You're Fiona Perkins, a rather shy Ravenclaw student in your sixth year at Hogwarts. He's the last person you expect to see, especially at this hour. As you both battle your insomnia Tom Riddle and you form an unique bond. You're connected by someth...
The moment your eyes meet his, you feel overwhelmed with emotion. And then you do something that surprises you and him equally - you launch yourself into his arms. For a second he freezes but eventually, he wraps his arms around you closely. You don't know why you're doing this. He's twisted and cruel, you know that now. But it's almost like you're holding on tightly to the version of him you built up in your head. The charming, sly but also kind Tom.
He plants a kiss on top of your head. "There, there," he whispers.
After a few more seconds you pull away and nervously push a strand of hair behind your face. "Sorry. I'm just a little overwhelmed with everything that happened today..."
He gives you an understanding nod. "It's okay, there's no need to apologize. It's a stressful day for all of us."
You bite your tongue to stop yourself from scoffing. He's such an incredible manipulator. He truly acts like he has nothing to do with the Hufflepuff that was found petrified in the second floor.
"Right... we shouldn't stand around here too long. I'm sure there are many teachers around tonight," you say in a hushed tone.
As a response he just starts walking. "You're right. Let's try to make it to the prefect's room without being seen."
On the way there, you don't speak a single word with each other. Your mind is racing. You're not sure yet, how you want to approach the situation once you're in private. It was clear what Jane was implying... you're supposed to seduce him in a way. But will that really help you in getting out any information from him?
Since you're so lost in thought, you're almost shocked, once he's stopping at the prefect's room entrance. "Fortuna Major." Tom's voice sounds strange to you. You can't bring the image you had of him and the sad reality together yet. It's like you're still in denial.
The door swings open. It seems like the password has changed since the last time you've been here with him. Like it's the most natural thing in the world, you and Tom sit down on your usual couch. He lights the fireplace, like he always does. But of course, nothing feels the same anymore.
He looks over at you and offers a soft smile. Your eyes meet his and for a moment you get lost in them. Dammit. You hate that he still has such an effect on you. You quietly clear your throat.
"So... crazy day, huh?"
He cringes and nods. "Merlin, yeah. Poor boy."
You try your best not to burst out laughing. Now that you know who he really is, his attempt of seeming empathetic seems almost comical.
Instead, you quickly press your lips together, taking a moment before answering. "I know. I just don't get it. Someone must have done that to him, no? Or something..."
Tom contemplates his answer carefully and stares into the dancing flames.
"Agreed. From what I've heard, even the teachers and Madame Blainey are still completely in the dark about what happened to him. But please don't repeat that to anyone, okay?" He gives you a thin-lipped smile.
"Of course not," you quickly reply. You hesitate before asking: "Have you heard anything else? I don't want to be nosey but it's just all so terrifying and confusing... I bet you prefects know more than us, right?"
He hesitates again before answering and fixes his eyes on your face instead of the fire. You remember what Jane said and put on puppy eyes. You need to take advantage of the fact that he's a bit smitten with you. And to your surprise, his face actually softens and an amused smile plays on his lips.
"How can I say no, when you look at me like that?"
He sighs before continuing with a measured tone. "I don't much more than what Dippet said earlier in the Great Hall... like I said it's all very strange and no one can really make sense of it. I just know the boy's name is Mont Batt, he's a second year Hufflepuff. Apparently really shy and unassuming. I didn't know him. He's muggleborn. And he was found by Pringle in the early morning today. Supposedly, it really looked like he was turned to stone."
Your ears perk up when he says that Mont was muggleborn. Of course you know why that matters. Whatever is in that chamber is designed to target the non purebloods in this school. But you find it interesting that Tom would point that out. Knowing what you know, that's very telling.
You sigh. "Merlin, his parents. I can't even imagine how they must feel."
Tom shrugs. "They're muggles, they don't feel much probably." This cold response makes your breath hitch in your throat.
"What do you mean by that?"
He frowns. "Just... what I said. Muggles aren't particularly advanced creatures, are they?"
You are stunned. Now you're getting somewhere. Now he finally shows how he really feels. "I don't know. But they have feelings. They're human." You don't want to give him too much pushback on this, as to keep the conversation going.
Tom doesn't respond for a bit and stares into the fire again. His expression is hard, almost hateful. "If you say so."
It seems like he has no interest in arguing with you about this. Dammit. Instead, he moves a bit closer to you on the couch.
"Maybe we should stop talking about this... brings down my mood." His hand finds your thigh and you start to panic.
You chuckle nervously. "Oh... I don't know if I can think of much else right now though," you hastily press out.
His brows shoot up and he gives you a confused look. "Is something wrong?"
You slowly shake your head. "Just... like I said. Still a little shaken up."
His eyes narrow and he stares you down. And again, a sharp, pulsating headache pierces through your temples. Something clicks in your head. This pain always happens when you're around him. And always when he gives you that weird look. You're sure it's him who's causing it. But how?
"What are you doing?!" you burst out, your voice sharper than you expected yourself.
He flinches and averts his gaze. He takes a moment to respond. "What are you talking about? What am I doing? You're acting strange today, Fiona..."
You take a few deep breaths and calm yourself down. "I'm sorry. I'm just on edge. I don't know what got into me, forgive me, okay?"
Tom hesitates for a moment before giving you his signature charming smile. "Of course. Now, will you please come here? I missed you..."
You hate yourself for it but you're melting, the moment he looks at you like that. You almost feel like everything could go back to normal. To how it should be. Before you can change your mind, you place your head in his lap. He's a little startled by your bold move, but soon enough, the smirk on his face widens even more. He starts to gently play with your hair and you get that feeling again... those butterflies in your stomach that you missed so much.
"Just relax," he mumbles, continuing to brush through your hair. "Everything will be alright, I promise."
And eventually, you drift off to sleep.
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