Tom Riddle is Here-Plan in Action

Part 18

It had been a few days now since their meeting with Dumbledore, and their subsequent plan with Pucey was to be put into place not too long after dinner. They did not want it to be too late, otherwise they ran the risk of getting into trouble with the HeadBoy and Prefects, however at the same time, they could not have it be too early. Deciding that they would head out towards the end of dinner was the perfect time. It would draw very little attention, especially considering Draco had the forethought to order the Slytherins to begin emptying out the hall at half past time. Tom had to admit that was a sense of foresight that he had not accounted for. 

"That was a wise decision, love," Tom had whispered softly, giving him a smile, to which Draco had lit up. 

The other was still so sensitive to praise, it was concerning. Though Tom doubted that it would ever truly go away, all he could do is help praise him as much as he could to keep him stable. It was useful in some ways, but tiring in others, still, he would do it relentlessly. Despite the worry that it caused, after all, it was one of the easiest things to give a person. 

"Thank you," THe sincerity of the response was heartening. 

Now, they were waiting. Anticipation tightly wrapped around the two of them. Draco and Tom may not look giddy with anticipation, but that was only because they were experts at hiding their true emotions, breathing softly as they both ate carefully. Tom and Draco waited, until almost half past, watching as a good third of the Slytherin table had already departed continuing until Tom and Draco were some of the only ones left at the table. Them and Pucey, along with a few of the others as well. It would draw too much attention if they were the only ones left, Draco had decided, and Tom had easily agreed. 

Draco and Tom got up ditching their plates pushed to the side, both clean, as they would not waste food, but moving elegantly they strode from the Great Hall, knowing as they did so that Pucey was watching them and not too long after he would be following them. With a victorious smirk they glanced to the side and noticed the Weasley Twins swiftly excusing themselves as well. 

"Do you think they were updated by Dumbledore?" Draco muttered under his breath to Tom. Tom just minutely nodded, but otherwise stayed silent. Draco hummed to himself. It was likely not too long after they had left his office. The Twins were clearly sent to keep an eye on him and Tom. Though, it was clear that though that had been the intention at the beginning, there was a different reason this time. 

While neither Draco nor Tom was stupid enough to believe that Dumbledore had given up suspecting them completely, he was now also worried that there may be something far darker at play. The Twins constantly watching them had not escaped their notice, but then again, despite being gryffindors, they were pretty descent when it came to hiding their presence, just...not good enough. Tom and Draco had noticed their constant watchful companions quite early on. It was laughable to think they would be able to actually hide themselves from them, but even still, they could commend the effort. Really, if they were not Dumbledore's little spies. 

Tom and Draco stood together in the hallway, noticing the moment that Pucey came in, and their audience for Dumbledore hid behind the collumn. Really, it was almost hilarious, but they could not laugh about this now, they had a job to do. 

"You haven't managed it yet, he is getting impatient. I don't think you need a reminder of what happens when that comes to pass." Pucey scoffed, and Tom had to remind himself to commend Pucey on his ability. It had come in great handy at this point, and it would be pitiful to loose such a talented person because of his lack of attention towards his abilities. Draco had done well enough he knew, but then again most of the Slytherins would do anything for Draco, including put themselves in an incredibly dangerous position of threatening Draco, which incurs Tom's wrath, playful or acting or otherwise. Tom was a volatile person, and everyone was aware of that, and scared of what would happen should they get on his wrong side. 

"We are aware, and I am sure that he is also aware that these things take time, it is important to be careful, and to not make mistakes." Pucey rolled his eyes.

"That may be the case, but, it needs to be finished soon. I realize that you are struggling," Tom stiffened at that, gritting his teeth but refusing to say anything. "But he does not care for the minor things, as I am sure that you are aware. Results, those are what gets his attention, and so far, we have very little in that regard." Pucey gave them a self satisfied smirk. "Or, perhaps you have forgotten the punishment for failure in this," Draco shook his head, pushing himself back into Tom.

"Of course we haven't." Tom snapped, his eyes glinting. Draco drew small circles on his arm, trying to calm him a bit. "The results will become obvious soon," 

"I hope so, for your sake, both of you." Pucey turned on his heel and walked out of the corridor. Tom was gritting his teeth, annoyance setting his nerves alight. 

"So," Draco muttered under his breath. 

"We need to swiften the time line." Tom spoke softly. 

"We can't do that!" Draco shot out, idignant. "Look, we already have everyone running wild trying to get everything done on time, and now he wants us to go faster? Is he insane?" Tom covered Draco's hand with his mouth. 

"Quiet!" He hissed. Draco dropped silent immediately, eyes cast down. Tom breathed deeply, pulling his hand from Draco's mouth, sighing softly. "I am sorry." He whispered. "I did not mean to be so aggressive." Draco just bowed slightly. "You just...you never know, and I don't him to give further reason to be angry with us." Draco nodded.

"I understand, but he is already going to be angry." Draco managed to get his eyes to tear up, and Tom applauded his acting ability. He had not believed that Draco could act so well, which was why he had gone through the lengths that he had when they had first come up with the plan to destroy Dumbledore's reputation, and cement his ability to wander Hogwarts unchecked, as well as the idea that he was Voldermort's son, yet, Draco preformed amazingly every time he was called to do so. 

"True, but that is no reason to push that anger further, you know this." Draco huffed.

"He is going to be angry no matter what we do or say. Stupid," He rolled his eyes and Tom sighed long sufferingly. 

"Yes, but I do not want to make him further angry than we can. It is bad enough we are doomed to fail, you know that. So shush, and be more careful when talking to Pucey. We may not like it, but Pucey is right, and he is trying to warn us, in his own way."