The Marketplace
His eyes followed her greedily, watching her cloak swish behind her. The market swirled with busy shoppers, who pushed her out of their way as they rushed toward stores. She stumbled, and in an instant, he was at her side, holding her by the elbow to steady her.
"Thank you," she said breathlessly, smiling up at him. Her smile faltered as she saw the undeniable red in his eyes.
"It was no problem," he replied, watching her closely.
She tugged her arm away apprehensively as she ducked to pick up the silver pineapple she had dropped.
"I don't suppose you remember me," he said, gazing down at her. "I remember you, Minerva."
She went pale. "Can I help you with something – er –?"
"Tom," he supplied, his lip curling as he shook her hand. "Tom Riddle."
"Pleasure to meet you, Tom," said Minerva. "Unfortunately, I don't remember you as well as you seem to remember me."
"Really?" said Tom, his eyebrow lifting. "That night at Hogwarts, a few years ago..."
She swallowed. "I – I was in detention," she said, recognition flooding her eyes.
"Yes, you remember now," Tom said, smiling. "In the Forbidden Forest. An Acromantula got the better of you –"
"And you saved me," Minerva breathed. A thin smile lit up her face. "I never got to thank you."
"Thank me tomorrow, when I take you out for dinner," said Tom.
"That sounds nice," Minerva said. "I'll meet you here."
She walked away and was quickly swallowed up by the crowd. Riddle watched her carefully, his eyes following her every movement.
What he wanted, he would get. And he would get it soon.