Lyric Alley: I make no apologies
Sophie's Shelf: TomWalburga
Arcade, Shinnok: Tom Riddle Jr, strong, gold
Snape Appreciation, Strengthening Solution: Write about someone weak
Word Count: 323
Walburga knows that this isn't love. As much as she wants it to be, she knows that Tom does not actually care for her. He is cold and calculated, so high above an emotion as flimsy as love.
But she is weak. As much as she hates it, as much as she tries to convince herself that is strong, she is no match for him. All he has to do is smile at her, and she loses control of herself.
"Orion is a good man," he says when she comes back to school after winter holidays with a gold band on her finger. "He will make a fine husband for you."
Walburga shakes her head. "I don't want him to be my husband," she insists, taking his hand gently. "I want to love you."
His lip curls back, his nostrils flaring. Tom pulls away, eyes narrowing. "And what makes you think I want that?" he demands. "This dalliance we've shared has been fun, but it's just that."
Walburga feels her resolve fade. She hunches over slightly, wrapping her arms around herself as though she can physically keep herself together. Trembling, she takes several shaky breaths before narrowing her eyes at him. "Do I mean nothing to you?" she demands.
Tom reaches out and caresses her cheek with her fingertips. Her eyes close, and she shivers, delighting in his touch.
"Your loyalty to me means more than you can ever know, Walburga," he says, leaning in and kissing her in a way that feels like goodbye. "I cannot love, I'm afraid, though I appreciate your faithfulness."
Tears sting her eyes, and she blinks them away. She will not be weak now. Somehow, she will find her strength. "I love you," she whispers.
His lips quirk. "A foolish choice, really."
And without another word, he turns on his heel and disappears through the door. Walburga is left with nothing but a broken heart and memories.
