Weakness (Tom Riddle: Enemies to Lovers)

Chapter 10

I slept in on Saturday, waking up around 11 o'clock. The other girls had left the dorm by that time, so I got ready quickly. I headed to the library in hopes of finding a book that would aid me in DADA. I was a very good student, but I'd been struggling to grasp all the topics in that class.

The library was peaceful, a few students were scattered about. I walked through the aisles until I found a book which seemed appropriate for my needs, The Dark Forces: A Guide to Self-Protection. I sat down at a nearby table and began my reading.

As I flipped through the pages, one particular topic caught my interest, the Patronus Charm. It read:

"The Patronus is the most famous defensive charm. The goal is to produce a silvery-white guardian or protector, which takes the form of an animal.  The exact form of the Patronus will not be apparent until the spell has been successfully cast."

I was drawn away from my reading when I saw Tom Riddle skimming through some books nearby. He walked over and sat at the table next to mine, without even glancing at me. I figured I should be polite and say hello to him. Also, I may or may not have wanted an excuse to speak with him.

"Good afternoon Tom." I said as he opened his first book.

He looked at me unamused, and then eyed the book I was holding. "Reading about the Dark Arts are you?"

"Oh yes," I said looking down at the pages and then back to him, "I've been a little confused in class, I figured I would read up on some topics before Monday."

"That's one of my best classes, what a shame it doesn't come easy to you.", he said dryly and turned back to his book.

I sighed, why did he always have such an attitude. Like congratulations, you're good at DADA. How nice of you to say that to someone after they expressed their struggles. I wasn't going to give up on the conversation though.

"So, you say you excel when it comes to Defense Against the Dark Arts, does that mean you are capable of casting a Patronus?", I questioned.

Tom looked up seemingly annoyed, "I've never tried, so I wouldn't know.", he replied, "It's a pathetic charm anyway, relying on happiness and hope."

"That sounds like something someone who couldn't produce a Patronus would say." I smirked, "Considering how difficult it is of course."

"Excuse me, but who do you think you are to assume that of me? I'd like to see you try and do half the spells and enchantments I can.", he spit back.

It was quite amusing getting a rise out of Riddle. "I would be able to do them, if I was as uptight as you. You never have fun, you don't even have friends. But, if that's the price you want to pay for knowing some extra spells, so be it.", I replied.

"I don't need friends when I have followers." he answered.

I covered my face with my hands and sighed, "Oh my goodness, lighten up! Here, what are you reading about."

I grabbed the books in front of Tom and looked for one that seemed interesting. Most were about the Dark Arts, so I wasn't surprised I didn't understand them.

"Can I have my books back? I came here to read, not talk with you.", Tom said while I flipped through the pages.

"Fine you don't want to talk with me now, but talk with me later. I know how to get into the astronomy tower at night, and you're a prefect so you must be able to.", I replied, "Meet me there later, or don't, but I plan on going. It would be nice if you did though, I actually appreciate spending time with others."

I put my book back and walked away, so I could find my friends. I much rather be with them on a Saturday than studying alone.