F O U R
The First Day Duel

"Merlin's beard, Rhiannon. You're still sleeping?" A vaguely familiar female's voice stressed.

For a second I had forgotten where I was but soon calmed down once I remembered the prior events. A loud yawn left me, as I cracked my eyes open seeing Lavender standing at the foot of my bed. She had her hands on her hips while tilting her head to the side.

I noticed that she had on what I could only assume to be the school uniform. A white dress shirt, with a red tie, was tucked into a long pleated skirt that fell just past the knees. Dark stockings were placed under the skirt allowing for no leg skin to be revealed, and plain black shoes adorned her feet. Over her dress shirt was a grey sweater and a plain black robe with the house symbol on the breast pocket.

My heart dropped in disappointment at the skirt; however, I would need to get use to this seeing as it was the 40's. With a small sigh, I snuggled further into my pillow ready to go back to sleep. Lavender huffed, throwing her hands in the air giving me an exasperated look.

"It's already twelve twenty-five, Rhiannon!" Lavender exclaimed, "You need to get up for lunch, you were only excused from the morning classes, you can't stay in bed all day."

"Eh, I'll just skip today." I waved her off.

When it came down to my high school career, I cared little for attendance. Honestly, I barely care about grades; I could care less about school in general. High school was a place where self-esteem, innocence, and dreams go to die. All people did at my particular high school was get high or vape, that was Montgomery High for you.

I don't care what school I was in; my attendance would not change. If I didn't want to go to class, I wasn't gonna go. Simple as that.

"SKIP!" Lavender roared, causing me to jump. "You can't just skip class! It's your first day! Get up now!" Lavender yelled, pulling my warm blanket away from my body.

"Okay, okay. Fine." I relented, pushing myself off the bed.

As soon as I was standing, Lavender launched a school uniform at me. I barely caught it, ducking when the shoes came flying at my face.

"Hurry up and change. I'll be waiting in the common room." Is all I heard before she left.

"Of course my first friend here needs to be a perfect student," I grumbled to myself, yanking the nightgown over my head—off my body.

Back at Montgomery, I was the typical definition of a disobedient delinquent. When I decided actually to show up, I would do no work whatsoever and only sleep in the back of the classroom. Unsurprisingly, History was the only class I excelled at.

Quickly, I placed Lavender's uniform on; it fit relatively well. Better than I thought it would. My only issue now was the bird's nest I called hair and the mess I made trying to tie the tie. My easiest route was to go with a simple braid to the side. I left the tie how it was labeling it as a lost cause.

I turned my head to the wall looking in a mirror that was in between both mine and Lavender's beds. The wooden floor creaked, as I walked toward the mirror looking at my reflection. My genes gave me the upper hand when it came to looks.

I had my mother's hazel eyes, dark brown hair, and my eyebrows were nice and thick. I wouldn't lie, my figure wasn't bad either. That's when an idea hit me. What was the best way to get into any man's head? Through their heart.

I could weave my way into Tom Riddle's heart, make him fall in love with me. Then I could surely change him.

I knew that he was born under the influence of Amortentia, and supposedly couldn't love—but I never believed any of that superstitious stuff.

Not even the most powerful of potions could just take away love, maybe for him, it would be harder to love, but I have no doubts that he could fall in love one way or another. It was only human instinct to find a mate and reproduce which essentially leads to love, no science, nor magic can take that away. However, perhaps I didn't need to make him fall in love with me. Maybe all he needed was a friend?

I wasn't exactly sure how I would go about leading Riddle off this dark course he was on, but I would figure it out soon. With a deep breath, I turned to the door ready to start this day. I would no doubt have a run in with Riddle sometime today considering we were in the same grade.

As soon as I made my way down the steps into the common room, I noticed immediately that no one except for Lavender was in there. Lavender paced by the fire turning her head once she heard me. Feeling around the pockets of my skirt, I double checked I had my 'wand.'

I like it as an angel blade better. My thoughts were condescending.

