There was something weird about him.

I have been trying to put my finger on it for a long time, but no avail. He would always ditch his 'friends' or in my words, entourage, to do something else. At first, I didn't make note of it, but when he started doing it repeatedly, it made me wonder. But tonight was the night, I was going to catch him in the act.

"Athena," my friend, Eve asked me, "Do you like Tom Riddle?" She picked up her apple and started eating it. I peered down the table to glance at Tom, who was starting blankly at Lestrange, who was conversing with him. His eyes wondered around the Great Hall until his eyes met mine. For a split second I was frozen, but I narrowed my eyes and scowled at him. Lestrange must've noticed because he turned my way and gave me a small wave. I had no problem with Lestrange, so I waved back. Tom, who was watching, gave Lestrange a dirty look. He shrugged at me and went back to talking with him.

Remembering Eve's question, I turned back to face her and said, "No. Why?"

She had a look of pure satisfaction on her face, "No, you like Lestrange." She knew she got right where she wanted, because a light blush spread across my cheeks. She laughed and went back to her apple.

"And besides," I said, taking a sip of pumpkin juice, "it's not like he likes me back." Eve looked aghast and started to disagree with me, but I knew it was true. I was no Ella (voted the prettiest girl in our year). My hair lacked volume and was stringy, or in other words, it was dull. My face was rather heavy and I heard I looked 'depressed' and 'defeated'. Eve, on the other hand, was quite beautiful, she had light brown eyes that any guy would go crazy for, black hair that was swept in a pixie cut (it was imperfect, but it was still attractive). She currently 'fancied' Alphard Black, even though she would get married at 21 to someone else (pure-blood, of course).

Out of the corner of my eye, I saw Tom bid his entourage good bye, he made his way towards the giant doors. Now was my chance, I waited a few seconds, so I wouldn't look suspicious, said good bye to Eve and made my way in his direction.

I heard the faint sound of footsteps scuffling across the tile floor. Acting on instinct, I followed the sound.

Finally, I'm so close, I can feel it.

"Athena!" Said the familiar voice of Lestrange from behind me. Really? The footsteps died out and I hung my head in defeat. I plastered a smile on my face and turned around.

"Lestrange..." I said, trying my best not to yell at him. My curiosity about Tom outweighed my feelings for Lestrange. I saw him casting a glance over my shoulder. I cocked am eyebrow, what was going on being me? He turned his attention back to me.

"I was wondering if you would help me with my Potions essay, since you're so good and all." He put his hands in his pckets and gave me a small smile. I exhauled and shrugged.

"Sure, why not?" A huge grin spread across his face, "Thanks, Theeny, you're so reliable." He waved to me as he was walking away. I looked over my shoulder. There was nothing there. Why was he so interested? I tried to shrug it off, but my always functioning brain, this was far from over.

•°•°•°•

And there you have it, folks! I know this chapter was sucky, but if you stick with me, we will get through it! ( ^ー^ )