Chapter 5: Minds and Machinations

September 11th, 1943

"I think we should talk…"

Ada sat comfortably upon a bench in the bell tower courtyard, basking in the pleasant weather of that Saturday morning. She had brought her treasured tome, Don Quixote, a muggle novel she secretly adored but had concealed from her father since discovering it a year ago, hidden away in an abandoned manor in the east of France. Those dusty-covered books adorning the walls of that library had been her sole companions for many weeks, as her father would only visit every couple of days.

The courtyard bustled with life. Students from all houses engaged in playful banter and games that were unfamiliar to Ada, while they waited to head out to Hogsmeade for the first visit of the term.

Ada had checked with Emily and Robert if they would like to go with her, but both had politely decline. She tried not to let it affect her, but a twinge of disappointment lingered. While Ada yearned to consider them her friends, she had to admit they were still not that close. She knew little about Emily's interests beyond her studies, and with Robert, the divide felt even greater as Ada hesitated to probe too deeply, fearing the conversation would venture into his Muggle life.

Ada also sensed her housemates' wariness towards her. Although the details of her parents' past were not common knowledge at school, she remained a Burke, and her entire family had been in Slytherin. People knew her uncle owned a shop in Knockturn Alley, filled with dark magical artifacts, which didn't sit well with many Gryffindors.

Thus Ada, had decided not to go to Hogsmeade, clutching her book as a pretext to observe her fellow students preparing to depart. She imagined what an entirely wizarding village might look like, knowing that Hogsmeade was a rarity, not just in Britain, but worldwide. Seated beneath the mighty trees, the sun's warmth only kissed the skin of her legs below her grey dress. Her eyes flicked between the fragile pages of her book and the lively scene before her; that was when the voice interrupted her contemplations.

Ada glanced to her right and found Marie standing there, her round face a mix of exasperation and caution. Marie wore a violet shirtwaist dress, paired with a matching wool cape and cloche hat. Her appearance contrasted starkly with the autumn hues that almost everyone else was wearing.

"That's a lovely dress," Ada commented, attempting to test the waters. This marked their first conversation since the Sorting Ceremony, and Ada had been avoiding her cousin. The thought of disappointing Marie weighed heavily on her.

Marie sighed. "I know you believe I'm upset with you..."

"Aren't you?" Ada questioned, her eyes returning to her book, trying to avoid Marie's intense stare.

"No," Marie replied. "Not anymore, at least. But I'll admit I was somewhat bothered by your sorting. I suppose we should address that. I'm sure you know what my parents and your father would..."

"I know," Ada interjected, her tone leaving no space for any remarks. "You must understand, Marie, that I didn't choose Gryffindor. I simply didn't want to be in Slytherin."

Marie appeared offended. "Why not? What's wrong with Slytherin?"

Ada closed her book, exasperated. "Nothing!" She stood from the bench. "It's not that, I only didn't want to be in Slytherin, and I don't know why, I just…"

"Oh, you don't know why?" Marie's incredulous tone escalated the conversation faster than Ada could think of a proper response.

She tried to calm down, taking deep breaths, wary of uttering something regrettable. Ada pondered how, in truth, Marie was correct. Ada had been denying it even to herself, but she did know the reason she didn't want to be in Slytherin.

"I suppose," she began tentatively, "I wanted to try something different. For once in my life, I wanted to make my own choices and be my own person, and not what everyone expected of me... And I also don't understand all the fuss about this house rivalry nonsense."

They locked eyes, their faces equally stern, for what seemed like an eternity. Ada wasn't enjoying the conversation, but she refused to back down.

Once upon a time, the two girls had been close. But that was before Ada's parents packed their bags, along with Ada's entire life, and moved away from the only place she could call a home. It was difficult for Ada to recall those times; she had been so young, and a part of her still longed for the stability and peace of those early days, even if she had tried convincing herself that everything was fine.

