  • Trust and friendship: Ares's actions build trust with Tom, marking the beginning of their friendship.
  • The power of secrets: Both boys have secrets they guard closely, hinting at their shared pasts.

Character Interactions

  • Ares and Tom: Their silent communication deepens, leading to a moment of understanding and mutual support.
  • Ares and Albert: Ares uses his quick thinking and assertiveness to outmaneuver Albert, protecting Tom.

Ch. 6System and the Starry Sky

Key Plot Points and Events

  • Ares and Tom sneak out to the orphanage rooftop at night.
  • Ares attempts to explain magic to Tom using simple gestures and words.
  • Tom shows interest in learning to control his powers.
  • They practice a basic magic stabilization technique together.

Character Developments

  • Ares: Takes initiative to help Tom understand and control his powers, showing empathy and patience.
  • Tom: Shows curiosity and eagerness to learn about magic, begins to trust Ares more.

Significant Themes

  • Trust-building: Ares's actions start to earn Tom's trust, moving them from hostility to cautious alliance.
  • Knowledge and power: Tom's desire for knowledge about his powers drives his actions and decisions.
  • Isolation and connection: Both characters feel isolated; their shared secret of magic begins to connect them.

Character Interactions

  • Ares and Tom: Their relationship evolves from hostility to a tentative alliance, with Ares taking the lead in bridging the gap.
  • Ares and the System: Ares uses the System's knowledge to communicate with Tom, marking a significant step in their cooperation.

Ch. 7Mrs. Cole's Question

Key Plot Points and Events

  • Ares and Tom form an unspoken alliance, with Ares helping Tom with food and protecting him from trouble.
  • Mrs. Cole expresses suspicion about Ares's unusual behavior and his growing closeness with Tom.
  • Ares uses a "tranquility rune" to help Tom sleep peacefully.
  • Tom shares a small secret about his abilities with Ares, completing the "Cornerstone of Trust" task.

Character Developments

  • Ares demonstrates his understanding of Tom's situation and uses his knowledge of magic to help him.
  • Tom begins to trust Ares, showing a willingness to share his experiences with him.

Significant Themes

  • The power of knowledge and understanding in building trust and helping others.
  • The struggle between maintaining a facade and revealing one's true self.

Character Interactions

  • Ares and Tom's relationship deepens as they begin to trust each other, leading to Tom sharing a secret with Ares.
  • Mrs. Cole's suspicion of Ares creates tension and forces him to be more careful.

Ch. 8Five Years in a Flash

Key Plot Points and Events

  • Tom teaches Ares to read, marking a shift in their relationship from observation to interaction.
  • They secretly learn magic and other knowledge, with Ares guiding Tom's control over his powers.
  • Ares protects Tom from bullies using his knowledge of orphanage rules, demonstrating a new approach to conflict resolution.
  • They develop a deep bond, relying on each other for survival and support.
  • Tom expresses his ambition to leave the orphanage, signaling the end of their five-year period of relative stability.

Character Developments

  • Ares: Grows from a child to a youth, becoming more refined and wise. He learns to read and gains knowledge, acting as a mentor and strategist to Tom. His bond with Tom deepens, and he becomes more assertive in protecting Tom and himself.
  • Tom Riddle: Develops from a child to a young man, becoming sharper in features and more reserved. He learns to control his magic and uses it for revenge against bullies. His ambition grows, and he becomes more certain of his future plans. His dependence on Ares increases, and he begins to show more emotion, though still sparingly.

Significant Themes

  • Learning and Growth: Both characters learn new skills and knowledge, with Tom teaching Ares to read and Ares guiding Tom's magical development.
  • Dependence and Bonding: Their bond deepens as they rely on each other for survival and support, becoming each other's only companions in a harsh environment.
  • Ambition and Change: Tom's growing ambition signals an impending change in their lives, marking the end of their five-year period of relative stability.

