The words we spoke seemed to have fallen to deaf ears the moments classes recommenced.
Tom's and I's friendship was pushed to an afterthought as we both focused on our studies.
As time passed and we grew accustomed to our time tables once more, our acquaintance-ship became less hostile, and more friendly.
We would end up studying in the library together, or walking to class along with our friends.
The atmosphere finally seemed peaceful within our year.
That, however, changed when I began hanging out with James Potter, his friends, and a few other Gryffindors once more.
Then tensions began to grow within my group of friends.
Soon I noticed that Tom would find excuse after excuse not to meet with me, even going as far as to claim how tired he was. I didn't bother with concerning myself about his lack of interest on his part. I figured if he wished to speak he would find me.It was shortly after the spring arrived.
I figured the day looked nice enough, I left right after classes finished, and went on a walk.
Not bothering to watch where I was going, I simply began to walk.
After a while of walking I noticed how cold it had gotten, and realized I was going to have to turn back soon, until I noticed where I had ended up.
I was standing in front of the Great Lake.
Just how far had I walk?
Frowning in confusion, I made to turn back only to gasp as I realized I no longer alone.
Standing before me, was a group of dark figures. I knew from the heights each person within the group has to be a student within the school.
Realizing that they had yet to discover my presence, I quickly hid behind one of the thick tree trucks, and bit down on my lip to keep from making any type of noise.
I realized I had gotten lost in thought, and missed the conversation that had begun without my notice.
"—things have begun to take a dangerous turn." One of the voices said.
I frowned at the familiarity of it.
I knew that voice but from where?
"What are we supposed now?"
It sounded like my— no, it couldn't be them. Could it?
I strained my ears, listening harder, to see if I could decipher who was in the group.
"I'm not sure...Dumbledore has been keeping an extra careful eye on us. It's best we leave her out of this for now." A voice replied.
Her? Just who were they talking about? What were they even doing out here?
"Riddle, are you sure that is the best idea? We could use someone like her in the group." Another voice interjected.
As soon as I heard the name I stiffened.
Tom was here? What in the world was he doing here?
"Avery, I've already told you, I don't want her involved in this. At least not yet. Something has to happen before she can finally join us." Tom's voice replied, coldly.
"This is ridiculous! We are wasting time!" Avery growled, exasperated.
A pained gasp suddenly ripped through the air followed by a dull thud on the ground.
"I. Will. Not. Repeat. Myself. Again. Leave her out of this." Tom growled.
"Riddle, honestly, aren't you taking this a bit far? Think about it. She has shown tremendous skill in a lot of our classes. We could use her for our benefit. That, however, is just a suggestion to take into account. If you truly wish to leave her out of this, and keep Dumbledore off our backs then we need to be more careful about where we gather." I heard one of the Lestrange brothers say.
"While I appreciate the suggestion, this matter is not something I will likely be changing my mind on. Leave Anna out of this." Tom states.
The blood drained from my face as I realized what was happening.
Tom and our friends were doing something. I realized that while the others wanted to include me. Tom did not.
"This goes for all of you. If I find out any of you have spoken to her of anything besides work and other friendly subjects, I will make sure you feel my wrath." He threatens. "Does anyone have any question?"
I realized then I had heard enough, as swiftly as I could I rushed back in the direction of the castle.
I could hear someone's footsteps following closely behind.
"Shit!" I muttered as I made it to the edge of the Forrest.
As I broke through the trees, I heard my pursuers following behind me.
I only made it a few steps before I felt something hit me in the back of my head.
Followed by the sound of grass crunching, as I heard someone walk over to where I laid.
My head swimming for a few moments.
The person kneeled down next to me, turning me onto my back, before I heard them stand to their full height once more.
"Anna?"
I slowly opened my eyes.
"What in Merlin's beard are you doing out here by yourself?" Severus asked frowning as someone else approached us.
"What happened? Is she alright?" I heard them ask.
I frowned, slowly sitting up with the help of Tom, who suddenly appeared.
"Tom? What are you doing here?" I asked, as my frown deepened.
"He was with me. We're searching for a few florets that Professor Slughorn needs to brew something during our lesson tomorrow morning." Severus explained, pulling something out of his pocket.
"What were you doing out here?" Tom asked me as he pulled me to my feet.
"Me?" I asked confused. "Oh, I, errm, I was taking a short walk to clear my mind." I replied hurriedly.
I saw Tom and Severus exchange a glance before Tom turned to look at me.
"Why don't I walk you back to the Gryffindor Tower?" He suggested.
Surprise caused my eyes to widen as I shook my head and took a step back.
"No, that won't be necessary." I replied.
"Why not? I'm heading to the study Hall to meet a friend." Tom replied.
"Well, I'm not heading towards the Tower. I'm actually heading to the library... I have to finish a paper for my Herbology class." I explained.
"I'll walk you." He replied, pulled me along with him as he began walking.
I sighed before nodding in response as I felt his arm wrap around my shoulders.
I could feel the tension as we walked, I grew distracted as I remembered what I heard.
What was going on?
A sharp tug brought me out of my thoughts, as I was suddenly shoved against the brick wall.
"What did you hear?" Tom asked me, in a calm, and collected voice.
I blinked in surprise, before looking up at him. "Wh—what are you talking about?" I asked, trying to shove him away, only for him to pin me with his body weight.
"I know you were out there with us. I could feel you were there. Now, what did you hear?" He asked again.
"Nothing! I swear. I was out there trying to clear my mind. I've been having these weird dreams and headaches for a while now, and I wanted to go and get some air! I wasn't out there to eavesdrop, I swear!" I replied, rapidly.
His eye narrowed, as he looked at me, searching.
A moment later he took a step back, taking a deep breath before shaking his head. "I know you're lying to me... And just so we're clear, it's not what you think." He muttered.
I scoffed, rolling my eyes at him. "Of course not, why would it be anything besides friends hanging about, right?"
"Oh, we are definitely just hanging about, but that isn't any of your concern either way. So, forget whatever you saw or heard." He stated with finality in his tone.
"I thought you said that you were going to change. You promised me you would stop ignoring me." I retorted.
"I never promised I would. I simply said I would make the attempt to not do so again." He replied.
I swallowed hard, staring at him in disbelief. Before I saw the cold expression on his face, realizing he was going to do everything in his power to divert the subject of what had actually occurred by the lake, I sighed in defeat.
"You're going to keep pretending nothing happened out there, aren't you?" I asked finally.
He stared at me, wordlessly, a brief flash of remorse flashed in his eyes before it turned to a hard, cold stare. "I have no idea what you're talking about." He replied.
"Alright. Then it seems we're done talking here." I replied as I pushed past him.
"Anna!" He called after me. "Anna, wait!"
I shook my head, motioning him away, as I hurried down the corridor to the library.