"It's a bit silly, I'll admit," Marie finally said. "But don't tell Isadora I said that. She firmly believes that all other houses are pointless, and that Hogwarts would be better with only Slytherin."

Ada was astonished at her cousin's concession. Marie rolled her eyes, yet a small smile appeared on her cherry tinted lips. "I also understand not wanting to conform to others' expectations," she added so softly that Ada was barely able to hear, and she found these words even more surprising.

After Ada and her parents left England, she would occasionally return to visit. Each time, she noticed Marie's behavior changing dramatically. No longer the lively child who enjoyed playing in the mud and chasing gnomes in the garden, Marie had gradually transformed into the picture-perfect pureblood witch, dressed as if she belonged on the front page of Witch Weekly. She never spoke out of turn and always obeyed her parents.

Thus, Ada wanted to ask what she meant by that, but seeing Marie's gaze drop to the ground, she decided not to press the topic—for now.

"I'm sorry if I embarrassed you with your friends," Ada said.

Marie waved her hand dismissively. "It's fine. I think Isadora was glad you weren't sorted into Slytherin. She seemed a tad jealous on the train."

"Why are you even friends with her?" Ada questioned, disliking how Marie casually dismissed her friend's behavior, but the other girl shrugged and smiled.

"We've been friends since first year," Marie explained. "I know she can be shallow about certain things, but she can also be very sweet. This one time when I fell ill with the black cat flu, I spent nearly two weeks in the infirmary, and Isa visited me every single day. She even brought me mints and stayed until curfew to play chess."

Ada's eyes wandered behind Marie. Several steps away, and close to the double wooden doors leading into the castle, she spotted Isadora and Cordelia chatting with another Slytherin girl, whom Ada had seen in some of her classes. She was tall, with hair as dark as the night, that was tied in a loose bun.

"You should come with us," Marie said, noticing Ada's gaze.

"Oh, I don't know... I hadn't planned on going," she tried to come up with a good excuse but found herself grasping at straws.

"Well, you can plan on it now," Marie insisted. "Hogsmeade is beautiful. I'm sure you'll love it!"

"Are you sure they won't mind?" Ada asked, still gazing at the group of girls.

"Of course not. Cordelia suggested I invite you, and you haven't even met Dorea! You are going to adore her. She's a bit of a bookworm, just like you," Marie teased, nodding towards the book Ada still clutched in her hands.

Ada remained uncertain, but the truth was she did want to explore the village. Marie likely sensed her hesitation as she had seized Ada's hand and was pulling her towards her friends.

"Girls!" Marie called out to the three teenagers, who were laughing out loud about something Ada couldn't discern. Their laughter ceased immediately as soon as they approached, and she felt her stomach sink. "Ada will be joining us today."

Feeling very uneasy, Ada risked scanning the faces of her new companions. Isadora was looking like an unpleasant smell had assaulted her nose, but Cordelia was smiling politely, and the other girl also grinned in her direction.

"That's wonderful! The more, the merrier!" the black-haired girl said with genuine enthusiasm. "I'm Dorea, by the way, since dear Marie here has forgotten her manners."

Marie sighed. "I was about to introduce you, but you have no patience Dorea..."

"Oh, Marie, everyone knows you are terrible with introductions. But that's alright, we still love you," Dorea quipped playfully before turning her attention to Ada. "I'm delighted to meet you. I've heard some very interesting things about you."

Ada glared at her cousin, who was now inspecting her nails casually. "Have you now? Probably nothing good, coming from Marie."

"Relax, Ada," Marie replied. "I didn't say anything bad."

At that moment, a loud bang reverberated through the courtyard as the large double doors swung open, and a cheerful Professor Dumbledore appeared at the top of the stairs.

"Good morning," he greeted the crowd of students. "I'm sure you're all eager to depart, so please form a queue. I have a list with the names of everyone whose guardians' permission we received, and I only need to verify your names are here."

"Don't worry," Marie whispered in Ada's ear. "I made sure father signed for you too before we left the house."

