The Beginning of the End ? Tom Riddle

I woke up slowly the next morning, a few of the suns rays slipping through the curtains that were still closed. I immediately noticed that Tom's body was missing from next to me and sat up to glance around the room.

To my surprise he was already dressed and looked like he had been up for a while. He sat contemplating who knows what in the little chair at the desk. My brows furrowed lightly but I decided to let it go. I took my hair out of the messy ponytail it had turned into overnight and ran my fingers through my hair to smooth it out.

" We'll be leaving for Dublin soon, gather your things." He said once he looked over and realized I was awake.

" I don't understand, we just got here?" I replied confused. Whatever he had to do had to have taken longer than a nights time.

" Enough questions, I'm going to go wake the others, we're leaving in 10." He finished as he took long strides to the door, pulling it open and closed behind him. I sighed before getting out of bed and rummaging through my trunk. I eventually found a sage T-shirt and a pair of jeans, putting them on.

" Isla hurry up!" I heard Rein shout from outside my door. I looked around the room to check if I had forgotten anything, and once I was satisfied, I spun on my heels and quickly made my way out the door.

" I'm here I'm here, let's go." I spoke to the group as we proceeded to make our way downstairs. We each dropped off our keys at the desk with Mrs.Graham and bid her farewell before practically running out the door after Tom who was moving at a rapid pace.

As we walked down the main road I immediately noticed something was off. Muggle authorities could be seen on the sides of the streets, questioning pedestrians, and the chatter from The Hanged Man was so loud it traveled far outside the buildings stone walls.

" It's like the mayor was murdered." Aldus spoke quietly as he came into step next to me. I nodded in agreement. We continued our fast pace down the main road until Tom had led us into a shady alley next to a local shop.

Against my better judgment and unable to ignore my curiosity, I slipped to the back of the group and split off with them before anyone could notice. Sneaking my way back to The Hanged Man, I carefully opened the door, remembering my last visit.

Upon entering I saw every seat in the place filled, some standing against walls, and not a soul's mouth was shut, each talking over the others. Scanning the room, I spotted a familiar face seated at the bar, multiple people surrounding her and listening as she spoke. I weaved my way through the crowd until I reached the woman who resembled Mrs.Graham.

"Excuse me, do you happen to be related to Mrs. Graham who runs The Seven Swords Inn?" I asked the woman, catching her attention.

" That would be my sister June. I'm Dot Graham, who's asking?" She responded, tone slightly on guard.

" My name is Isla, I was just staying there with some friends, and I couldn't help but notice the sudden buzz that's taken the town over night." I proceeded cautiously, though relaxed when the woman seemed to relax and smile lightly.

" Well dear, you've caught Little Hangleton at the most interesting time there's been in quite a while. I'll buy you a drink, and fill you in on what there is to know." She replied as she made a dismissing motion with her hand, signaling the man sitting next to her to move and open up the seat. Once he did I sat down slowly, resting my forearms on the bar counter.

" One Dandelion and Burdock for the young lady." Dot told the bar tender as I sent her a smile, appreciating her selection of a non-alcoholic beverage. I wasn't here to get day drunk, I needed information.

The bartender handed me a bottle and I took a sip as Dot did the same with her English Brown Ale, before setting it down on the counter top, signaling that she was about to launch into her story.