I knew the moment I first kissed him, that he would condemn me, that I would drag myself through broken glass for him. I just was not sure if he would stay long enough to pull the jagged pieces out.
I never imagined that instead, he would push the...
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Once, there were times when waking up would be a slow and relaxing process, when the soft gold hues of the sun would gently lay a kiss on my eyes, waking me up for another day. However, it seemed this was not the case this time, for a searing light harshly forced itself behind my eyelids, as if forcing them to open. I reluctantly opened my heavy eyes. My muscles felt cramped as I vainly attempted to move, causing me to curse inwardly.
Only when a pale hand reached out to adjust my pillow did I notice the presence of Tom Riddle, whose eyes were trained on me.
Surprisingly to both him and me, I did not attempt to hex him as soon as I noticed him, too tired to object or yell at the boy. Instead, I gestured weakly to the glass of water standing on my bedside table, and understanding what I meant, he handed it over to me, averting his eyes as I greedily gulped the liquid down in seconds.
"I will inform the matron that you are awake," Riddle said, at last, not sparing me another glance before moving away.
I briefly wondered why in Merlin's name Riddle out of all people was here, yet my speculation was cut short when Madame Poppet came rushing with vials in her hand, her brows knitted in a frown as she started fretting over me.
As I drank the contents of the vial the matron had handed to me, the woman raised a suspicious brow. "Would you care to explain why you fainted, Miss Laurent? Has another student attempted to harm you? Or have you neglected to look after yourself properly?" She asked her tone stern yet filled with a hint of worry.
My eyes subconsciously flashed to Riddle, who was looking at me with a face void of emotion. Focusing back on the matron, who was awaiting an answer, I replied. "I have been stressing over my classes lately, and might have skipped a few meals in order to catch up with the work." I lied, putting on a sheepish expression whilst avoiding the woman's gaze.
Madame Poppet tsked in disappointment. "That is outrageous, dear! You must look after yourself. What good would you be in any of your classes if you are collapsing with exhaustion? You were lucky Riddle was there to find and carry you when you fainted." She gave me a knowing look before adding, "Like a knight in shining armour. Hardly left your side during your stay here."
I cleared my throat, wishing I could spew out the colourful phrases to describe Riddle because he certainly was no knight, he was the person I needed saving from. "I know, I have learned my lesson. It won't happen again, I assure you." I settled on saying instead.
"Good. Now Mister Riddle can escort you to dinner. Make haste before it ends." She commanded, her tone final, leaving no room for any protests. Throwing me one last look, she turned on her heel and left us, muttering something inaudible under her breath.
