Stop running from me (A Tom Riddle Story)

Her Knight in Shadowed Armour (New Years Ball Part 3)

She sat and watched as people talked.

They had been so jubilant, so cheerful, laughing about the approaching New Year and the things it would hold. Now everything seemed more downcast. Having caught the 'guilty' man, people were free to leave and most did. But some stayed to see what would happen next.

Leonard had left soon after Pippin's body, promising Esmeralda that he did not blame her in the slightest. He applauded Philip and Dumbledore's quick responses and swore that the trial would be held within the next couple of days: For which Philip and Esmeralda both had to testify. But it seemed they were out of the firing line.

A lot of people expressed their sympathies to Esmeralda, including Remi who had flung herself at Esmeralda in tears. For the most part, the people started leaving her alone. Philip was currently sitting with Dumbledore, Slughorn and a couple of other ministry officials undoubtedly discussing what had happened. Tom was standing in a corner talking to Cygnus, Edward and Abraxas whilst Alexander Malfoy was talking with Phineas Black, the head of the Black family household and the retired headmaster of Hogwarts.

Esmeralda was sitting by herself at the bottom the grand marble staircase, a glass of red wine sitting almost limply in her hands. She had taken her hair down letting it fall down her back, easing her headache. She'd played her part well, to the point where she'd managed to make herself cry. She didn't mind watching him die – It wasn't the first time she'd seen it. What bothered her was what he had said...

"Essey, don't go with Tom."

She knew he thought they were going to run away together. But he didn't tell her not to run away, he told her not to go with Tom. Why was it that everyone seemed to be telling her to stay away from Tom? Even Tom himself had said he didn't trust her. Was the world trying to tell her they were not meant for one another?

In a burst of anger, Esmeralda threw her glass onto the floor, watching as it smashed, and the wine running red across the floor like blood. Knowing people were staring at her, she rose to her feet and walked up the stairs and out of the ballroom.

She walked aimlessly, until she reached the entrance courtyard. Taking a left she passed through an arch to reach a fountain. The delicate stone fountain depicted a man and a woman dancing, capturing every twist of fabric in the ladies dress and the look of love on their faces. The soft tumbling of the clear water was melodic as it resonated in the surrounding silence. Esmeralda walked on the edge and sat on it, letting her finger trail in the cold water.

"Quite a night huh?"

Her mouth twitched at his words.

"You could say that again Potter." She responded with a sigh.

She heard him walk towards her slowly, sitting down opposite her once he reached the fountain. She knew he was staring at her, but she refused to meet his eye.

"Was it Tom?" He asked quietly.

Esmeralda frowned.

"Of course not. Dimitri is renowned for wanting my attention."

"Yeah, but everyone close to you knows you hated Pippin, so why bother?" Fleamont pointed out.

"I don't know." Was all she said.

"Did Tom ask him to?" Fleamont pushed.

"They'd never met before tonight. I hated Pippin sure, but not enough to kill him."

They sat in silence for a while before Fleamont shifted forwards slightly.

"You've picked him haven't you?" He said.