Christmas break was coming around the corner, for three weeks the students would have the luxury of freedom, Hogsmead, and of course homework free days. Those who choose to return home would be welcomed back with open arms and the deepest affection.
Those who had no real home turned to the school. Those people like Tom Riddle. He had no real home, because the orphanage where he spent his childhood life was definitely not his home. Tom stared outside the snow buzzing around merrily, and then his eyes rested on her. The beautiful and foreboding Ginny Hale. She was a mastermind and mysterious girl, very precise very pristine.
Then it slammed into his mind, she didn't have a home to go to either. She…Ginny, was staring out the window lost in her thoughts, her toffee coloured eyes dazed and she was absentmindedly twisted a strand of her dirty red hair.
I'm failing my mission, Ginny thought miserably as she twisted her hair, I'm such a loser…why can't I do this?
Ginny felt wretched, it had been about three weeks since she and Tom had last spoken. Ginny watched the snow twist and frolic gleefully around outside. She debated with herself on whether she would just go up to him and ask to be forgiven…but she had done nothing wrong.
Ginny yawned, ever since their fight she had gotten less sleep and she had stopped eating. Ginny was in a very unhealthy weight, and she had bags under her eyes.
I bet I look like a vampire with blood hair, Ginny thought smirking slightly at her dark humor even though she really didn't find it very funny.
"Do you want to go to Hogsmead?" Eileen asked cheerfully plopping herself down next to Ginny. Ginny stared long and hard at Eileen. Eileen's smile stayed perfect, Ginny could tell by the fake smile that Eileen was truly worried about her.
"I mean…since Winona is gone…you and I could do something, just the two of us," Eileen murmured nervously. Ginny laughed, ignoring the fact that her laughter caused Tom to jump slightly.
"Oh Eileen," Ginny said giggling, "You sound like you're asking me out!"
Eileen flushed and with mock pain in her voice she said, "Am I getting rejected,"
"Nope," Ginny said laughing and kissed Eileen on the cheek. Eileen giggled. The two girls linked arms and skipped out of the common room laughing and chatting merrily.
The girls talked about buys, Quidditch, homework, and teachers as they made they're way to Hogsmead. It was nice, just the two of them, and Eileen was a very charming and beautiful girl.
"So…" Ginny said conversationally, "Talk to me about Alec,"
Eileen scowled, "Oh, that spoiled bastard? He'd rather go whoring around with silly little girls that aren't in his house then date me, a prestigious pureblood,"
"You forgot beautiful," Ginny chimed in, Eileen's scowl lightened as she stared fondly at Ginny.
"Thanks Gin," Eileen said, Ginny laughed.
"Where in the world did you get the nickname?" Ginny asked chortling, Eileen smiled sheepishly.
"Gin…isn't that a sort of muggle alcoholic beverage?" Ginny asked, Eileen burst out laughing, Ginny smiling.
"We all know your Riddle's drug," Eileen said sniggering at Ginny's appalled face.
"…crazy psycho girl say what?" Ginny asked astonishment clear on her face. Eileen continued to snigger.
"The only reason he's so snide and bitchy to you is because he doesn't know how to act around you because he likes you!!" Eileen said as if this were clear as day.
"I thought he always acted like he was PMSing…" Ginny said her thoughts trialing off, Eileen started coughing and laughing.
"Gin…you're really something else," Eileen said, Ginny rolled her eyes.
"How about you get Riddle something for Christmas," Eileen said eagerly. Ginny tilted her head thoughtfully.
"I guess…and I do know his favorite kinds of candy," Ginny said slowly, Eileen's smile grew wider.
"To Zonko's Candy Shop," Eileen said and began dragging Ginny towards Zonko's direction. Unbeknown by the two girls, Tom Riddle stood behind a tree grinding his teeth at the conversation he just heard.
How dare Eileen think that I like Ginny a voice hissed in Tom's head. But I do like Ginny, Tom thought miserably, and she probably hates me for what I said.
If you like her some much you are weak the voice continued to hiss. Tom shuddered and tried his best to ignore the evil voice; Ginny is getting me a present for Christmas…maybe I should get her one too.
You weak bastard, are you letting this little minx get in the way between us and greatness? The evil voice screeched. Tom glared at nothing at the evil voice; Go away, it's your fault I lashed out at Ginny.
To keep her away from us the evil voice hissed.
Yes, but what I don't want her away from us Voldemort? Tom asked the evil voice now known as Voldemort.
Then I will take over your body and kill her! Voldemort jeered.
You will do no such thing! This is my body; you are just a voice, an evil conscience. Go away, leave me alone, never come back Tom screamed in his mind. Voldemort laughed.
I won't be gone long, just wait Voldemort said laughing, and suddenly all was silent.