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A/N: Welcome to our new Alerts: Gamble with Desire; and our new Favorites: Linnet Lestrange. You guys are great!


"Ah, Miss Baudelaire! May I speak to you before you leave?"

Tom glanced over his shoulder as Miss Baudelaire set her bag down and took a seat. He glanced at Mulciber and Rosier who nodded and continued out the classroom. He instead, diverted and went into the student supply closet.

He and his comrades had taken to watching Miss Baudelaire for the past week and a half. So far, they had discovered that she was taking N.E.W.T. level courses in Herbology, Potions, Charms, Defense Against the Dark Arts and, obviously, Transfigurations. Tom knew from research that students who took these classes normally went on to try to obtain jobs at St. Mungo's. Nott even saw the girl go into Infirmary where it was assumed that she was helping out Madam Lokston for extra credit.

But she was very good, though she shared all her classes with Tom, at avoiding the group. He didn't know how she did it but he managed to miss her every time he thought he might try to start a conversation.

So now he stored himself away in the supply closet hoping to catch her.

"Miss Baudelaire, you have proven yourself a very exceptional student over this past week," Slughorn was saying.

"Merci, Professor Slughorn."

Slughorn chuckled. "You are very welcome. Now, Miss Baudelaire, your father, isn't the illustrious Aimery Baudelaire, Potion's Master extraordinaire is he?"

"Zat he eez."

"Of course, of course! Brilliant man, very brilliant. I've worked with him once or twice over the years."

"Really. 'e 'asn't mentioned you before."

Slughorn laughed again, if not a bit awkwardly. "Well, I assume he's a very busy man. Well, either way, I was hoping to ask you to join me and some other students for a little gathering, tomorrow evening."

"A gathering, sir?"

"Yes, yes. Just a couple of choice students and we gather a few times for dinner and discussion and I would love if you would join us."

"Euh – I will join you and zee others, Professor Slughorn."

"Wonderful! – Oh, Tom! What on earth are you doing here?"

Tom stopped as if he had been caught. He smiled at the professor. "Sorry sir. I came back when I realized I needed some cauldron cleaner is all. I didn't mean to interrupt your meeting."

"No interruptions, here, Tom! I was just telling Miss Baudelaire here about our little club. She'll be joining us tomorrow night at our welcome back feast."

"That's nice." Tom smiled at Miss Baudelaire who was watching him warily. "Professor, lunch has started so –"

Slughorn made his excuses and ushered the both of them out, smiling secretively at the two of them; Tom could only assume what he was thinking was going on between the two of them. Because it was fairly expected, however, Tom walked beside Miss Baudelaire, pleased with the predictability of his Potion's professor.

"You'll find Professor Slughorn is known for this," Tom said.

"Known for what, exactly?" Miss Baudelaire asked as they made their way down the hallway.

"'Collecting' his students," Tom explained. "He has these pictures of all these famous students he's had or students that he thought would soon be famous. It's his Slug Club and we are his prizes. Not only is your father the Aimery Baudelaire but you have the potential to become a great – well a great something or other, and so he's making you a part of his collection."

Miss Baudelaire frowned. "Zat eez at zee same time flattering and creepy."

Tom chuckled. "It is but you can't blame him for wanting to make a move up in the world through the people he knows. As long as he has famous students, there's always someone to brag about. Plus, you get free food from the parties he throws."

The two of them reached the Great Hall, the chatter loud and rambunctious. Tom saw his fellows watching the two of them though they looked away at a glance from him.

"Merci, Monsieur Riddle," Miss Baudelaire said, surprisingly. When he raised in eyebrow at her, she explained. "For informing me and walking me to zee Great 'all. I suppose I will see you at zee, 'ow did you say, 'Slug Club'."

"I will see you then, Miss Baudelaire." As he meant to make towards his table, he heard her mutter something. "I'm sorry, what was that?"

"I said I intend to be a great 'ealer at St. Mungo's, in zee area of Spell Damage."

Tom smiled at her. "That is admirable."

She nodded, looking slightly confused with herself before making her way to her own table. Tom headed to his own table, the smile on his face turning into a smirk.

Miss Marguerite Baudelaire must not yet realize it but her tough outward exterior was slowly but surely melting away. Little by little he would pick his way through it until she trusted him and he eventually won her over to her cause.

It wouldn't be long now.


A/n: So I know it's horribly short. I hope you guys liked it though and I'll see you next chapter!