Always || Tom Riddle

Forgiven

It was December and it was near my birthday which was next week.Last week Tom had received a reward for services to the school.

"Clara wait up!"I heard Penelope call behind me as she trudged through the snow towards me.

"What are you doing here?"I asked sounding more harsh than I had intended.

"What does it look like?"Penelope replied raising her eyebrows and smirking.She had grown used to my mood swings but before she had been hurt when I snapped at her.

"Coming with you to the three broomsticks"Penelope continued and shook her head smiling as she walked off and I stood confused before catching up to her.

"How did you know I was going to the three broomsticks?"I asked I had not told anyone where I was going so how she knew was a mystery.

"I asked Malfoy"Penelope replied as if it was normal.

"Malfoy told you where I was going, how did he even know?"I said shocked and slightly worried I had just found out that Toms followers were stalking me.

"Well I don't really like to say"Penelope began slowly and I rolled my eyes and stopped her by walking in front of her and placing my hands on her shoulders.

"Penelope Fudge you will tell me how those gits know where I am"I said and Penelope seemed to be looking behind me.

"That hurt right here"Malfoy's voice could be heard behind me and I spun round to see that Malfoy was holding a hand to his heart.I cocked an eyebrow at the giggling bunch of buffoons.

"Like you even have a heart or if you do you wouldn't care"I hissed and the boys began to laugh again but went all serious and I realized why when I looked over my shoulder to see Tom stood behind us.

"If you wish to annoy someone go somewhere else"Tom commanded and the boys nodded and walked off in silence to Hogsmeade.Tom walked up beside me and I cocked an eyebrow.

"If you think sticking up for me and Penelope will get you an apology then you are mistaken"I said watching as the group of rowdy boys disappeared over the hill.

"Then what do I need to do to get an apology?"Tom replied and I huffed at the question as we walked side by side towards the three broomsticks with Penelope following behind us.As we entered a rush of warm air from the fire came towards me and I realized how cold I was.

Penelope,me and Tom found a table in the corner out of everyone's way and I spotted Professor Slughorn drinking some ale as Penelope went to order some butter beer for us all at the bar.She came back with three cups and a warning sign that professor Slughorn was coming.

"Slug alert"She whispered instantly putting on a smile when Professor Slughorn joined us.

"Ah if it isn't my three favorite students"Professor Slughorn said moving his drink upwards suddenly spilling some of his ale on her jeans as she squealed.

"Oh, all hands on deck Fudge"He said and I smiled a little as I kept one eye on Penelope and one eye on the clearly drunk teacher.

"You know I am throwing a Christmas dinner next week?Well I should very much like to see you three at my table along with a few other students of course."Professor Slughorn said his nose crinkling up as he smiled.I exchanged a glance with Tom and then smiled.

"Professor I would love to.."I began and Slughorn turned his attention from Tom to me "But it is my birthday next week and I might not be able to attend" I said and Slughorn spilled his drink a bit more this time in my direction as he chuckled and I squealed and ducked feeling sorry for the person who got soaked behind me.

"None sense we can celebrate your birthday then we can have a cake too and if you don't get too embarrassed we will sing you happy birthday"Professor Slughorn said and I stood pulled out a chair and took his drink from him placing it on the table to prevent him from spilling anymore.

"Oh how very kind of you Clara"He said as he sat down and the chair squeaked under his weight.

"Professor I would love to but it is my birthday next week and I might not be able to attend"Penelope mimicked me giggling as we walked back to the castle.I said nothing but smiled at her as she ran off like a little kid clearly turning hyper from the butter beer.

"I might need to take her to the hospital wing"I said to Tom beside me still watching Penelope go round in circles pretending that she was a flying plane.

"Now that we are back on talking terms does this mean I am forgiven?"Tom asked me and cocked an eyebrow smirking from beside me as we trudged through the deep snow.

"Maybe"I replied clearly sarcastic and Tom stopped and pulled me into a hug.

"Good"He said into my ear and I felt shivers go down my spine feeling his warm breath on my skin.

"As much as I hate to admit it she needs a nurse"Tom said pulling away gently and kissing my lips quickly before holding me at arms length.

"Yeah I hate to admit but I think your right"I said smirking at Tom who smirked back as I walked away and helped the very hyper Penelope to the hospital wing.