It had been two weeks since Edward watched Elodie break down in front of Dumbledore's office, and it had been two weeks of absolute misery for the poor girl.

Although she was a Slytherin, he could not help but pity her, and even try desperately to bring her into his life as a friend. His companions were eager for her to join them, since they always had trust in Edward's judgment of people. However, every time he tried to speak with her, comfort her, she would push him away. It seemed she seeked to be alone, but he would not give up on her.

Seeing her at the table in the library so many weeks ago was not the first time he had noticed Elodie Greensworth. Ever since first year, she was always quick to answer questions, or ask what the rest of the class was too shy, or too lazy, to ask. There had been times he wished to speak to her, but there was always that barrier between houses that kept them apart.

But now he saw she was nothing like the rest of them, and he began to wonder why the hat had even put her in Slytherin. Perhaps it was feeling cruel when it came to Elodie.
Edward sat next to her in her Potions class, since no one would if he did not. Tom Riddle was there also, but he was at the other side of the room. The Gryffindor had met eyes with the snake as he entered the room, and Edward could feel the hate radiating off Tom. Enjoying that look, he chatted with Elodie as they both worked on their potions during class. Her responses were meek and somewhat strained, but after some time she stopped glancing over at Tom and continued speaking with Edward freely.

Slughorn assigned the usual amount of homework, and once the students had brought up a sample of their potions, they were dismissed.

"Elodie," he called as she hurried toward the door. He supposed she did not want to be in a room with Tom Riddle if he did not want her there. It would explain her hasty retreat from most classes the three shared.
"Do you want to come with us to Hogsmeade this weekend?" he asked, motioning back to his friends, who smiled at her, "They've got a few shops open... May be fun."

Her eyes traveled over to Tom, and Edward mimicked them, noting the Slytherin had been watching their conversation.

Elodie smiled weakly and shook her head, "Thanks... But I have o-other plans."

She turned away from him and quickly hurried out of the room, her feet barely making a sound. His eyes landed on Tom and the boy shot him a smug look, then strolled out of the room, his 'friends' following at his heels.

Growling, Edward slung his bag over his shoulder and rushed out after Tom, ignoring his friends protests, "What's your problem, Riddle?!"
Tom froze and whirled around to face him, a lazy smirk on his lips, "My problem? Nothing until you decided to honour my presence with this lively discussion."
His friends snorted loudly and Edward's eyes narrowed, "You know what I mean."
"Do I?" Tom chuckled, raising an eyebrow, "To be honest, I really don't. Enlighten me."
"How can you just push her aside like she's dirt?" Edward snarled, barely noticing as his friends crowded behind him, each ready to jump in and defend him, if necessary. They knew Tom was a cheat when it came to dueling.

"I haven't done anything wrong," Tom sneered, rolling his eyes, "Perhaps I merely need time alone? It's none of your business what I do with Elodie, Potter."
"It is when she comes to me crying, wondering why her 'perfect' Tom would just push her away," Edward hissed. He had hoped to hit a nerve at the mention of Elodie crying, but not even a flicker of emotion passed through Tom's eyes, except amusement. Tom took a step toward Edward, his wand hanging loosely in his hand, "And what do you do, Potter? Comfort her? Hope that one day she'll come to you forever?" Tom snorted, "You're pathetic, Potter, watching something that you know you'll never have."
"I'm watching someone who is suffering because of you!" Edward growled, "Don't you have any feelings at all?!"
"I don't need to explain myself to you of all people," Tom spat, "But mark my words, Potter... You stay away from Elodie, or you won't live to hold her while she cries."
"Another empty threat, Riddle?" Edward hissed, rolling his eyes. Tom smiled, his eyes gleaming, showing a hidden maniac, and he took another step toward the Gryffindor, "Try and find out, Potter."