Playing With Snakes △⃒⃘ Tom Riddle

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6th year 1944,
Hogwarts

Never could Marcella have ever imagined that she would be doing what she is about to do. She is going on a date, yes a date, with non other than Tom Riddle himself.
How did he go from being her nemesis to being the one to make her heart skip multiple beats every time he looks into her eyes?

It was Saturday today, so she had chosen to wear one of her nicer dresses and a pretty pair of shiny, black shoes. Her hair was down in curls and she had even put on a little bit of a makeup.

She was currently waiting in front of the entrance to the Ravenclaw Common room. As she waited, she started to unknowingly tap her foot on the ground, a sign of how nervous she was, but she stopped once she spotted the familiar brown haired boy that was walking towards her. He was dressed nicely in a gray sweater and black trousers and was wearing his usual neutral expression on his face.

"Marcella."
He said, as a greating, before extending his arm for her to take.

"Hello, Tom."
She chirped, before grabbing his arm.
She couldn't believe herself, she had never been like this before. Usually she was very reserved, even with friends, but with Tom she felt so comfortable.
"So... what are we going to do?"
She asked, trying to hide her excitement.

"You will see."
He said as he led her trough the school, until they ended up outside, in front of the forbidden forest.

"Are you sure about this, Tom?"
Marcella said as she looked around her for anyone that could spot them and tell on them. As she stared at the forest, chills ran down her spine. The forbidden forest sure did give her the creeps.
Tom, however, didn't answer her, and instead just kept on leading her further into the forest. Marcella was about to say that she would rather go elsewhere when she spotted the blanket on the ground that had a picknick basket placed upon it.
Tom motioned for her to take a seat and so she did. He took out all the food that he had one of his followers prepare and laid it out in front of them.

They started eating in a comfortable silence when Marcella felt Tom's eyes on her. She looked up and stopped eating the delicious food.

"I must say, I'm quite surprised by this, Tom. I wasn't expecting a picnic in the forbidden forest, but it sure is... a unique date."
She said with a smile.

"I had been wanting to do something unique for this date, after all I needed to do something to impress such a unique girl as yourself."
He said, while his expression remained the same and gave nothing about his emotions away.
Marcella was first confused by the lack of emotion on his face, but once his words registered inside of her brain, her smile brightened.

She was unique to him.

"Thank you, Tom. I must say, you yourself aren't the most ordinary boy at Hogwarts yourself. You keep to yourself a lot, even though you somehow still managed to get every teacher wrapped around your finger. It's quite impressive, the way you play with words. I like that."
Marcella said as she continued munching on her sandwich.

For a second it seemed as if Tom was about to snap as his expression remained as cold as stone, until he suddenly let out a laugh, slightly surpising Marcella.
She couldn't ever remember hearing him laugh...

"I guess we're both unique and I guess that's also why we are here togheter right now. We 'unique' people have to stick togheter. I see how in class you're always bored. Things are too simple for you, there are no challanges, no adventures, there is no thrill. But I know, if we stick together, I can make sure that you will get to feel all of those things."
He said as a smirk started manifesting itself on his handsome face.

"I do like a good challenge..."
Marcella said, thinking about what he just said and what he is trying to propose.

"Some other... friends and me join togheter a few days per week in a club I have established. I see a lot of potential in you and so, I would like you to join me."
He said as he leaned in slightly and grabbed her hand to hold in his.

Marcella looked at his hands holding hers and felt her cheeks grow warm.
"I-I would love to join your club, but what exactly is it that you guys do?"

"We study magic, practice magic and strive to become strong, no, to become the strongest. We don't just study any magic, we study the type of magic that they don't teach you here at Hogwarts. The type of magic that gives a thrill."

"Sounds exciting."
She said as a smile once again took over.
She couldn't believe she was going to be hanging around with Tom Riddle in his club with his friends. She was going to be spending time with a lot of Slytherins for sure, but that wouldn't stop her. Marcella had always been up for a challange and she had been craving a thrill for a long time now. Joining a club wouldn't hurt anyone, would it?
"I'm in!"

As she smiled up at him, he couldn't help but smile back.