Ada breathed a sigh of relief, unaware that she even needed such permission. "Thank you," she said to Marie with a sincere smile, which her cousin returned.

Immediately after Professor Dumbledore's announcement, students rushed forward, eager to find a spot in front of him, and Ada found herself jostled by younger students as she tried to keep her position near the other girls. "Hey!" she exclaimed at the third-years behind her, but they only giggled and turned away.

"Stop it, or I'll hex your heads together!" Marie snapped at them when their shoving continued. Ada noticed how flustered her cousin appeared, with pink cheeks and pursed lips. It reminded her of how Marie used to defend her against the neighbor's older kid who enjoyed teasing her about her tattered robes.

During Ada's early childhood, her parents hadn't been particularly wealthy. Ada knew that her mother had gotten pregnant and married her father and was then casted away by Ada's grandparents. And when Ada was finally born, the couple decided to abandon their prosperous careers at Gringotts to live in a small cottage near the main Burke estate on the southern Cornish coastline.

It was a humbler upbringing than Marie's, who grew up in the big house with a sprawling country garden and a breathtaking sea view. Despite his noble pureblood lineage, Seager Burke was the younger brother, and his inheritance wasn't sufficient for a family of three to enjoy the same luxury as his elder brother's family. They weren't poor, but sometimes new robes weren't a top priority. Ada suspected their financial situation was one reason her parents eventually returned to Gringotts, even if it meant giving up their domestic life and traveling the world. Sometimes, she wished things had been different. She couldn't remember ever being as happy as she was during those early years, even if material possessions were limited.

Consumed by her thoughts, Ada remained quiet, barely acknowledging Professor Dumbledore when he checked her name on the list, and soon, she found herself walking behind the other girls as they headed down the cobblestone path towards Hogsmeade.

"Hey, Ada," a voice called out, snapping her back to the present. Dorea had fallen behind the group and was now walking beside her. "Marie was telling the truth; she never said anything bad about you."

"Oh," was Ada's only response, feeling caught off guard.

"But if I were you, I might have a word with him over there," Dorea pointed to a boy walking a few steps ahead of them, with fiery red hair and a Slytherin scarf. Ada couldn't see his face. "That's Hugo Borgin."

She then immediately recognized the name. Hugo was the son of Hector Borgin, her uncle's business partner. Ada had met him a couple of times many years ago. He was a lanky, awkward kid who often misbehaved for attention, likely a result of being ignored by his father, who was perpetually engrossed in his business.

"Why? What has he been saying?" Ada asked Dorea, the two coming to a halt.

"Hugo can be quite dramatic," Dorea shrugged. "Most people probably don't believe half of what he says..."

"What has he been saying?" Ada pressed.

"Well, he claims your parents were involved with Grindelwald and that your father is currently wanted by the Ministry. That's why you had to come live with your aunt and uncle."

Ada let out a deep sigh. She knew the truth would eventually surface, and, surprisingly, Hugo was not spreading falsehoods this time.

"I don't think he's been talking to anyone outside of Slytherin," Dorea continued as they resumed walking. "So, it might not even reach your own housemates. But I thought you should know."

Ada nodded, grateful to Dorea. She tried to summon a friendly smile, but deep down, her heart raced, and intrusive thoughts clouded her mind, even as they arrived in Hogsmeade.

"All right, what shall we do first?" Marie inquired as they gathered near the town's entrance.

"I'd say Honeydukes is a must," Cordelia chimed in, raising her hand excitedly.

"For Merlin's sake, Cordelia, you still have that bag of candy from our last visit to Diagon Alley," Isadora chastised her sister, and they began to bicker.

Marie ignored them and turned to Dorea. "Should we find Alphard first? I believe he said he'd be at the central square."

Dorea appeared slightly annoyed as she smoothed the wrinkles on her walnut brown dress beneath her cloak. "I suppose."

"You both are acting strange, you know," Marie said with annoyance, rolling her eyes at her friend.

