𝐃𝐄𝐀𝐓𝐇𝐖𝐈𝐒𝐇; Tom Riddle

chapter twenty-one

time is of the Essence;

Tom

Utter fear and confusion ran across my mind; every word that escaped Elizabeth's lips dragged me more into the dwelling hole of confusion and paranoia.

Was she tinkering and fussing with my mind? Was she lying to me? I didn't know.

I stood arms-length to Elizabeth, glaring down at her as her head tilted upward.

"Tom." Elizabeth spoke softly to me, a concerning twinge of fear in her voice.

I didn't know what to say, I had many questions go unanswered.

"I don't have time for games." I asserted dominance, assuring her that I wasn't one to believe her shenanigans.

"Neither do I." Elizabeth stood her ground, stirring up the anger amidst me.

"I never did any of those things," I say, anger prominent in my tone.

"No, no. I'm not mental, it all happened exactly how I remember it." She shoves me, catching me off guard and making me flinch. My entire body began to heat up with rage, as I fought the urge to hit Elizabeth back. I stood up, causing Elizabeth to cower away.

"I think you've had too much to drink." I spat.

She threw her hands up in the air dramatically, "don't do that."

"Do what, exactly, might I ask?" I questioned.

"Make me think I'm crazy." She spoke with such innocence.

The room fell silent, as I stared down at her with disbelief. I peered down at her hands, furrowing my brows as I observed a vibrant light grow larger by the second that seeped through her palms. She had a twinkle in her eye, and I became very stiff at the sudden threat before me. I then, very cautiously, met with her eyes and she had the slightest grin in the nook of her mouth as if she could spot the fear in my eyes.

"I believe you, Elizabeth," I told her very calmly, attempting to take her by the hand. I hissed as my hand clutched hers in mine, and I felt a burning sensation run across my body.

"You're won't manipulate me any longer." She triumphed, shaking her head in distaste.

As she inched closer, I cowered back. For once in my life, I'd been consumed by the utmost fear. I'd never imagined Elizabeth Kane to wreak so much havoc. Elizabeth Kane; the most anxiety-riddled girl in Hogwarts. The dense, quiet, mouse of a woman, Elizabeth Kane, was causing me the most panic I'd ever felt in my entire life. Why I'd never anticipated this from her - I never understood why. I knew everyone's secrets, but not hers.

Fear is the object I am fearful of the most.

I felt the panic set in as I watched her inch closer every second. Every step she took was woefully thought out, and she took them with a smirk. Is this how it feels? Is this how she feels when I manipulate her?

How could I ever be afraid of such a measly, homely, Elizabeth Kane?

"You will always be inferior to me," I said flatly, aiming to appear unfazed, but I hadn't stopped there, "You shall be glad that Abraxas is dead so you shouldn't have to be a burden on his shoulders any longer!"