The Prophecy Can't Be Foretold; a Tom Riddle Fan Fiction

3

The Gryffindor common room was alive with the kind of raucous energy only a party could inspire. Music thumped from a muggle jukebox, a strange but enjoyable collection of tunes that added to the chaotic atmosphere. Laughter and chatter mingled with the occasional shriek of someone winning a game or telling an outrageous story.

Nadia and I were nestled in a corner of the room, the alcohol warming our insides and adding a hazy glow to the night. A Weasley—one of many in this house—shoved a drink into my hand. Without a second thought, I gulped it down, the liquid burning pleasantly as it slid down my throat.

"Can you believe it's almost 1967?" Nadia asked, her words slurring slightly as she wrapped her arm around me. "It feels like just yesterday we were starting fifth year. Now it's almost Christmas!"

"Yeah, and before we know it, we'll be in the year 2000," I joked, a grin spreading across my face as I leaned into her. "We'll be all old and wrinkly!"

Our laughter mingled with the music, creating a joyful cacophony. Nadia's eyes were glazed with the effects of too much drink, but her enthusiasm was undiminished. "Can you imagine? I'll probably have a dozen cats by then, and you'll be the world's most famous librarian!"

"Or I'll be buried under a pile of books," I laughed. "Still, it's not such a bad future."

After a few more drinks and countless spins on the dance floor, I felt the need to take a break. "I need to hit the loo," I said, my words slightly slurred. I kissed Nadia on the cheek and made my way out of the common room.

Navigating the moving staircases was a challenge in my current state. I clung to the railing, the steps shifting beneath me as I attempted to keep my balance. The staircase eventually carried me up to the fourth floor, where Professor Riddle's classroom was located.

I stumbled to the door, my mind a foggy mess. The lights in the classroom were still on, casting a warm glow that seemed to beckon me inside. Curiosity got the better of me. What could Professor Riddle be doing up at this hour?

I knocked on the door, then pushed it open. The sight that greeted me was unexpected. Professor Riddle looked up from his desk, surprise and amusement dancing in his eyes. He quickly closed the dark book I had seen him reading during our first class.

"H-Hello, Professor," I mumbled, wobbling towards him.

"Caliana, what on earth—?" He stopped, his concern evident as he took in my disheveled appearance. His clothes were more casual than usual—black pants and a white button-up shirt with the top few buttons undone, revealing a glimpse of his toned chest. My cheeks flushed, and my thoughts became a chaotic mix of admiration and alcohol-induced affection.

He guided me gently to his desk and helped me into the chair. "You look like you've had quite a night. What's the matter with you?"

"I just... needed to get away from the party," I said, trying to steady my voice. "Thank you for the water." I took the glass he offered, drinking it quickly and feeling the clarity return to my foggy mind.

"Better?" he asked, his voice soft and soothing.

"Yes, much better," I replied, my head clearing. "Thank you."

"Now tell me," he said, his tone shifting to something more serious, "why are you out this late? You're well past curfew, even if you are an eighteen-year-old Prefect."

I met his gaze, the moonlight casting a soft glow on his face. "You're very handsome, Professor," I said, unable to keep the honesty out of my voice.

A smile touched his lips, a rare and genuine expression that made his eyes sparkle. "Thank you. And you look quite exquisite yourself."

He crouched in front of me, his gaze intense as he leaned closer. "Now, where is the party? I need to make sure no other students end up disturbing my peace tonight."

I leaned in, whispering playfully, "The Gryffindors are hosting it. But you have to promise not to tell anyone I told you."

He looked at me with those pleading eyes of his, and I couldn't resist. "Don't worry, Caliana. I won't tell anyone," he said softly, brushing a stray lock of hair from my face.

We lingered in that moment, the connection between us palpable. It felt as though time stood still, just the two of us in the quiet of his classroom. Then, as if reality reasserted itself, I stood up, feeling steadier but still a bit off-balance.

"Thank you, Professor. I should probably get back to the party," I said, trying to regain my composure.

"Be careful on your way back," he said, his voice low and filled with a strange mixture of concern and something else I couldn't quite place.

The next morning, I awoke to find Nadia sprawled across my bed, her legs draped over my back. "Ugh, Nadia, get off me," I groaned, pushing her legs away. She tumbled off the bed with a yelp, rubbing her sore spots as she tried to regain her balance.

"OW! What the hell, Cali?" she exclaimed, her voice hoarse from the previous night's revelry. I helped her up, and we both burst into laughter, our hangovers temporarily forgotten in the shared amusement.

"Rough night?" I teased, trying to keep a straight face.

"Yeah, I'm pretty sure I'm still drunk," Nadia admitted, clutching her head.

"I'm going to shower," I said, slipping out of bed and heading for the bathroom. "Afterwards, we could head to the Black Lake for a picnic and swim."

Nadia's eyes sparkled with interest. "Or we could study for our NEWTs," she suggested, though her tone was less than enthusiastic.

"Or we could find a balance between fun and responsibility," I said with a laugh, pulling out fresh clothes for the day.

Nadia's face fell slightly. "Oh, by the way, where did you disappear to last night? I didn't see you again after you left."

The memories of the previous night came flooding back. I hesitated, my mind racing. "I... I ended up in Professor Riddle's classroom," I confessed. "He helped me get back to my senses."

Nadia's eyes widened in shock. "You were with Professor Riddle? What happened?"

I shook my head, a smile tugging at my lips. "Nothing much. I just needed a break from the party, and he was kind enough to help me out."

Nadia's laughter filled the room again, and I couldn't help but join in. "You're a terrible influence, Cali."

"Only when I'm drunk," I said, grinning as I headed for the shower.