Stop running from me (A Tom Riddle Story)

Potter Problems

"Are you staying for Christmas Miss Farshore?"

Remi rolled her eyes.

"Of course not Professor! I have to attend the annual Christmas ball!"

Grace met eyes with Esmeralda and rolled her eyes. Esmeralda smirked. It was just like Remi to get excited about something that sounded so utterly dull.

"Ah of course, is it to be held at the Malfoy's again?" Slughorn asked politely, though I could see the excitement in his eyes.

"Indeed it is Sir. And my mother tells me it will be the most splendid to date!" Abraxas boasted, sitting up straighter, "And once again, my father requests you attend."

Slughorn's eyes seemed to bulge from his head as a grin hit his face.

"Oh yes, oh yes dear boy. I would be honored. Tell your father he is ever so gracious."

Tom shifted slightly, clearly annoyed at his head of house for being nothing more than a suck-up.

"Oh my.. oh my..." Slughorn seemed to be overcome by the prospect of the ball before clearing his throat.

"And you dear Esmeralda?"

Esmeralda put on her best dazzling smile, silently resisting the urge to throw up as Slughorn's eyes seemed to soften at her gaze.

"I simply cannot leave my dear godfather alone all Christmas Sir." She answered in a sickeningly sweet voice.

The Professor sighed in clear admiration.

"Oh Esmeralda dear, you are so thoughtful. You must give him my best."

"You can do that yourself Professor, he has also been invited to the ball." Abraxas cut in.

Slughorn let out an exclaimed shout making Esmeralda jump quite violently in her seat as Edward and Lilah tried to hide their laughter. Several Hufflepuff's turned their heads to see what the commotion was, ducking their gaze when Tom glared at them.

"Oh goodness me! Old Philip coming out of hiding, what a truly marvelous day. He rarely leaves his castle, but then you knew that ey Esmeralda?" He said with a chuckle.

Esmeralda gave him a tight smile, clearly uncomfortable.

"Oh how can this day get any better..." Slughorn muttered seemingly to himself before turning to Tom, "What about you Tom m'boy? Staying like usual?"

Tom gave him a ghost of a smile.

"No Sir. I will also be going."

Slughorn's eyes brows raised in confusion.

"He'll be with me Sir." Esmeralda cut in, aware how Tom would hate it if Slughorn mentioned the orphanage in front of the others.

"Oh...."

He paused.

"OH!" He whispered, his eyes traveling expectantly between the two of them, an excited grin on his face, "oh how simply perfect."

Esmeralda froze as tears began to form in his eyes. What on earth was that man thinking? Tom looked just as uncomfortable though his pronounced sneer seemed to imply he was disgusted at the Professor's behavior. Not that Slughorn noticed.

"Oh... oh well that's all of you. I'll just be.." Slughorn let out another sigh before turning and almost running back up to the teachers table.

"What the fuck was that about?" Cygnus asked looking thoroughly amused.

"Looks like Sluggy is jealous." Edward sniggered as Lilah blanched.

"Good gosh Edward, shut up!" Remi said with a revolted look.