𝐂𝐇𝐀𝐑𝐌𝐒, ᵗᵒᵐ ʳⁱᵈᵈˡᵉ. ✓

047.

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As the sun dipped low on the horizon, casting a warm glow over the Hogwarts grounds, Tom Riddle and Daphne Rose strolled side by side along the stone pathways of the castle. The vibrant hues of autumn leaves danced in the gentle breeze, and the air was filled with the crisp scent of the season. It was a perfect evening for a walk and Tom, an unexpected one.

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Daphne glanced sideways at him, noting the way his dark hair caught the light and how his expression remained cool and composed, as always. But there was something different tonight—a subtle shift in his demeanor that intrigued her. He seemed more at ease, more willing to let the walls he usually maintained slip just a little. "Isn't it beautiful here in the fall?" she remarked, breaking the comfortable silence that had settled between them. "The colors, the air... it feels magical."

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Tom's gaze drifted over the landscape, his expression thoughtful. "It is a distraction," he replied, his tone neutral. "Beauty can be misleading." Daphne shrugged, unfazed by his usual skepticism. "Maybe. But it can also inspire. Look at how many people love this time of year. It brings them joy." He met her gaze, and for a moment, she caught a flicker of something in his eyes—curiosity, perhaps. "Joy," he echoed as if weighing the word. "What is it about the joy that people find so compelling?" Daphne considered his question, searching for the right words. "It's the feeling of connection, of being alive. It reminds us that there's more to life than ambition and power. Sometimes, it's the small moments that matter most."

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Tom's expression didn't change, but she could tell he was listening and processing her words. They continued walking, passing by the Forbidden Forest, its dark trees looming ominously in the fading light. Daphne had always found the forest enchanting, a place of mystery and magic, while Tom seemed to regard it with a more calculating gaze. "Have you ever thought about what lies within?" he asked, nodding toward the forest. "What power could be harnessed there?" Daphne chuckled lightly, shaking her head. "Not everything is about power, Tom. Sometimes, it's just about the experience."

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He shot her a sideways glance, one eyebrow raised. "You say that now, but you'll find that experience often has its price." She smiled, undeterred by his words. "Perhaps. But I'd rather enjoy life's experiences than constantly worry about controlling everything around me." As they walked further, they passed the greenhouse, the scent of blooming plants wafting through the air. Daphne paused for a moment, inhaling deeply. "This place has a certain charm, don't you think?" Tom followed her gaze, observing the colorful flora. "Charming, yes, but also fleeting. Flowers bloom and die—there's no permanence in beauty." Daphne turned to him, her expression softening. "That's true, but isn't that what makes them special? Their transient nature makes us appreciate them more. Life isn't about permanence; it's about the moments we create."

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Tom looked at her intently, his expression revealing a hint of contemplation. "You seem to embrace uncertainty quite well." "It's all part of living," she replied, a smile playing on her lips. "You should try it sometime." He chuckled lightly, a rare sound that warmed the cool evening air. "Perhaps I will. One day." As they continued walking, they found themselves near the edge of the lake, where the water reflected the colors of the sunset in shimmering hues. The sight was breathtaking, and for a moment, both of them stood in silence, captivated by the beauty before them. Daphne glanced at Tom, her heart swelling at the sight of him lost in thought. "This is one of my favorite spots," she confessed. "It's peaceful."

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Tom's gaze shifted to her, his expression inscrutable. "You find peace in chaos." "Maybe," she said, her voice soft. "But I think it's about finding your sense of calm amid it all. Like right now." He studied her for a moment, and for the first time, she felt a connection that transcended words. It was as if, in that moment, they were sharing something deeper—an understanding of each other that went beyond the masks they wore. "Perhaps there's something to be said for it," Tom finally admitted, his tone thoughtful. "Finding calm in chaos."

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Daphne smiled, feeling a warmth bloom between them. "Exactly. It's what makes us human." As they stood together, watching the sun dip below the horizon, Daphne felt a flicker of hope. Maybe Tom was beginning to see the world through her eyes, even if just a little. In that quiet moment, surrounded by the beauty of Hogwarts, she knew that this was a step—a connection she had always wanted with him. "Let's come back here sometime," she suggested, breaking the silence. "I'd like to share more moments like this with you." Tom looked at her, and for a brief second, she thought she saw something in his eyes—a glimmer of warmth, perhaps. "I wouldn't mind that," he replied, his voice steady. As the stars began to twinkle overhead, the two of them stood together by the lake, united in the stillness of the evening, each contemplating the fragile beauty of the world around them.

Word count: 865