Tom Riddle x Reader - Enigma

THIRD-PERSON POV

The whole day felt slow. Y/N was dying—not from her wounds, but from boredom. The lack of activities she could do was limited. It was either that she listened to the constant movement of the clock, or she sat on the infirmary bed and stared out the window. Best believe she chose the second option...not much to learn from a ticking clock.

It was quiet, she felt at peace, but it wasn't until Abraxas finally showed up. He had a smile plastered on his face, one that didn't reach his eyes like it used to.

"How are you feeling?" he asked, perching himself on the edge of the chair beside her bed, trying to sound casual. His fingers drummed lightly against his thigh as he glanced at her.

"You've been in here for a while. Haven't you?"

"I'm doing better," she answered, sitting up a little straighter. "I just need to catch up on my studies."

"Ah, yes," Abraxas said with a small, almost wistful smile. "The ever-diligent Y/N. Always thinking about your grades."

"I don't have much of a choice, do I?" she quipped. "Can't let myself slip."

He leaned back in his chair, crossing his arms over his chest. "Well, I can certainly help you with that. Anything you need. After all, I'm always here.

His voice sounded kind, but there was something in his tone that didn't sit right with her—it didn't sound genuine. He was acting like everything was fine, like nothing had changed in the days since she had been hurt. Yet, he hadn't come to visit, not even once.

Y/N didn't let the irritation show on her face, but it was there, simmering under the surface. She couldn't shake off the feeling that he wasn't being entirely honest with her.

"So, how about Three Broomsticks this weekend?" she suggests, trying to keep her voice light.

"I haven't seen you outside of these walls in ages. We can finally make up for all the time I've missed."

Abraxas hesitated for a moment, his fingers tapping against the armrest. "I... can't. I have a Quidditch practice that day."

"Perhaps another time, then?" she pressed, raising an eyebrow. "Mari and Cassius visited me a few hours ago. I was hoping they'd want to, but they seemed to have plans together as well. I was hoping you could."

"I don't think so," he replied, looking uncomfortable. "I've got a lot of things to attend to."

Y/N could feel the frustration bubbling up, but she didn't show it. "Alright, then. If you're busy..."

He stood up, offering a small smile, but it felt dead. "I'll see you later, Y/N. Take care."

She nodded, watching as he left. A part of her wanted to say something more—something about how he hadn't been there when she needed him, how she had expected more from him, knowing they're together. But she stayed silent, letting him walk out.

The door had barely closed behind Abraxas when Tom entered.

He walked in with his usual quiet confidence, a stack of notes in hand. His gaze flicked over to Y/N, who was still sitting up in bed, a little too tense for her liking.

"Tom!" she gasped, a light laugh escaping her lips.

Without thinking, she jumped off the bed—barefoot, despite the cold floor—and rushed over to him. Tom froze where he stood, clearly not prepared for what was coming. She wrapped her arms around him in a hug.

He stiffened, his posture rigid as though someone had caught him off guard mid-duel. But he didn't push her away. Slowly, almost hesitantly, his hand lifted and rested atop her head with a light pat. Like he wasn't sure what else to do.