"He is the one who didn't want to walk with us!" Dorea defended herself. "I don't know what's gotten into him lately. He's been avoiding me like the plague I tell you."

"You're being ridiculous," Marie said with derision. "He seemed normal when I spoke to him this morning and told me we could find him at the square."

"Well, of course he wouldn't be weird with you!"

Feeling out of placed as she listened to their conversation and their shared history that she knew nothing of, Ada began regretting her decision of tagging along.

She turned around to observe the village for the first time. It was undeniably charming, a picturesque haven, bathed in the warm hues, as the changing leaves from the foliage contrasted against the dark tones of the rustic, centuries-old architecture. An enchanting aroma, a mix between pumpkins and baked goods, wafted through the air. Ada smiled, now at least partially glad that she had decided to come.

Her eyes wandered, taking in the students that were pilling in through the wooden archway, their faces radiating excitement. It was then that she spotted him, flanked by two other sixth-year boys she barely recognised from her classes. He wore dark grey trousers, a black knit vest over a white shirt, and a black cape draped over his arm. Ada noticed the top button of his collar was undone, and he wasn't wearing a tie. It was certainly a more relaxed look than his usual pristine uniform, yet Tom Riddle still carried himself with an air of superiority.

Ada's thoughts drifted to the conversation they'd had the previous day. She hadn't decided about his proposal yet, and she was almost certain he had ulterior motives. Ada considered that playing along might be the only way to uncover his true intentions, and she had to admit she was intrigued.

…….

Tom didn't have a particular aversion to the quaint wizarding village, but what had made him dislike it was that every visit had always been tainted by the raucous behavior of other students. Thus, when Rafe had asked him to join him and Rosier, Tom had immediately declined. He cherished quiet Saturdays, and the thought of relishing in the nearly empty castle was very enticing.

But then he started thinking about the embarrassing incident after the last Potion's class, when Professor Slughorn had pulled him aside and told him that he needed to replace his cauldron as the bottom was corroding. Tom trembled with revulsion as he remembered the professor offering to pay for the replacement. It was clear that he thought Tom couldn't afford it.

And so, against his better judgment, Tom decided to make good use of the student trip to visit Ceridwen's Cauldrons. He would probably need to spend a substantial portion of his meager school allowance on a new cauldron, as these were not cheap, and he hadn't contemplated needing a new one before the term started. But he would rather be left without a single Knut than take up Slughorn on his wretched offer.

The village looked the same as every year, and Tom didn't spend even a second glancing at his surroundings. Ignoring his companions' struggle to keep pace with his brisk stride, Tom led the way straight to Ceridwen's.

Rafe and Rosier eventually caught up; their breathing heavy.

"What's… the rush?" Rafe inquired as he leaned against a stone wall, attempting to catch his breath.

Rosier's lanky face had turned a vibrant shade of red and he was resting his hands on his knees.

Tom ignored them and proceeded inside. Swiftly, he made his selection, specifying delivery to Hogwarts by owl the next morning. He tried not let his mind dwell for too long on how lightweight the bag of coins felt on his hand as he exited the shop.

Outside, the two boys were waiting for him, smoking cigarettes, and looking less agitated.

"I'm ready to return to the castle," Tom announced. Rosier, in dismay, turned to Rafe instead of addressing him directly, and Tom gave him a severe look. "What is it now?"

"Well, we were hoping to visit Gladrags. Victor needs a new Quidditch robe for practice, and I want to browse around." Rafe replied instead of Rosier, as he threw his cigarette to the ground, stomping on it, and then vanishing it with a swift movement of his want. "It should be quick though," he added when he noticed Tom's lips tensing.

Tom questioned whether he should have come alone to avoid such dilemmas. However, the cold wind on his bare hands reminded him of some other practical concerns, such as needing a new pair of gloves, as the weather would only be getting colder in the coming months and his old ones were tearing up at the seams.

