Hello Lovelys!

I know it's been a while since I last updated this story. Hopefully you all forgive me in that regards, I had a bit of a writer's block on this story. So hopefully you all enjoy this next chapter.

ENJOY

Riddle couldn't put his finger on the reason for his Ravenclaw friend would be distant from their group. He knew the rumors that where going around the dungeons. That she had eased dropped on a conversation between a powerful wizard and her father. If he took what Malfoy and Parkinson talked about, she was having a betrothal drawn up as well. But those wouldn't cause the girl to be quieter then she was previously.

Tom watched as the mail was delivered to those around him. He saw that a letter was delivered to her. It looked like it was possibly from her grandmother, the retired Lady Prince now that her Uncle took over the family. He watched as the color drained from her face. Cardia stood from the table and rushed out of the Great Hall.

"I bet that she was just disowned. Did you see how pale the chit got?" Nott chuckled.

"It could have been a confirmation that her betrothal to me was finalized. The previous Lady Prince was hoping to have it finalized before winter break." Talon smirked.

"Parkinson, If Cardia was betrothed to you, she would main you before you both where of age to wed. She hates your guts." Alphrad spoke up sneering at Talon.

Tom stood calmly and straightened his robes, as he did not want to hear this conversation. He wanted answers from the girl in question. Tom looked over to the Gryffindor table to see that Potter and Wesley were whispering to each other. They looked as if they were deciding who would go after their friend. Tom was still coming accustom to referring their group as his friends.

"Parkinson, you are the last person the betrothal would go through for with Beckford." Tom spoke calmly as he picked up his bag and headed towards the direction of his little mouse. That was his nickname for the girl after she began wearing her hair half up in two buns with blue riddons. As he walked the halls he knew of just a few places that she would go, but he did not want to search each place. Tom wanted to only look in one spot.

"Tolle!" Tom called out.

Tolle was one of the dungeons house elves that he had come to rely on. The elf seemed to be the one that would make sure that Tom's possessions would be where he placed them.

Cardia laughed when she found out that he was Obsessive with where he placed things. If they where not there he would become displeased. She found a book that described him as an OCD type person when it came to his positions. The beginning of the year Cardia spoke to Tolle about taking care of Tom when she couldn't, it was strange and made him blush. But she asked a could elves to take care of him, Percy, Alphrad and Charlus. It confused him until Alphrad explained that witches of Noble houses where learning to take charge of things at a young age that would be considered homely duties. So Cardia asking the elves to take care of those she considers important to her normal in Wizarding Society.

'What be's Master Riddle needs Tolle for?' Tolle appeared next to him bringing him from his thoughts.

"I need you to find Lady Beckford for me." Tom asked.

"The lady be's in the library. She be's in the back at the table the Master uses.' Tolle spoke before disappearing once again.

Tom sighed and walked along the corridor to the library to find his mouse. Looking at the refection of his self in the windows, he noted that the arms of his rodes are alittle short. It was nearing the Holidays and he hopped that he could get his head of house to allow him to barrow a catalog to purchess a new rode to wear around the school. He could also feel that his shoes where getting tight around his toe. Ms. Cole at the orphanage was exsasperated when she found he out grew what she purchased him at the beginning of the summer. As Tom walked into the library he nodded to the library Madam and quietly walked to his table.

Tom stood next to the book case just watching her as she scribbled on the parchment, working on what looked like her Charms essay. He saw the letter she had placed ontop of her bag, it looked like she re-read it when she was alone.

He moved forward and snatched the letter before he announced his presence to her.

"Tom, please give me the letter" Cardia asked after she looked up and saw he had it.

"I will once I read it. You have worried Potter, Wesley and Black who have brought it to me." Tom drawled as he sat down looking at the letter.

Dearest Cardia,

I have been putting this off as long as I can. Unfortenently I can not ignore his request any I do then I would be putting you in danger. I want you to know that I would never help him if I had the choice to not. I have spoken to my Cousin, he is coming to live and take care of you. I don't want this to fall back on you once he is taken down once and for all. I love you my daughter, I want you safe. Please take care.

Your father.

Tom read the letter twice, trying to desifer the meaning of it. He looked up at Cardia and noted the gleam of tears in her eyes as she watched him. It seemed as though Lord Beckford was being forced to do something that he didn't want to be apart of.

"Grindlewald visited at the end of the summer." Cardia breathed out.

"The man that's trying to take over the wizarding world?" Tom asked to clarify.

"Yes, he was at the Malfoys and I heard a conversation between Lord Malfoy and him at a tea party. Then he showed up and caught me ease dropping."

Tom listened to her explain what had happened to her. That the Dark Wizard is wanting a Homunculus and that Lord Beckford is one of few that can complete the creation. Tom's read the alchemy books. Creating a homunculus is on the darker side of Alchemy and most wouldn't even attempt to become a full Master in the field of Alchemy. Masters are given the title after they complete the required qualifications. Though Lord Beckford was able to complete the creation and was named a high Master of Alchemy along side Nicolas Flamel.

"My dad is having my Uncle and God father come live in the Manor and is appointing him as the Beckford proxy until I become of age." Cardia explained the part of the letter Tom did not understand.

"Isnt that Lord Prince?" Tom asked.

"No My uncle lives in Ireland mainly. He is my father's cousin on his mother's side. Uncle Saintus is also known as Lord Gilmore in Ireland."

"So he wont let the betrothal between you and Parkinson go through?" Tom asked.

"Nope."

"Good, I nearly hexed Parkinson at dinner as he bragged about a betrothal between the two of you."

"Aww you care Tom admit it." She smiled at him.

Something stired inside the nearly 13 year old boy with that smile. His stoumach flipped some but he wasn't sure what it was. Tom may have to ask Alphrad about it, Percy and Charlus would laugh at him. Alphrad would try to explain mostly. Tom coughed and opened his charms book as he felt his ears burn under his long hair. Greatful that with his growth spirt that his hair covered his ears now.