Hey everyone! I know it's not exactly time for me to release the next chapter, but I am just excited about writing this story. It's the sad truth but since it is a new story I am a bit more excited and have more drive to write for this story. Well anyway, here is the next chapter!

Also on my homepage you can see which stories I am currently working on at the very bottom of the page

A bad girl

Two weeks have passed, and surprisingly things have been going smoothly with the English project. Despite all of the worries I had, and my friend's constant worry, nothing bad had happened while meeting with Tom. Granted my daily life was met with a few extra glares, but since we only spoke when necessary, most people came to the conclusion I wasn't a threat. I mean, I didn't even like Tom in that sense. Sure he was handsome, and I could see why people would find him attractive, but given the vast differences in our worlds and the strong opposition of my friends - mainly Lola - I never gave it a thought.

During the many meetings I had with the three I found out a few things. First, was that Tom really enjoyed The Three Broomsticks cafe. Whenever we meet it was always there, and he would always order the same thing; A medium Butterbeer, a small dark coffee with 1 cream sugar, and a plain bagel. Guess he didn't care for much change in his routine. Tom also loved to control, and dictate the flow of conversation. He had a natural leadership ability, and he was so eloquent with his words you couldn't help but be dragged along. He had a way of swaying you to his side, and because I was a natural non confrontational person, I didn't say much to oppose it. Honestly, it was a little unnerving, but all of his ideas did make sense and if I really thought what he was saying would harm the project I would have spoken up. Despite those few things Tom didn't seem like a bad person. If I happened to walk with them to the cafe he would always stand closest to the street. He always held open the doors, and when our order was ready he - along with either Antonin or Malfoy - would deliver them to the table. They were all small, insignificant things, but it didn't feel like he was over exerting himself. They all felt like his natural responses. In this regard I had a bit of respect for him. Also, the fact that he hadn't teased me like in the Great Hall was appreciated.

Malfoy was also someone I had completely pegged all wrong. I still thought he was a little scary, with how he always seemed to be on guard and watching every little movement, but he was nicer than I initially believed. If I was confused by something - and with how fast Tom would move things along I was often confused - he would silently help me along, making sure I didn't fall too far behind. Sometimes when I ran into him during school he would acknowledge me with a nod. I also noticed when walking he stayed behind the group, far enough to see the surroundings and close enough to react quickly in case something happened. He only spoke when necessary, and his voice wasn't as deep as I thought it would be. Surprisingly it was gentle, and sounded like a deep tenor voice.

As for Antonin, of the three, he was possibly my favorite. He was very animated in comparison, always smiling and cracking a joke. His personality really balanced out the group dynamic that they had. Like Malfoy he had the same calculating and alert eyes, but they were also much kinder. Since starting the group project if I ran into him he would strike up a small conversation. Usually small talk of the weather or about classes, but no matter the conversation he was always smiling. That in itself made me much more open and relaxed - probably more so than I should have been. His voice was gruff, booming but so very friendly sounding. Honestly, at this junction in time, I didn't find anything I didn't like about him.

Perhaps it was this sense of comfortableness, and familiarity with the three that pushed me deeper into the rabbit's hole. The trap was laid, and I fell right into it.

"So then I'll write the part detailing about Charles and his relationship to his first victim." I clarified as I looked up at Tom who nodded in confirmation.

"Yes, make it so it's a page long."

"Got it."

Over the time I got used to how Tom spoke. It was always in a tone of finality, not giving one much room to argue.

"Should I also talk about his mother? It was clear he chose her because of how closely his first victim resembled her."

"That would be good."

I wrote down what I needed to complete for the project. Suddenly my phone rang. I checked the caller ID - it was my father. "Ah, excuse me." I stood up and walked outside to take the call.

"Raven," My father's deep and rough voice spoke to me, "I need you to bring me something from the house."

"Ah, I'm not home right now. I'm still in the area of my school." I told him, "If it's important I can leave now, but It'll be a while before I can give it to you."

