Chapter 9
The first day of classes was…boring. As the teachers introduced this year’s curriculum Anastasia quickly found out she will be rather bored in lessons. She never thought her home-schooling would be so much advanced to traditional learning plans in Hogwarts. They only skimmed the first layer of magic with basic spells and theories, probably so the lesser skilled students wouldn’t feel so bad about their incompetence. Pathetic. For Anastasia this was a huge disappointment. She was always led to explore and deep dive into each branch of magic father taught her, which evoked the want of knowledge inside of her. She yearned for it. Her goal was to leave no stone unturned when it came to magic, she wanted nothing more than to know. And if this was the way Hogwarts taught, she will have to find another way to teach herself. Hopefully father will be able to send her some books from their library. Who knows what rubbish is in the local one.
With classes this easy, Anastasia could devote her time to do the thing father send her here to do. Socialize. This proved to be a little challenging. Penetrating the community of people who knew each other from literal childhood wasn’t an easy task for anybody new, but for the daughter of the darkest wizard alive? Impossible.
The primal shock of her arrival was slowly wearing off. Now students of all ages eyed her suspiciously on her every step, as if they waited for her to do an Unforgivable out in the open. And to be honest, Riddle was starting to get her to that point. Him and his gang seemed to follow her all day. Unapologetically staring, lurking behind corners, but never approaching her. When she browsed through the library shelves, in the Great Hall during meals. Always watching. It was starting to get on her nerves.
Anastasia reached her limit the following night. She needed a little fresh air and decided on exploring the night castle a little bit. It was after curfew (what a silly thing), so she disillusioned herself and cast a silencing spell on her body. On her way through the common room she heard noises. And as luck would have it, it was them. She could stay here and eavesdrop on whatever nonsense they debated, but after feeling their presence all day, she needed a break from the boys. She quietly snuck out of the room and began her exploration.
Tom felt her. Once he concentrated long enough, he could feel her magic even through the doors of her room. Everyone went to sleep a few hours ago, so as usual, he and his knights occupied the now empty common room. It brought him some sense of control over her, knowing where she was. Just him. Tom made his classmates follow her around so he could get more information about her, waiting for something suspicious revealing more information about Anastasia. He liked that name, very noble and uncommon, unlike his filthy muggle name. Unfortunately, none of the boys was able to dig anything up. So far she kept to herself, acting like the place belonged to her. It should. Tom closed his eyes and ran a hand through his hair in frustration. He has to get it together for the love of god. This infatuation must stop. And the sooner he figures her out, the sooner he can continue his noble quest.
His head shot up. He felt her closer. Almost right next to him. Tom looked around the common room but it stayed empty. Was he starting to lose his mind over her? But no, the feeling was back, but now it was becoming more distant. She sneaked out right under their noses! This can’t be. Suddenly an idea popped into his head.
“I have to check something, do not wait on me.” He called at the boys, disillusioned and silenced himself and followed the trail of her magic.
Anastasia seemed to be wondering aimlessly throughout the castle, taking turns without much though. Tom tried casting Revelio several times, but her charm was strong. Stronger than any of his peers could even muster. He followed her even all the way up to the Astronomy tower. When he climbed the last step and looked around hoping she made herself visible, brutal force slammed him into the wall. He was sure he had broken some ribs.
“I’ve had it with you, Riddle. Is it not enough for you to have me followed in the daylight? Now you try another pathetic attempt at attacking me? Get over yourself.”
Oh, she sounded really angry. Tom longed to see the grimace on her face. “Show yourself,” he breathed out with a smile. “Show me your face, pretty witch.”
That caught her off guard, Tom could feel it in the air around them. But when she lifted the spell off of her, her face remained stoic.
“What do you want from me?”
“I want your secrets. Every last one of them.” Tom tried to be as nonchalant as possible, but the broken ribs took their tool on him. He leaned his head against the wall with a sigh but kept his gaze plastered on her. Anastasia scoffed.
“Fuck you, Riddle,” she spat. “And leave me alone.” She turned on her heel and started walking away. Tom wanted to call on her, but Anastasia must have sensed it and sent a hex at his chest, wandlessly. If it haven’t hurt like a bitch he would be awed. As the door closed behind her, Tom felt a cooling sensation as she must have healed his ribs. Tom chuckled. Never has anyone dared to treat him this way, let alone swear at him. She now hated his gut, but that much satisfying will it be when he finally makes her surrender. He will teach her and her filthy mouth how to appraise him.
Game on.