Character Interactions

  • Ares and Tom: Their relationship evolves from observation and measurement to mutual support and dependence. They learn together, protect each other, and share their knowledge and resources. Tom's initial utilitarian mindset towards Ares shifts, and he begins to show genuine care and concern for him.
  • Ares and Orphanage Bullies: Ares stands up to bullies, using his knowledge of orphanage rules to protect Tom and himself, demonstrating a new approach to conflict resolution.
  • Tom and Orphanage Bullies: Tom uses his magic for revenge against bullies, with Ares ensuring these actions don't attract real trouble or fully brand Tom as a "monster." They form a tacit division of labor, with Ares acting as a "shield" and "brain" and Tom as a "spear" and "hand."
    This chapter sets the stage for the next phase of their lives, as Tom's ambition and the approaching arrival of Professor Dumblediggles signal the end of their five-year period of relative stability and the beginning of their "real story."

Ch. 9Eve of the Storm

Key Plot Points & Events

  • Ares and Tom sense the impending arrival of Dumbledore.
  • They prepare for Dumbledore's visit, anticipating his examination and judgment.
  • Dumbledore arrives at the orphanage, and Ares and Tom are summoned to meet him.

Character Developments

  • Tom shows anxiety and anticipation, revealing his desire for recognition and connection with the magical world.
  • Ares demonstrates maturity and wisdom beyond his years, guiding Tom on how to handle Dumbledore's arrival.
  • Both characters display increased magical sensitivity and awareness.

Significant Themes

  • The anticipation of change and the unknown.
  • The power dynamics between Ares, Tom, and Dumbledore.
  • The tension between hiding one's true nature and revealing it.

Character Interactions

  • Ares and Tom share a silent understanding and cooperation, showing their strong bond and mutual support.
  • Ares guides Tom, acting as a mentor and confidant, while Tom listens and considers Ares's advice.
  • The impending meeting with Dumbledore creates a tense and expectant atmosphere between Ares and Tom.

Ch. 10Uninvited Guest and Half-moon Spectacles

Key Plot Points and Events

  • Dumbledore arrives at the orphanage to assess Tom Riddle.
  • Ares accompanies Tom to the meeting with Dumbledore.
  • Dumbledore is surprised and intrigued by Ares' heterochromatic eyes and Blood Pact Markings.
  • Dumbledore questions Tom about his magical abilities and offers him a place at Hogwarts.

Character Developments

  • Tom Riddle: Maintains his facade of a confused, powerless orphan while subtly displaying his cunning and wariness.
  • Albus Dumbledore: Shows his perceptiveness and wisdom, seeing through Tom's disguise and displaying keen interest in Ares.
  • Ares Phoenix: Maintains his composure under Dumbledore's intense scrutiny, preparing to face questions about his lost memories.

Significant Themes

  • The power of observation and perception, as demonstrated by Dumbledore.
  • The struggle between truth and deception, as seen in Tom's attempts to hide his true nature.
  • The importance of memory and identity, hinted at in Ares' lost memories.

Character Interactions

  • Dumbledore and Tom Riddle: Dumbledore sees through Tom's disguise, while Tom feels threatened by Dumbledore's focus on Ares.
  • Dumbledore and Ares: Dumbledore is intrigued and concerned by Ares' heterochromatic eyes and Blood Pact Markings, hinting at a deeper connection or mystery.
  • Tom Riddle and Ares: Tom feels threatened by Dumbledore's attention to Ares, indicating a growing rivalry or tension between them.

Ch. 11Wisdom's Edge

Key Plot Points and Events

  • Dumbledore visits the Cole's home to assess Tom and Ares for Hogwarts.
  • Ares reveals his unique abilities and memories, crafting an image of a harmless, empathetic child.
  • Dumbledore invites both Tom and Ares to Hogwarts, handing them acceptance letters.

Character Developments

  • Ares demonstrates his ability to control and manipulate his powers subtly, showing growth in his understanding and use of his Blood Pact abilities.
  • Dumbledore shows his perceptiveness and understanding of magical phenomena, seeing Ares' abilities as unique and potentially powerful.
  • Tom's ambition and desire for power are further fueled by his Hogwarts acceptance.

Significant Themes

  • Identity and Origin: Ares' true identity and origins remain mysterious, with only vague memories and hints at a connection to Dumbledore's past.
  • Power and Control: The chapter explores the different ways power can be exerted (Tom's intimidation vs. Ares' empathy) and the desire for power (Tom's ambition).
  • Preparation and Readiness: The characters must prepare for their journey to Hogwarts and the wizarding world, both physically and mentally.

