The Dark Lord (Tom Riddle X Reader) || Short Story - Chapter 6: Chapter 6

You decide to skip classes the next day.
Tom can't help but feel worried when he notices you're not attending any of the classes the next day. He tries to ask some of the other students if they've seen you, but nobody seems to know.
His mind is plagued with thoughts of you, wondering if you're alright. He can't shake off the guilty feeling gnawing at him, knowing he had something to do with upsetting you last night.
No one checked up on you. At least, that's what you thought.
As the day continued, no one bothered to come and check up on you. People went about their business, but no one noticed or cared that you had skipped classes.
But in the evening you receive a note from the same owl. It's Avery.
"Oh Avery, at least you're worried about me." You whisper to yourself.
The note is short and sweet. He writes: "Hey, just wanted to check in. I noticed you weren't in class today. You alright?"
You don't write back when Casey is back in the room.
Casey enters the dorm room and sees you sitting on your bed, the note from Avery in your hand. She looks at you expectantly, waiting for an explanation.
"What's that you've got there?"
"It's nothing." Your hold on the note tightening.
Casey rolls her eyes, a hint of irritation in her voice.
"Jeez, what is your problem today? I was just asking. Why are you so grumpy?"
You decide not to answer but then she tells you that Avery is waiting for you downstairs.
As Casey tells you that Avery is waiting downstairs, you feel a flutter of excitement in your chest. Despite your grumpiness earlier, the thought of seeing him lifts your spirits slightly. You get up from the bed and head towards the door.
You go downstairs and reach Avery but Tom is also there.
Tom is standing with Avery when you arrive downstairs. He notices you first and his heart does a little stumble in his chest. As your eyes meet, there's a moment of silent tension between you.
He looks at you carefully, taking in your appearance. You look a bit tired and weary, but still beautiful. He feels an urge to say something, anything, but before he can find the words, Avery speaks up first.
"Hey, there she is! We were a little worried about you today."
"I received your note-" You reveal.
Avery gives you a warm smile, clearly happy to see you. He steps closer to you, his eyes studying your face.
"Good, I'm glad you got it. I was worried when you didn't show up to class today. Are you feeling alright?"
"You're the only one who seems to care about me." You smile at him profoundly, taunting Tom in a way.
Tom tenses up when you say those words, realizing the dig is aimed at him. He tries to appear indifferent, but his jaw clenches in frustration. Avery, on the other hand, grins, enjoying the moment. He takes your hand in his and gently tugs you closer.
"Well, I'm here for you. You know that, right?"
Avery chuckles lightly, enjoying the compliment. Meanwhile, Tom fists his hands on the sides tightly, his knuckles turning white as he listens to your exchange with Avery.
"We should go talk alone." You suggest to Avery.
Avery nods in agreement, seeming a bit surprised but also eager to comply. He glances over at Tom, as if seeking permission. Tom, who is trying to remain calm, speaks up in a strained voice.
"Uh... yeah, sure. Go ahead."
Avery glances over at Tom, whose expression hardened after your last comment. He seems to sense the tension between you and Tom.
"Yeah, sure. Let's go somewhere more private."
He starts leading you away, but not before glancing back at Tom one last time.
You and Avery chitchat for a bit when he asks you out on a date to Hogsmeade with Tom and Casey, of course.
As Avery asks you out on the date to Hogsmeade, you hesitate for a moment, knowing that Tom and Casey will be there as well. However, you try to keep your face neutral, not wanting to let on that the presence of Tom is weighing on your mind.
"Do they have to be there?" You ask casually.
Avery looks a little puzzled by your question, but he gives you a small, reassuring smile. He responds, his voice gentle.
"Well... It's kind of a double date, isn't it? I mean, Tom and Casey are dating, and... I thought we could all go together."
You suddenly blush at the thought. "Uh, yeah- totally."
Avery notices your brief moment of embarrassment as you blush. He chuckles softly and reaches out to give your hand a comforting squeeze, his touch warm on your skin.
"Don't worry, it'll be fun. I promise. And don't mind Tom, he can be a bit... intense sometimes."
You let out a heavy sigh. "Trust me, I know." You roll your eyes.
Avery laughs at your eye-roll, his eyes crinkling slightly at the corners.
"I guess everyone knows his reputation. But hey, at least you'll have me and Casey to help balance things out, right? I won't let him be too much of a nuisance, I promise."
And at last, you agree to go on a date with them.