"And perhaps, right after that, we could swing by The Three Broomsticks for a nibble?" Rosier added, his brown eyes filled with hope, yet this only earned him another disdainful sneer from Tom. Rafe also threw him a glare and shook his head. "Too much, too soon."

"I'll check for gloves at Gladrags, and that's it," Tom declared. "After that, I'm heading back to the castle. And you can join me or not, as you please, I don't care."

"Yes, my lord," Rosier replied softly, but Rafe remained conspicuously silent.

Heading toward the wizard wear shop, the trio encountered other students who were now gathering around the central square. As he walked through the crowd, Tom scanned his surroundings without much interest, until his eyes landed on a full mane of brown hair that was neatly tied with a black bow. Ada Burke stood near her cousin, flanked by the Malfoy twins, and Dorea and Alphard Black. It seemed unusual that she was socializing with them rather than her Gryffindor peers.

Upon entering Gladrags, Tom was struck by the overpowering scent of patchouli. He shielded his nose with his hand, visibly disgusted, while Rosier enthusiastically described his desired robe to the clerk. Rafe also wasted no time; he had a couple of items already floating next to him as he continued sorting through the racks.

Tom headed towards the glove selection levitating in one of the corners, selecting a suitable pair before checking the price tag. It was disheartening to see such a trivial expense in the context of his meager budget. Anger simmered within him as he noticed Rafe accumulating even more items.

Feeling fed up, Tom abruptly dropped the gloves, which instantly arranged themselves back in the air. Without a single word, he exited the shop, greeted by the biting wind outside. He couldn't accept the unfairness of his circumstances. He, the descendant of Salazar Slytherin, couldn't afford gloves, while Rafe Lestrange, whose family didn't even like him, had an absurd number of Galleons at his disposal for trivial things.

Tom deserved so much more. He always had.

Determined to leave the village as soon as possible, he walked briskly, barely registering a voice calling his name, and he almost snarled when someone grabbed him by the arm.

"Hey, Tom…" Dorea Black stood next to him, her smile fading as she assessed his mood. "Are you alright?"

With all his might, Tom tried to conjure a semblance of normality back into his features, realizing who had dared to touch him.

As a member of the Black family, Dorea had a prestigious pureblood lineage that Tom found particularly useful to have on his good side; and unlike her obnoxiously aggravating roommates, she had always been kind and unpretentious. The two of them had been efficient Potions partners until this year when she chose not to take the N.E.W.T. level course. They were certainly amicable, and it would have been odd for him to treat her in any other way.

"Yes, apologies, Dorea. I was lost in thought, on my way back to the castle," he explained as she released his arm.

"Oh, leaving so soon?"

"Unfortunately, I have some things to attend to," Tom replied, then turned on his heel to depart.

"Maybe you could postpone it?" She persisted. "I thought you, Rafe, and Victor could join us at The Three Broomsticks," Dorea gestured to the group of people behind her.

Tom glanced at them. Marie Burke and the Malfoy twins were muttering something between themselves, Alphard Black was looking at his feet, clearly wishing he could be anywhere else in that moment, and Ada Burke was observing him curiously.

He was already exhausted from his visit to the village and dealing with people's rubbish. But he grudgingly acknowledged the reality that if he wanted to gain Ada's trust and possibly learn about her knowledge of Horcruxes, he couldn't isolate himself like a hermit. That was something he had come to understand during his first two years at Hogwarts: people didn't like aloof Tom Riddle; they liked charming and composed Tom Riddle.

Sighing internally, he conceded, mentally preparing for the social interactions ahead.

"I suppose one butterbeer won't hurt," he said to Dorea, mustering the most pleasant smile he could. The girl readily returned it.

"Fantastic! Like I always say, the more, the merrier!"

Their attention shifted back to Rafe and Rosier, who were stepping out of the clothing store and walking towards them. Dorea waved a little too excitedly, and Tom began to piece together the situation when he noticed her cheeks getting slightly red as Rafe smiled at her. It was clear now why Dorea had invited them. Just the other night, Tom had noticed Rafe and Dorea talking and sitting very close to each other in the common room. Coupled with Rafe's mysterious disappearances on the train, which he had admitted were related to a girl, it was all too obvious. He cursed himself for not having guessed it sooner.