"Can you get here within an hour?"

Whatever it was, it must be something urgent. "Yes sir."

"Look in my room by my desk and there should be a flash drive sitting on the top. I need you to bring it to the station. Bring a change of clothes when you come as well."

"Yes sir. I'll be there shortly then."

Without a word of farewell he hung up. The curt ending to the call no longer phased me and I rushed back to the table.

"Is everything alright?" Antonin asked noticing my hurried state.

"Yes, I'm fine, but I need to leave now." I quickly packed my things, "Sorry I have to leave like this. Text me if anything changes." I called back to them as I ran out and raced for the subway station. If I could get there within another 7 minutes I can catch the subway. If not I'll have to wait another 15 minutes.

Luckily I made it with 2 minutes to spare, but I still had to make it to the platform. As I got closer to the entrance gate I began fishing for my wallet that had my Metro card. I began to panic when I came up short. What happened to it? I tried to think and realized that in my haste I must have left it at the cafe. Hopefully one of them would grab it as I didn't have time to go back. I had a few dollars on me, enough for a ticket back home at least, and right as the doors to the train were about to close I slid into the first cart I could.

A sigh of relief left me as I took a seat on my 30 min. right home. As I sat there I realized that since I wasn't home I should have told him to call Trent. He could have also handed my father what he needed.

"Well I suppose no use worrying about that now. Oh yeah. I should text them." I took out my phone and opened the group chat with Tom and the others.

Me: Sorry again for leaving so suddenly, but I think I left my wallet. Did you happen to see it?

Almost as soon as I sent my message I was receiving a reply.

Antonin: Yeah, it fell out your bag when you were leaving. Tom has it.

Now, since it was Friday, any other time I would have just asked for them to hold it until Monday. However, on Sunday I planned on going to Hogsmead with my friends. It was a 2 hour train ride, and tickets costed around 15 bucks. My Metro card was a monthly cost that allowed me to ride whenever I wanted, and also without my wallet I didn't have my debit card to buy anything.

Me: Tom, could I meet you somewhere tomorrow and pick it up?

Tom: I'm busy tomorrow.

I waited for him to elaborate, and when he didn't I prodded.

Me: Like...All day? If it's an errand I can meet you somewhere close.

Tom: My business is family in nature.

I hesitated in my next reply. If that was the case then he could be doing something shady. I didn't realize that he was already involved in his - uh - family business.

Tom: If you need it that badly, you may come by my house.

Me: Um...I don't know...

Tom: You don't have to worry, it'll be safe Ms. Police Chief's daughter.

I could hear his teasing voice in my head, and I blushed in embarrassment at how easily he saw thru to my worries. Not only was I worried about going to see him because of that, but also if I happen to be seen and recognize, it could be bad news for my father. Then again, after the two-weeks of getting to know him, I didn't think he was a bad person. Just calculating. It was then a brilliant idea popped into my head. I could just wear a disguise. That way I wouldn't have to worry about anyone finding out my identity.

Me: Alright, when should I get there?

Tom: 1pm.

It was then my stop arrived, and after a quick sprint home, I practically threw the door open slightly out of breath. I noticed that one of Trent's pair of shoes were absent from the shoe rack. Guess he wasn't home.

I quickly threw off my shoes and briskly walked to my father's room. Similar to his study, there wasn't too much furnishing. A simple work desk, dresser and a bed. The room was only used around once a week, so it felt really empty and cold. It would have been nice if he could at least come home for dinner. I quickly shook the thoughts from my head and soon I found his flash drive. Next I grabbed a change of clothes; underwear, a white undershirt, light blue button down, black slacks and tie, and a clean pair of socks.

Thinking he might be hungry, I also packed some leftover soup from the previous night. With everything in tow I left the house. The station he worked at was about a 25 minute leisure bike ride, but after having made the trip so many times, I could make the trip in 15.

