-1Chapter 7 -- Found and Lost
Riddle's demeanor changed over the next few months; slowly his glares turned into smiles, his anger pushed down, far from the light of day. We became close, but I did not let my guard down. I couldn't- not after years of hating his guts.
As our friendship grew, I couldn't help but feel… I don't know, I guess, more than simply friendly with him. I guess that's a side-effect of being a hormonal teenager. There were more awkward moments every day; times when all we could do was simply stare. But I could never truly know what he felt. Never.
And it's not like an inter-house relationship could ever work? Right?
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"Nuh uh!" I shrieked, stumbling through the snow with Riddle on my tail. There hadn't been an attack in weeks, and we were all pretty carefree during the first big snowfall of the season.
"You can't just ambush someone and except them to just take it!" he shouted back with a laugh. I smirked and stopped short suddenly. I turned sharply, and was then promptly run over by Riddle, who was holding a snowball in his hand. We fell into the snow, laughing. I felt his body roll off me slightly, and I inwardly sighed.
"Oops," he chuckled.
"Oops is right… now I'm all wet," I laughed. I made a snow angel and stood up, my arms and legs numb from the cold. I shivered and I felt cold arms slither around my waist. Riddle.
"You're just as freezing as I am," I murmured. He made an incoherent sound.
"Eh, body heat," he whispered back. We stood there for a bit and then he let go. "We should go inside. Come on." Taking my hand, he pulled me inside the warm Hogwarts halls…
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Another attack.
Tom didn't really care about it; he told me not to worry.
I guess he's right. I guess.
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"Tal, scoot over," Tom said, as he slide down the cold dungeon wall to sit next to me. I moved over a bit.
"Since when am I Tal?" I asked, smirking.
"Since I said so," he replied, flashing me a winning smile. So charming…
"Ugh, I always did hate my name," I muttered.
"And why's that?" he asked incredulously. "I like your name."
"It's so… complicated. Your name is far better. And easier to say."
"My name is from that disgusting muggle I call a father. I'd say your name tops mine," Tom said bitterly. Awkward silence.
"So…" I sighed casually. "What're your plans for the weekend?" Suddenly I realized that I sounded very forward. I blushed and covered my mouth. Tom just smiled.
"Oh I don't know. Maybe I'll stop by Hogsmede or something…" he trailed off. Another silence. Then Tom turned to me rather rapidly, and we were far too close to each other for casual contact.
"Actually, Tal, I was wondering whether you would like to accompany me on the Hogsmede trip," Tom said in a low voice. I could feel his warm hand on mine. His eyes looked at me in hope.
"Uh, sure… I mean, yes, I'd love to!" I whispered. Tom grinned and helped me up as Professor Waite appeared at the end of the hall. I followed Waite into the classroom. Then I realized Tom wasn't with me. I turned to see him standing in the hall, looking rather distracted; a flash of annoyance and regret flickered in his eyes. I called him name and he immediately snapped out of it.
"Sorry," he murmured, gathering his things and entering the class without another word. I had the strange feeling that he wasn't only talking about the lapse.
So charming… and yet so distant. Why can't I figure him out? What is he hiding?