Begged and borrowed time - Tom Riddle

𝑪𝒉𝒂𝒑𝒕𝒆𝒓 𝒆𝒊𝒈𝒉𝒕

The students didn't think twice before opening the door and run away from it, parting directions once they walked down the stairs.

"Where are you going?" Harry shouted after August, his head turning to catch sight of the girl veering in a different direction. She came to a halt on her heels.

"Where do you think I am going? Somewhere safe!" August screamed back, ensuring her words reached him clearly.

"Then come with us! You can't go alone! Are you out of your mind? Or did you not just see the three-headed beast?" Harry retorted, disbelief evident behind his glasses.

"Oh, did you forget which house I'm in? Because you certainly seemed to care the other day! So, no, thank you. I will not be going with you. I'll head to my own common room-the Slytherin common room." Initially, August had intended to maintain a composed demeanor, displaying her indifference towards Harry. However, his audacious invitation had stirred her anger, overpowering her attempts to control her emotions. With her mind freed from the thoughts she had wanted to express to Harry that morning, she began walking determinedly towards her desired destination, guided by the dim light that illuminated her path.

"Let me at least accompany you," Potter screamed, throwing his arms up in frustration.

"Do not bother. Heaven forbid someone sees you with a Slytherin!" The girl exclaimed, as Harry hastened his pace to catch up and walk beside her.

"Are you done? Do you feel better?" he asked, a daring smile crossing his lips.

"Maybe, and yes, I do. Thank you for asking," August responded, unable to suppress the upward curve of her own lips as they descended the stairs. The young wizard glanced at her, his smile widening at her reaction.

"So... Are you going to tell me what you were searching for when you found us?" Harry asked tentatively, scratching the back of his neck before abruptly dropping his hand, feeling a fluttering sensation in his stomach.

"Will you tell me what you were doing if I reveal it to you?" August raised an eyebrow, her interest in the matter evident as they descended further down the stairs into the shadowy depths of the dungeons, the flickering light gradually fading away. Harry stole a glance at the girl from the corner of his eye. She appeared momentarily distracted, her gaze wandering along the stone walls as they walked.

"In fact, yes, I would," Harry replied. Her attention seemed momentarily consumed by the castle's architecture.

"I could not sleep, so I went for a walk," August responded, her gaze fixed on the walls as she spoke. "What about you?"

"Malfoy challenged me to a duel," Harry admitted, a tinge of embarrassment coloring his words as they came to a halt near the entrance to the Slytherin common room.

"Abraxas?" The surprise in the witch's voice was evident, for she had not encountered anyone else awake besides Riddle during her search for Dumbledore.

"No, Draco," the dark-haired boy clarified. "I believe he was the one who informed Filch. He set me up." The astonishment on August's face faded. While she didn't know Draco Malfoy well, it made sense that if someone were to challenge Harry and his friends to a midnight duel, it would likely be him. Her gaze met the stone wall concealing the entrance she had walked out of just hours before.

"That makes sense, although I don't think he was the one who informed Filch," August remarked, her breath quickening. She turned her head to meet Harry's eyes, indicating that he should cover his ears so she could speak the password to access the common room. However, Harry seemed lost in thoughts while looking at her and didn't seem to notice her gesture. "Could you?" she asked, mimicking the action with her hands.