Tom Riddle X Reader - Chapter 31: Chapter 31

The main hall of Hogwarts was charmed and decorated to appear as the most luxurious, dazzling to the eye room. The welcoming dance floor beneath the feet was as white as the falling down snow which was enchanted to dissolve dropping half way. There were tall, white curtains covering Hogwarts windows, concealing the bright light illuminating from within. The large Christmas tree, coated with white sheets on its green branches, stood high before the students and teachers at the front.
Whilst the middle of the room was emptied exclusively for the tapping feet, there were long tables shoved to the sides of the room, silver tablecloth resting on top, holding the variety of delicious sweets, food and drinks.
The guests came dressed in whatever they felt comfortable with, whether it was traditional dress robes or comfort of their own clothes. Most boys wore tuxes and most girls wore posh dresses. Due to the change of their appearance, lack of uniform and the effort in most of their looks, it appeared like Hogwarts was celebrating diversity as one house instead of regular four. It truly felt like everyone belonged. It felt like home.
You clutched onto Sirius Black as you gracefully entered the room. Classical, violin music instantly met your ears.
The black to purple ombre chiffon dress you wore dragged across the carpet beneath your feet, showing off one of your legs through a thigh-high slit in front. There was a purple gem necklace that laid like a slit throat around your neck as your hands were covered in elbow length black gloves.
The pair of you approached Lily and James who were already waiting for you. Lily wore her ginger hair up in a sumptuous high bun as an incredibly ravishing, strapless, long, mermaid, red velvet dress curved her delicate, pale features.
Lily's red lips flashed a smile when her eyes fell towards your dress.
"You look... amazing" - she said, grinning wide
"So do you" - you stretched your hands, signalling towards her outfit "You look stunning" - then you looked at James and your smile shortened "James" - you nodded to be polite
He nodded back, without saying a word. Sirius noticed the slight tension and uttered "James, let's go get some drinks for our ladies, shall we?"
"Yes, of course" - Potter replied, excusing away from Lily
Sirius looked into your eyes, taking your hands into his "What drink would you like?"
"Just get me anything"
Sirius nodded and the two of them left towards the huge dining table.
"So" - when they were away, you asked Lily "Do you regret coming with James yet?"
"It's not as bad as I thought it would be. I guess we'll just see how it goes."
You looked towards some of the couples already dancing, almost gulping as you clenched the sides of your dress "This was a bad idea, wasn't it? Taking Sirius"
"As a wise man once said 'if the music be the food of love, play on'" - Lily smiled
"I didn't know you were into such muggles as Shakespeare" - you teased her
She chuckled "There is yet a lot for you to know"
Then you noticed Mary enter the room with her Slytherin date. Mary's dress was sleeveless and pitch-black with scattered glitter that made her look as if she stepped out of a starry sky. It was long and narrow, covering her whole body; from her heels up to around the neck.
Meanwhile, Molly entered just behind Mary and her date, alone. Her robe was off-the shoulder champagne coloured satin dress that was more puffy around the waist down. She had her arms crossed as if she didn't feel comfortable and the look in her eyes was distraught.
"Is she okay?" - Lily mumbled, watching her too
"I'm not sure.." -you told her, keeping your eyes at Molly
And then you noticed another slytherin boy reach out for her hand which she accepted.
But then a ginger boy walked over to them, said something to Molly and left. Molly, upset, followed him out of the ballroom, leaving behind the slytherin boy you fixed her up with.
The boy, left alone, simply shrugged and rushed over to the treats table.
It was best not to bother Molly with this, she doesn't like other people meddling in her business, especially since taking someone other than Arthur was your and Mary's idea.
Then Remus walked in without a date and came over to your little gathering.
When Sirius and James got back with their drinks, your heart skipped a beat when you saw Tom Riddle enter the ball, but he didn't wear typical dress robes - instead, he wore black trousers, a white long sleeved shirt and a black vest with a white Lily tucked in his chest pocket.
He clearly did not have a date. He held his hands behind his back and immediately strolled to professor Slughorn. You couldn't tell what they were saying but you could see them shake hands.
You also saw Severus Snape quietly seated on a chair by his own, whom was glancing over at Lily from time to time.
When the next dance started and this song started to play:
/www.youtube/watch?v=FOP_PPavoLA
Sirius pecked the back of your hand and asked for a dance
"Of course" - you smiled
He heavily smirked before leading you to the dance floor. He was very delicate in the way he moved, very gentle. He spun you around and led you to the rhythm of the song. He seemed to be having a moment where time slows down as he watched your face as if being enchanted.
