What if He had a Choice?

Tom cursed himself. He needed...but he wanted...and yet what was the things he should do are entirely different. Ducking into a bathroom, he locked the stall behind him and gripped the edges of his robes, trying to calm himself down. He could not force himself on the boy yet. It was too early, far far far too early. He did not need to risk his entire efforts over some minor...inconvenience. He was not one to do such things. No, he needed to get a hold of himself, before he screwed things up. A few deep breathes, splashes of water on his face, and an effortless combing through his hair left Tom a bit more settled as he once more made his way to the headmaster's office. He would speak with her about the situation going on in Remus' class, and how inappropriate that it had been.

He would have to be careful to keep a hold over himself in the future. lapses in emotion could cause problems, and his desire to corrupt Draco, and his desire to hold him close and irrevocably make him his, was not something that he could just do whenever. He had to be careful when he went about it. It was a process, and a delicate one at that. The first misstep and he could lose all his progress. Hours, days, months of work. It was more than that, though. Draco was an asset, and for now, he was well within Tom's thumbs of control. He had to ensure that it stayed that way. Doing something drastic simply because he was repressed was not on his to do list. The fact that he had almost made such a blunder, well it drew shivers down his spine.

The gargoyle popped out of place the moment that he walked up. From what Draco had told him, Dumbledore had a password before you could enter, it would seem this headmaster was less restrictive. It did not surprise him, Dippet was the same way. He felt as though students should have the ability to speak with him at any moment if needed. It would seem this one had a similar policy. There was also the fact that this headmaster was actually at the school, yet another thing Draco had divulged. It would seem as if Dumbledore was off school grounds more often than he was on it. Pathetic, really.

Tom rapped on the door in clear sharp knocks, before holding his arms behind his back as the door immediately opened to welcome him. Truly similar to Headmaster Dippet, it would seem. In more ways than one. A critical eye cast around the room, many of the headmaster portraits were gone, though this was not necessarily surprising. As far as he knew, they came and went regularly. Though only one actually left Hogwarts, because he had multiple portraits.

"Ah, Mr. Riddle, what can I do for you?" The newest headmaster, despite being a gryffindor, welcomed him with a smile, though he could see the tightness behind her eyes. Tom stood before the desk, humming softly as he tried to put things into words.

"I...have a concern, Headmistress." He admitted softly.

"Does this have anything to do with Professor Lupin's class?" The question did not quite catch him off guard, but he was surprised she knew about it already. He nodded once. Curt but polite.

"Yes, Headmistress, Draco had to be placed din the hospital wing to calm himself. When I arrived he was practically catatonic, and in certainly no state to manage the boggart himself, so I was rather shocked that the Professor had not already intervened. I...it is not my intention to question the abilities of any single professor, and I must admit I am more than a little biased," Tom bit his lower lip in a show of insecurity. "I was rather angry, that the Professor had not stepped in already, but I did not think it proper for such a thing to occur. I only want to ensure such things are not going to continue to be an issue in the future." Tom drug his eyes up to hers, bowing softly. "I simply hope you have a conversation with Professor Lupin, to perhaps impress on the dangers of this. Though I know this is presumptuous of me." The Headmistress sighed, placing her quill down.

"No, no you are correct, and are also not the only person to come to me with this concern. Many of the students in the class have already spoken to me in concern over the situation that occurred. Rest assured, Professor Lupin will be having a talking to about the conduct of his class. I regret that Mr. Malfoy's class was such a disaster. Is he in a good state, or should I call his..." The Headmistress paused, as if just realizing what exactly Draco's boggart was, and sighed heavily. "I supposed I should have a talk with Mr. Malfoy as well," Tom readily spoke, a tendril of mirth flooding through him.

"Of course, Professor. I do believe perhaps it is best not to inform the Patriarch quite yet, until we understand the depth of what has happened, Draco is doing much better now, though I would caution against speaking to him until tomorrow, when he has had a good sleep. Perhaps bringing some tea, or something to soothe the atmosphere as well. I do know he and Professor Snape seem to be very close, from what Draco has told me, Professor Snape is his godfather. Perhaps you would want to start with the Professor before going to Draco himself." The headmistress nodded, thoughtfully.

"Wonderful insight, Mr. Ridde, thank you, I will keep it in mind."