"Hello, you two," she greeted happily. "I was just asking Tom if you all wanted to join us at The Three Broomsticks, and he agreed."

To say that Rafe looked shocked was an understatement. "Did he now?"

"Yes, let's go. Hopefully, we can still get a table since it's still a bit early for lunchtime."

Rafe threw him a puzzled look. Almost as if he had said it aloud, Tom heard Rafe's voice being projected mentally at him, "What is this about?" He ignored him and, following Dorea closely, as they all approached the other small gathering.

…….

Tom was greeted by the warm glow of the crackling fireplace, which casted a flickering light across inside the low-ceilinged room. Wooden tables and chairs were scattered about, and the group quickly gravitated toward the largest unoccupied table.

Rafe broke the silence that had settled upon them, addressing the oldest in the group, "So, Alphard, tell us, what's it like being a seventh year finally?"

The Black boy, with his long brown hair and a shy smile revealing pearly white teeth, seemed momentarily taken aback by the direct question. "Oh well, turning seventeen is the best part, that's for sure," he replied. "Not that my mum was too strict about using magic at home before, but now I'm free to use it in more places."

"I can't wait for that," Marie chimed in with a hint of frustration. "My parents are the absolute worst when it comes to underage magic. I don't understand why it's such a big deal to them."

"Ours don't really care," Isadora boasted with a self-satisfied air, her competitive nature evident. "What about your parents, Ada?" she asked, her eyes gleaming with a malicious spark.

The group's focus shifted to Ada Burke, who appeared uncomfortable. Tom noticed how she nervously picked at the cuticles of her left hand.

"Well..." Ada began hesitantly, her blue eyes darting around the pub as if searching for an escape route. "I suppose my father wasn't very strict about it either... but then again, he was my main teacher, so he had to allow me to use magic."

"And what about your mum?" Isadora pressed on, prompting a nudge from Marie beneath the table.

Fortunately for Burke; the barman, Mr. Muldoon, arrived to take their orders, diverting their attention. The group quickly became engrossed in separate discussions. Dorea and Rafe commented their plans for the day, while Rosier and Alphard delved further into the pressures as a seventh-year student life. Marie, Isadora, and Cordelia gossiped about their absent former roommate, Freya Bulstrode, who was rumored to be pregnant.

Tom noticed Burke's discomfort as she awkwardly shifted around, glancing between the various clusters of conversation that had formed at the table. He pondered why she had joined them, given that her only thing in common with the Slytherins was her connection to Marie. However, she also didn't seem to fit in anywhere else. Tom had observed her over the past few days, noting her occasional association with Emily Bones and the mudblood boy who often accompanied the Gryffindor prefect. Yet, Burke mostly kept to herself.

Their eyes briefly met, and Tom offered a tentative smile, which she returned with uncertainty. Seated across from each other, they were too far apart for casual conversation, and Tom wondered why he was even enduring this charade.

As the barman returned with their drinks and food, Tom decided to employ a different approach, sensing an opportunity as Burke was momentarily distracted while taking a sip of her butterbeer. With newfound determination, Tom relaxed and began mentally reaching out to her.

Entering someone's mind for the first time always felt strange. It was akin to floating or drifting into a dream while keeping his eyes open and focused. Gradually, he sensed emotions that were not his: primarily anxiety but also curiosity directed at various topics of conversation, and even at him. Tom experienced the taste of butterbeer, as if sipping it himself, accompanied by a sense of enjoyment.

Tom probed deeper, and two things happened almost at the same time. He saw a fleeting vision of a camp with wire fences, guard towers, and an overwhelming feeling of despair. However, the memory vanished as quickly as it had appeared, replaced by a forceful push that returned him abruptly to reality. He was left stunned and wide-eyed as Ada Burke stared at him; her expression no longer friendly.

