Winter awoke that night and although it was near two in the mourning, she had to see Tom. She felt compelled and knew that she had to talk to him even if he'd only listen or vice versa. She got up out of her bed, got on her black robe and slipped out of her door.
No one was in the Common Room as she had suspected. She was easily able to go undetected even if people were there, but Winter slipped across the hall and came upon Tom's door. She stood there for a minute and softly tapped. She heard a faint "come in" and she opened the door.
Tom saw her and didn't know what to say. She looked very pretty, even if she was in her pajamas. He knew why she was here, though. He swallowed and asked if she wanted to sit. It was ok for her to stay because Tom didn't have any "roomies". He had 3 seventh years with him last year, but they had all graduated so he was alone. Whish wasn't a bad thing for Tom since he liked being a recluse.
"I know why your hear." He said. "I didn't really mean what I said. It's just… I cannot love anyone and although I'd like to love you… I just don't. I care about you greatly."
She smiled and said she understood although her eyes said differently. They were encrusted with tears, but she smiled. Tom looked at her and got up. He slowly walked up to her and hugged her. She lost control and started to cry.
Winter held on to him like there was no tomorrow. She cried into his robes and didn't care. She finally stopped when there was nothing to cry about. She even started thinking of things that made her cry so she didn't have to pull away. Finally she did and she stepped back.
"I'm sorry." She said still sobbing a bit.
"It's not your fault." He said.
"It is, too. I'm sitting here looking like a bloody fool." She tried to smile, but couldn't.
"You do not look like an idiot. And it's not your fault. I do care about you and I do have feelings for you, but I know that I cannot be there for you. I don't want to hurt you."
"Then why did you kiss me on the train?"
"I honestly don't know."
She nodded patiently and Tom's inward guts churned. He couldn't tell her who or what he really was. He had something to do this year that would change everything. And after she turned around and left and after she was in her own bed, Tom took out his journal and began the spell.