Poison Ivy | T. Riddle ✔

[10] Predator And Prey

Ever since he had warned Demelza and she had promised to stay away from Riddle, Perseus felt a bit relieved. For once, a great burden had been lifted off his chest. He knew Demelza was not the kind of person who would break promises and he knew Riddle was going to have some difficulty in approaching her again.

He could tolerate very well if Riddle only threatened him. But he couldn't bear it if he dared to lay a hand on his loved ones.

However, since that day he noticed Riddle had begun to leave him to his own devices as well. He seldom popped up in whatever Perseus was doing, didn't talk to him much other than the routinely cup of tea and refrained from making any sort of suggestive remarks.

Perseus, who should have been relieved at the sudden improvement, couldn't help but wonder what was the reason for that drastic change. He had grown even more cautious around him as he could still not shake the thought of him wanting something that was in his possession badly.

He knew Tom Riddle wasn't one to give up so easily. And that was what bothered him most.

"Rise and shine, Perseus, your shift starts now," Tom's breezy voice shook him out of his thoughts and he made his way to the counter, taking his seat and settling down.

"Gabby, bring two cups of tea please," Riddle ordered the house elf but Perseus interrupted him.

"Only one, I am not in the mood for it."

He could feel the grey eyes settling on him with what seemed like mild sympathy, "are you alright?"

"I'm perfectly fine, thank you," he replied vaguely, trying to make himself appear busy by flicking through the client registers.

Riddle's hands landed on the register and he swiftly took it away from him. Perseus leaned back in his chair instinctively, bringing his eyes up to meet the cold grey ones. 

"Why do you work so hard? Don't you know, it is extremely exhausting," he asked in a soft voice as if trying to make him talk.

"I have to work. You shouldn't worry about it being exhausting for me."

His gaze deepened and once again Perseus felt as if he was trying to gain access to his memories, "I am only concerned for you, Perseus. There's no other reason for me to ask."

"I don't need your concern," like earlier, his reply was stiff indicating that he didn't want to resume the conversation. 

He was internally seething at the soft coaxing tones Riddle was using with him, he had a hunch that such tones were what he used to persuade difficult customers and succeed in manipulating them. 

He felt as if he was being manipulated too. And he didn't like it one bit.

"I think I will have to be more clear than that," a meaningful smile spread on his angular features and he still didn't break the eye contact.

He spoke up as if irritated, "what's wrong with you, Tom? You were perfectly fine for the past few days; minding your own business and not interfering with me to such an extent. Now what do you want that you're here, showing me your intense concern all of a sudden?"

"What do I want?" he laughed and the sound of his chuckle sent shivers down Perseus's spine, "now that is a very good question. But I can't give the answer here, not at this very moment."

There was an eerie silence in the shop, the clanging of the enchanted wind chimes were the only sounds that could be heard. Even Gabby had gone out from the backyard gate, in order to fetch the tea for them.

Before he could comprehend what had just happened, Riddle's hand closed on his wrist and he disapparated, taking Perce with him. 

Perseus was shaken because not only was the disapparition soundless but also quite swift. And that trick was what only extremely capable wizards could master.