"Alright then," I muttered as I mounted the bike, "Let's go."

I took off starting at my max speed. Thankfully there weren't many hills, and the few that existed were small. Exactly 15 minutes later, and a few mins before the hour was up, I came to a halt at the police station.

I was panting heavily, and a thin layer of sweat covered my skin. My hair was a mess from the wind, and my shirt was slightly disheveled. My father disliked when we didn't look our best, so I hurriedly tried to fix myself. It was better than nothing, but what could he expect after having given me a time limit - and trust me, if my father gave you a time limit it was in your best interest to not disappoint him.

I entered the station and surprisingly found my father waiting at the front.

Travis Clark was a tall and proud man of the age of 48. His face was was strung with lines of long, hard nights of work, making him look older than what he was. His default expression was a stern frown, his brow furrowing deeply as if in constant contemplation. He had broad shoulders, a strong frame and exuded confidence and authority. My father was dependable, and for the most part people found themselves relieved whenever he was around. If there were ever complaints, it was that he could be too strict, and had a short fuse when it came to failure, or someone not following the rules.

Almost jogging I came to a stop in front of him. "Evening, father."

"Thank you." He said simply taking the items I presented. "I would have gotten it myself, but something came up."

"It's nothing, I'm glad I could help." I beamed happily at my father, and as I did his cobalt eyes to soften. In a small show of affection he patted my head twice. I beamed more, now a dusting of red on my cheeks. For all of his roughness, these few moments showed me he really did care for me.

"Oh, I also pack you a small dinner. It's just the leftovers from last night, though."

"I appreciate it."

"Well, if that's all, I'll leave you to your work."

As I was about to leave he stopped me. "I had another reason for calling you out here." The lines in his face became more pronounced as he frowned, "I've been told you've started hanging out with Tom Riddle and his group."

My heart jumped in nervousness. I needed to explain quickly, "I-it's not for leisure purposes." I shook my hands in quick display of denial, "They are my English project partners. I only meet with them for school reasons."

He studied my face, trying to detect any lie in my words. However, I was not one to lie to him, and I would know not to do anything that could hurt the family reputation. After contemplation he nodded, "As soon as the project is over, cut ties with him. You don't need to be associating with his kind."

My relief was clearly shown on my face. The last thing I wanted was my father to be mad at me. I suppose it wouldn't be a smart thing to tell him I'll be going over to his place tomorrow. I glance at my father imagining how angry he would be if he knew. My dark blue hair swayed as I shook my head to do away with those thoughts.

"Also-"

Now what was it?

"We'll have to talk about your hair color. You won't find a job like that. You should dye it back black."

"R-really..."

"I let you do it so you could express yourself, but you're getting older. I'll be able to set up meetings for job opportunities soon, but with your hair like that it will hurt your chances."

'...But I don't want any of the jobs you want for me...'

"I understand."

Satisfied with my answer he turned to leave, "Get home safely."

With a small nod of my own left the station and headed home, but not before making a quick stop at the store.

The next morning I woke up with a sense of giddiness, nervousness and excitement. I didn't know why I felt this way. Perhaps it was because I was doing something I knew my father wouldn't approve of. If another one of his cop friends saw me I would be in a lot of trouble. I looked in the mirror and smiled, betraying the queasiness I felt.

I also didn't tell any of my friends about this, as I knew they would have been strongly against this. However, I was confident that things would be alright. Tom wasn't as bad as he seemed, and really I wouldn't have to go in. All he had to do was pass it to me from the front door, then I would be on my way.

Also my disguise, if I said so myself, was pretty flawless. No one would recognize me. I wore a dark red tank top, a black jacket and a knee length blue skirt. I also wore a black fisherman-like hat with a wide brim, sunglasses and a face mask. My face was completely hidden, and my clothes choice was something I didn't normally wear. It was more of Kat's and Lola's style, well if the skirt was shorter. Other than the school uniform, I hadn't owned a skirt until now. I didn't really care for them, though if they were at least past my knees I was fine.

