When autumn approached Riddle informed me that on the first of September he would be leaving for Hogwarts School of witchcraft and wizardry and that he won't be back until next summer. He was going to ask the headmaster if I could also attend but I stopped him from doing so.

Instead we spent every waking hour together causing mischief and pulling pranks on the other children. Sometimes we even ran away from the orphanage for the day traveling by bus into the country to lie upon our backs in fields of long grass to stare up at the sky and watch the fluffy clouds slowly pass by.

It was on one of those days out in the field that Riddle sighed sadly "I leave soon"

Nothing could distract the thought of him leaving me behind, not even the sound of the wind whispering through the grass, "Write to me wont you?"

He rolled onto his side staring avidly into my eyes, "only if you promise to reply"

A smile spread across my face as I tried to hold back small giggles, "I always reply"

He smiled back for a second then looked serious averting his eyes, "I will miss you, Bethany"

My cheeks went warm and I could not look at him, "don't be silly" I whispered.

His lips moved and his voice came out softly; so soft that I strained to hear him, "you are the only reason why I want to stay"

Again my cheeks went warm and my heart fluttered like the wings of a humming bird, "don't be so foolish. You'll learn magic, make new friends and be far too busy to be thinking about me"

He took my hand in his and gave it a small squeeze "you are my best friend, my only friend; yes I will be thinking about you"

My reply got lost somewhere on the way to my mouth and before long he was standing, my hand still in his and we were heading back to the orphanage.

A few weeks later he was gone; Hogwarts in his sight.

***

In Riddle's absence the children rejoiced doing whatever they pleased and playing whatever they wanted to play. However, I found myself in a state of sadness; isolated from the others wishing things could have been different.

After what felt like a very long time an owl came tapping on my window one night and when I let it in I spotted a letter attached to its leg. With much anticipation I tore it apart and read:

Dearest Bethany,

I only have ten minutes spare to write so I will tell you how things are. Hogwarts is the most spectacular place I have ever seen! I am so happy to be calling it home and I know that one day I will return here (maybe with you by my side?).

On my first day here I was sorted into one of the four houses, (Gryffindor, Ravenclaw, Hufflepuff and Slytherin) Slytherin and it is by far one of the most prestigious houses at the school. Already I have made a lot of friends and I am greatly admired by all the teachers, except perhaps Professor Dumbledore who watches me a lot.

I have to say that I have been extremely busy with classes; by far defence against the dark arts is the best though they move at a snails pace. The other classes I won't bother boring you with (not to mention the amount of homework we have to do!)

Despite all of this I am afraid my mind constantly lingers on you. I hope all is well back at the orphanage if not then I am sure that when I return it can be easily fixed. How are you by the way? Been doing anything interesting?

Please write back, the owl will not leave unless you do. I have to go to my next class now.

With love,

Tom

The owl gave a small hoot, nipping my fingers gently but threateningly and I rummaged around in my wardrobe finally pulling out a pen. I flipped the letter over and began writing on the back:

Dearest Tom,

I have all the time in the world to write to you since I have no lessons to worry about. Everything here is the same since you left except the moods of the other children; they all seem to be happy though they have no idea that you will be returning and the thought makes me laugh.

Since the day you left I have found myself lost and isolated from everyone else; I feel extremely different from them, now I know what it was like for you.

In my spare time I visited the fields but it wasn't the same without you. Nothing is anymore.

There is supposed to be an outing planned for tomorrow but I have no idea where it is we will be going. But other than that it's all ordinary.

Tell me what is Slytherin like? What is the purpose of houses?

You must write me a proper letter when you have more time I want to know everything. Enjoy yourself as much as you can.

I miss you.

Love,

Bethany

I folded the letter in half an attached it back to the owls leg and sent it out the window watching it disappear into the night wanting to disappear with it in the hope that I may see my best friend again.