20. Happy birthday

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🐍.·:*¨༺ ༻¨*:·. 📚 .·:*¨༺ ༻¨*:·.🧜‍♂️

16th October 

I woke up as the sunrays bothered my sleep. It was unusual. Tom was still asleep. His features relaxed in a way I rarely saw. Not wanting to disturb his peace, I quietly slipped out of bed, got dressed and made my way to the Great Hall as my little bestfriend Coral purred next to me. I rarely saw him. Probably haunting rats.

As I entered the hall, I spotted Iris next to Rose. They waved enthusiastically when they saw me, their smiles bright and welcoming in the Gryffondor Table.

"Happy Birthday, Adrian!" they all screamed in unison.

I blinked in surprise as a few students nearby looked over with curiosity. A wave of warmth and gratitude washed over me. I had completely forgotten my own birthday. But clearly my friends had not.

"Thank you everyone" I said, a bit overwhelmed. "I completely forgot it was today."

Iris laughed. "We didn't. And we've got a few surprises for you."

Rose nodded, her smile serene. "We wanted our favourite Libra feel special."

As I settled in, each of my Gryffindor friends (and Iris the only slytherin) took turns presenting me with their gifts, each one thoughtful and reflective of their personalities and passions. I'm grateful.

After breakfast, we decided to head to Hogsmeade to celebrate further. Rose and Potter seemed to get really close, so Iris and I gave them space, allowing them to enjoy each other's company. Iris and I wandered into a dress shop, her eyes lighting up at the sight of vintage Victorian clothing. Suddenly, we heard a familiar voice.

"Darling, I hoped I'd find you here" Abraxas said, stepping forward with a velvet corset in hand. "I wanted to surprise you with this but I guess the surprise is out now."

Iris beamed, her eyes shimmering with affection. "It's beautiful. Thank you love." They kissed as I watched their happiness. "I think I'll go for a walk" I said, not wanting to intrude on their cute moment.

Iris reached out, not wanting me to leave. "No stay. Abraxas was just leaving."

I shook my head, smiling. "No, really. Enjoy your time together. I'll be fine. I need to find Tom."

I hugged Iris as she whispered "good luck zith tom" I made my way out of the shop, I spotted Tom walking towards Scrivenshaft's Quill Shop. Curious, I followed him keeping a respectful distance. Tom entered the shop and I hesitated outside but finally decided to get in.

As I approached him, I noticed the title of the book: "The Complete History of Wizarding Families." Tom's eyes flickered up to meet mine and he gave a curt nod.

"Hi" he greeted, his voice low. "Come here. You need to see this."

I took a seat across from him, curiosity piqued. "What is it?"

"This book" Tom began, his tone filled with a mixture of frustration and intrigue. "It lists every known wizarding family since the beginning of recorded magical history."

He flipped through the pages with deft precision, stopping at the R section. "Rookwood, Rosier, Rowle... but no Riddle" he said.

"Are you sure?" I asked, leaning in to get a closer look.

"Positive" Tom replied. "I asked Headmaster Dippet about it and he confirmed there were no Riddles who attended Hogwarts."

"What does that mean?" I asked.

Tom's eyes met mine. "It means that either they're lying or there's something about my heritage that's been deliberately hidden."

I took a deep breath, trying to process the implications. "What are you going to do?"

Tom's expression hardened with resolve. "I'm going to find out the truth, no matter what it takes. And you'll help me."

As he spoke, a thought occurred to me. "Maybe there are records elsewhere. Have you checked the Ministry of Magic's archives or other wizarding libraries?"

Tom nodded. "That's my next step. There's something about my family that someone doesn't want me to discover. You will search the restricted section of the library. I'll sign you an authorization since I'm your prefect."

What is this guy thinking? I can't reject his request since it's the only way I can get closer to him.

Tom, Iris, Abraxas and I had birthday-dinner at small motel in Hogsmead then decided to make our way back to Hogwarts together. The crisp autumn air was filled with the sounds of laughter and conversation.

"I remember this one time in first year" Iris began, a playful smile on her lips. "Tom and I decided to explore the Forbidden Forest at night. We thought we were so clever, sneaking out."

Tom chuckled, his eyes lighting up with the memory. "Funny story: we ended up getting chased by a pack of angry bowtruckles. Iris here screamed so loudly that she woke up half the castle."

Abraxas and I laughed, the image of a young Tom and Iris fleeing from tiny, enraged tree guardians. "I wish I could have seen that" I said, shaking my head in amusement.

"It was quite the adventure" Iris added, her laughter mingling with ours. She turned to me, her eyes warm. "I hope you enjoyed your birthday."

I smiled, feeling a deep sense of gratitude. "I couldn't agree more. Abraxas, you fit right in with our little group. And Tom..." I trailed off, my gaze lingering on him.

Tom's presence was magnetic. His sharp intellect and ambition... Underneath his exterior, I could see the contours of his muscular frame, hinting at a strength both physical and mental. His white skin contrasted starkly with his dark hair, making his piercing eyes stand out even more. Each day, my admiration for him grew stronger and with it, a strong attraction that was becoming hard to ignore.

Once in the Slytherin dorm, I was sitting by the fireplace, lost in thought, when I heard footsteps approaching. I looked up to see Tom.

He reached into his robe pocket and pulled out a small wrapped package. "I didn't have much time to prepare but I thought you might find this useful."

I took the package from his outstretched hand. I carefully unwrapped it to reveal a small, pyramid crystal orb. It shimmered in the firelight, casting prisms of light around the room.

"It's enchanted" Tom explained. "This is a Lightkeeper's Orb. When you hold it and speak the incantation 'Lumos Solem' it will emit a warm, comforting light that dispels darkness and illuminates even the darkest moments of life."

"Thank you. This is perfect. I'll definitely make good use of it."

He nodded. "Happy birthday." For a moment, we stood in comfortable silence, the crackling fire the only sound. I appreciated the gesture more than words could say.

"Thank you, Tom" I repeated softly. "It means a lot to me." With a final nod, he turned and walked away to his bed. Goodnight Handsome Prefect.


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