[FATAL ATTRACTION] Tom Riddle x Reader

November 28th, 1943

Reader POV

"Is she off sulking again?" I overheard Serena talking to Tom, Adolfus, and Abraxas. "That's all that girl does these days."

"Leave her alone," Tom said with a sharp tone. "Her friend just died."

"Yeah, like a month and some ago."

I turned my head at her and gave her the mo ugliest and dirtiest look I could muster. "You try loosing your best friend and seeing how you feel."

"Well at least you guys are worth something," Serena said with an embarrassed face. "You guys are pure bloods, or at least half. Right, Tom?"

Instead of giving Serena the attention she was so clearly begging for, Tom ignored her and walked up to me. "Leave her be, Serena. I'll check on her."

Though I was still suspicious of Tom, I still welcomed his warmth. Unspoken things, as he called it. We would sleep next to each other just in case I got nightmares, and he would also make sure he or Abraxas was close to me at all times.

I desperately wanted to believe he had nothing to do with the attacks and Myrtle's murder, but everything was telling me to be on guard around him. Instead of being offended I was suspicious of him, Tom insisted I write down all my feelings in a journal.

He knew just as well as I did that my mind was in disarray, especially with learning what happened to my father. He was killed in duty to our country and despite him being the brother of Silas Livingston, he received no word from the Livingston family though Preston had offered his condolences. As for my brother, I last heard that he was in Poland on a secret mission to gain intelligence of the Nazis. Due to the secrecy of the wizarding world, no students nor staff were permitted to exchange letters with the muggle world or even be involved.

Mother was beside herself and she would often spend time with Uncle Scorpius, their relationship repaired but they were still held in odd regard by their family friend Cygnus Black and his girlfriend, Druella Rosier. I would often get letters from Malfoy manor as a result as well as sweets.

Tom and I walked in silence, holding hands as we walked around the lake. He would sometimes strike up conversations and give me anything I asked for, so long as I wasn't doing any harm to myself.

I knew I still liked him a lot, but I didn't dare do anything until I was absolutely sure. Besides, I was still grieving Myrtle! It would be a slap in the face to her if I dated the wizard she disliked the most, aside from Adolfus Lestrange.

"What are you thinking about, Moony?" Tom took a seat on the bench, nodded to the first-years who looked up to us.

I leaned against his shoulder. "I don't know. It hurts, Tom. I've talked to the nurse, I feel guilty. I should've been the one to die-"

Tom grabbed my face and pressed his lips to my forehead, giving me a sad look. "Don't you ever say that again. It's bad enough you were almost killed. I don't want to imagine what would happen if you were."

"Why are you so worried?" I grumbled as I snuggled into his embrace.

"Because I've had a crush on you since the day we met. You're the reason why I actually like coming to this crummy school. Sure the others are fun, but it's you who makes all the difference. Gods, are you dense Moony?" Tom sighed and squeezed me tighter. "I would kill for you, Moony. Don't you understand? I protect you because I care deeply about you."

Though I would've been weirded out by his words, I decided to ignore all the warning bells. I pushed his face away and looked at him. "Then kiss me." Let me forget for a few moments.

Tom's jaw clenched and he looked away with a blush on his face. "If I do, I won't be able to stop."

I mustered up all the courage I could and kissed him gently. It took a moment for him to register my actions then he met my actions with more force, kissing me as if I was about to be lost in time forever. All those emotions of uncertainty I was feeling before instantly vanished and replaced by the sounds of my heart beating extremely loud.

Sauce: Tears of a Withered Flower Ch 31

"Fuck..." he pulled away after a few moments and held my face as if it could break at any moment. "You have absolutely no idea how long I've been waiting for that."

"Then kiss me again."

He used one hand to hold me in place and the other to kiss me like no tomorrow. The emotion I felt coming from would only lure me deeper into the waves as I felt myself completely drowning in his emotions. If I was to die in this very moment, I would be content.

Tom stopped and rested his forehead on me, smiling and holding my hands. "Fuck...I love you. I know it's too early to say, but I do. I've loved you since we met, I loved you when you and I chased Seasmoke around the dorm. I loved you when you cheered for me during quidditch. I loved you then and I love you so much right now."

I didn't know what to say, only teasing. "Yeah yeah, you weirdo. I guess you're cool and all."

He laughed gently and rested his head on my shoulder. "Ever the embarrassed girl, hm?"

"Maybe."

He booped my nose and let out a sigh of content. "As long as you're my girl then that's okay."

"Deal." I wrapped my arms around him, feeling the wind on my face as snow dropped down onto our face. The bitter cold was tolerable as I had Tom's warmth. All the anger and frustration I had felt vanished within minutes and I knew for certain I was safe in the arms of someone who loved me unconditionally.

I was a fool to ever suspect him. All he wanted was to keep me safe, and what do I do? Form stupid thoughts as if he was the one who killed Myrtle. How silly of me!

Tom and I walked hand-in-hand back to the great hall for dinner and a lot of people noticed I was in better spirits which was nice to see. Serena purposely turned her head at me when she saw Tom holding my hand, probably jealous.

As Headmaster Dippet began making announcements for the Christmas Ball, I knew I was going to be better. True I had been distraught, but I knew Myrtle would've wanted me to get my shit together and let them in. Let the Bells ring, I could hear her saying. Let myself feel and then get back to work. Out of the corner of my eye, I saw a ghostly figure looking at me with disappointment and sadness, the ghost looking just like Myrtle. However when I looked again, there was no one other than nearly-headless Nick who waved to me with a friendly smile.

I knew the days ahead would be better, but I had to let myself stop moping. I would use the newly-found spirit to finally track down Myrtle's murder and avenge her with Tom at my side.