𝐂𝐑𝐈𝐌𝐒𝐎𝐍 𝐋𝐀𝐂𝐄 [ 𝐭.𝐫 ]

25: SUMMER

With all the exhaustion weaved into her back and the migraines she had every night before bed, Angelina could positively say that she was ecstatic about summer vacations.

Well not absolutely ecstatic.

Her birthday was in October and she was still sixteen. Still bound to live at the orphanage. Bound to misery.

She tried not to think about it at breakfast while she was invited to the stage for a short speech Slughorn had her and Tom prepare.

"And we strongly advise you to work on your self these vacations. We have a long way to go." Tom finished their speech and applause rang through the Great Hall.

They descended the steps and were met with widened smiles or scrutinized scowls. Tom even got multiple pats on his back that he seemed to enjoy but Angelina saw how he fisted his hands.

They sat at their usual spots and waited for the Headmaster to give his usual parting speech and wave of dismissal. Angelina couldn't wait to be dismissed.

"Psst."

She didn't think it was aimed at her.

"Psst, Arlo!" Lestrange whisper yelled.

Angelina faced him, "Yes?"

"What are the chances Riddle told you about tonight?"

She sent a glare Tom's way, then she grins. "None, obviously. We're still not on good terms, you see."

He saw it obviously.

Maybe.

Lestrange mused, "You seem normal enough."

"Well, we're not. Tell me what you were going on about."

Lestrange grinned like a Cheshire cat, "Nothing, just this great party at my family's manor."

Angelina snorted. "Your mother finally let you host something, congratulations. Who's coming?"

Lily scooted closer to her. "Everyone. Literally."

And he didn't bother telling me.

"Are you coming?" Abraxas asked.

Angelina didn't want to go to a party. She wanted to sleep.
But Tom didn't want her there.

If only to spite him, she said, "Absolutely."

"No you're not." Tom said, instantly.

Her eyebrows furrowed. "Why not, Tom?"

Tom gave her a placid look and his hand tightened around her knee. "Because you're supposed to be at the orphanage."

Her body retracted from him.

"Yes, I know." She snapped, "I'm actually quite aware."

"Hey, Tom let her." Abraxas cut in.

"I do not need Tom's permission to do anything. I will be there and that's final."

Headmaster's voice rang through the hall. "Students, you are dismissed."

"I'm going to have a little talk with you." Tom stopped her by the wrist. She gazed into his eyes, she could not almost see the blue in them. His pupils were extremely diluted.

Was he angry?
Good.

◤─────•~❉᯽❉~•─────◥

Tom entered her room without knocking and she wondered if she forgot to lock the door. He certainly did not. Once Tom was satisfied with the lock, he walked towards her.