Unexpected Encounters | Tom Riddle

It was Hogsmeade weekend again, and Lilia welcomed the chance to escape the castle. The cold, crisp air nipped at her cheeks, but she felt lighter than she had in days. Snow blanketed every surface, transforming the bustling village into a winter wonderland. For once, she allowed herself to relax. Hogsmeade had always been a place where she could let her guard down. Here, surrounded by the familiar hum of chatter and the smell of warm butterbeer, she could pretend that her life wasn't steeped in secrets and looming dangers.

She had wandered into the candy shop, intent on replenishing her dwindling stock of sweets, when she realized she wasn't alone. Abraxas Malfoy hovered a few steps behind her, his frosty demeanor still firmly in place. The tension between them was palpable, a silent reminder of the cold glances and curt words he had thrown her way since the conversation in the Malfoy dining room.

Lilia busied herself scanning the shelves, determined to ignore his presence. She couldn't help but smile when she found a jar of sherbet lemons. They reminded her of the bright moments she used to share with Theo, his laughter ringing out whenever they argued over who had eaten the last piece. Unbeknownst to her, Abraxas watched her closely, his sharp eyes taking in the soft curve of her smile.

The silence stretched uncomfortably as they moved through the aisles. Abraxas pretended to browse, but every time she paused to examine something, he quietly added it to his own growing collection.

He hadn't planned on accompanying her, nor had he planned on softening toward her. But seeing her now, fussing over jars of candies as if the weight of the world weren't crushing her shoulders, made him question his earlier assumptions. She wasn't what he had expected when she first entered their circle. She wasn't cunning or loud, nor did she flaunt her connection to Tom like others might have. She was... quiet. Almost painfully so. And the thoughtful basket of tea she had left in his room after New Year's had unsettled him in ways he couldn't articulate.

Still, she was a mystery, and mysteries were dangerous.

When they reached the counter, Lilia placed her selection down, only to gasp in surprise when Abraxas stepped forward and handed the cashier several galleons. "What are you doing?" She demanded, her tone incredulous. "Consider it a gift for Christmas," he replied curtly, though his lips twitched upward in the faintest hint of a smile. "That's a lot of candy, Abraxas!" She exclaimed, clutching the basket he had placed in her arms.

"Well, you better eat at least one a day," he quipped, the rare warmth in his tone catching her off guard. She blinked, then broke into a grin that lit up her face. "Let me treat you to butterbeer," she said mischievously, already tugging him toward the door.

"Wha-" "I'm not taking no for an answer," she teased, her voice playful. He followed, pretending to be annoyed, but the uncharacteristic smile that lingered on his lips betrayed him.

.・。.・゜✭・.・✫・゜・。.

Inside the Three Broomsticks, the pair settled into a booth close to the counter. The golden glow of the pub's lanterns cast a soft light over them, and for the first time, the tension between them eased.

Lilia took a long sip of her butterbeer, humming appreciatively at the sweet warmth that spread through her. "I'm guessing you liked your gift, then?" She asked, her voice soft. Abraxas set down his glass and nodded. "It was thoughtful. I liked it a lot." Her smile widened. "I'm glad to hear that, Abraxas."

His expression grew serious, his piercing gaze locking onto hers. "Lilia, I need you to be honest with me." Her smile faltered. "What is it?" "Why is Grindelwald after you?" The question hit her like a hex to the chest, and she lowered her eyes to her drink. "I... I can't say much," she admitted, her voice barely above a whisper. "We'll also get hurt, won't we?" He pressed, his tone heavy.