Darkness Within

Potions

Adriana Black POV:

"Merlin, this is perfect!" Horace Slughorn, Potions Professor exclaims, bringing my attention back on the flamboyant man.

Potions isn't exactly my forte, I barely pay attention to it. Which probably doesn't help in my failing the subject. I usually spend the hour and dive into my day dreams, just waiting to be dismissed. I used to be exemplary at the subject, but I suppose I stopped caring at somepoint.

I find myself to have once again drifted Into my dreams- dreams of being happy, of falling in love and running away.

"Miss Black? What's gotten into this girl, Miss Black." The Professor snaps his fingers at me and I am reluctantly forced back into my mundane reality.

"Sorry Sir, I did it again didn't I?" I scould myself for it, it's a regular occurance, especially in this class.

"Class was dismissed 5 minutes ago Miss. However, as it happens I wished to speak to you alone anyway. I know you don't care much for Potions, but I cannot ignore your grades any longer dear, you used to be one of the brightest most competent students I had. Whatever happened?" He asks me, but I dare not tell him the truth- how the beatings from my father have made me much weaker willed than I was.

"I'm just not sure that Potions are for me professor." I shrug.

"If your grades get any lower my dear i'll have no choice but to inform your parents." He states and I visiblly gulp. It was this very reason that I recieved the treatment I had over this summer. I had only dropped down a grade, i was shamed, beaten and starved for my failure. I shiver at the memory.

"Fortunately, I've arranged some private tutoring for you this year, and you'd be wise to take up the offer. Tom?" He asks as he looks over his shoulder and I see Tom Riddle standing towards the back on the classroom, arms folded.

I haven't had much interaction with Tom Riddle over the years, which is a blessing. He appears completely polite and content in front of the professors, but can be a bit of a bully to anyone that isn't in slytherin. Fortunately I am in Slytherin so as long as we don't bother him- he leaves us be.

This is the first time I've really been brave enough to take a good look at him. He's incredibly tall, pale skin like I have and jet black soft curly hair. In fact, I'd go as far as to say that he may well be the most beautiful being I've ever set my eyes on.

This is also the first time that he has ever truly taken notice of me, his dark brown eyes bore into my bright blue ones and I realise that he is incredibly attractive. He continues to walk beside the professor, not once having to take his eyes off of mine. I feel myself getting incredibly subconscious at his stare so I break the eye contact.

"Tom here has agreed to tutor you, and if I see an improvement in your attitude and grades then I see no need to inform your parents." The Professor tells me and I nod, greatful for his patience.

"Hello Miss Black." Tom says rathering charmingly, a smile playing on his lips, which I struggle to return.

"Well no time like the present, I'll leave you two to discuss the arrangement further. Thank you Tom, Miss Black." He concludes with a nod and leaves the room.

You could cut the tension with a knife. I have no idea what to say to him, I anxiously play with my hands as I try to think of anything to say to him. Although incredibly attractive, he is also extremely intimidating to me.

"So.." I begin but I am quickly cut off by the irritated boy, all politeness gone now the professor has left.

"Astronomy tower. 7pm every Saturday. Don't be late." He spits before storming out of the classroom.

As soon as he leaves I release a heavy breath that I had no idea that I was holding, before packing my textbook and practically blank notes back in my bag and leave the room.

...

"And who does he get to tutor me? Only Tom Riddle!." I rant to Alex, my fellow syltherin and best friend once in the confines of our dorm.

"Riddle? Are you serious? God he's the worse." She says, concern on her face.

"Well I wouldn't say he's the worse but he's super intimidating for sure." I reply, slightly confused at her concern.

"Seriously Adi, I saw him Stupefy a 3rd year for no reason other than the fact that the muggleborn looked at him funny then when he realised I was there he threatened me to keep my mouth shut, I wasn't even going to say anything anyway." She tells me.

"This is gonna sound so weird but you've gotta admit he's attractive." I confess.

"Yeah attractive but bat shit crazy Adi, I'm just saying to be careful. Boy gives me the creeps." She says and we leave it at that.

I find it difficult to get to sleep, my mind completely preoccupied by the boy, his beauty, the way he stared at me, I feel myself craving his approval for some reason. His attention, why did he suddenly have such impact on me? I had barely taken notice of him before. Why do I now?