Character Interactions

  • Ares and Dumbledore: Ares successfully navigates Dumbledore's questions, revealing just enough to pique Dumbledore's interest without raising suspicion.
  • Dumbledore and Tom: Dumbledore sees Tom's power and ambition, warning him about the need to control his abilities.
  • Tom and Ares: Though not interacting directly, their dynamic is established as Tom's ambition contrasts with Ares' more subtle and empathetic approach to power.

Ch. 12Letter and Test

Key Plot Points and Events

  • Tom and Ares receive their acceptance letters to Hogwarts.
  • They learn about required school supplies and textbooks.
  • Tom and Ares find a book with an illustration of Diagon Alley.
  • The System assigns a task to learn about the wizarding world before going to Diagon Alley.

Character Developments

  • Tom: Shows determination and ambition after receiving his letter. He becomes more focused on preparing for Hogwarts, particularly interested in wands.
  • Ares: Maintains a calm demeanor but feels the weight of Dumbledore's suspicion. He becomes more engaged in learning about the wizarding world, especially its knowledge systems.

Significant Themes

  • Ambition and determination (Tom's desire to enter the wizarding world)
  • Suspicion and secrets (Dumbledore's doubts about Ares and the enigma of Ares's origins)
  • Preparation and adaptation (Tom and Ares's efforts to understand the wizarding world before entering it)

Character Interactions

  • Tom and Ares: Their relationship evolves into a more collaborative one, sharing books and discussing their plans for Hogwarts. They begin to see each other as allies in their shared goal of entering the wizarding world.
  • Dumbledore: Though not physically present, his suspicion of Ares looms over the chapter, influencing Ares's thoughts and actions.
  • Mrs. Cole: She appears briefly, showing exhaustion and indifference as she waves Tom and Ares off after giving them their letters.

Ch. 13The Dust of the Leaky Cauldron

Key Plot Points and Events

  • Albus Dumbledore arrives at the Wood Orphanage to escort Tom Riddle and Ares to their new school.
  • They travel through Muggle London to Charing Cross Road, where the Leaky Cauldron, the entrance to Diagon Alley, is hidden.
  • Inside the Leaky Cauldron, they meet the pub owner, Tom, and Dumbledore reveals the hidden entrance to Diagon Alley using his wand.
  • Tom and Ares step into Diagon Alley, overwhelmed by the magical sights and scents, marking the beginning of their journey into the magical world.

Character Developments

  • Tom Riddle: Tom's excitement and greed for the magical world are revealed as he steps into Diagon Alley. His composure shatters, showing his true emotions for the first time.
  • Ares: Ares is more prepared but still amazed by Diagon Alley. He feels a resonance between his magical nature and the environment.
  • Albus Dumbledore: Dumbledore watches Tom's reaction with concern, hinting at his awareness of Tom's potential dark nature.

Significant Themes

  • Belonging: Both Tom and Ares feel a sense of belonging as they enter Diagon Alley, marking the start of their journey in the magical world.
  • First Impressions: The Leaky Cauldron and Diagon Alley serve as a stark contrast to the Muggle world, highlighting the magical world's unique characteristics.

Character Interactions

  • Tom Riddle and Ares: Their reactions to Diagon Alley differ but are equally profound, showing their shared excitement and anticipation.
  • Dumbledore and Tom Riddle: Dumbledore watches Tom closely, hinting at his awareness of Tom's potential for darkness.

Ch. 14The Bronze Doors of Gringotts

Key Plot Points and Events

  • Tom and Ares enter Diagon Alley, overwhelmed by its magical atmosphere and sights.
  • Dumbledore leads them to Gringotts Bank to exchange currency and access Ares's vault.
  • Ares presents the "Twin Soul Key" to the goblin, causing a significant reaction due to the key's ancient and powerful magic.
  • Ares and Dumbledore are escorted to Ares's vault, which contains ancient books, scrolls, and a mysterious black box.
  • The vault's contents hint at Ares's origins and the pasts of Dumbledore and Grindelwald.

Character Developments

  • Tom is captivated by Diagon Alley, feeling he belongs there, and shows interest in understanding and controlling non-human intelligent beings like goblins.
  • Ares is confirmed to have a significant past connected to Dumbledore and Grindelwald, as evidenced by the goblin's reaction to the key and the contents of the vault.
  • Dumbledore reveals a complex expression upon seeing the black box, indicating he recognizes it and has heavy memories connected to it.

