The Dark Lord (Tom Riddle X Reader) || Short Story - Chapter 7: Chapter 7

At Hogsmeade, the three of you go to the Three Broomsticks. It's almost Christmas and it's storming heavily.
As you, Tom, Casey and Avery enter the Three Broomsticks, you're greeted by a festive atmosphere. The pub is adorned with twinkling lights and garlands, and Christmas music plays in the background. However, the weather outside is in stark contrast to this warm atmosphere, as the storm is in full swing. Snow and ice cling to the windows, and the wind howls outside.
Casey shivers as they enter the pub, shaking off the snow from her coat. She looks around and smiles.
"Wow, it's freezing outside!"
"Yeah, typical Scottish weather for you." States Tom.
Tom shoots a glance in your direction, his expression unreadable.
"Can we sit on separate tables?" You ask Avery because you have no intention of spending this beautiful evening with Tom and Casey. You don't wish to be anywhere near either of them.
Avery seems a bit surprised by your request, but he tries to act casual about it.
"Uh... Sure, if that's what you want. Why though?"
He looks at you with a mixture of curiosity and concern, aware of the tension between you and Tom and Casey.
"I think it'll help each couple spend more quality time with each other." You taunt Tom indirectly.
Tom's jaw clenches again, his eyes narrowing slightly as he hears your words. It's clear that you're trying to get a rise out of him, and he's doing his best to hold back his own emotions.
"Yeah... Sounds like a good idea. More time for couples to bond, you know?" Chimes in Casey.
But Tom says otherwise and insists on the four of you sitting together on one table.
"It's called a double date for a reason." He comments.
Casey laughs, enjoying the situation a bit too much. Avery chuckles nervously, trying to diffuse the tension.
At the table, you laugh and have fun with Avery. "Oh Avie, you're so funny." Not forgetting to use the nickname.
Avery grins at your comment, clearly enjoying your laughter and attention. He leans in a bit closer, his eyes sparkling.
"Oh, you think I'm funny, huh? I'm just getting warmed up. You haven't even seen my best material yet."
While Tom and Casey just look at you two. Tom not showing much interest in her.
Casey tries to play along and laugh at Avery's jokes, but it's clear she's not really enjoying herself. She looks over at Tom, who's watching you and Avery with a stoic expression on his face.
Tom doesn't say anything, but his eyes never leave you and Avery. He seems a bit too focused on the conversation you're having, especially how much you're laughing and enjoying Avery's company.
Just as you're done with your Butter Beers. You all step outside when you here a loud thud on the ground making it shake. It's a giant.
"Holy shit-" You take in the sight of the giant.
Everyone in the group gasps as they step outside and hear the loud thud on the ground. As your eyes adjust to the scene before you, you realize that it's a giant. Panic sets in, and fear washes over each of your faces.
The four of you freeze in shock and horror as the giant's thud makes the ground shake beneath your feet.
"What the hell was that?!" Yells Casey.
"A giant... " States Tom.
"We need to get out of here, now!" Panics Avery.
Before any of you can think or process the situation entirely. The giant stumps his bat in your direction.
Which one of them will save you? Who's your true hero?
In a moment of sheer panic, Tom reacts without a second thought. He lunges forward and pushes you out of the way, shielding you from the giant's bat.
You are left in complete shock as you watch each other in fear, your faces so close to each other.
Tom's chest is heaving with adrenaline as he realizes what he's done. He's fully covering you with his body, his arms wrapped tightly around you, keeping you safe from danger. His eyes are wide, adrenaline pumping through his veins as he looks down at you, trying to assess if you're okay.
Just then Casey screams for Tom as the giant is ready to attack once again at the two of you but Tom is quick enough to roll out of his target, leaving you on top of him.
So, now you are on top of Tom.
As the giant swings his bat again, Tom quickly rolls out of harm's way, taking you with him. You end up on top of him, your bodies pressed tightly together. Adrenaline is coursing through both your bodies. Tom's heart is racing, his chest heaving with each breath he takes, and you can feel the heat radiating from his skin.
This time Avery calls out for you to warn you of another attack and you just get off of Tom and run in the other direction towards the avalanche whereas Tom runs in the direction of your friends. Losing sight of you completely.
Everyone in the village starts to flee in all directions. You flee in an opposite direction when the giant almost hits you with his hammer. The group watches you run deeper into the avalanche.
They can barely process the situation when you are lost in snow. No sign of you at all.
Tom and the others look around frantically, panicked and confused. They call out for you, but their voices get lost in the blizzard.
"Where'd she go!? We have to find her!" Casey is stressed.
"Damn it, how could she just run off like that?!" Tom blurts out in disbelief.
Will no one dare to run after you to rescue you?
Without having to be told even once, Tom runs into the avalanche after you.
Tom's protective instincts kick in.
Casey with a sudden panic in her voice, calls out to him. "Tom, wait! Where are you going?!"
Avery sounding concerned, says. "Mate, it's too dangerous! You can't go in there!"
Tom doesn't respond to their warnings. His mind is focused solely on finding you. Without slowing down, he disappears into the whirling snowstorm, determination etched on his face.