"Merlin, your tie." Lavender sighed, frolicking up to me fixing the mess of a tie I had made. "Better." She sighed in relief, patting my now perfectly straight tie.

Lavender wasted no time in taking my arm and dragging me out of the common room and into the corridors. As we walked, I couldn't help but loosen the tie around my neck, feeling as if it were suffocating me. Few students lingered in the corridors; their gazes seemingly following my every move.

"It's lunch right now, so we'll just go to the Great Hall, and I will introduce you to a few of our fellow housemates," Lavender explained as we went down multiple flights of moving stairs.

My eyes scanned the dozens of paintings lining the walls, watching as they all chatted with each other. Some took to waving at me, and others only stared.

Soon enough we entered possibly one of the largest rooms I had seen in a castle. The room was a sight to behold.  It was lit by thousands and thousands of candles that were floating in midair over four long tables, where the rest of the students were sitting. These tables were laid with glittering golden plates and goblets. At the top of the hall was another long table where the teachers were sitting. The roof above was bewitched to look like the sky. It was almost hard to believe I was even looking at a ceiling and not the real outside world.

My face must have let on the wonder I felt, as I heard Lavender laugh before pulling me along. "Close your mouth, or you'll attract flies," She teased as she pulled me along. "Well come on then, don't you want to meet the rest of your new house?" She laughed as I got a hold of myself flashing her an almost shy grin.

Before I knew it the two of us had approached the table in the middle on the left-most side of the room. Lavender leads me to the middle of the table, students looking at me in confusion.

Sitting stuffing his face with a Turkey Leg was a lanky looking boy, with sandy blonde hair which was in desperate need of a haircut sat messily atop his head.

"Walter!" Lavender tapped his shoulder, causing him to almost choke on his food as he turned around startled.

As he coughed up his food, Lavender sighed shaking her head. "This is Walter McQuillon, the male fifth-year prefect of our house." Lavender introduced us. "Walter, Rhiannon Lightly. Newest fifth-year student." Lavender sat down, pulling me along with her.

As soon as Walter was over his coughing fit, a large smile lit up his face. "New student, aye? We never get any of those. What school are you from ?" He questioned.

"Ilvermorny," I answered with a polite smile.

"You're American! I've always wanted to visit the place, what's it like?" He eagerly asked, sitting up straighter leaning over Lavender's form to get a better look at me.

She tossed him an annoyed glance, huffing as he practically breathed down her neck. I scrunched my nose thinking of the gross downtown streets of Manhattan. I may have lived in an upper part of New York City, but it was New York City nonetheless.

"Dirty," I said in a disgusted tone, causing Walter to lose his enthusiasm—making me feel slightly guilty. "Then again, I live in New York City, so it's always dirty there," I said, with a playful smile earning an even larger one from Walter.

"Wow, the big apple! What a sight." He breathed in excitement. "What house were you in at Ilvermorny?" He once again questioned me, but I remembered exactly what Dumbledore had told me to tell them.

"Thunderbird," I said without missing a beat.

"How classy!" Walter exclaimed, green eyes shimmering in wonder.

I only rose a brow, looking to Lavender who only shook her head in mock disappointment. "You, McQuillon are lucky you got a big brain in there." She tapped his forehead as if to make a point.

He only furrowed his brows, rubbing his forehead. His glasses fell down his nose during this. Just as he was about to reply, Dippet's voice echoed around.

"I would like to take this time to welcome our newest fifth-year transfer student; Rhiannon Lightly. She comes from our friends all the way in North America; Ilvermorny. She has been sorted into Gryffindor, and I ask that no matter what house you may be in you give her a warm welcome and help her with direction if she ever finds herself lost. That will be all." Dippet ended his speech with a polite smile directed at me.

At his speech almost every student looked my way, some flashing me smiles others giving me mere glances. A few students from Gryffindor smiled and introduced themselves, but that was all.

Soon enough the attention which was momentarily drawn to me was gone, and students returned to entertaining themselves via conversation. My eyes drifted over the food placed all over the table making my mouth water at the delicious looking meals.

