Chapter 6
Tom was a great dancer, Anastasia noted. He led her gracefully and never bumped into another pair. He kept polite conversation about her personal preferences and about her childhood. She was no fool and kept her answers vague, evading the full truth. Yes, she only had her father growing up, her favourite colour was deep blue. No, she didn’t have any siblings, she hated pumpkin juice. Yes, father took sometimes took her on various trips, she preferred cats. And so on.
Anastasia tried to get to know him too, but he apparently wanted to disclose even less information than her. He shared a dorm with the other boys until fifth year, when he was made prefect. His favourite animal was a snake. He liked to read. Nothing about his personal life.
She didn’t feel like prying, so she just enjoyed the moment. She could feel the languid movement of his firm muscles underneath his robes and the heat radiating from his body. If all boys at Hogwarts will be like him, she had an interesting year ahead of her. But something on Tom continued to allure her. Anastasia felt a light tint of his magic, but it was enough to catch her interest. He must be very skilled for her to sense it so soon after meeting him, it usually took her more time to differentiate between people’s personality and the type of magic they carried inside them, those two aspects being deeply entwined. His magic felt steady like a river and deep like a well, but there was something insidious about it. Anastasia longed to use legilimency on him and take a look inside his mind. Get to know every crevice of his brain and learn every single secret he kept so cautiously guarded. She decided now is not a good time, being this the first time they met. She will have more opportunities at school. Little did she know Tom wouldn’t be so patient.
They danced for what felt like an eternity, both lost in thought and in the presence of the other. Anastasia could see Tom studying her every movement and reaction. Never did his eyes left her, only after he noticed the dance floor was starting to empty out.
“You should be returning home shortly, the train leaves in the morning and I do not wish to be the reason you sleep poorly for your first day,” he said, glancing at his wristwatch. “Where is it you live? I can help you apparate or escort you?” Good try, Anastasia thought, but rather shoddy.
“No need, I am already housed at the Slytherin dormitory. Dumbledore said to floo back to his office when I am finished.”
“Then I shall accompany you to the fireplace, this house is a maze.” Tom took her hand and led her out of the ball room. As soon as they turned a corner in the hallway and he checked in the coast is clear, he pinned her against the wall and sunk into her mind. Well, more like tried. His plan was to quickly sweep her mind and obliviate her, maybe repeat this at school and slowly get to the bottom of her. Unfortunately, he never even stopped to think she could be a better Occlumens and Legilimens then he was. His cockiness was a big misstep. When he reached what felt like a weak barrier and tried to break it, he found out it was not a barrier at all but rather some sort of trap. He found himself stuck, unable to leave nor continue this attempt. The only thing he could feel was her imminent rage.
I was not aware legilimency was a part of Hogwarts curriculum. Seems your politeness wasn’t the only thing I was mistaken in. But your mistake in the evaluation of my skills was even greater. Do NOT forget who I am, you cocky bastard. Your parent failed to mention it is rude to attack the minds of innocent little girls? Anastasia could feel this enraged him for a change. He tried to mask the emotion on his face, but his eyes turned scarlet. So she wasn’t imagining it before! Maybe I shall return the favour, what do you say? Take a little peak, replay some of the most horrible memories you own. If I feel generous, I might fabricate you some new ones.
As she redirected her attention his mind’s way, Mrs Malfoy emerged from one of the doors in the corridor and stared at them in shock. It was totally fair, given their position. Tom pining Anastasia to the wall, hands intertwined above her head so she cannot use wandless magic, bodies pressed together and intent stares into each other’s eyes.
“Riddle! What is the meaning of this? Let go of her at once, she is our guest of honour!” she shrieked and ran their way to “save” Anastasia from this compromising situation. Her scream finally brought them back to reality leaving Anastasia no option than to release Tom from her trap. Fuck, she didn’t even have time to slip into his memories. Anastasia finally took notice of their corporeal bodies. More like the tower of muscles leaning into her, Tom’s heat and the smell of his aftershave surrounding her. She felt deep blush creep up her cheeks. Tom noticed and smirked. Oh, this was so not over.
Tom wasn’t planning on stopping to figure her out, this only enticing his curiosity. What surprised him though was the fact that he LIKED making her blush. See her this embarrassed brought him great joy. And the rage he felt inside her head, exquisite. The thought he made her feel it gave him goosebumps. Anastasia, on the other hand, was furious with Tom. How dare he underestimate her this much, thinking he could get away with reading her mind AND altering her memories after?! He will pay for this.
Tom reluctantly let go of her, bowed his head and started to walk away. Before he turned a corner, he sent a cocky grin her way. That enraged her even more. Before she could hex him, Mr Malfoy was by her side and started leading her in the direction of the fireplace.
“I am terribly sorry this happened to you on our estate. Be sure I will personally scold Tom and remind him of his place in relation to you. I would greatly appreciate you not mentioning this to…you know,” she looked away in nervousness and stopped by the fireplace. Now was Anastasia’s turn to smirk. Her name brought even British magical royalty to their knees. Plus, Tom will get scolded like a little child. She wished she could see it. It dramatically increased her mood.
“Have a great year at Hogwarts! I hope you can make it to our Christmas ball, I will send your invite personally.” Mrs Malfoy said her goodbyes and Anastasia stepped into the flames.
When she emerged in Dumbledore’s office, her furiousness came back. Instead of the wimpy professor, a group of aurors greeted her. Dumbledore was nowhere to be seen.
“Are you miss Grindelwald?” one of them asked, pointing his wand at her. What a fucking idiot.
“What do you want?” she barked, electricity sparkled around her. For what was the universe punishing her now, sending Tom Riddle and now them her way?
“You are to follow us to the Ministry of Magic for interrogations regarding you and your father. Until proven innocent, consider yourself under arrest.
Fuck me.