The Love Potion:
The day was warmer than it had been all week and Merope awoke with the same air of cheerfulness she'd had for weeks. With both her brother and her father in Azkaban - and she tried not to dwell on the place itself too long - she felt more calm, lighter than her usual self.
It was on this warm sunny morning that Merope would at last attempt to seduce the lovely boy from town. Tom Riddle. She thought the name had a regal quality that matched his handsome face.
She traipsed out to the garden to work on the flowers, knowing Tom would be alone for his morning ride. As if on a cue Tom came into view around the hedge.
"Good morning Mr. Riddle." she said casually, belying the butterflies taking flight in her stomach.
"Hello." he responded, not unkindly but clearly surprised.
"Nice morning." she added, not wanting him to leave just yet.
"Not bad." he agreed mildly.
"I was just going to head in and get something to drink. Would you care for one?" she asked innocently, ,looking up from her roses.
"Yes, alright." he agreed cordially.
Merope disappeared into the house to fetch a glass and poured a dash of love potion into the glass. She ran back outside, clutching the drink as though her life depended on it - and in many ways perhaps it did.
"Thank you." Tom said politely, taking a sip.
The pair stood in amicable silence while Tom drank a second sip.
Merope began to worry. Had she used enough potion? Did she mix it correctly?
But as soon as her thoughts appeared they were shoved away by Tom's pale eyes staring at her with an intense sort of fire.
"Merope." he whispered as though trying the name out.
Merope smiled, a look of genuine love at Tom.
"I've never noticed how beautiful you are." he said unabashedly.
Merope's heart fluttered and Tom took her in his arms.
"I think… what I mean is, this seems forward of me but - I feel as though I love you."
Merope's smile broke from her face, more dazzling and radiant than she had felt in her whole life. She wanted to bottle this feeling to keep with her always.
"Let's runaway Tom, where they can't stop us." she said this in a breathy whisper, desperate for his answer.
"Yes. Come Merope! We'll be together forever!"
Merope went back into the house, grabbed a canister of the pink swirling potion that would keep Tom hers and packed it in a bag. She didn't even glance about the small house but closed the door and followed Tom into the bright morning light.