Burning Obsessions : Tom Riddle

14: Jealousy

[victoria's pov]

Theo and I hadn't talked for days since our argument. Quidditch practice was more awkward now and if Theo needed to be critiqued, I would rebound the message to Malfoy. But our behaviour hadn't gone unnoticed.

"What happened between you two?" Serenity asked me one morning when we were walking to lunch together.

I hesitated then explained what had happened.

"Theo isn't happy about me and Riddle going to Slughorn's dinner together," I said.

Serenity gasped and exclaimed, "You never told me you were going to Slughorn's dinner with Riddle?!"

A couple of students–specifically Josee Laval and her snake friends–looked over at us. Josee Laval scowled I hushed Serenity.

"It's not a secret, I simply don't want to talk about it," I explained.

Serenity smirked and said, "Sure, try to keep convincing yourself."

"Of what?" I questioned.

"Admit it," Serenity said. "You and Riddle have a fling for each other, despite your theatrical wall of hating each other. And Theo's just jealous, otherwise why would he be so upset?"

"Uh, perhaps because he doesn't like Riddle," I suggested. After all, it wasn't far from the truth considering how many dirty looks Theo threw at him.

"Speak of the devil," Druella joined us and pointed at the entrance.

Theo was joined by Cygnus. Cygnus spotted Druella and joined her across her spot. Theo sat across from Serenity, pretending my existence was nothing.

Serenity and I stayed quiet, Druella and Cygnus in their own conversation about how one could even escape Azkaban.

"Do you suppose if someone were part human and siren, they could escape the dementors?" Druella suggested.

Cygnus pointed a finger in agreement. He complimented her on her brains, making her turn pink. I couldn't understand how the two could still act more like friends instead of lovey dovey.

"Are you going to Slughorn's dinner?" Serenity asked Druella and Cygnus. Afterall, Cygnus was a potion mastermind.

"Afraid I can't make it," Cygnus said. "I'd prefer to spend the evening with someone else."
He grinned and Serenity rolled her eyes.

"Gag me with a spoon," she said, making me giggle.

Cygnus and Druella's conversation was interrupted when Helen Abbott nervously approached our table. Specifically, she approached Theo. Her lot of friends were close behind, bubbly.

"Morning, Theo," she said.

"Morning, Helen," Theo said with a curious tone. "Fancy a spot?"

She nodded enthusiastically and sat across from me without a glance.

"So Slughorn's dinner is nearing," Helen said nervously, twiddling her fingers. She was too brittle to look Theo in the eyes. "It sounds silly, but I was wondering if you could perhaps... You know, perhaps-"

"Go with you to Slughorn's dinner?" Theo finished for her.

She nodded, tucking her hair behind her ear. She had a sweet smile on her face. She looked relieved, and I could understand her nervousness.

All morning, Theo hadn't acknowledged my existence until now. He looked at me as if asking for consent. I wanted to protest against it or at least shake my head, but I couldn't. Not after what I had refused to take my favour back from Riddle.