Beauty and the Beast

chapter three

February 14, 1945

"Happy Birthday, Samantha!" Tom told his blonde-haired friend. Sam smiled. "Thanks, Tom," she spoke to her comrade. The brown-haired guy was wearing a green sweater with a grey shirt under it and black pants. Sam was wearing a white shirt, black jacket, grey pants, and a Slytherin scarf. They sat down on the couch in the common room. The sixteen year old boy took a deep breath before he offered, "I know we've been quote-unquote 'dating' for a while, and I'm just curious if you want us to be boyfriend-girlfriend...?" A grin appeared on Samantha's face. "I would love that, Tom!" She laughed, hugging him. They enjoyed their time together and went out to Hogsmeade, since they had the day off for the holiday.

They sat down in The Three Broomsticks to drink some butterbeer. Samantha sighed and told Tom, "I wish Raine was here. She makes every occasion better and more... enjoyable, you know..." Tom nodded, placing his arm around her. "But I'm here, you know. I'll always be here, Sam." The blonde's frown went away quickly as she then took a sip of butterbeer, getting some whipped cream on her lip. Both of them gave a slight chuckle as Samantha wiped it off. "Thank you for bringing me here, Tom. I appreciate it." The boy smiled charmingly. "Any time," he assured the blue-eyed girl. Riddle's connection to Samantha was not about hiding the fact that he was the heir. It was a genuine love, but he had to hide the truth to keep it intact.

They soon returned to the common room, where Tom sat down beside Samantha, holding a box with multiple small holes through the top. "Open it, it's yours," he told his girlfriend. Upon opening it, she found a cat. It was a ragdoll cat, with white fur all around and blue eyes. Sam's eyes lit up. "I've always wanted a kitten!" She exclaimed, picking up the small creature. Tom had a box of cat supplies for her as well. While she put it with her stuff, the boy watched the cat. Sammy soon came back and held her cat, smiling. "I'll name her... hmm... how about... Valentine, since I got her today?" The girl suggested. Her lover nodded. "I like that idea, it makes sense." The blonde kept the kitten on her lap, petting it as it purred

March 7, 1945

The weather was now slightly warmer as Samantha woke up, Valentine on her blanket, leaning against her leg. She got out of bed then began to change into her school robes. Once that was all finished, she walked to the Great Hall for breakfast, as usual. It was the average day, not much different from any others. Tom sat beside Sam, as always. As with most sixth years, relationships were all the talk. A Hufflepuff girl named Lindsay was talking to her friend named Valerie. "Tom Riddle and Samantha Dalton are kind of cute togther," Valerie said. Lindsay nodded in agreement. "Tom gives me the creeps, though. Something's off about him," she told her friend.

Valerie whispered, "You don't think he could be... the heir... do you?" Lindsay shook her head. "No way, Val. I mean, yeah, he can be creepy, but we both have rather wild imaginations."

During Charms, Samantha and Tom were taking notes when Professor Dippet came in. "I need to see Miss Dalton and Mr. Riddle, the Slytherin prefects, please. It is urgent." Both of the teens stood up and left the room, where the six other prefects were. They filed into the headmaster's office and all sat down. "What is happening involving the chamber's opening has gone too far. We need to protect our fellow students here at Hogwarts," Armando told the students. All eight of them nodded. Anxiety was building up within Tom. They couldn't find out about what he did. His reputation would shatter. But he kept a straight face and didn't reveal himself. "We should collect information about each student that was attacked. What do they have in common? Then we can possibly narrow down the list," the Ravenclaw boy suggested.

"And expel or fire the culprit," the Gryffindor girl added.

"That sounds like a wonderful idea," Samantha agreed. "My best friend is petrified right now, and I want justice for her." They took a vote. There were seven who had liked the idea, but Tom had been silent. "Mr. Riddle, what are your thoughts, sir?" Professor Dippet asked the Slytherin male.

"I'll say yes as well," he responded. In his head, he knew he had to close the chamber and frame someone so that there wouldn't be anyone on his tail. His secret was getting less and less safe as the days passed. "All of you are free to go. Tell your professors that they are meeting with me, and teach for them just until they get back. But before you go, Tom, Professor Dumbledore wishes to see you." The brunette nodded. "Yes, sir."