Tom Riddle X Reader - Chapter 23: Chapter 23

In the Slytherin common room, Tom was reading a book. But he found himself unfocused, it's as if each written word flew in and out of his head without staying. He sighed and closed it before strolling around the dungeon floor with his arms folded behind his back. For some reason, he could only think about the most recent event.
Tom's pov
"What's the problem. Countless of meaningless pests have been trying to encircle me and all of sudden this one slips through my fingers? How am I unable to stop thinking about it. And that silly brain of an excuse of a dog is nagging me over her."
Why did it feel flattering
"Hello?"
A voice - I looked over, spotting a girl from my house smile before me
"Tom, there you are" - she said "Would you like to--"
"No." - I couldn't bear having to hear the rest "Sorry." I don't care about what she wants, why would I. She has nothing I need nor want and I will not be wasting my time on her.
Reader's second POV
At the main hall, students were learning how to cast patronuses after hearing a whole lecture about dementors and their terrifying impact. Every person should have a light to their dark.
You noticed that half or so of the people around you had successfully and proudly summoned their patronuses. There were a few grey horses galloping across the room, some rabbits hopping around the pillars, a parrot flying below the ceiling, a salmon wiggling in the air, and many more. The light from this spell would be born and, however, quickly die.
"As long as the happy memory lasts" - the professor yelled "The patronus will protect you"
You were exhausted after unsuccessfully, repeatedly flicking your wand. You've never learnt this spell before for very personal reasons.
The whole room echoed with voices shouting 'Expecto Patronum' at similar times.
After a few attempts, with the help of Severus, Lily managed to cast one - a bright, beautiful doe, hopping around the room. She giggled happily. And Snape looked delighted to watch her succeed.
Then you noticed Tom seated down on one of the empty benches with his head resting on his right hand. He was very faintly swirling around his wand but not saying any incantations as if he was just playing around - it was clear he wasn't trying - he gave up - he couldn't do it. And this was one of his weaknesses - he had a hard time escaping a ball of bleakness.
Whilst, still at the front of the hall, the professor kept motivating students "Think greatest thoughts. This magical guardian will protect you in times of need -- very good Miss. Hornby" - the professor said "It is difficult but you all can do it - any one of you. You will never know the shape of your patronus until you succeed in conjuring it! -- Ah, Miss Warren, you need more energy!"
The question was. What was your happiest memory?
"This is some next level shit" - one of the boys from Gryffindor joked around as his buddies giggled watching him equally struggle.
"Language, Mr. Farron! It is very advanced, ancient magic!" - the professor shouted
You gathered that much by now. No matter how much you tried, you could not summon the spontaneous, silver mist.
You sighed and walked over to seated alone Tom. His green eyes immediately lifted as he watched you sit down beside him.
"Can't do it either?" - you asked, slightly smiling
"It is useless." - he lowered his head "I won't be needing it."
"I hope not. I've heard dementors are pretty brutal in person. Have you ever seen one?"
Riddle didn't reply.
"Don't you think it would be cool?" - you asked him again "To see what your patronus is..."
Tom suddenly looked at you, seeing your own eyes dart down to the floor "I assumed it would be easy for you. You seem to be discharging contentment."
"Not everything is easy. I'm not as naturally talented as you." - you said it without a smile, genuinely meaning it. When you looked over at Riddle he was already looking at you and both of your eyes just locked.
Later that day, when the sun set down and the sky was met by the shining stars, when it turned midnight, you wanted to take a walk since you couldn't fall asleep. What mostly stressed you out and bothered you was the fact you couldn't stop thinking about Tom. It was primarily the mission's fault - since thinking about ways of getting through to him was all that was swirling constantly inside your head. It's as if you were oddly attracted to him like a bee to toxic honey.
You headed for one of the tower balconies as it was a quiet place where you could think more easily. It was all made out of black concrete and beautiful carvings. And the view was astonishing - it was very convenient to see either close lights, the middle of the peaceful dark lake or the darkness of the distant forbidden forest.
But you found someone already occupying the balcony.
You noticed his curly hair and the sturdy posture - Tom was watching the starry sky and the lit up Hogwarts halls underneath.
He was leaning on the railings of the balcony. It was quiet and peaceful.
Without saying anything, you walked next to him, leaned onto the railings and just gazed at the sky "Stealing my spot now?" - you cheekily asked
A bit startled, Tom glanced at you for a second then turned back at the view "It's an endearing sight."
"Ah I knew showing you this was going to be worth it. So. Here for midnight fresh air?"
"Aren't you supposed to be in bed?"
"Aren't you? Surely prefects don't have that many perks. You're welcome by the way. I think Sirius was about to jinx you"
He gazed into your eyes, not withdrawing from the railings "I could have handled it."
"I believe you. But I made it easier for you, so you're welcome."
"Hm."
"I'm failing Slughorn's class by the way."
Tom glanced at you, confused "All our tasks were done perfectly."
"Yes but you've done most of the practical work and I couldn't catch up with the notes and -- well -- professor Slughorn wasn't quite happy with me"
Tom didn't say anything for a bit. He then turned his head back towards the view "I could tutor you." - he calmly said
Your eyes widened, you didn't really expect him to volunteer "Really? Why?"
"Because." - he sharply said "If you fail, the blame will fall on me for being a useless partner. So don't consider yourself flattered."
"Oh. I won't. But thanks." - you narrowed your eyes to the floor, he was still being rude to you and his words somehow started pushing through to your heart
He noticed your sudden silence "You don't want to know me, <___>. Trust me. You'd be quite disturbed if you did."
"Jeez, don't make it sound so exciting, Tom" - you teased him
"Tsk." - he faintly smiled.
"You know I can relate to you" - you said
Tom looked at you intrigued
You added "I sometimes feel alone too"
"You assume that's how I'm feeling?"
"I honestly do. Call it intuition if you want to."
He pushed away from the railings, his tone low "You don't know anything about me."
"I hope I will get to know something eventually. If you'll let me of course" - you wore a comforting smile
He paused for a bit before muttering "Goodnight." - then leaving out to the halls.
"Wait" - you stopped him. Your heart skipped a beat at this one thought - how to show someone warmth. You threw your arms gently around his shoulders and pulled him in for a hug. Your heart tingled as he remained steady "I just thought you might need this."
Tom's feet were halted. He was facing the pitch-black tower stairs with his arms and body frozen in movement. You could hear him mutter "What the--"
But to your surprise he did not resist.
Once you let go, you felt slightly flustered looking into his stunned, green eyes.
"Goodnight" - you smiled at him and left him alone in the tower of Hogwarts. You felt his gaze watch your back as you eliminated yourself out of this situation.