Unexpected Encounters | Tom Riddle

XV: Not Yet, Not Now

"Anyways. Your friends don't like me, do they?" He asked, eyeing the food that smelled appetising. "I don't think so. I'm sorry about that." "No, don't apologise. I know their type. How did someone like you even befriend them? You are kinder than they are. And sweeter. And prettier." "You flatter me." She chuckled and took a plate.

Lilia couldn't help herself from comparing how being with Septimus was different than being with Theo. She hadn't fussed over her appearance for Septimus, she wasn't nervous. It was like hanging out like they usually did in the Ravenclaw tower, except they were at Slughorn's dinner party. She couldn't envision their relationship being anything but platonic. For the Yule ball, she had been stressed about whether Theo would ask her out, whether she looked nice enough, whether he would want to kiss her. Every touch had sent butterflies in her stomach. She had liked Theo but Septimus was just a friend.

When they finished eating, Lilia excused herself and went to see her friends, who were sitting at a table together. Tom, Celeste, Icarus and Evangeline were chatting among themselves at the table while Abraxas and Tiernan were dancing with their dates. "Hey guys," she greeted and took a seat at their table. "Lilia! How's your date with Septimus?" Celeste asked excitedly. "It's okay. He's a nice guy and we talked about a bunch of stuff." "Not impressive then?" Icarus asked, hopefully, and Evangeline frowned. "He's just a friend," Lilia shrugged, "What have you been up to?" "Just eating. A bunch of Ministry officials already came up to Tom. Slughorn has been singing his praises, so he got some internship offers already." Celeste said. "Internship offers?" Lilia asked, eyes widening slightly. "Unbelievably hard to come by, but he got four already. Oh to be the perfect Tom Riddle," Icarus sighed.

"So, will you consider the internships?" She asked the young man who was sipping on his champagne. "Maybe." Tom raised an eyebrow at her and she felt herself flushing. It must have been the champagne, she had no reason to be so flustered right now. "Any field you are considering for a career?" He asked her, and everyone turned to look at her curiously. She didn't have an answer, she wasn't looking forward to anything after graduation. "Lilia!" She thanked her stars for the opportune timing and turned to her side to look at who had called out her name.

She immediately got up, knocking into a flute that was close to her and spilling champagne onto the tablecloth. "Shit." She mumbled, trying to clean up quickly and casting a spell. "Hi Mr- Uh Theseus." She gave him a sheepish smile and shook his hand. "Fancy seeing you here! You're part of the Slug Club then?" "Yes. How do you know about it?" "Oh, a bunch of the newer aurors told me about it. Then I received an invitation from Horace Slughorn himself. Can you imagine that? A renowned professor contacting me?" Theseus chuckled, his eyes wrinkling up cutely. Lilia watched him with admiration, aware of his humble nature. He was a Hufflepuff, just like Newt.

"You are the head of the auror office. You need to give yourself more credit, you know." She smiled at him. "Looks like we have something in common, huh?" The question reminded her of a similar conversation she had with Remus, but she didn't let that dampen her mood. "Oh, before I forget. Come with me, I will introduce you to Newt." "Oh, he's here?" She gaped at him, unable to believe her luck. "I dragged him, but he's here. Oh, you are Lilia's friends, I assume?" He looked at the four other people who were sitting at the table and watching their interaction.

They all nodded at the same time, and Lilia held back a small laugh. It was funny to see their heads bobbing at the same time. "What are your names?" "Tom Riddle." "Icarus Lestrange." "Evangeline Selwyn." "Celeste Meadows." "Tom Riddle, hmm? Horace mentioned that you were good at potions and defence against the dark arts. Have you considered working as an auror?" "I have considered it, Sir." "Call me Theseus, please. I will have a spot for you if you wish to intern first." "Thank you, Theseus. I appreciate it." "You're welcome. Now come, Lilia. Newt hates social events like this." Lilia was not a big fan of social events herself, but she glanced at her friends excitedly as she followed Theseus. They smiled and cheered her on with enthusiastic gestures.