A/N: ahahahaha whoops. It's been a few years, hasn't it? Well, I suppose there isn't much to say. I've graduated college, got a BS in Psychology and International Relations. Moved out to Southern Califonia. I'm currently studying law. But beyond that, I'm working so I won't promise how long this story will continue.

Colleen has also graduated and is working, but she is still back in Illinois, so that's a thing. But we recently Skyped and started working on this story again, so we'll see where we get to. If you're still reading this after the 3-4 year break I took, thank you. I don't deserve you awesome people.

So here we go.

Tom remained by Victoria's side the entire walk to Hogsmeade. He had done his research as to what a girl might enjoy in the small village.

Namely, Tom had spoken with a girl named Gwendoline Verity. He knew next to nothing about her except for the fact that she was a Slytherin and he occasionally saw her with Victoria. So naturally, he had assumed that they were acquaintances.

Obviously he had to keep his distance while gathering information. He doubted Nemesis would have been as willing as the Verity girl. Nor could he have approached Glenna Wilcox, the other Slytherin friend as her and her sister weren't exactly the type to keep their mouths shut.

The blonde seemed excited to be sharing what she thought were wonderful tips regarding a fist date.

"I know the perfect place for you two!" She was practically jumping out of her seat with glee.

"There's a little tea shop in Hogsmeade, Madam Puddifoot's Tea Shop. It's a really nice place. I'm sure she'll love it!"

Standing outside the tea shop, though, he found himself applauding his choice of victim. If Victoria enjoyed this, then she was more of an idiot than he thought, making his whole plan much easier.

Everything about the shop was tacky and frilly. The public displays of affection were absolutely nauseating. However, if it meant Victoria would agree to date him, he would be willing to stay for a few minutes.

He opened the door to the tea shop to let Victoria enter. He smiled, feeling like a predator stalking his prey. He could get used to this particular emotion.

Victoria entered the tea shop. There was something unnerving about this place, perhaps it was the overly cute setting or perhaps it was just the sheer amount of couples in such a small amount of space.

She wondered why Tom would bring here to this particular shop. It didn't seem like the sort of place he would enjoy. She certainly didn't.

The entire time they sat there, something was bothering her. Perhaps Tom had been here before on another date, after all he had said that he knew this spot. Thinking back, though, Victoria was sure she had never seen him with another girl. But then again, she wasn't one to snoop.

"Is there something wrong, Victoria?" Tom was leaning forward slightly, his eyebrow raised. He put a hand upon hers, "You seem preoccupied."

Victoria found herself leaning backwards to create some space between their faces. His eyes followed her every move.

"No, I was just thinking. This doesn't seem like the place you enjoy – I mean, there's nothing wrong with it, but –"

Tom cut her off, " I apologize, I just thought you might enjoy this sort of setting. I've always seen couples come and go, so I assumed that you might take pleasure in this particular spot. I am sincerely sorry if this date was not enjoyable for you." He was rubbing the back of her hand with his thumb, his eyes were focused on her face.

She found a warm feeling spreading through her cheeks and ears. She was pretty sure she was blushing, no matter how hard she was trying to calm down.

"Tom," She stared back, "its okay, but you should have just done something you enjoy."

Tom smiled, "I'll keep that in mind for our next date."

They left the shop, both equally glad to be outside once again.

"Victoria?" She turned towards the voice.

"Hector. Hello." Her mouth formed a tight-lipped smile. "How are you?"

"I-I'm fine. A-are you on a date? I'm sorry if I'm i-interrupting."

Tom recognized the shy, blonde boy as the Hufflepuff Hector Mulloy. The poor kid was madly in love with Victoria, but as far as her behavior indicated, she was having nothing to do with him. Hilarious.

"It's alright, Hector. I'll see you later." She dismissed him without another thought.

Turning back, they continued on their way back to Hogwarts.

He stopped her outside of the entrance. Holding her hands carefully, Tom gazed at her, his brown eyes meeting hers.

"I truly am sorry, Victoria," He paused, "I didn't mean for our first date to be unpleasant for you."

"It wasn't a complete disaster." Victoria replied. "I enjoyed spending time with you, but perhaps next time we should just avoid the tea shop."

Tom chuckled, "Perhaps, you're right. Next time, I promise, it will be enjoyable for both of us."

It was evening now and Tom sat in the Common Room. His little corner was shared by his "friends."

Friends was too loose a term, perhaps. He had no attachment to them. They were nothing more than people he could toy with. His pawns, in an elaborate game of chess.

The boys were sharing some ridiculous stories. Tom had no interest in silly tales when he was working on something much more important.

Gwendoline had given him incorrect information and he was not pleased. He had hoped that this whole game with Victoria would be expedited with their trip to Madam Puddifoot's. Unfortunately, that was not so. He had run the risk of ruining whatever progress he had made in the past few days, all due to Verity.

The boys were laughing now so he smiled.

He was not happy.

Across the Common Room, Victoria sat with her friends Glenna and Gwendoline. Nemesis was no where to be seen.

"So, how was your first date?" Gwendoline was giggling.

"Not great," Victoria hugged a pillow, "he took me to Madam Puddifoot's. It was so gaudy."

Gwendoline laughed. "Of course, you would be the only girl to not enjoy Madam Puddifoot's! I told him that you would love it. I was wrong!"

"What!" Glenna spoke up. "You told him to take her to the tea shop? So you're the reason she didn't enjoy the date!" The black-haired girl laughed.

"I did not! It's the perfect place to go on a date! You can kiss the guy over sweets and tea. What do you need to start a relationship? It isn't my fault our little Victoria didn't like it!"

"Oh now you've made her blush!"

Victoria covered her face with the pillow. "You two are so embarrassing! Stop saying things like that!"

The two girls snickered at their friend's obvious lack of comfort.

Too easy. Trapping her would be too easy. So why not play with her a bit. He smirked.

A/N: Welp. There it is. It's been so long since I've written anything but scientific reports and legal papers. It was super difficult getting the dialogue to not sound mechanical. Although, I think in the end it works out since it is Tom Riddle. Sorry if it's a bit short, though. Unfortunately, since it's the first chapter after the hiatus, there wasn't much we could fill it with.

Colleen and I spent a considerable amount of time researching for this fic and I hope in the end, it shows.

Thank you all again for reading and, as usual, leave tips in the reviews.