Much to Horace Slughorn's dismay, Artemis Potter and Tom Riddle seem to have drifted apart a little despite having spent the summer holidays with each other. So, of course, it is upto him to bring them closer once more. If only his superb match-maki...
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--------------------> A GUST OF WIND blew past Tom, and he felt Artemis shuffle closer to his side to ward off the chill. It was a clear morning, a perfect day to waste watching a game he cared nothing about. But Artemis did, so he would stay for her. He nodded and smiled acknowledgements to those who called his name, while Artemis winked and grinned instead. Herds of unruly students were still heading to Quidditch pitch, carrying pointless chatter with them.
Below the archway of the entrance, Artemis halted her steps and unlinked their arms. "I have to meet Professor Dumbledore before the match starts. Apparently, he wants to 'give me instructions' so I don't make 'inappropriate' comments, whatever that means," she revealed, her hands creating bunny ears to emphasise particular words.
"Okay," said Tom, offering her a smile. "I'll find a seat to watch the game. Have fun commenting. Try not to proclaim your love for too many people."
"Define too many."
"One."
"Noted, but no promises." Artemis flashed him a grin before waving him goodbye as they parted.
Tom, rooted to the spot, watched her leave until her silhouette disappeared from view. Next, he made his way to the stadium where the Ravenclaw supporters sat. Choosing Hufflepuff over Ravenclaw in a Quidditch match was the equivalent of a war-crime to his or.
So, Tom surveyed the empty seats, finding that there was one between Abraxas and Walburga, and another one beside Gen, who was holding a large sign. Normally, Tom would have sided with the Slytherins. However, there were some questions he needed to confirm, and for that, he needed Gen. This setting provided him with the perfect opportunity to ask her without the interference of anyone else.
"Good morning," said Tom, as he sat beside her.
Gen, unfortunately, didn't appear surprised to see him. Rather, she beamed. "Good morning," she said, returning the greeting, and passing him the large poster she had held. "I'm wearing Ravenclaw colours, you aren't. This side is for those supporting Ravenclaw. You need to blend in," Gen explained before he could inquire about her action. She made it sound so considerate before adding, "Plus, my arm is getting tired."
"I'll be your hero and relieve your burden then," said Tom, adjusting his grip on the poster, and Gen laughed.
For the lapse of a few minutes where every previously unoccupied seat was filled and the chattering around them got louder, Tom applied some wandless privacy charms, and casually spoke: "Artemis has been visiting the victim who passed away, hasn't she?"
Beside him, Gen inhaled sharply. "She told you?"
Tom recalled the promise he made to Roman about allowing her space, about not pushing her. "Yes," he answered, lying smoothly.
"I didn't think she would," Gen admitted, her eyes far away. "She hasn't told anyone. She was annoyingly adamant that she doesn't want to worry you."