Subconsciously, I began drawing a comparison between the food of high school and the food here. At Montgomery High, they seemed to not understand the difference between food and shit. Here they give us a five-star buffet, while there it was like we were prisoners eating.

"Oh; Rhiannon, you need to try the sandwiches. I don't know how, but those little house elves make the best sandwiches you'll ever taste." Lavender told me, passing a golden plate with a large sandwich on it.

Once it was in my grasp, I didn't hesitate with biting into it, nearly moaning at the taste. I had a lot of sandwiches over the years, and I mean a lot. But I have never tasted a sandwich which was this tasty.

"Good, right?" Lavender laughed slightly, at the face I pulled.

"Are you kidding this is amazing!" I exclaimed, through a mouth full of food.

"That," Walter pointed at me with a smile. "Is what I say every day." He nodded approvingly.

Lavender looked at him, before turning to me. "He does." She sighed as if the fact irritated her.

I only shrugged understanding why he would say it. This was some of the best food ever! I noticed Walter's eyes move to the entrance of the Great Hall before he sighed lightly. "Hmm, guess who it is?"

Lavender and I both looked to the entrance trying to find whoever it was Walter was talking about. A rowdy group of about seven boys strutted in, all laughing obnoxiously. The boy's varied in age none younger than fourteen, but not older than seventeen. Each was cloaked in a green uniform, the robe holding a snake symbol leading me to believe they were all in Slytherin house.

"Oh goody, Riddle's cult has arrived!" Lavender yelled in mock excitement, earning a snicker from Walter.

Riddle? As in Tom Riddle?

I figured now would probably be the time to start asking questions about Tom Riddle. The group of boys all made their way to the table on the right side of us. A table filled with student's wearing green robes.

Tearing my eyes away from the rowdy group, I looked to Lavender and Walter with a look of curiosity.

"Riddle's cult?" I inquired in a questioning tone.

Walter seemed to perk up at the question, turning to me eagerly; his eyes shining with something alike to respect. "Tom Riddle is only the brightest wizard in this school." Walter seemed like he was about to go on some type of rant, which would help me regarding the knowledge. Lavender noticed this as well and rolled her eyes at him, huffing.

"Tom is the fifth-year Slytherin perfect, and he is absolutely excellent. He is poor but brilliant, parentless, but oh-so-brave, a school prefect, and a model student. Even us Gryffindor's can't say anything bad about him. He rarely ever turns anyone down when they ask him for help with homework, the teacher's adore him, and practically every Slytherin student can rely on him for any help. He no doubts has the best grades Hogwarts has ever seen, he truly is clever. Sometimes I'm surprised he didn't end up in Ravenclaw." Walter mused.

"Merlin, Walter. You would think you bloody fancy the bloke by the way you speak about him." Lavender sourly cut him off, scowling.

Walter's face heated up, and he immediately shook his head. "No, I don't roll that way." He crossed his arms over his chest. "Besides you're only being sour because your grades always come in second compared to him."

"Excuse me?" Her mouth fell agape at his brash words.

"You see this, Lavender?" Walter questioned, holding up two fingers. "This is you compared to him. Second place." He snickered, being cut short as she whacked him on the back of the head. "What the—OW! Stop hitting me; I was only joking!" He yelped.

"What Walter didn't mention, is that despite Riddle's charming nature—he is incredibly arrogant. I mean those seven boys that just walked in are more followers than friends in my opinion." Lavender motioned to the rowdy Slytherin table.

"If Riddle was as arrogant as you so thoughtfully put it, then why has never courted a girl. I mean the woman is practically flinging themselves at him, yet he has never once shown interest." Walter tried to argue, earning a snort from Lavender.

"Are you kidding? That proves nothing, Walter. Just because Riddle hasn't picked anyone up doesn't mean he isn't arrogant. Maybe he takes school too seriously, or maybe he is just waiting for 'the one.' Who knows?" Lavender said, hotly.

"Well, the girl who Riddle one day decides to court will stand no chance against his charms." Walter shook his head, finishing his plate.