Narrowing his eyes, Tom straightened his posture, attempting to regain control. He casually reached for his drink, as if nothing had happened, then turned his attention to Dorea, asking about her father's bout with Dragonpox.

"The doctors say he should recover, but I'm not entirely convinced," Dorea replied casually, despite talking about her own father. It was no secret their relationship was strained ever since he objected to her involvement with Charlus Potter, a couple of years ago.

Tom, only half-listening, nodded at the appropriate moments, his thoughts consumed by the obvious and unexpected display of Occlumency that he had experienced moments ago. Risking a quick glance at Burke, he saw her leaning toward her cousin and murmuring something before leaving a few coins on the table.

"Thanks, everyone. It was nice to meet you all, but I need to get back to the castle," Ada declared as she stood up, her voice surprisingly firm. Alphard waved goodbye cordially, and Dorea grabed her hand before she departed.

"Ada, you should come find me tomorrow morning in the library," Dorea suggested. "Marie mentioned you have an interest in astrology, and I have a book you might enjoy."

Tom eavesdropped on their short conversation, observing as Burke thanked Dorea and then finally walked away. Most eyes followed her until she disappeared behind the double doors.

"What an odd girl," Isadora remarked after she was gone.

"Isa, don't be unkind," Marie scolded gently, though a playful smile tugged at her lips. "She's just a bit shy, and with her upbringing it isn't surprising."

Rosier chuckled, "Yes, I imagine I'd also be extremely self-conscious if my father was wanted for murder."

"Stop it, Victor," Marie replied. "He's not actually wanted for murder."

"Might as well be," Rosier continued. "I know he's your uncle, and I'm not saying I completely disagree with Grindelwald's policies either, but you can't deny he's a madman. Only madmen would follow another."

"You don't know the whole situation."

"Then maybe you should spill the tea, Marie."

Marie now looked uneasy, but she raised her chin high, with an air of haughtiness. "It's not my place to say."

"Marie is right," Dorea added. "Besides, maybe you should stop listening to what Borgin says. That boy is a clown and obviously has nothing better to do than come up with awful allegations."

"Well, I have my reasons to believe he's right," Rosier shrugged with a smirk.

For the second time that day, Tom decided he'd had enough. With the realization that Burke had left, and that he now needed to come up with an explanation for his intrusion into her mind, he glanced at Rafe, who nodded back in understanding and then grinned at the girls sitting beside him.

"Unfortunately, Tom has to go now," Rafe announced. "But how about the rest of us head to Zonko's and Honeyduke's after we're done here?"

"I second that motion!" Cordelia exclaimed excitedly.

Dorea turned towards him. "I suppose I won't be able to convince you to stay again?"

"Not this time," Tom replied, standing up. "But I think you'll manage just fine with your current company." He threw a suggestive look at her hand resting on Rafe's knee under the table.

The girl blushed intensely and immediately pulled her hand away. "Don't..."

"I won't," Tom promised. He nodded politely at the others and bid them goodbye. The pleasant smile he had worn vanished as soon as he turned away from the group.

…….

The street outside bustled with students. Tom checked his pocket watch, confirming it was only a quarter past noon. He still had half a day to enjoy in peace and tranquility if he returned to the castle now. However, there was something he needed to do first, assuming he was lucky enough to find her.

Rushing slightly, Tom walked toward the town's exit, scanning the crowd. As he crossed the wooden bridge and archway, he finally spotted Ada Burke a few feet away. The skirt of her button-up dress swayed, and her bow tie threatened to unravel in the wind. He quickened his pace to catch up to her, and she suddenly stopped and turned, as if sensing his presence.

"Miss Burke," Tom said, closing the gap between them to block her path.

"I thought you might follow me," she commented, her eyes curious but wary. Her entire body tensed with every step he took.

"I believe I owe you an explanation," Tom continued, now towering over her.

Burke smiled. "Yes, I believe you do… and an apology would be nice too."

