Truly Yours (TomxLilith)

20

Third POV:

The Hogwarts Express rumbled steadily along the tracks, its vibrant red exterior glinting in the afternoon sun. Inside, the atmosphere was filled with laughter, chatter, and the faint aroma of pumpkin pasties and chocolate frogs.

In one corner of the compartment, Lilith was curled up in her seat, her dark hair cascading over her face, a blanket draped around her. The rhythmic chugging of the train had lulled her into a deep sleep, her chest rising and falling gently with each breath.

Hours passed, and the sun dipped lower in the sky, casting long shadows across the cabin. Pansy, seated nearby, glanced at her friend, noting the peaceful expression on Lilith's face.

"Lilith," Pansy said softly, nudging her shoulder. "Wake up. We've arrived in London."

Lilith stirred, groaning softly as she blinked against the sudden light. The sounds of the train filled her ears, and she pushed herself up, yawning.

"Already?" she mumbled, rubbing the sleep from her eyes.

"Yeah, well, we've been on the train for ages," Pansy teased, chuckling. "Get up! We've got a holiday to enjoy."

Lilith stretched, feeling the familiar ache in her muscles. She glanced out the window, watching as the bustling platform came into view, the throngs of students disembarking, their faces alight with anticipation.

"Right, right," she said, shaking off the last remnants of sleep. "Let's go."

With that, she pushed herself up, excitement finally seeping in as the reality of their winter break settled over her like a warm blanket. The two friends gathered their things, ready to step into the vibrant energy of London, leaving behind the echoes of the train. The boys got out of their compartment as well.

"Alright, everyone, see you after the holidays!" Draco said with a smirk, giving a mock salute as he stepped off the train.

"Take care, Pansy," Blaise said, offering a genuine smile. "Enjoy your break, Lilith."

"Thanks, Blaise. You too," Lilith replied, returning the smile briefly before turning to Pansy. "Safe travels, Pansy. We'll catch up soon."

"Of course. Don't get into too much trouble, Lilith," Pansy teased, giving her a quick hug. She said bye to Mattheo, Theo and Enzo as well.

With goodbyes exchanged, Lilith made her way to the platform where another train awaited to take her home. She checked her ticket for the compartment number and walked down the aisle.

When she reached the door of her compartment, she slid it open and her eyes widened in surprise. Sitting there, looking just as startled, was Tom Riddle.

"Oh god," Lilith muttered under her breath, taking a deep breath to steady herself.

Tom glanced away, a muscle in his jaw twitching with annoyance. "Bloody hell," he sighed, clearly as displeased with the situation as she was.

Lilith stepped inside and closed the door behind her, forcing herself to stay calm. "Of all the compartments, why does it have to be this one?" she remarked, trying to keep her voice even.

Tom crossed his arms, leaning back in his seat. "Trust me, it's not my preference either," he replied coolly.

She settled into a seat across from him, keeping her gaze fixed out the window. "Well, let's just make the best of it and not kill each other," she said, half-joking.

Tom's eyes flicked towards her, a hint of a smirk playing on his lips. "Agreed. Silence might be our best option."

For a while, they sat in an uneasy silence, the rhythmic clattering of the train providing the only background noise.