I stared at my dark black hair with a wry smile. Though I liked the blue better, my with black hair would also make people second guess who I was.

I checked the time: 11am on the hour.

It would take an hour and a half to get there from here, so leaving now would give me some extra time just in case I got lost. Trent had left earlier - apparently Trent and the others were using this day to work on the group project. Lucky for me, since it made it easier to sneak out. With a deep breath I left the house, and was soon boarding the subway train.

I checked the directions Tom texted me again, then expectantly looked at the list of train stops. I had been riding the same train for a while now, I had to be almost at the stop. A charming smile lighted my face upon my discovery: it was the next stop.

As I exited the subway I could feel my heart jump into overdrive, and I suddenly became nervous. What if I was recognized? What if something bad happened? All at once my worries came to the surface. My hands began to tremble and I could feel myself breaking into a nervous sweat. In order to calm myself, I took deep breaths. I had already came out here, so I needed to see this through.

Once I stepped onto the street I was greeted to a...normal...average neighborhood. I blinked in confusion. Was this it? Oddly I was expecting something a bit more - perhaps the result of watching too many movies. I was half expecting the buildings to be rundown, and shabby. There should be rough, and rugged looking people all over the streets. Graffiti, and crime was supposed to be at the forefront...and yet...This looked just like my home.

This was a part of the neighborhood I hadn't been too in years, as per my father's warning. Though it looked nice on the surface, many of these establishments were either ran or owned in someway by the gang here. Though just by looking you would never know. Guess it wasn't like they could use old tactics in the new age.

Even so, it appeared a lot safer than I had imagined.

Feeling slightly better at the state of the neighborhood I stole another look athe the directions. Great, so just another 20 minute walk and I'll be there. Tom's instructions were very detailed and precise. Even if I wanted to get lost, it would be impossible from the sheer detail he provided. I couldn't help but be impressed.

Suddenly I came to a stop, "This must be...it..." My voice trailed off, and my eyes widened.

Tom lived here!?

In front of me was a large gate, that was connected to a stone wall that stretched for what seems like miles. I hadn't even noticed I had been walking along the wall. Through the gate was an immense front yard. There was a lush flower garden, blooming with breathtakingly beautiful flowers. It felt as if I had stepped into a movie. I had never seen something like this in my life. The grass was such a bright green I had to wonder if it was real, and the small fountain and pond made me gasp in awe. How could a place be so beautiful?

The house itself wasn't tall by any means. The majority of the house appeared to be one floor, with a few parts having a second story. Though the impressive part was how wide the house way. The house itself had to cover the length of almost an entire football field, which meant the total property space was impossibly wide.

Just what was someone to do with all of this space?

Finally coming from my stupor I noticed a buzzer. Gently I rang, and waited for Tom to answer.

"Whaddya want?"

I froze at the voice. It wasn't Tom's voice.

"Oi! Speak up or get da fuck outa here!"

"O-oh...Um...I'm uh.." I twiddled my thumbs feeling intimidated by the voice from the speaker.

"Who da fuck are ya?! I ain't got time for no fuckin' games! Lil' lady, you even know where you are? Huh!?"

I could feel the tears starting to well up. I didn't know what to say. I was too scared to speak up, and I didn't want to say the wrong thing to make him angrier.

"Raven." The voice had changed. My head shot up having recognized the voice.

"T-tom."

"I'll open the gate. Come in."

As the metal gate lightly creaked open, I took a hesitant step into unfamiliar territory. I had hoped that when I arrived there would be no one here except Tom, but seeing how big this place was, there was no way it was ever empty. I shuddered at the thoughts that went through my head. What all happened here? I always wondered how Tom could be popular considering the dangers that clearly surrounded him. Though the gangs now a days often run legitimate business, we all know it is only a front for their true intentions.

