The Golden Age of Hollywood . Tom Riddle

Chapter 8

TW: discussion about eating disorder later in this chapter

Fire blazing in the furnace wasn't helping much- the common room was chilly, and Tom was taking full advantage of that by cradling Norma close to him. She was leaning into his shoulder, reading a dark arts book. Tom stroked her arm absentmindedly. He knew entire Hogwarts' library by heart, and managed to find books that interested her.

"I'm a little cold, would you mind casting a warming charm?" Norma asked.

"The fireplace is on," said Tom and slid one finger under Norma's sleeve. "Are you wearing two sweaters?!"

"No, it's just a thick blouse," Norma said and shook her arm to get Tom to remove his finger.

"Sure, I'll cast it, but it's really not that bad, maybe you're sick?" He said, waving his wand.

"No, I'm fine. It's almost winter, that's it."

Norma went back to her book, but Tom watched her instead. Norma was acting strange: their friends didn't seem to notice anything out of ordinary, but he did- she seemed always on edge- Norma was constantly irritated and often burst out crying. Tom was lost on what could be wrong- he had already punished the Hufflepuff perpetrator- he didn't bother to find out guy's name, but tracked him down the very next day. What he did was a simple trick of cruciatus and obliviate- Tom ensured the bloke will never touch another woman again. It was mildly entertaining to see him jump in fright, when during breakfast a random girl sat down next to him.

Norma also wasn't shooting a movie anymore, her grades were decent (he smooth-talked with all teachers to check himself) and no other man was pursuing her (even his knights were told to keep an eye on Norma).

Tom checked his pocket watch (Black's gift- very thoughtful of him) and returned to reading. It was 11 pm on Sunday and people had completely deserted the common room- they will have to go to sleep soon as well if he wishes for Norma to be productive in class.

"Tom?" Norma asked carefully.

"Mhm?" he replied without looking up from the page he was reading.

"How will you spend Christmas?"

Tom sighed. Just great. I will never get through these two pages.

"Is it really a question? I'm sure you already know," he said, annoyed.

Norma closed her book and held it to her chest. She didn't look at him and kept her eyes on the ceiling.

"You know, I really enjoyed having you in Santa Monica during summer. Mum said she'd gladly have you again. It would be fun to celebrate Christmas and your birthday, besides..." Norma drummed her fingers on the book and Tom looked at her, now intrigued. "Just before Christmas, before the New year, there will be a premiere of my movie. Actors can bring guests- you wouldn't be in any photos, or anything like that, don't worry- you would just escort me from room to room, that's it..."

Norma was rambling and Tom smirked. She's lovely. Tom scratched his head, pretending to think.

"Well, Malfoys are holding a Yule Ball, and Abraxas invited me. I didn't plan on attending, but if I stayed at your home, I could go. With a beautiful witch on my arm, of course."

"A wizarding ball?" Norma turned over to face Tom. She was smiling broad, and her voice was high-pitched. Tom was still smirking and kept his eyes on his book.

"So, would you like to go with me?" he asked, pretending he couldn't tell how excited she was.

Norma jumped into sitting position, pulled his book from his arms and grabbed his hands.