Blood Lust : Tom Riddle

5: Empathy

Cygnus Black.

- 𖥧 -

[victoria's pov]

I was informed, one day before the party, that Walburga's birthday–the twenty-sixth of September–is today. So there would informally be a celebration at the silver pond–another body of water near the black lake so it was only natural they named it the silver pond. Because apparently at night, the pond was enhanced to look like a silver ambrosia by the moon.

But this party would be hosted in the evening since it was a Tuesday. I wasn't sure who was invited because Walburga and Druella had only come up with the idea when I suggested we go for a swim. It was now a hangout.

So immediately after my last class of the day, I was to change and then meet them there at the black lake since I was the only one with the latest class on Tuesdays.

At first, I was planning to swim... but I wasn't so sure it was a good idea anymore so I changed into something more appropriate for mingling on the shore with a thick cardigan to cover my tattooed collar.

After putting on a cardigan, I take my tonic once again before placing it into my light shoulder bag, along with my wand, Walburga's birthday gift, and an Edgar Allan Poe book (for some weight.)

I'm strolling down the hill when I see Druella up ahead–and thankfully because I realised I did not know my way despite being instructed earlier. The silver pond was not a part of Hogwarts' map that I had gotten ahold of. Mostly because I heard it was a student-created pond, kept discreet.

"You look fantastic in that attire!" Druella complimented sweetly.

"Thank you," I blushed as we hooked arms and made our way down the hill.

I had to admit that I was grateful for Druella and Walburga's welcoming friendship. I had heard that Slytherin students were cruel–or in other words, more like Olive Hornby. Although it brought me back to the stereotype of vampires that kept them hidden from the ministry: that they were viscous.

And that wasn't entirely false either–the tonic in my bag said so. If I were not taking it, I'm not sure how much control I'd have over my instincts.

We arrived at the shore, Druella being greeted by Cygnus Black: the young blood brother of Walburga's husband: Orion Black. He stole Druella away and I resorted to the birthday girl–or woman, now that she was of age.

"Happy birthday, Walburga," I smiled as I handed her the birthday parcel. She took and thanked me, pulling me into a grateful hug.

As we neared the water, I noticed there were a fair amount of people. Maybe a dozen and a half of students celebrated with us. Reinhard spotted me and called me over with a bright smile. Behind him was the pale Abraxas, Clarence, and Tom.

There were no seats left, but Reinhard offered me the end of his lounge chair so I sat beside him and made myself comfortable. I set down my bag and Druella handed me a flask.

"What is it?" I asked.

"Poison punch, of course," Druella answered with a wink.

I nodded and took a big gulp. But the second it reached my lungs, the sting and bitterness caught me off guard. I began to cough and buried my face into my lap, overwhelmed with the cough. There were a few laughs as Reinhard patted my back.

"Damn, should've slowed down, American girl" Reinhard laughed, taking the flask from my hand. "Don't you know what poison punch is?" I shook my head as Tom intervened.

"It's a weak alcoholic beverage," Tom said as if it were the most obvious thing in the world. "A code name, really. It's really called the dementor's kiss. More common among British wizards."