Invictus [Tom Riddle / Tomione]

A Dangerous Oversight

Winnie awoke on Monday morning in one of the guest rooms of Malfoy Manor.

She sat up in bed, gazing through the French doors which led out onto the third floor balcony. It had been raining for two days, and thunder cracked deafeningly in the skies, rumbling through the moors that stretched out before Malfoy Manor.

Dark gray clouds hid the morning light. Winnie sat up in bed, then caught sight of a figure leaning against the wall beside the balcony doors.

He blinked his gaze to hers.

She rubbed her lips together. "Good morning."

His eyes roamed her where she lay beneath the sheets. "Good morning."

He looked away, his eyes fixed on the gray storm clouds in the distance.

Winnie watched him, observing the way he blinked, his jaw tensing and eyes narrowing in thought. She wondered what he was thinking, but he'd rarely tell her. He was the strong, silent type, and though she was shy, she was usually his opposite, both feisty and opinionated when she felt comfortable with someone.

She'd felt comfortable with him once. For a short period of time.

Now he felt like a stranger, aloof and closed off.

He wore a simple white crewneck shirt, tucked into pinstriped trousers. His brown curls were tousled from sleep and reminded her of the way she'd gripped them the night before. They'd spent two nights holed up in this room since Ostara.

They couldn't go to her home, and they certainly couldn't show up at the Rosier Estate.

She ran her hands over her own waist length hair, smoothing its pale strands. "I suppose I should go."

He blinked, then nodded, his eyes still fixed on the sky.

She stood and dressed. He turned and leaned back against the wall as he watched her in silence.

She stood there, wearing the same gown she'd worn to the ball, her hair a mess and cheeks flushed.

Their eyes met.

He reached for his velvet jacket. "Can I see you home?"

She shook her head, twisting her wand in her hands. "No, I can fare just fine on my own."

A beat of silence ensued.

"I know you can, Win."

His brown eyes smoldered like coals, bestowing upon her their intensity.

She didn't know what to say to that, so she stayed silent.

He crossed the room to stand before her, slipping an arm around her waist. "Can I see you again soon?"

Winnie's heart twisted in her chest.

"I don't think that's a good idea, Edward."

His thumb stroked her lower back.

"Why?"

She rolled her eyes. "You know why, you daft nunce."

His lips twitched. "Watch your mouth, witch."

"I will not."

He gripped her waist roughly. "Begging to be silenced, hmm?"

Her mouth twisted into a reluctant smile, but she pushed against his chest. "Enough of that. The fun's over with."

His smile disappeared, his expression fading into torturous disquiet.

His Adam's apple bobbed. "I need you, Winnie."