Snake Charmer

Chapter Thirteen

                                                                  Flash Back

Asteria wanted to be mad at her dad for making her spend another Christmas at school. But at least she had Tom to keep her company. Even if he was quiet most of the time.

"I can feel you staring, what it is?" Asteria jumped at the sound of Tom's voice. Out of habit she quickly looked around the library. But there wasn't a soul in site.

"I'm bored." Amused Tom looked up at her with both his eyebrows raised.

"And How am I supposed to help with that?" Asteria frowned and gave him a pointed look.

"Oh, I don't know, try being less boring." Tom snorted and looked back down at his book. Tom knew that Asteria was a smart ass and frankly it was one of the things that he liked about her because you never knew what was going to come out her mouth.

"Riddle! I'm serious. Let's do something other than reading in the library!" She whined, banging her head onto the table. Tom fought his smile. She was adorable when she wasn't getting her way.

"What do you suggest?" Asteria's head shot up as she grinned at Tom. Her crystal eyes shining brightly.

The breath ceased in Tom's chest for a moment. He liked when she looked at him like that.

"Let's go to the kitchen and get a snack. I am in need of something salty." Tom narrowed his eyes at her.

"Is this your monthly thing again?" Asteria rolled her eyes. She hated how Tom always somehow knew when she was on her period. Not that she hid it when she was, but she didn't advertise it either.

"So, what if it is? Are you going to tell me no?" She challenged. Tom let out a defeated sigh.

"Defiantly not! You are the devil when that time comes." Asteria giggled at Tom's reply. He wasn't wrong. Tom sighed and closed his book before standing up and offering Asteria his hand. She took it without hesitation, and he pulled her along, heat crept up from her neck all the way to her face.

She still wasn't used to the fact that Tom had been the one to offer physical contact first, since he had always been so stand off-ish with everyone.

Tom switched his hold on Asteria's hand, intertwining their fingers. Her warmth traveling up his arm. He couldn't explain it, but he didn't mind touching her, or her touching him. But anyone else who tried. It had instantly pissed him off and put him in a sour mood, until he saw Asteria again.

Asteria's heart hammered as they entered the Kitchen and Tom completely ignored the house elves, as the shrank away from him. Asteria was confused by the action but said nothing. Most people were afraid of Tom because of how he held himself.

Tom raided the higher shelves for Asteria and handed her a few bags a crisp before glancing down at her, asking her if that was enough. She nodded happily and stretched up on her tiptoes, kissing Tom's cheek.

Tom froze and Asteria's heart dropped into her stomach. That was the first time she had ever done something like that, and she instantly regretted it. She never wanted to make Tom uncomfortable in any way. The corner of Tom's mouth curved upward and leaned down closer to her.

"You missed, dove." Asteria's eyes widened as her face turned crimson. Was he flirting with her?!

"Missed what?" She whispered. Her legs almost felt like jelly when Tom's thumb ran across her bottom lip, goosebumps danced across her skin at the sensation. A cocky smirk spread across Tom's face as Asteria shivered under his touch.

"What do you want, Dove?" He almost purred, which made Asteria's head swim. What was going on right now?! What hell had gotten into Tom. He released her chin and hummed to himself.

"Come along then." Asteria shook her head violently and glared at Tom.

"Don't Tease me Riddle!" She said trying to swat him in the arm, but he easily dodged her hand. Grumbling Asteria followed Tom.