Mind Games | Tom Riddle | DISCONTINUED

Five: Perilous Promises

Tom Riddle was quickly becoming frustrated. Azalea hadn't even looked his way in weeks. She really was a thorn in his side. Tom hadn't encountered anyone as defiant and bold as Azalea Verdine.

As he walked through the busy corridor, he wasn't surprised to hear the similarities in most of his fellow students' conversations. For the past three days, talk was focused on two things: the day's Hogsmeade visit, and the Halloween Ball that was taking place in three days.

Tom knew that time was of the essence. He knew that the Halloween Ball would be a perfect opportunity to chip away at the wall that Azalea had put up. After two years of going to the ball, Tom had immediately noticed a trend with Anthony Indius. He would shag at least two girls in one night, and he'd be snogging a few on the dance floor. And if Tom's luck was good that night, none of those girls would be Azalea.

It was obvious to Tom how much Azalea wanted to believe that Anthony wasn't the bad guy, and it was obvious how attracted Azalea was to Anthony. Riddle knew that he'd be able to comfort Azalea when she was hurt. All of that was relying on the course of the next two weeks.

As Tom walked down the stairs to the entrance hall, he quickly found Azalea. How could he not? She was clearly in a confrontation with Anthony Indius.

"Trouble in paradise?" Tom leered as he approached the two. 

Azalea glared as she turned. "No," she responded. "We're fine."

Tom's eyebrows lifted. She was speaking to him again. Anthony really was snapping the last straw. "Alright then," Riddle said. He turned and stalked over to Rodolphus Lestrange, who was still wearing his trademark cocky smirk.

"Trouble in paradise, my lord?" Lestrange inquired with a quirked eyebrow.

Glancing back at Azalea, Tom responded, "I believe that Azalea is coming to her senses and that Anthony is tired of having someone smarter than him reminding him of his idiocy."

"My lord, if I may, "Rodolphus began. Once Tom turned to him, he continued. "Normally you don't come to the Hogsmeade visits. What changed this year?"

Tom smirked. "Oh, Lestrange. That little vixen is the reason I'm going on these visits. As I've said before, she's smarter than she looks, and she's almost as ruthless as I. Azalea will make a useful follower," he explained loftily.

Watching Riddle turn to observe Azalea, Lestrange muttered, "If she's that useful, don't make her do the boring shit I do."

"Rodolphus," Tom said firmly, "If I wanted any cheek, I would have gone to Azalea." He watched Azalea's forced laughter, and he couldn't help but feel a twinge of glee. For the first time, something involving Azalea was actually going according to plan. It was only a matter of time before she got bored and moved to something bigger and better.

Just as the large group of students began walking through the large doors, Dolohov, Malfoy, and Avery found Tom and Lestrange.

"I told you she'd get sick of him," Abraxias Malfoy murmured to Avery. "Azalea may be a pain in the arse, but her family's traditional values were instilled in her from the first etiquette class that her mother forced her to sit through."

Lorcan Avery snickered, then whispered, "She gets sick of anyone who isn't an asset to her."

"Too bad poor Anthony is about as useful as a broken wand," Malfoy sneered.

"You give him too much credit," Tom Riddle added.

The group continued jesting and plotting as they made their way towards the village of Hogsmeade. After the long walk in the crisp, October air, the students scattered across the street, many heading for the various shops lining the bustling avenue.