Written for the weekly pair the character: TomxMyrtle

Word count: 498 (phew!)

Myrtle burst into the toilet with tears running down her face and Olive Hornby's mocking laugh echoing in her ears. Why did she have to be so mean? Just because Myrtle had managed to Banish all of her cushions on the first try didn't mean that she was a show off.

All Myrtle had wanted upon entering Hogwarts was to find somewhere she would be accepted, somewhere she could call home. When she was sorted into Ravenclaw, she thought that her wish would come true. But her exceptional talent at some branches of magic made her a target for the other students, who instead focused on her physical appearance.

Myrtle slid down the side of the wall, letting her misery show. No one was in here. For some reason, most people avoided the toilets on the second floor.

Suddenly, the door creaked open.

'Hello?' asked a male voice.

Quickly, Myrtle wiped her face.

'Boys aren't allowed in here,' she said, trying to put as much authority into her voice as possible.

'I know that,' the boy said, walking into the bathroom. 'But I heard the sound of crying, and I just wanted to make sure you were all right. Are you, Myrtle?'

Myrtle couldn't believe her eyes when Tom Riddle knelt down beside her. The Tom Riddle. Handsome, intelligent, caring, and a Prefect at that. The ultimate Prince Charming. She didn't even think he knew she existed.

'It's just…those girls,' she said defeatedly. Tom Riddle had a way about him that made you want to confess your feelings, even the most ridiculous. 'They hate me because I'm better at magic even though I'm Muggleborn.'

A spasm crossed Tom's face, but he quickly schooled it into one of concern.

'They're just jealous,' he said. He removed her glasses for her and gently wiped the remaining tears away from her cheeks with his thumbs. 'Tell me, what kind of magic are you better at?'

'Charms and Transfiguration, mostly,' Myrtle replied in wonder. Was this a dream?

'Well, Myrtle,' Tom said, a hand sliding down her arm to trace the outline of her fingers. 'I'm glad they teased you. Otherwise, I might not have had the courage to tell you…how I really feel about you.'

'How…how you feel?' Myrtle all but squeaked, blinking rapidly.

'That I admire you,' Tom replied, his thumb caressing her own. 'That I want to get to know you.'

'Tom,' Myrtle sighed, cuddling up closer to the Slytherin.

'Say, how about you help me with a project I'm working on?' Tom asked. He laughed nervously, looking away before meeting her eyes once more. He lowered his voice. 'It could be an excuse to…spend more time with each other.'

Myrtle nodded without hesitation, shivering with anticipation when he placed a chaste kiss on her cheek.

'I'll meet you in front of this room then,' he said, getting up and dusting off his robes. 'How does seven o'clock tomorrow sound?'

Myrtle thought it sounded perfect. Little did she know.