While in my thoughts I came to a stop at the front doors. Before I could knock the door was swung open by Tom.

I was met by an amused smirk, "I think you're a little early for Halloween."

I blushed in embarrassment, though he couldn't see it because of my mask, "W-whatever. I just...Didn't want to be recognized."

With an amused chuckle he beckoned me inside. I removed my shoes and he supplied me with some house slippers. Again my expectations were shattered. The inside of the house looked completely normal. When I entered there was a long hallway, which seemed to branch of further ahead. There were so many doors I wondered what the rooms could possibly be used for. There also didn't seem to be any people towards the front. Then I remembered my reason for coming here.

"Where is my wallet?"

"My room." He raised a brow, seeing me stumble, "If you took the shades off you could see."

"N-no, I'm fine." I fixed my shades, and picked up my pace as if to prove my point.

Finally, we stopped in front of a door.

"Young master, there you are!"

We they turned to see a large, middle aged woman bustling up to her. She wore a bright blue dress and a pink apron with a multitude of pockets. Seeing someone so bright, a smiling so warmly sent me for a surprising look.

"Oh, is this a guest?"

I noticed the change in Tom's mood. He seemed a bit agitated, as if dealing with this bubbly woman was tiring. "No," he stated firmly, "She is leaving soon."

She dismissed Tom and Berliner towards me, "Oh, nonsense! You've never brought a guest - or I should say a normal guest - over before."

I took a step back not used to such forwardness from a stranger. I cast a glance to Tom hoping he would help me, but I remembered my shades were on so he probably didn't see it.

"Oh! And it's a girl too!" She excitement seemed to double, "Come child you can't leave so soon. And why are you wearing this indoors, let me help-"

"Ack, n-no that's quite alright!" I protested, my voice raising an octave in panic. She was completely dismantling the atmosphere.

"No buts! Why hide your face-See! You look gorgeous! Like an innocent lamb!"

I looked down, hands folded in front of me, and a face as red as a tomato.

"Tom, come let's fetch her some tea and snacks." Without waiting for a response she scampered of expecting Tom to follow.

I could only stare in embarrassed awe at the storm I just survived. What was more surprising was how Tom also couldn't stop that woman's momentum.

With an exasperated sigh he rounded on me. "Sit here and don't move." He allowed me into his room, and shut the door behind him.

I watched as the door closed, frowning deeply once I was alone. How did this happen? Why was I here? I should have just waited until Monday. I could have survived without buying the new volleyball equipment. I castes a cautious look around the room as if at any moment something would leap out.

Tom's room was pretty simple considering. It was wide, looking like a rectangle, with the entrance situating on the longer side. In the right corner was his full sized bed, equipped with a rich green bed spread. Taking another look around a dark green seemed to be the main theme. Somehow it really seemed appropriate.

There two bookshelves on both sides of a work desk, by the left corner of the room but still along in the same wall as the bed. The room was seriously large. Half of the room was divided by a two seater, black sofa that faced away from the bed. It was turned to a wall mounted flat screen TV, and beneath it was a television stand. It was a beautiful black stand that shone brilliantly as if recently polished. On the top were what looked like awards; small trophies, some cases with some medals and some pins. There was also some cabinets, a clear one in the middle and four drawers - two on either side.

With another sigh I stepped forward. On the half with the bed was a small round table in the center, and even though the floor was carpeted, there was a circular, green throw rug under the table. It was here that I sat as I waited for Tom to return.

How did I get myself into the situation? I just wanted to get my wallet back. Was that so wrong? That woman earlier - I never got her name - just ran in and ruined everything. By this time I could have been on my way out of this place. Luckily, even though she ripped off my disguise, she didn't seem to recognize me.

When was Tom getting back? He was taking a little too long. He said my wallet was in the room...Perhaps I should try to look for it myself. I didn't really want to stay for tea, that would prolong my stay too uncomfortably long, and if I could find my wallet before he returned I could just leave. With that in mind I stood and took a quick look around. I was hoping it was placed somewhere in the open, but no such luck. Maybe he didn't want anyone to find and take it.

