𝐂𝐇𝐀𝐑𝐌𝐒, ᵗᵒᵐ ʳⁱᵈᵈˡᵉ. ✓

049.

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On a bright Saturday morning, the sun hung high in a clear blue sky, illuminating the lush grounds of Hogwarts. Tom Riddle and Daphne Rose made their way to a secluded meadow just outside the castle, a place known for its wildflowers that bloomed in vibrant colors during the spring.

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Daphne skipped ahead, her excitement palpable as she breathed in the fresh air. She loved this time of year when nature seemed to burst forth in a celebration of life and color. "Come on, Tom! I want to find the best flowers!" she called over her shoulder. Tom followed at a steadier pace, his expression thoughtful. He was not one to easily engage in activities like flower picking, but Daphne had insisted, her enthusiasm infectious. He found himself curious about her reasons for wanting to do this, even if he wasn't quite sure how to express it.

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As they reached the meadow, Daphne's eyes lit up at the sight of wildflowers swaying gently in the breeze. Pinks, yellows, and purples painted the landscape, creating a beautiful tapestry that seemed to beckon her closer. She knelt to examine a cluster of delicate daisies, her fingers brushing over the petals with a reverence that made Tom pause. "They're beautiful, aren't they?" she said, glancing up at him. "Each one is unique, just like people." Tom raised an eyebrow, intrigued by her perspective. "Flowers don't have ambitions or desires," he replied. "They simply exist." "Exactly," Daphne said, her eyes sparkling. "And yet, they bring joy and beauty to the world without needing to strive for anything. It's a reminder that sometimes, just being is enough."

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He considered her words, watching as she moved from one flower to another, completely absorbed in the moment. There was a softness in her demeanor that he rarely saw, a side of her that contrasted sharply with the world they inhabited at Hogwarts. Daphne picked a few flowers, tucking them carefully behind her ear. "What about you, Tom? Do you have a favorite flower?" Tom paused, taken aback by the question. "I've never thought about it," he admitted. "They're not particularly interesting."

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"Maybe you just need to look closer," she suggested with a playful smile. "Let's find a flower that represents you!" He chuckled softly, shaking his head. "I doubt any flower could encapsulate me." "Let's see," she said, her eyes scanning the meadow. "How about a black lily? Mysterious, elegant, and a little dark?" He smirked at her teasing. "How fitting." "Okay, maybe that was a bit too on the nose," she said, laughing lightly. "What about a bluebell? They symbolize humility and gratitude."

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Tom regarded her thoughtfully. "Humility isn't exactly a quality I possess." "Maybe not," she replied, a smile still on her lips, "but you're grateful for your friends, aren't you?" He hesitated, caught off guard by the sincerity in her words. "In my way," he said finally, allowing a hint of vulnerability to seep through. Daphne's expression softened. "You know, I enjoy these moments with you, Tom. It's nice to see this side of you—relaxed and not focused on... everything else." He nodded, feeling an unfamiliar warmth at her words. "It's easier out here," he admitted. "Less pressure."

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"Exactly," she said. "And there's no one else I'd rather share it with." As they continued picking flowers, Tom found himself drawn to the vibrant colors and the sheer beauty around them. It was as if the meadow was alive, and he couldn't help but appreciate it more than he thought he would. After a while, Daphne gathered her collection of flowers, a mix of colors and shapes that reflected her vibrant personality. "Look!" she said, holding them up proudly. "A little bouquet," Tom observed the flowers, then glanced at her. "They're lovely," he said, surprising himself with how genuine the compliment felt. "Thank you! I'll make a charm for my dorm room. It'll remind me of today." She paused, then added, "Do you want to keep a few?" He hesitated, then nodded. "I suppose I could carry some." "Perfect!" she exclaimed, and together they wandered through the meadow, picking flowers and laughing as they compared their finds.

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As they made their way back toward Hogwarts, Tom felt a sense of lightness he hadn't expected. The day had unfolded in a way that was both simple and profound, filled with moments that allowed him to glimpse a different side of himself—a side that could appreciate beauty without needing to analyze it. Daphne walked close beside him, her hair catching the sunlight, and at that moment, he realized how much he valued her presence. They were two individuals navigating the complexities of their lives, yet here, among the wildflowers, they had created a space for connection, laughter, and a fleeting sense of freedom.

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As they reached the entrance to the castle, Daphne turned to him, her smile bright. "Thank you for today, Tom. It means a lot to me." Tom met her gaze, feeling a warmth spread through him. "It was... enjoyable," he replied, allowing a rare smile to form. "Perhaps we should do this again." "I'd like that," she said, her eyes sparkling with hope. As they entered the castle, the flowers held tightly in their hands, and both knew that this day would linger in their memories—a cherished moment in the ever-unfolding tapestry of their lives at Hogwarts.

Word count: 887