Truly Yours (TomxLilith)

17

Third POV:

After a long ride, the Hogwarts students finally arrived in London. The group dispersed quickly—most heading off to their chosen activities, while others, like her friends, decided to ditch the trip altogether and sneak off to the clubs. Lilith found herself walking with a small group of students and a teacher, making their way to the orphanage.

The atmosphere was quieter now, the hum of London a distant backdrop as they entered the modest brick building. The orphanage wasn't much to look at—just a plain, old structure with chipped paint and worn-out furniture—but there was a certain warmth about it. The children, wide-eyed and curious, watched the students from a distance as they shuffled in.

Lilith scanned the room, keeping her expression neutral but her eyes sharp. She couldn't help but search for one face in particular.

The teacher was talking with one of the orphanage workers, explaining what the students would be doing—helping the children with reading, playing games, or assisting with small tasks around the place.

Lilith glanced over her shoulder, casually pretending to look at the worn-out posters on the wall. No sign of him yet. She turned back around, not wanting to seem too obvious.

Then, just as she was about to give up, a familiar voice came from behind her.

"I didn't expect to see you here," came Tom's low voice, smooth and calm, but with that ever-present edge of control.

Lilith turned slowly, feigning surprise. There he stood, hands tucked neatly into his black coat, his dark eyes taking in the orphanage with a certain disinterest. He looked utterly out of place in the shabby surroundings.

"Tom," she said, offering a smile that she hoped was convincingly casual. "Didn't think I'd see you here either."

He raised an eyebrow, and for a second, she wondered if he knew. But then he spoke, his tone dripping with insincere politeness. "How could I possibly miss an opportunity to help those less fortunate?"

The sarcasm in his voice wasn't lost on her. He was lying, of course. The idea of Tom Riddle caring about anyone but himself was almost laughable. But she managed to keep her expression straight, even as amusement bubbled up inside her. After all, she knew the truth—she'd written his name on the list. He hadn't volunteered for this.

"Of course," Lilith replied, holding back a smirk. "That's very... thoughtful of you."

Tom's eyes lingered on hers for a moment, as if trying to figure out if she was mocking him. She kept her face neutral, meeting his gaze without flinching. After a few seconds, he turned his attention elsewhere, his voice flat as he spoke again.

"I trust we won't be here too long."

Lilith shrugged lightly, glancing at the children who were still watching them from across the room. "Depends on how much 'helping' you're planning to do."

He didn't respond, but the slight twitch of his mouth betrayed his annoyance. Lilith could tell he was already regretting being here. She fought back another smile. If nothing else, this was going to be interesting.

Suddenly a small child approached, no older than six, with wide, curious eyes. He had a mop of messy brown hair and was clutching a worn-out stuffed bear, the seams barely holding together. His shoes were scuffed, his clothes a little too big, as if handed down from many others before him.

The boy stood in front of Tom and Lilith, looking up at them with a mixture of fascination and nervousness.

"Are you wizards?" the boy asked, his voice soft but filled with awe.