Crimson || Tom Riddle [1]

𝖙𝖜𝖊𝖓𝖙𝖞 𝖘𝖎𝖝

Arabella had spent the rest of that night rehearsing her approach to Tom and thinking of the best ways to talk to him without him completely ignoring her.

She had to break through his walls without pushing him further away. She knew he would be hesitant, and she didn't blame him. Arabella had wanted to kiss him as badly as he wanted to kiss her, but she knew if they did, things would be even worse than they now were. She wasn't willing to risk her plans for some petty emotions.

She knew where Tom had been retreating to these past few weeks. He did everything to avoid her, so he spent most of his time in the library now.

Arabella took the seat across from Tom, who looked up from his book with a mixture of surprise and irritation. His eyes narrowed as he regarded her, but he didn't say a word.

"Hello, Tom," Arabella greeted casually.

"Chambers," he acknowledged, his tone flat.

"I was thinking," Arabella began, her words carefully chosen, "that perhaps we could spend some time together in Hogsmeade."

Tom raised an eyebrow, his expression unreadable. "Hogsmeade?"

Arabella nodded, trying to keep her composure as she met his gaze. "Yes. Just... to talk."

"About what?" he asked, his voice carefully neutral.

"...Nothing in particular. I just thought we could spend some time together."

Tom looked back down at his book. "After lunch."

•••

Arabella wore a long warm coat, despite her inability to freeze. In truth, she could have travelled to Hogsmeade naked and it would not have affected her in the slightest. But, she thought that that would be rather inappropriate and not the best way to ask Tom to the ball, so she dressed up in warm stockings, long boots, and a long burgundy wool coat with layers underneath. She put her hair in a low bun and wrapped a black scarf around her neck.

She stood in the courtyard, waiting for Tom to come. The cold air was crisp, and she watched her breath form small clouds in front of her. The castle grounds were blanketed in snow, creating a picturesque winter scene.

Tom arrived a few minutes later. He was dressed in his usual dark attire, a long coat wrapped tightly around him as well as a dark green scarf around his neck. His eyes met hers with a hint of boredom and disinterest.

"Shall we?" Arabella asked.

Tom gave a short nod. "Lead the way."

The walk to Hogsmeade was filled with a heavy silence, the only sound being the crunch of their boots in the snow. Arabella tried to think of something to say, but Tom's lack of interest made it difficult. They arrived at a small café on the edge of the village, away from the crowds of students.

Arabella opened the door and led Tom inside. The warm air, filled with the scent of freshly baked pastries and hot chocolate, enveloped them. They found a secluded corner table, where they could talk without being overheard.

Tom took his seat, his posture stiff and guarded. He glanced around the café with mild interest before his eyes settled back on Arabella. "So, what is this all about?" he asked, his tone flat and tinged with annoyance.

Arabella took a deep breath. "I wanted to ask you something," she said, keeping her voice calm and casual.

Tom raised an eyebrow, his skepticism clear. "And you couldn't ask me in the library?"

"I thought it would be nicer to talk here, away from prying eyes," Arabella explained. "Besides, I wanted us to have a chance to relax a bit."

Tom's expression didn't soften, but he nodded slightly. "Alright. Ask away."

Arabella took a sip of her hot chocolate, gathering her courage. "I wanted to ask if you would accompany me to the Christmas ball."

Tom's eyes narrowed, suspicion and irritation evident. "Why?"

Arabella shrugged lightly, maintaining her calm demeanour. "I thought it would be nice. It might help us... reconnect."

Tom's gaze was sharp, piercing. "Reconnect? Why would I want to do that?"

"Because," Arabella said, leaning forward slightly, "we need to trust each other if we're going to succeed in our plans. We can't afford to be at odds."

Tom leaned back in his chair, his eyes never leaving hers. His voice was cold. "I am not the reason we are at odds, Chambers. You think this is some sort of game, that I am merely a pawn to play with until you get what you want. But you forget that I do not need you to achieve my plans. I can discard you as easily as you can discard me."

"But you do not want to discard me. We both know that having me as an ally is more advantageous than having me as your enemy."

Tom's expression remained blank, but he knew she was right. He had known this for a while. He had accepted this a long time ago. But he would not let it go that easy for her, especially as he was not in the wrong. "You threaten me like that yet you are the one pushing me away. You speak of trust, but then you play games with me — you give me no good reason to trust you. Chambers, I have made efforts to work as equals with you, I have agreed to let you reveal your true power and intentions when you choose to. You are in no position to threaten me when I have done no wrong."

When Arabella didn't reply, he sighed. "...You think going to a ball together will fix things? You think it will erase the mess you have made?" Arabella heard the rest of his sentence in his tone, Especially after what almost happened with us.

"It won't erase anything," she replied evenly, her gaze holding his. "But it might help us find some common ground again. We both know we can't afford to let personal feelings get in the way of our plans."

Tom's jaw tensed slightly, his eyes narrowing as he considered her words. "Personal feelings," he echoed, his voice a low murmur. "We're not friends, Chambers. Not even close. I feel nothing for you and you feel nothing for me."

Arabella leaned back in her chair, her expression calm yet resolute. "No, we're not. But we're not enemies either. At least, not yet."

Tom's silence stretched for a moment before he spoke again, his tone still guarded. "Fine," he finally conceded, his voice devoid of warmth. "We'll go to the ball together. But don't mistake this for anything more."

Arabella nodded once, a faint glimmer of satisfaction in her eyes. "Agreed."