Significant Themes

  • The power and mystery of ancient magic.
  • The revelation of Ares's origins and their connection to Dumbledore and Grindelwald.
  • The theme of belonging, as Tom feels drawn to Diagon Alley.

Character Interactions

  • Tom and Ares are both awestruck by Diagon Alley, each processing the experience in their own way.
  • Tom feels excluded as Ares is led away to access his vault.
  • Dumbledore accompanies Ares to the vault, observing his reactions and revealing a complex expression upon seeing the black box.

Ch. 15Ollivander's Choice (Part 1)

Summary

Key Plot Points

  • Ares and Tom visit Gringotts and Ollivander's Wand Shop with Dumbledore.
  • Ares retrieves a mysterious black box with a dark red gem, requiring a specific condition or incantation to open.
  • Tom finds his perfect wand at Ollivander's: Yew Wood with a Phoenix Feather core, thirteen and a half inches, symbolizing power and potential for dark magic.
  • Ares struggles to find a suitable wand, displaying unusual magical properties and rejecting conventional combinations.

Character Developments

  • Tom's excitement and determination grow as he finds his wand, feeling its power resonate with him.
  • Ares's unique magical signature confuses Ollivander, hinting at his complex nature and potential for extraordinary magic.

Significant Themes

  • The power and significance of wands as extensions of a wizard's magical core.
  • The potential for dark magic and its allure, as seen through Tom's wand and his reaction to it.
  • The struggle to find one's place and identity in the magical world, as experienced by both Ares and Tom.

Character Interactions

  • Tom and Ares's silent exchange at Gringotts hints at their growing rivalry and mutual awareness.
  • Dumbledore's watchful gaze suggests his understanding of the boys' potential and his concern for their paths.
  • Ollivander's confusion and reverence toward Ares's unique magical signature foreshadows Ares's exceptional destiny.

Ch. 16Ollivander's Choice (Part 2)

Key Plot Points and Events

  • Ares chooses "Eternal Cycle" wand, which exhibits a unique, harmonious display of light and dark magic.
  • Ollivander is astonished by the wand's choice and Ares's potential.
  • Tom feels jealous and confused by Ares's wand and its power.
  • Ares and Tom shop for school supplies in Diagon Alley.
  • Tom and Ares leave Diagon Alley with mixed feelings about their future at Hogwarts.

Character Developments

  • Ares: Obtains his perfect wand, feels a sense of destiny, and ponders his future.
  • Tom: Feels jealous and threatened by Ares's wand, becomes more ambitious.
  • Dumbledore: Observes Ares and Tom, aware of their extraordinary nature.

Significant Themes

  • The power of choice: Wands reflect the owner's essence and choices.
  • Destiny and potential: Ares's wand and Tom's ambition hint at their future roles.
  • Harmony vs. aggression: Ares's wand symbolizes balance, while Tom's wand represents force.

Character Interactions

  • Ares and Tom: Tension grows between them due to Tom's jealousy and Ares's obliviousness.
  • Ares and Dumbledore: Dumbledore guides Ares subtly, warning him about Tom's ambition.
  • Tom and Dumbledore: Dumbledore observes Tom's growing ambition, hinting at future conflicts.

Ch. 17Homeward Journey and Dark Undercurrents

Key Plot Points and Events

  • Tom, Ares, and Dumbledore return to the Muggle world and Wood Orphanage.
  • Tom and Ares bring back magical items and an owl from Diagon Alley.
  • Tom and Ares have a tense conversation about their wands and secrets in their dormitory at night.

Character Developments

  • Tom: Struggles with feelings of inferiority and frustration due to Ares's unique wand and mysterious past. His pride and desire for control are highlighted.
  • Ares: Maintains calm and composure in the face of Tom's growing mistrust. He reaffirms their alliance but keeps his secrets.

Significant Themes

  • Trust and mistrust: Tom's growing suspicion of Ares and his secrets create tension between them.
  • Power and ambition: Tom's desire for power and control is evident in his reaction to Ares's unique wand and mysterious past.
  • The journey ahead: The return to the orphanage signals the end of one journey and the beginning of another, more complex one.