Suddenly, realizing how romantic this is, a thought crossed your head 'what if he's going to ask you to be his girlfriend'
Throughout the whole song you were in thought and it wasn't difficult to understand you were not feeling mutual attraction.
When the song stopped, you felt a poke on your back. You and Sirius glanced at the person from behind - Tom Riddle.
"May I?" - Tom delicately bowed as he stretched out his hand in a polite manner.
Slightly shocked, you glanced at Sirius who didn't look too happy.
However, to not cause a scene, Black accepted Riddle's request to dance with you as he himself returned to James and the rest.
You softly placed your palm on his. He gently kissed it like a gentleman then straightened back up before the next song would play.
/www.youtube/watch?v=_8u4VLk0iTI
With half of his strength, with his left hand, he pulled your waist as close to him as possible. Then, with the right hand, he brushed his soft fingers against your skin and locked them with yours. You were so close to him you could feel his breath. You felt his warm body and heard his steady heartbeat. His dazzling, green eyes gazed deeply into yours as you could feel the tip of his fringe gently touch your forehead. This time the whole world slowed down to you, as if it was just you and him.
What a charming man he was on the outside. It was a shame he was already so rotten on the inside.
With his body, he led yours, not letting you go and keeping you close to his heart. It felt like time was moving a lot slower and neither of you had to say a word. You felt so flustered, it felt so good to be in his arms and have his full attention.
In the middle of the dance he interrupted the moment of peace you had with him "I push you away so you blindly jump into that git in seconds. Could you ruin your reputation any more?"
"Don't call him that, Sirius is a good man."
Tom twirled you around then softly dipped you, not removing his eyes off you. Not even for a second would it travel to another girl. The warm fuzz clouded you. His attention felt addicting. The special one he would give only to you.
He skillfully lifted you up and spun you around for half of a circle before putting you back down. This time, he placed both of his arms around your waist. "You're so fragile" - he grinned. "So sensitive and sentimental"
At the sheer thought of blushing to that, you wanted to change the topic "I thought you weren't coming"
"I was not going to, it is just a waste of time after all. But professor Slughorn insisted that I do, stating I was a prefect and it would be a noble example."
"Oh..." - you lowered your eyes in slight disappointment.
He smirked "Expected something else?"
You briefly glanced back into his eyes, responding coldly "Of course not." - but then turned. For some reason you just couldn't gaze into his eyes for long anymore, it was too intimidating, too desirable and flustering. Your whole body would heat up from his engaging glare.
You were actually catching feelings for the future dark lord.
When the song finished, Sirius intervened in an attempt to take you back, however, before Sirius could lay his hand on yours, Tom stepped in the middle of you two.
Sirius wanted to be threatening "She's my date. Move or I'll have to move you myself."
"She is mine now." - Tom smirked as he grabbed your hand tightly, looking into Sirius's furious eyes. As if adding fuel to the fire.
"You can't be--" - Sirius chuckled for a bit, in disbelief "That's not how--" - Sirius was trying his best to hold back the bitterness but then his fists clenched tightly as he sharply looked into Tom's unbothered eyes "I've had enough. You versus me, tomorrow, outside Hogsmeade. I want that duel."
Sirius, filled with rage, walked out without an attempt to get you back, he must have been that furious he thought there'd be no use to try.
Tom released your hand once he couldn't see Sirius anymore "Poor twit got himself a death wish" - he murmured before re-adjusting his vest and brushing it with his palm as if there was dust on it, leaving you alone as he walked back to Slughorn.
You couldn't believe it. Did he do all that just to tease Sirius? Show him he's the best in an egoistical showdown?
Even though crazy, unsettling thoughts were running through your mind, you noticed Severus Snape still sat alone, appearing sad as he held a lily flower in his hand.
Without thinking too much about it, you put on your best smile, approached Snape and asked him to dance with you.
He was shy at first but then you got him to agree. It was satisfying when you finally got to put a smile on someone's face who has been through so much. You quickly glanced at Lily who was smiling at your dance and gestured her to come.
She left James for a short moment before she joined you two and Snape's face lit up with tremendous delight. Without further a do, the three of you danced together as three equal singles.
Until Remus and Peter showed up with some weird dance moves.