Weakness (Tom Riddle: Enemies to Lovers)

Chapter 3

It had been about a week since classes started. Everyone had settled into their new schedules and caught up with their friends. I took my seat in potions class and opened my textbook, we would be making doxycide. This was always the first potion learned in fifth year.

After all the ingredients were given out, Slughorn instructed us to work with our partners and complete the potion. I guess Tom Riddle needed to speak with me today, considering we had to do this together.

"So what's the first item we have to use?", I asked Tom, hoping to create some teamwork between us.

"If you read that textbook right in front of you it wouldn't be so difficult to figure it out.", he replied coldly.

Trying to remain polite I said "Ok well it says we need to use the Bundimun Ooze." Me and Tom awkwardly reached for it at the same time, but it seemed he was ok letting me pick it up. That wasn't a good idea.

The glass container slipped right out of my hand, splattering onto both our textbooks. "Oh my goodness! I'm so sorry!," I frantically said while starting to wipe up the mess I created.

"Are you incapable of even picking something up without dropping it? How am I supposed to be partners with a complete spaz.", Riddle rudely insulted me.

That was enough for me. "I've given you absolutely no reason to be rude to me! It's been a week that we have been partners and you've said absolutely nothing to me!", I said, raising my voice.

Tom's voice raised as well, "What makes you think I would want to waste my time speaking with you?"

"It's just common respect, if we are partners we might as well become familiar." I replied.

At this point we caught the attention of many others in the room, but both of us didn't stop. "Respect is earned, not just given, and it is clear to me that you don't deserve it." he sneered.

"Excuse me", Slughorn said from across the room. Slughorn was usually a relaxed teacher, he was clearly very upset. "It seems you two aren't getting along very well. I say both of you stay after school today and work things out."

"Sorry sir, but Christine was the one who started it, not me. I don't believe it is fair I should have to stay." Tom calmly replied.

"An argument takes two. I will see you both later.", Slughorn responded.

"I apologize.", I said quietly.

With that class was dismissed, and before leaving Tom made sure to give me one last nasty look.