The hand of the Raven: Tom Riddle

Chapter 16: The kiss

**violet**

As Audrey and I sat at breakfast the next morning, I couldn't help but feel a sense of unease gnawing at the pit of my stomach. The boys were late, and their absence invited judgmental stares from the Slytherins at our table. Audrey, oblivious to my growing anxiety, continued to chatter away, her words washing over me as I tried to focus on my breakfast.

But as the minutes ticked by, my worry only intensified. I was about to suggest we go look for them ourselves when I saw them stroll through the door. Relief washed over me, but it quickly turned to dread as I noticed the cuts and bruises marring their faces. I gasped audibly, my hand flying to my mouth in shock. Audrey followed my gaze, her eyes widening in concern as she took in the boys' appearance. Without a word, she stood up and hurried over to Elliot, her motherly instincts kicking in as she checked his wounds.

Meanwhile, Tom and I remained frozen, our eyes locked in a silent exchange of understanding. I knew better than to ask about what had happened in that moment. Whatever had transpired last night, it was clear that it had been dangerous.

As Audrey tended to Elliot's wounds, I couldn't shake the feeling of dread that settled over me like a dark cloud. The events of the previous night weighed heavily on my mind, and I couldn't help but fear what other dangers lurked in the shadows of Hogwarts. But for now, all I could do was stand by my friends and hope that together, we could weather whatever storm was to come.

**Tom-flashback**

As Elliot and I stepped into the darkened classroom, the figure leaned against a desk, its presence ominous and commanding. It hissed for us to approach, and I felt a chill run down my spine. We knew we had messed up, but the severity of our error became painfully clear as the figure spoke.

Before Elliot could explain our delay, a sudden, blinding green light filled the room, accompanied by Elliots piercing screams. Time seemed to freeze as I was engulfed in shock and horror, though I fought not to let it show on my face.

When the light finally faded, leaving only silence broken by Elliots ragged breaths, I turned to see him on the ground, blood streaming from his nose. My heart pounded in my chest, a mixture of fear and anger swirling within me. Taking a deep breath, I prepared myself for the consequences that awaited.

As I met the eyes of the dark figure before us, I knew a punishment loomed. But I was determined to face it head-on, to protect my friend and confront the darkness that had enveloped us. With a steady resolve, I braced myself for the trials that lay ahead.

**violet**

The day's classes had passed with an unusual heaviness, marked by the boys' distant and cold demeanor. Despite my attempts to inject some levity into our interactions, their responses remained subdued, casting a shadow over our usual camaraderie.

As evening descended and I headed towards the Great Hall to meet Elliot and Audrey for dinner, I caught sight of Tom standing alone on the balcony, raindrops falling gently around him. The sight gave me pause, his solitary figure framed against the gray sky stirring a mix of concern and curiosity within me.

Approaching cautiously, I wondered what weighed on his mind, what struggles he wrestled with behind his stoic facade. The rain seemed to mirror the somber mood that hung over us, a reflection of the turmoil that simmered beneath the surface.

"Tom," I called softly, stepping closer to where he stood. "Is everything alright?"

He turned to me, his expression unreadable in the dim light. There was a vulnerability in his gaze, a silent plea for understanding that tugged at my heartstrings.

Without waiting for a response, I moved to stand beside him, the sound of raindrops providing a soothing backdrop to our shared moment of quiet contemplation. In that brief exchange, I felt a connection between us, a shared understanding that transcended words.

As I stood beside Tom in the rain, a silent companion to his solitude, I felt a surge of empathy and concern wash over me. Gently, I placed my hand over his, a wordless gesture of reassurance in the midst of uncertainty. "Everything will be alright," I murmured softly, hoping my words could offer some measure of comfort.

He turned to me then, his eyes holding a depth of emotion I couldn't quite decipher. There was a vulnerability there, a rawness that spoke of inner turmoil and unspoken fears. Before I could dwell too much on the thoughts swirling in his mind, his hand moved swiftly to cup my cheek, his touch sending a jolt of warmth through me.

I locked eyes with him, a silent understanding passing between us, transcending the need for words. In that fleeting moment, as raindrops danced around us, he leaned in and pressed his lips to mine in a gentle kiss.

It was a gesture filled with tenderness and vulnerability, a silent confession of emotions too complex to be expressed aloud. In that intimate exchange, I felt a connection deepen between us, a bond forged in shared moments of uncertainty and quiet companionship.

As we parted, the rain continued to fall around us, a soothing backdrop to the unspoken emotions that lingered in the air. And as Tom's gaze met mine once more, we both smiled. I knew that whatever challenges lay ahead, we would face them together, bound by a connection that defied words and spoke volumes.