Beauty and the Beast

chapter four

May 27, 1945

Samantha had just finished her Potions O.W.L. and returned to her common room when a familiar female voice called out to her. "Sammy!" She exclaimed. Of course, it was Raine. The best friends ran up and hugged each other almost as tight as possible. "I missed you!" Sam laughed, starting to cry as well. The redhead noticed and spoke to her friend, "Dalton! It's okay!" They stood there for another minute or so then finally let go of each other. Containing their excitement was always difficult for the pair of girls. They then caught up with each other. Unfortunately, that meant Samantha had to tell Raine about the third year student. "So... Myrtle... died?" The girl reacted, shocked. Sam nodded quietly. "It was tragic... Professor Dippet immediately discussed plans with us prefects.

When they went in the hallways, there was murmur, the name Rubeus Hagrid being thrown around. It was about dinnertime, as everyone was heading to the great hall. The two best friends sat down on opposite sides of the table, still near each other, watching the room fill with students as it did every day. But Tom was not at there, causing Sam a small bit of worry as she looked around for him. "I'm sure you guys have heard about the recent expulsion, as news seems to travel fast here at Hogwarts. I will tell you nothing, other than that he was the one who opened the chamber. The hero in this story is Mr. Tom Riddle of Slytherin house," the headmaster announced. The brunette seemed to appear out of nowhere as he approached the raised stage-like part of the hall. "I present you, sir, with an award for your bravery and perseverance, as well as 75 points to Slytherin house," Dippet announced. The table on the end burst into cheers. Samantha applauded and smiled, happy for her lover.

Tom sat back down, next to her. They then scooted next to each other, Sam resting her head on the teen's shoulder. She looked at her best friend and laughed softly, "I apologize, Raine, I forgot to tell you he's my boyfriend now." The blue-eyed girl smirked. "Because that's so surprising," she commented sarcastically. The three of them laughed. "This calls for butterbeer later?" Tom suggested.

"Sounds awesome," Sam replied.

"Sweet," Raine responded. They then talked for a while, joking around and just having a good time. Tom felt sorry about sending the basilisk on Raine, since she was one of the people who made Sam happy. But he could not verbally express it, or he'd be the one expelled with his wand broken in two, and all his awards would've been taken away.

The next day, after the Defense Against the Dark Arts O.W.L., the trio went out to get butterbeer. They returned to the common room, somewhat drunk on the stuff. Samantha plopped down on the couch next to Tom, smiling. Again, they leaned against each other's shoulders. But the variation in the scenario came when they looked at one another in the eyes and chuckled before locking lips for their first time. Neither of them quite realized what was happening as they held on to each other. Tom's hand moved to hold Sam's as they both came to terms with reality. "We really just kissed," the blonde thought out loud.

"Weird to think, but... it was like, magical," Tom added. They watched the fireplace together for a while before they retreated to their dormitories.

Samantha sat down on her bed, Valentine immediately pouncing to sit on her lap. Raine looked at Samantha and sat in front of her friend. She whispered, "Sam... I'm not sure what happened is true."

"Me neither," Samantha replied quietly. "I've talked to Rubeus a couple times when he was a first year and couldn't find his way to Transfiguration. He's not the kind of guy to open a secret chamber, let alone kill someone." Raine nodded. "I agree, I've seen him talking to his friends. I do have ideas, but they're likely biased. Besides, I don't know anyone related to Salazar Slytherin."

"Neither do I," Samantha replied. But neither of them knew their good friend Tom was his descendant

They quietly discussed for a while when the blue-eyed girl asked, "How did you get petrified?"

"I was in the bathroom, washing my hands when I stopped to check my appearance, as myself and many people do," She recalled. "I heard a strange sound I can't describe, then looked in the mirror. I saw a giant snake-like reptile. It flared its teeth to the mirror, haunting me. Then I saw its eyes... its yellow eyes. And in and instant, it was like I was in a coma."

"So it couldn't have been a spider, like everyone says it was. You have witness proof." Raine nodded. "That's what I'm saying," she told her friend. Samantha connected the dots then announced, still quiet, "Rubeus Hagrid was framed."