Weakness (Tom Riddle: Enemies to Lovers)

Chapter 9

The day I had been dreading all week had arrived, Friday. Today me and Charles Ruetic would head to The Three Broomsticks for our 'date'. After my classes, I headed to the dorm and got ready while conversing with Selene.

"Honestly it shouldn't be that bad. It's just one afternoon and Charles is quite handsome.", she said reassuringly, while sitting on her bed flicking her wand around. She was practicing the movements for the mending charm.

"But he is full of himself, and a womanizer, the worst of all his friends.", I replied.

"You're just assuming that because he's broken the hearts of a few girls. You forget you would never let him do that to you.", Selene stated.

She was right, I wouldn't. I would go on this date and then forget about him, it wasn't important to me. He on the other hand wanted to take me out, it should leave him disappointed.

    As we walked down the trail to Hogsmeade, Charles talked about his Quidditch highlights. This seemed to be the only thing Charles had to talk about, because he hadn't changed the conversation topic since we left the school. I decided to let him have a few moments, but when we got to The Three Broomsticks I was ready to discuss something else.

"Charles, I respect how much enjoyment Qudditch brings you, but have you noticed you haven't spoken about anything else this whole time?"

"What else is there to discuss, I've been keeping this conversation together if you haven't noticed.", he replied, seemingly annoyed.

"Well maybe if you let me get a word in- you know what, forget about it. Why don't you tell me about your family, your aspirations, whatever else. If anything let me get to know you, not just how good you are at Quidditch.", I said kindly.

"Alright then, my family. I have a younger sister who's a second year. I don't need to ask about yours, everyone knows the Hale's", he responded and leaned his arms on the table.

"Well I'm sure you can think of something else to ask me, you have been talking about yourself the whole time", I smirked.

He laughed, "You've got a smart mouth you know."

The butterbeers we had ordered were served to us, along with a Swiss roll Charles had asked for. Grabbing my butterbeer I said, "What, are you surprised I'm talking back to you, how unladylike of me.", I said jokingly.

"No, it's quite refreshing, as you know most girls just drool over me, they'll listen to anything I say.", he responded proudly.

"Oh please, you shouldn't take so much pride in that, wouldn't you like people to appreciate your personality over your looks?" I replied.

"You're one to talk, getting that diary back for Riddle. He is rude and arrogant, you can't say you did that because he is nice."

"No, I did it because I'm loyal, especially to other Slytherins. Houses are like our family after all.", I stated. It was a lie by me, but I had a lot of pride too, and I wasn't going to admit I fancied Tom.

"Whatever you say." he sighed. Cutting off a piece of the Swiss roll he continued, "Want some?"

I smiled, "Sure, thank you." and took it from him.

The longer we sat together, the better our conversations became. I learned Charles lived with his Grandparents, and his favorite class was potions. I told him about my favorite books, and about my black cat Nedra. Then we moved on to sharing ideas, he was very intelligent. It seemed he learned many enchantments from his grandmother, ones we were yet to learn at Hogwarts.

On the walk back to the school, I decided to give him the satisfaction of knowing I had a good time, because I really did.

"Charles, if I'm being honest, I was really dreading this afternoon. I was wrong though, I enjoyed spending time with you.", I said with a smile.

"I don't know if that's a compliment or not." he laughed, nudging me in the arm, "You know I've wanted to hang out with you for a while. You've always seemed very smart and independent. Plus, it's not like it doesn't help that you're lovely."

"Well you aren't too bad yourself, but don't let this boost your ego, it's the least flattering thing about you.", I joked.

With that we said our goodbyes and headed our separate ways. Looking up towards the staircase, I noticed a boy watching me, soon realizing it was Tom Riddle. I waved at him, but he just turned away.