my riddle to solve (tom riddle)

thirty-five

I had recently begun to despise crying. Tears were a physical manifestation of weakness, which was something that I could not afford. Anger proved to be a much better way to alleviate frustration and sadness.

As I stormed away from the village and back towards the school, I could think of nothing else but my hatred for Tom Riddle. Everything I had said to him was entirely true; he was an arrogant prick. The only times he shows interest in me is when he wants something, something that usually puts my life at risk. Well, two could play at that game.

Admittedly, I was a bit surprised Riddle hadn't whipped out his wand and hexed me on the spot. Striking him was a bold move, so much so that I might have actually shocked him. Of course it was what he deserved, but I was smart enough to fear his inevitable retaliation.

When I finally crossed over onto the castle grounds, I could see the Forbidden Forest looming around the bend. The large trees cast gloomy shadows that seemed to stretch miles long. The clattering of hooves alerted me that a pack of Hippogriffs or perhaps Centaurs must be nearby. I ignored any thoughts of curiosity and continued on my way.

"Sterling! Back from Hogsmeade already?" Julian Black stood halfway across the bridge I desired to cross, smoking a cigarette that smelled strongly of menthol. When Adelaide dated him last year, the scent stuck to her skin and hair.

"Leave me alone, Black." I attempted to stride past him, but the boy blocked my way with his posture.

"Wait just one moment. It was incredibly lucky that our paths crossed at this time. I know that we are not on the best of terms, but I need to speak with you," he pleaded. A sort of strange desperation hung behind his eyes, one that intrigued me enough to decide against ignoring him.

"Fine. You have thirty seconds." My patience had already been worn thin by Riddle, meaning I was not in the mood to deal with Slytherin boys and their antics.

"It's about Adelaide. I think that she might be in trouble." Black tapped the end of his cigarette on the edge of the railing, sending ash down the side of the mountain. "Selwyn is a dangerous and unstable person, and it worries me to see her spending so much time with him."

"Why should the company she keeps concern you? Adelaide is not your girlfriend or your friend," I reminded him.

"We dated for nearly half of a year. Whether I like it or not, part of me still feels accountable for her wellbeing. Neither you, Lestrange, nor Prewett have paid much care to her strange behavior these last few weeks. I do not enjoy your company, Sterling; nor do I hold you in any sort of high regard. But I admit that you are somewhat intelligent and I find it strange that you have not noticed what is happening." The clouds above us had begun to lightly drizzle, causing water to coat my hair and face. I was frustrated, tired, and now I was wet.

"I am not in the mood for this conversation, Black. Bring your concerns to me in a few days time, and perhaps I might care," I told him sharply before shoving past him. I expected a snide remark or mumbled curse words to follow after me, but all I received was silence.

When I finally reached Ravenclaw Tower, I was calm enough to think clearly. The common room was mostly filled with younger students, most of which either ignored me or sent shy smiles in my direction. I hurried up the stairs to reach my dormitory, where I quickly changed into dry clothes and clean shoes. I pulled Tom's ring off my thumb and tossed it under my bed, although I exchanged it for Raymond's charm bracelet. Tom didn't like when I wore it, which is exactly why I decided to put it on.

I exited my dorm and crossed the hall to the boys' side. Seeing as Adelaide surely wouldn't care about any of this, Raymond and Abraxas were my next best bet.