Tom almost exhaled with relief, sensing that she was no longer angry. He had expected a more challenging interaction. But of course, she was being foolish if she thought he would apologise.

"Where did you learn Occlumency?" he asked.

"Where did you learn Legilimency?" she countered, her tone as demanding as his.

Tom grinned, though irritation simmered beneath the surface. "I only did it because I sensed you were uneasy at the pub, and I wanted to be sure before intervening on your behalf."

She snorted. "That's a pathetic excuse."

Tom had to admit that it was pathetic, as he hadn't thought it through. Lately, his mind had been consumed to the point of obsession by the thought of creating a Horcrux, depriving him of much-needed sleep and focus. He needed to be patient, but a part of him wanted to curse the knowledge out of her, freeing himself from this frustrating condition.

However, that idea now seemed less appealing than it did yesterday. If Burke could so easily block him from her thoughts, it wasn't far-fetched to presume she also knew how to defend herself adequately. It made sense; as her father was consorting with dark wizards, he would have ensured his daughter knew how to navigate in such a violent environment. Tom had already glimpsed flashes of this during their classes.

"Listen," she interjected before he could offer more excuses, "I don't particularly care why you did it. If anything, I'm impressed that you can." Her voice held a certain admiration. "But never attempt it on me again, or we will have some issues."

Tom was momentarily taken aback by her response. It surprised him both that she didn't seem to care and that she dared to issue a vague threat. She was definitely underestimating him.

But it was also gradually dawning on Tom that, despite her fragile appearance, the person before him had faced some perilous situations. Burke had not led a sheltered life like most students who readily succumbed to his manipulations. His thoughts briefly drifted to Maureen Williams, the Ravenclaw prefect who had similarly begun to harbor suspicions, and Tom wondered if there was also something in his demeanor that had changed, betraying his true intentions. Yet, he couldn't pinpoint any such alteration; he was still the same perfect young man he had always appeared to be.

However, the situation with Maureen was entirely different, given that Burke was nothing like that silly mudblood girl. Tom needed to adopt a different strategy with Burke. If she couldn't be swayed by his charm, then perhaps he needed to show her his true colors.

"Alright, I admit that was a lie," Tom said, his smile fading as he took a step closer, and she looked even smaller. "I think you're hiding something."

"So are you," she declared, swift and unflinching, her eyes fiercer than they had ever been. Tom wondered where this newfound courage had sprung from, especially considering her earlier anxiety.

"And what if I am?" He asked menacingly.

Burke finally averted her gaze, her fingers toying with the one of the middle buttons from her dress.

"It wouldn't change anything. It's not really my business," she continued, and she bit her lip until it turned red. Tom knew that she was nervous again, despite her attempts to hide it. Her eyes fluttered when she glanced back at him. "I've decided to accept your help, assuming you're still willing."

Tom frowned at this unexpected turn of events. He had almost forgotten about her stupid book, and after the events of the day, he half-expected her to decline his offer. Yet, she managed to surprise him once again. He needed to ensure this wouldn't become a pattern.

After brief deliberation, he concluded that even if he didn't intend to play nice anymore, he still needed to get close to her if she was to fear and respect him, and if he was to pry the information she possessed from the protections of her mind.

"Meet me tonight, one hour after curfew, outside the Gryffindor common room," he demanded.

Burke nodded, not questioning his order, which Tom found pleasing. Not another word passed between them as they fell into a comfortable silence, side by side, heading towards the castle.

Notes:

I know that technically Charlus and Dorea Potter and Alphard Black are canonically older that Tom but I wanted to them to be at Hogwarts because they present an interest dynamic that can help explore the stereotypes around Slytherin/Gryffindor (I guess technically we don't know Charlus' and Dorea's houses but I'm going to take a wild guess based on their families). And with Charlus I also have some plans to develop him further given his distant family relationship to Ada, so they will be interacting much more in future chapters.

Again thank you all for reading, and I would love to hear your thoughts if you have the time to leave a review!