"That makes it harder for me."

Should I really go through his things? What if he came back and saw me? I shuddered at the thought, and I suddenly felt queasy. "That wouldn't be good."

I stole a tentative glance at the door. Carefully I peaked out and looked down the hallway. No one in sight. I didn't hear anything either.

"Maybe...Maybe it'll be alright. J-just a quick look."

Before my nerves could leave me I quickly moved to his desk. I took extra care to not move anything out of place, and if I had to, I would place it right back. I opened the drawers and saw a meticulous organization, that neatly and clearly displayed all of its contents. It made it easier to look around, and find what you needed. Lucky for me, that meant I didn't have to linger. However, sadly I still hadn't found my wallet.

I didn't know how much time I had left before Tom came back, but maybe I had time to search one more place. Taking another look around I noticed something I hadn't before. On top of one of his bookshelves was a plain brown box. A feeling of unease descended upon me, but I couldn't let myself fall prey to it. I had already came this far. This would be the last thing I check, and if it wasn't in there then I would just have to wait.

I still didn't hear any approaching footsteps, in fact it was oddly quiet outside.

The bookshelf was quite high, so much so that I had to rise onto my toes. Even then my fingers only just grazed the bottom of the box. My short stature was proving to be an issue, and I had a feeling that I would find what I was looking for in there. I grunted from the effort, and carefully I tried to use the bookshelf to pull myself up. Slowly the box was sliding to the edge.

"Just a...bit more..." I began chewing on my tongue - a habit of mine when concentrating - then exhaling in frustration at my slow progress. I gave one more reach for it, but pushed myself against the shelf too much. With a surprised 'oh' the bookshelf rocked forward, and I caught it stopping it from falling but the box on top slid off and landed on top of my head causing me to fall back. The box had opened spilling it's contents onto the floor and around me.

"Sorry it took so long. I had to attend to something before returning."

I heart raced in nervousness, and an unreadable expression on my face as I stared at the door not knowing what to do. There was Tom, starting back at me in surprise with a tray of tea and two cups. A blush quickly decorated my face, and I was flooded with embarrassment at being caught. He would immediately know what I was up too. I sat there with the contents of his box sprawled about around me.

"U-um...I-i can explain I...Um.." I struggled to find the words that would keep Tom from being too angry with me. "I-i just wanted to find my wallet...And -uh- leave..." Why didn't I just wait!?

He silently placed the tray down on the table and walked over until her stood over me.

"Tom I'm really sorry I-" My voice suddenly stopped working the moment I met Tom's eyes.

They were cold, distant and lacking of any sympathy or understanding of the situation. It was as if a mask was stripped from his face. The perfect student and social bee he was at school suddenly seemed superficial. The was the real him. This ruthless, and demeaning gaze he wore seemed to fit him so much better. I knew there would be no room for my excuses. It was a look I knew well, a look I often received from my father when I had done something wrong.

I averted my gaze, and tensed when he knelt down. He reached for one of the items that fell from the box. It was only then I noticed what they were. It was a variety of odd items - some I had never seen before - and others more familiar such as; handcuffs - some with fur on them -, rope and a..Tassel whip?

"Raven." Tom spoke in a soft whisper that didn't give away what he was thinking. He spoke so quietly that his voice rumbled in his chest. If he hadn't been so close, I wouldn't have heard it.

"You've...Been a bad girl, haven't you?"

Well...That's what happens when you go snooping around in other people's things lol.

I apologize for the very manga-like stupidity of the character lol. But I promise she won't remain this way. This will honestly be more of a slice-of-life story. Nothing too crazy...Except for..You know...Gangs and thugs...and stuff like that...

Also, if you haven't figured out the type of story I am going for yet by the setup of how the main character is...You will fully understand in the next chapter lol.