"I've got five Sickles on Gryffindor," the boy in front of Norah said to his friend, a confident grin on his face.

"Right," the other boy, a Ravenclaw, huffed. "I'll go for nothing under a Galleon."

The first boy shrugged and smiled wider. "Fine…your money."

Norah shook her head at the idiocy of it; betting away money on a sport. She continued on her walk down to the field, picking up on several other conversations, but just as uninterested.

She dreaded having to sit through this game; from what she heard of both teams, it was going to be neck and neck. That meant a long match, which Norah was less than unexcited about. If she hadn't promised Miri, she would be upstairs with a book, enjoying the quiet and peace while the whole school went to watch the most anticipated match of the season.

Just her luck…

"Norah!" A calm voice called her name from behind; she knew exactly who it was and turned to face him, smiling to herself.

"Tom," she greeted him, broadening the smile as he returned it. "How nice to see you here. Were you off to the game as well? We could sit together, if you would like that. I personally don't enjoy sports, but it might be tolerable if I had someone to watch with…"

Tom watched her babble on, his grin becoming amused. "Actually, Norah, I will not be attending the match today."

"Oh." That brought her up short. Norah felt the blood rush to her face, her cheeks burning with embarrassment at her rambling on about nothing.

"That's what I meant to ask you about, though," Tom continued, his face serious again, concentrating. "I was wondering if you would like to accompany me on another…adventure, I guess you could call it."

Norah's mind flashed to the fiasco in the forest the other night; she didn't think she could handle another 'adventure' if it included anything like that.

"I'm sorry, Tom," she replied, biting her lip. "But I promised Miri I would come and watch her play."

His smile returned, warm and inviting. "Believe me, Norah, you won't miss the match if you come with me."

Norah contemplated her options. On one hand, she wanted to spend more time with Tom. She enjoyed being around him, despite what her prejudice had once convinced her of. There was something about Tom; he made her feel confidant and comfortable being herself. Conversations flowed easily and there were no limits on the subjects they touched on. Norah was eager for more…

But on the other hand, she had made a promise to her friend. Would she really mind this one absence?

She sighed. "No forests?"

Tom's smile widened. "Promise."

He turned then and began to lead her back up the Grand Staircase. Students filed past, chattering excitedly. Once they had passed the Gryffindor tower and seventh floor, Norah began to really wonder where they were going.

"Tom, we're quite near the Astronomy Tower, aren't we?"

He looked back at her, an impish grin on his face. "Why, yes, we are."

They were now standing in front of the door that led to the top of the tower. Norah stared at him, incredulous.

"You are not serious. The Astronomy Tower?" This had a months detention written all over it, Norah was sure.

"After you," Tom said, grabbing her by the elbow. He opened the door and began to lightly push her up the spiraling stairs. "I hope you are not afraid of heights, too."

Norah rolled her eyes, though he couldn't see. "Tom, I've been up here many times…Although, those trips were all under teacher supervision."

"What," Tom said with heavy sarcasm. "You think one of us will fall off the tower because we're alone?"

"All I'm saying is that we could get in serious trouble if we were found up here."

"The same applied to entering the Forbidden Forest, but you went in anyway, did you not?"

Norah turned to glare at him as they reached the top platform. Tom still held her arm in his hand and reached for the other.

"Don't worry," he said with humor in his voice. "I won't let you fall."

She smiled slightly as he turned away and approached the railing. "So what was your brilliant plan for viewing the game?"

Tom pointed silently toward one of the golden telescopes. He continued to look out over the grounds, across the Lake toward the snow-capped mountains.

Norah went to the telescope he had indicated and looked into it, adjusting it toward the field. She saw a red and gold figure throw the Quaffle through the tallest Slytherin goal, the green figure in front of it reaching for it a second late. It looked like things were going in Gryffindor's favor.

The wind blew forcefully against her, ruffling her skirt and tossing her hair into disarray. Norah pulled away from the telescope and clutched her sweater closer around herself.

Tom stood unmoving across from her. "How's the game?"

Norah laughed. "It looks like we're beating you."

He turned to her with a smile on his face as well. "Oh, what a shame."

They laughed together and the sound of their laughter echoed around the high tower. Norah looked around the surrounding scenery and was amazed at the beauty. No one ever really appreciated that sort of thing anymore; the glories of nature, the breathtaking views that were always there to be seen but never taken advantage of…

"What are you thinking about?" Tom said, breaking her train of thought.

"Just…this view," Norah replied. "It's truly beautiful."

"I come up here sometimes," Tom said as he gazed out over her shoulder. "When I need to think…It's a good place to sort out your thoughts."

"What sort of things do you think about?"

His eyes flashed to hers for a brief second and then flitted away again. "You, for instance."

It seemed like he was avoiding something, distracting her. It was working. "Me? How so?"

Tom stared at her with bright, thoughtful eyes. "Our patrols, the conversations we have. The fact that I'm addicted to your presence."

Norah stared at him, her eyes widened. Then they narrowed and she smirked. "You're just flattering me, Tom Riddle."

He chuckled, the tenor of his voice giving her goose bumps. She turned away from him and put her eye to the telescope once again. The crowd cheered enthusiastically as a small figure in Gryffindor robes held something high above their head, triumphantly. It was the Golden Snitch, and the figure was Miri.

"Game over," Norah said sadly, pulling back from the eyepiece. She had hoped the game would take longer, giving her more time with Tom. Sighing, she turned and then jumped, startled.

Tom stood just inches from her, staring with a crooked smile on his face. "You know, I've been thinking about the other night. About right before you went to bed…"

Norah's heart fluttered. "What about it?"

He cocked his head to the side, studying her expression. "I missed."

Tom leaned in slowly, careful and cautious. His nose traced down Norah's lightly before he brushed his cold lips across hers.

Norah took a step closer, completing the kiss. It lasted only a second before Tom pulled back, breathing evenly like nothing had happened; it made Norah embarrassed of her own ragged breaths.

"Come on," he said, grabbing her hand. "You will need to be there to celebrate with your friend."

Norah grimaced at the thought of leaving, but took the opportunity to hold his hand with enthusiasm.

As they made their way back down the stairs, Norah reveled in her happiness. This was a good thing, she was sure of it.