Lenora's Love; A Tom Riddle Story

Worth It

The guys looked at each other "someone needs to distract her" they said at the same time.

Abraxas groaned, "she's going to maim all of our opponents".

"Black seemed to be doing a good job" Lestrange said and Abraxas cringed shutting his eyes tight.

Tom's wand barely moved and Lestranges chair shot out from under him making him land on his back with a grunt.

Avery stood up, "I'm out so I'll do it" he said. Tom glared at him "I'll have her sit with our moms, they're over having a picnic by the lake with most of the other ladies" Avery said picking up his hands.

Tom nodded, "Go then"

Lestrange stood up slowly fixing his chair.
"You're up Lestrange" Mr. Mulciber nodded towards the ring.

"Who's he dueling?" Abraxas asked

"Black" Tom said, "Although I'm not exactly rooting for either. I can only hope they both lose".
Mulciber laughed so hard it made the rest of the boys laugh too.

"Come on Lenora" Avery said placing a hand on her shoulder, "Time to act like a lady".

She turned grimacing at him, Black stood, "it's my turn anyway".
She looked back at Avery, "shove off Avery, I want to watch Cygnus duel".

Avery gave Black an annoyed look.
"If you watch I couldn't perform to the best of my abilities" Black smiled at her, "your beauty is distracting".

Avery resisted the urge to roll his eyes. He tugged on her arm and she stood following him out of the area.

"Hello Sterling" the mothers purred, "we see you found our straggler".
Lenora sat on the blanket and someone passed her a glass.
"Is it lemonade?" she asked and Avery sat next to her.
"Nettle wine" her mother smiled, "see we know how to have fun too!"

Avery guarded her from leaving, redirecting the conversation to her whenever she seemed restless. He knew too well about the women he sat with. Another three refills of the nettle wine and Lenora was leaning back on her arms looking a little blissed out. Her mother was braiding her hair and they spoke about something vaguely political.

Avery excused himself quietly making his way back to the duels.

"What'd I miss?" He asked sitting between Malfoy and Mulciber
"Riddle and Nott. Prepare for a bloodbath".
Tom bowed to Nott who walked away like something was chasing him,
"You win Lestrange?" He asked looking around for Black.
"Piss off Avery" he shot back, "have fun playing tea party with the slut?"
Mulciber shook his head.
"Careful Rudolphus, if our Lord hears you he's going to do worse then a simple stupefy" Black walked up behind them and sat next to his defeated.

"You're lucky, I was distracted from the commotion before" Lestrang grumbled.
"Wouldn't be the first time you lost" Malfoy quipped leaving them all to be quiet and watch.

Tom and Theo returned, "Much better Nott" he had a generous hand on Theos back,
"You kept me busy".

Ten consecutive victories had elevated Tom's mood.
His face soured when he saw Black sitting.

"Last chance to bow out Cygnus" he hissed.
"I wouldn't miss out on the honor my lord" Black gave him a cheeky smile.

Lenora looked up at the sky now a paintbrush of gold, red and orange. Her mother had successfully managed a braided updo that swept her hair up. She tried to sit up but the wine made her legs wobble. Her mother giggled, "oh darling where are you going?"

"I wanted to watch the duels" she whined and her mother smiled. Her daughter was never quite content enough. She secretly loved that about her, she knew she was a strong witch. For a moment her heart ached for her knowing that Nora had wanted to compete.