Before He Was Voldemort (A Tom Riddle Fanfiction)

Chapter 17: Euphemia's Loan

15 December, 1943

Asking Corinne to attend Professor Slughorn's annual Christmas party as my date was quite ingenious of me, if I do say so myself. The action was partly on a whim, I admit. I knew an irresistible opportunity was at stake the moment she asked who I was bringing to the party. I have already used Legilimency on her, and I still find myself curious to know what else she knows about Horcruxes. Dancing will be highly encouraged at the event, which will provide the perfect excuse to get close enough to her to access her mind.

As I am writing this entry, I feel a twinge of anticipation for Friday evening. Corrine's naivety shall provide a quintessential barrier against my motives. The poor girl must think I've asked her out. She has no idea what is in store, and I relish in that fact.

Or...at least I believe I do.

- T.M.R.

* * *

It was a brisk Thursday evening, the eve of Slughorn's Christmas party, and currently Corinne was alone in the Prefect's bathroom, which she secretly had access to, staring in displeasure at herself in the mirror above the sink. Being apart of a semi-wealthy Pureblood family, she owned a few decent dresses for formal occasions. But none of the three gowns she had brought to try on were appealing or worthy of wearing in front of Tom Riddle.

The first was a modest powdered blue dress that she had adored when she'd first gotten it three years ago, its color still captivating to her eyes even to this day. Now, she had severely outgrown it, the ankle-length skirt now up to her shins. Next was a fuller gown that was handed down to her by her older sister Celeste, cream-colored and sleeveless, with a low neckline that made Corrine self-conscious. Celeste was always venturesome and comfortable in her own skin.

Lastly was Corinne's favorite of the bunch- a simple smooth black gown with lace-capped sleeves- was incredibly tight around the waist and bosom. She figured her best bet was to settle for wearing it, even if it was constricting and unflattering. Due to Tom's unexpected request for her to attend Slughorn's party with him just two days beforehand, she had no time to purchase a new dress or reluctantly write to her sisters to ask to borrow one. With the party tomorrow night, she was simply out of options.

Just as she was about to unzip the dress and change into her nightclothes, the door to the bathroom suddenly swung open, making Corinne gasp and hastily scurry towards one of the toilet stalls to hide. The last thing she needed tonight was to get caught in here by a Prefect.

Her hand had barely brushed the stall handle when a familiar female voice behind her exclaimed, "Oh, you startled me! I was just about to take a quick bath in here, but I can come back."

It was Euphemia Gates. And she was a Prefect.

"No, you can stay," Corinne said, bending down to gather her spare dresses and clothes scattered on the floor, still turned and careful not to expose her face. She really didn't want to have another unbearable conversation with Euphemia like on Halloween. "I was just about to leave. The bathroom is yours."

"Are you sure?" said Euphemia. "I can-" She then paused. "Wait, Corinne? Is that you?"

Corinne cursed to herself. "Look," she attempted to explain. "I know I'm not supposed to be in the Prefect's bathroom, but please don't-"

"Report you to the Headmaster?" Euphemia laughed. "Don't worry, I won't. Just between you and me, lots of people sneak in here when they aren't supposed to. Fleamont and Septimus aren't very good at keeping the password a secret."