Hmm, I've never seen this story before, but it is a powerful snapshot, an important step, giving the impression that perhaps he needed this ritual to first form the Dark Mark.  I'm also fascinated that her name is McKinnon, making me wonder how she is related to Marlene.  So many fascinating and frightening details. Even more frightening to think that this was happenening right on the school grounds, but no one did anything about it.  Well done!

This was great you should have continued it.

This is great. I've always thought that Voldie and his followers, particularly the women (Bella, especially), are very interesting. I've read some fics like this with Bella in them, but not ones with OFCs. I know you said you won't continue this, which I totally respect (if only I had that willpower!), but I think it's interesting to wonder just how many of these women Tom Riddle might have seduced. We don't see many women DEs, but there could be many of them with experiences like this! *womaniser!Voldie*

Author's Response: Thank you so much! I've never really bought in to the idea that Voldemort and Bella had more going on (at least not on Voldy's side), but I wondered what he would do while he was in school if a girl was watching him with respect and awe, and then this sprang from it!

As for continuing it, I considered doing so, but I know that I wouldn't be able to do the story justice. I like where I've ended it—I like that people are left wondering what happened to Melissa (though I know precisely what happened, lol!). Thank you so much for this lovely review! It really has made my night!