Chapter 9

Michelle Petty was dating Tom Riddle. Tom Riddle. She could barely believe it herself. It had been a week since their morning conversation, and they'd actually acted like a couple a few times. He'd brought her lunch in the library, hadn't made her do any chores, and he held her hand while he was reading. Michelle sighed as she walked down the hallway.

"I told you, don't get all girly on me," Tom joined her. A group of Ravenclaw girls stared longingly as they passed the couple, heading the opposite direction.

"I'm not. I just remembered some homework that I need to do…" Tom looked at her for a moment, then turned his eyes back to look ahead of him.

"I got you something."

"You got me a present?"

"Don't sound so shocked. It's what coup…it's expected, right?"

"I guess."

"It's under your pillow in your dorm."

"How'd you get it there?"

"Details," Tom shrugged, looking away from her. Michelle's brow furrowed slightly as she wondered how he had managed to get something in her dorm, but she passed over the thought as they arrived at her transfiguration class.

"Well, this is me," Michelle's shoulders inched up as a faint blush tinted her cheeks.

"Yeah…Have a good class," Tom leaned down, brushing his lips across her right cheek before whirling around and walking off. Michelle watched him leave, her blush growing as her cheek tingled, and finally entered the classroom.

It was lunchtime and Michelle had been stolen away by Magdalene, Kelly, and Regina for a picnic. The three girls were sitting on a red blanket under a tree by the Black Lake, munching cucumber sandwiches and crisps, when Michelle saw Tom standing at the top of the hill. He was standing with his usual perfect posture, the gentle breeze causing his cloak to billow softly back, away from his body, and blowing his hair back from his flawless face. Michelle forgot to breathe.

"Michelle, are you okay?" Regina asked. She followed the Hufflepuff's gaze and her jaw dropped. "Oh my god, we should leave. He looks mad."

"He's not mad," Michelle muttered. In the time she had spent with him, she had definitely learned what his angry face looked like. This wasn't it. If anything, he looked worried. "I'll see you guys later," Michelle stood, brushing her skirt down.

"Your loooooss," Kelly taunted. "We didn't even get to the pudding!" Michelle didn't even look back.

Michelle reached the top of the hill where Tom was standing. "Is something wrong?" Tom stood silently, staring at her. Michelle shifted her weight nervously. "Tom?"

"We should talk." Tom took Michelle's hand and led her into the castle.

They walked up several staircases and down many abandoned hallways before Tom finally stopped at a locked door.

"Alohamora." The door clicked open and Tom led Michelle inside. He closed the door behind them and leaned his forehead against the grainy wood.

"Tom, what's wrong?" He held his hand out to her and she took it. Tom gently pulled her close, hugging her to his body, his chin resting on the crown of her head. Michelle nestled into the hug, though her stomach knotted up. "I'm worried for you, Tom. Tell me what's going on?" Her voice was pleading. She felt Tom turn his head to rest an alabaster cheek on her head as a hand rubbed softly on her back.

"You complicate things, Michelle."

"What do you mean?" she looked up into his eyes, almost hurt by his statement.

Tom release her and turned, taking one step away, "I mean that before that night, when I found you in the library, I was sure of everything. I was always right, I knew everything that I wanted. But you…you've changed me, Michelle. Every time you were obstinate, I wanted nothing more than to hit you, to hex you into oblivion. No one contradicts me, ever.

When you look at me, I feel like you're looking right through me, to my very core. And I don't want you to know the monster that I am."

"You're not a monster, Tom."

"Yes, I am! You have no idea, Michelle. You're so innocent…so gentle…" he cradled her cheek in his hand, "You're too good for me…"

Michelle placed her hand on his, holding his palm against her skin, "What are you talking about?"

"Michelle…If I tell you, you'd never forgive me. You wouldn't want to ever see me again." Michelle had never seen Tom's eyes so full of emotion. He had always been so stoic and calm. But now it seemed as if he could crumble at a mere breath.

"Tom, whatever it is you're dealing with, I want to help. I'm here for you. Forever," Michelle stepped forward, wrapping her arms around the Slytherin, holding him close. Tom reciprocated the gesture and they stayed that way for several minutes.

"You should go to your dorm."

"Alright," Michelle said. They released each other and Michelle left, looking back at Tom before she closed the door.

She entered her dorm and walked to her bed, sitting on it. She stared at the pillow for a few long moments before lifting it to find a small black box. Her heartbeat quickened as she picked it up and opened it. Inside was a gold locket. She lifted the necklace from the box and opened it to see a picture of her and Tom together, holding hands and walking along the shore of the lake. There was an inscription as well. It read "As long as we're together, we are whole."

AN: Wow. This chapter was just supposed to be fluff, but it took on a life of its own and progressed the plot as well!! Please review, people! I really like reading your reviews and want to know what you think of the story, and I'd like to know how you think it's going to progress! Love you all!!