A/N: So I know, you all probably hate me, and I really am sorry. Hopefully I'll be able to work on this a lot more now. This chapter isn't the most action packed, but it does lead up to a few things. I hope you enjoy.

I woke that morning in an almost exact replica of the day before. I was lying on my side, my head resting on the broad chest in front of me, while Tom's arms were wrapped around me tightly, one of his hands in my hair.

"We're going to be late if you dont get up soon." Tom muttered in my ear, his breath brushing the side of my face. I fought back a blush as I remembered just how close he had been to me the night before. Come on Veronica. I thought to myself, pulling out of Tom's hold. Dont freak out now. It isn't like this is the first time you kissed Tom Riddle.

"I left my brush on the counter." Tom told my from where he was lounging on his bed, his eyebrows raised as he watched my inner struggle with a smirk on his face.

I nodded, then grabbed the clothes I had and hurried into the bathroom, making sure to lock the door behind me. As the water ran over my skin, I remembered the day before. Remembered Malfoy's hands running over my body, his mouth on mine. I shivered at the thought and unconsciously scrubbed my skin harder wherever he had touched me. I washed myself as thoroughly as I could, then turned off the scalding hot water. I quickly dried off, then got dressed and ran Tom's brush through my hair. "Ready." I said, stepping out of the bathroom only a few moments later.

Tom glanced up from where he was still lounging on my bed, then stood slowly. I bit my lip as I saw him make his way toward me slowly. "Planning on staying with me again tonight?" He whispered, so close that his breath hit my face.

"I dont know." I replied honestly, once again thinking about Malfoy and shuddering.

Tom raised his eyebrows as his gaze traveled over my body and finally coming to rest on my face. "You look horrible." He said bluntly, brow furrowed. "Didnt you sleep?"

I looked away from him, grabbing my book bag from off the floor. "Um, I was having some trouble turning my brain off." I muttered, not looking at him.

There was silence. I busied myself with searching in my book bag to make sure I had my charms homework. After I had found it, I finally looked up. Tom was staring at me, a cold and calculating look in his eye. "Does this- lack of sleep have anything to do with what happened yesterday with Malfoy?"

I turned away from him instantly, my mind flashing back to those images once again as I felt myself break out into goosebumps. "We should go if we want to get breakfast." I finally said softly, pulling Tom's door open and starting out.

I didnt get there. Tom's hand closed around my arm, pulling me backward. He suddenly stood in front of me, a frown on his handsome face. "I dont like it when people dont answer me." He said, his voice low. It wasnt quite the voice he used with his- minions, but it was close. "So, I'm going to ask you one more time. Did it have something to do with Malfoy?"

I tried to tear my arm out of his grip, but his hand only tightened. I knew it wasnt a smart thing to do, not answering him. Tom had a way of making things happen to people when they crossed him- and, honestly, I didnt think I even wanted to cross Tom. If I had to tell the truth, I guess I would have to admit that I really didnt want to do anything to make Tom stay away from me.

I think I might actually like him.

Merlin help me.

"Yes." I finally said, not looking at Tom. I didnt think I could handle seeing his face. Would he think me weak? Knowing Tom, yes he would. He thought everyone was weak. Why would I be any different?

"Lets go to breakfast." Tom finally said, breaking his hold on my arm and walking out of his still open door. I sighed, following behind him. Wouldnt it have just been easier to leave when I wanted to?

Neither of us said a word the entire way to the Great Hall. When we finally made it there, I didnt even try to argue with him about us walking in at the same time- I knew he would do it whether I protested or not.

Carra and Malfoy didnt move as we walked in- both just sat in their usual seats with glares on their faces as I walked by them. Tom was right behind me, close enough that I could actually feel the heat coming off of his body. I slid into my usual seat, and Tom slid down beside me. "Are you ever going back to your old seat?" I questioned, eyebrows raised.

Tom ignored me, instead nodding to Amanda. "Hello." He told her formally, then quickly filling his plate with food.

"Tom." Amanda greeted. She turned to me, eyes wide, as she nodded to him. I shook my head, not really sure what the hell she was trying to say. She just rolled her eyes, going back to her own breakfast.

No one said a word, I think all of us had to many things running through our heads. Tom's hadn found its way to my thigh and started tracing odd patterns. I glanced at him from the corner of my eye, but he looked completely oblivious- like he wasnt even aware he was doing it. And, the odd part was, I didnt care. I didnt even try to push him away. "Ronnie?" A voice said from behind me, making me jump at the noise. I turned around, a smile on my face. Only one person called me Ronnie.

"Ronnie?" Tom muttered, the sarcasm evident in his voice as his hand fell away.

"Hey Amy." I said, looking at my best friend- the one that had been mysteriously absent from my life the last week.

Amy gave me a forced smile, instantly making my eyes narrow. She pushed her glasses up as she glanced at Amanda and Tom. "Can I talk to you?" She asked me, her voice carefully guarded. I frowned, but nodded as I pushed away my food and stood.

"Dont be late to class." Tom said, his eyes staring straight at me. "I dont want to have to give you a detention."

I rolled my eyes, then followed Amy out of the Great Hall. "What are you doing, Veronica?" She asked, her voice harsher than I had ever heard.

I instantly scowled, my Slytherin guard up. "Excuse me?"

"Hanging around with Riddle and the Parkinson girl? What could possibly be running though that head of yours?" She asked, shaking her own head and making her frizzy blond hair swing back and forth. "You know those aren't the type of people you should be hanging around. That Riddle is bad news, and Parkinson-"

"Those two have been there for me this last week." I said, fighting to control the anger that was building in my chest. "Where have you been? I couldn't even find you on the train."

Amy avoided my eyes. "I was sitting with some people from my house. Its been a busy week." She defended herself.

"Sure it has." I muttered, not believing her for a minute.

"I thought you were smarter than being another shag for Riddle." She said, her eyes hard as she stared at me. "But I guess you're just like the rest of them."

I stared at her, slowly shaking my head. "And I thought you were different than the other idiots in this school."

"Whatever, Ronnie." She said, shaking her head as she walked toward the Great Hall once again. "You aren't any different than any other Slytherin. You're just like everyone else in your family, and you're going to end up exactly like your mother. I hope that makes you happy."

My wand was out in an instant, but she was already through the doors. I fumed silently, her words hitting home. I was nothing like my mother, and I never would be. That was one promise I would never break.