Character Interactions

  • Tom and Ares: Their relationship becomes strained due to Tom's growing mistrust and Ares's secrecy. They have a tense conversation about their wands and secrets.
  • Dumbledore: Although present, Dumbledore doesn't interact much with Tom and Ares during their return journey. His presence is more symbolic, serving as a silent observer and protector.

Ch. 18A Promise at Nine and Three Quarters

Key Plot Points and Events

  • Tom and Ares prepare for Hogwarts, with Tom secretly practicing magic and Ares studying ancient scrolls.
  • On September 1st, they leave for King's Cross Station, where they pass through the barrier between platforms nine and ten to reach the Hogwarts Express.
  • They meet Billius Blanco and Abraxas Malfoy on the platform, who invite them to share a compartment.

Character Developments

  • Tom becomes more secretive about his magical progress and shows ambition and calculation in interacting with Billius and Abraxas.
  • Ares remains calm and collected, showing interest in learning about the wizarding world but also maintaining a level of reserve.

Significant Themes

  • The transition from the Muggle world to the magical world.
  • The allure of power and knowledge represented by Hogwarts.
  • The importance of making the right choices and being vigilant, as hinted by Dumbledore's letter.

Character Interactions

  • Tom and Ares's relationship remains tense but cooperative as they navigate the new environment together.
  • Tom and Abraxas show immediate mutual interest, with Tom likely seeing Abraxas as a potential ally or tool, while Abraxas is intrigued by Tom's mysterious aura.
  • Billius is curious and friendly, immediately taking an interest in both Tom and Ares, particularly Ares's unique features.

Ch. 19Black Lake Reflections and Stars

Key Plot Points and Events

  • The Hogwarts Express journey ends at an unfamiliar station, and first-years are guided by the Lantern Man across the Black Lake to Hogwarts castle.
  • Tom and Ares board the same boat with two other first-years, crossing the lake towards the castle.
  • They arrive at a hidden dock, greeted by Professor McGonagall, marking their official entrance into Hogwarts.

Character Developments

  • Tom: Shows humility and respect while subtly displaying his ambition and intelligence. His resolve to seize power at Hogwarts strengthens as he sees the castle.
  • Ares: Remains reserved and introspective, focusing on sensing the magical aura and resonance with his wand. He feels a strange equilibrium of light and darkness on the lake.

Significant Themes

  • Ambition: Tom's ambition is evident as he looks at Hogwarts, seeing it as a stage for his talent and power seizure.
  • Light and Darkness: Ares feels this equilibrium on the lake, foreshadowing future events.
  • Destiny: The reflection in the Black Lake hints at unknown challenges and great beasts, suggesting that their Hogwarts journey will not be smooth.

Character Interactions

  • Tom and Ares: They travel together but maintain their distance. Tom seems to assess Ares, while Ares observes Tom's ambition.
  • Tom and Abraxas: They exchange a nod before parting ways, with Abraxas showing faint expectation towards Tom.
  • Ares and Billius: Billius tries to befriend Ares, predicting he'll be sorted into Gryffindor based on his fortune reading.

Ch. 20The Silver-Green Intertwined Long Table

Key Plot Points and Events

  • The new students arrive at Hogwarts and are greeted by Professor Phyllida Spore.
  • They are led to the Great Hall for the Sorting Ceremony.
  • Tom Riddle and Ares Phoenix are sorted into Slytherin.
  • The start-of-term banquet begins after the Sorting Ceremony.

Character Developments

  • Tom Riddle demonstrates his ambition and cunning, showing determination when he hears about Slytherin's values.
  • Ares Phoenix chooses Slytherin not for personal ambition, but to protect Tom and guide his power, showing his wisdom and selflessness.

Significant Themes

  • Ambition vs. Wisdom: Tom's ambition is clear, while Ares chooses wisdom over personal gain.
  • Light and Dark: The theme of light and dark is introduced through Ares's internal struggle and his decision to join Slytherin to guide Tom's power.
  • Bond and Protection: The bond between Tom and Ares is emphasized, with Ares choosing Slytherin to protect Tom and guide him.

Character Interactions

  • Tom and Ares exchange a silent signal under the table after being sorted into Slytherin, reinforcing their bond.
  • Tom integrates quickly into the Slytherin environment, engaging in conversation with an older student.
  • Ares and Tom sit together at the Slytherin table, signaling their unity and shared path.
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