"Hold on, which one of them even is Tom?" I asked, looking to the group of boys trying to pick apart which one was Tom Riddle.

"Oh, he's not with them. He usually skips lunch, and studies instead." Walter looked over at the group.

"Hmm," I hummed looking at each male. "Well, what are their names?" I shrugged, finding that I should probably learn the names of the group closest to Tom.

Surprisingly, Lavender was the one to jump in and tell me. "That one is Abraxas Malfoy; just as arrogant as Riddle if not more. Avoid him." She pointed to a good-looking bleach haired guy laughing with a darker haired male.

"The one next to him is Antonin Dolohov. There is Nicholas Avery, then Marcellus Nott, across from him is Victor Rosier, and finally Gideon Lestrange." Lavender finished, scowling at them all. "All of them are horrible." She added, causing me to fall into a fit laughter.

Lavender's dislike for them all truly did amuse me. Walter joined me as we watched Lavender scowl at the Slytherin table.

"Ah, Miss Lightly. I take it your morning has been well." Dumbledore's voice suddenly appeared as he walked over to me with a piece of parchment in his hand.

"Other than the part where I had to get up, then yeah—it's been pretty good." I shrugged earning a look of amusement from him.

"Well, I'm sure the rest of your day will be most interesting." He said, handing me the parchment. "Here is your timetable for the year Miss Lightly." He smiled, before walking away from us.

Looking at it, I saw I had a class titled 'Defense Against the Dark Arts' after lunch. Lavender was peeking over my shoulder reading it as well.

"Brilliant, Walter, you, and I all have that class next." I was drinking a Goblet of the only liquid I recognized; that being water as she said this.

"Well come on then, lunch is about to end. We don't want to be late." She said, pulling Walter and I away from the table, me nearly choking on the water as I hastily set it down.

Just as the three of us trudged through the entrance, the bell rang signaling the next class about to begin. Lavender didn't hesitate in pulling us through corridors, shoving her way through the crowds of students.

I watched her, trying hard not to laugh as she literally pushed a seventh-year student to the ground while moving past him. The Hufflepuff boy looked at our retreating forms from the ground, waving a fist in the air.

Impressed was the only word I could use to describe Lavender. Generally, woman during the 40's were obedient to men. Not Lavender, quite frankly it seemed she didn't care about how she treated men at all. She was her own person, and that was something I admired in her.

The second the three of us entered the 'D.A.D.A' classroom, Walter had taken the lead and pulled us close to the corner of the room. Right away, I noticed all the tables and chairs pushed to the walls and a dueling stage in the center of the class.

"Oh man, we're dueling today." Walter sighed, while Lavender smiles brightly.

I couldn't help but shift in my spot nervously, never actually having done a wizarding duel. I didn't even know any spells to say. I would need to be creative in order to not make it look suspicious.

"Professor Merrythought, good afternoon." Lavender smiled sweetly as an older woman approached. "Please allow me to introduce Gryffindor's newest house member; Rhiannon Lightly." Lavender introduced me to 'Professor Merrythought.'

She was an older woman, likely to be in her late sixties. Her hair was an aging white, and her face despite it's older detail was one that looked to be of immense beauty in her younger years. Her eyes shone in a sort of stern way, but she smiled at me nonetheless.

"Pleasure to meet you, Miss, Lightly; Dippet said it was Ilvermorny you come from?" She questioned shaking my hand.

"Yes, Professor. Ilvermorny indeed." My American accent stuck out like a sore thumb in the middle of all these Brits.

"Long way from home are you not? Though, Ilvermorny is one of the best Wizarding schools worldwide, should I be expecting great things from you?" Merrythought questioned with a nice smile at the end.

I sighed, looking at her in a joking manner. "Probably not," I told her honestly, earning a small laugh in return.

"I appreciate the honesty Miss Lightly." She gave me a smile, before walking away to the front of the class.

Suddenly Walter gripped my arm pointing to the door of the class, whispering harshly in my ear. "Look there, that's Tom Riddle." He said.

Through the door walked the previous group of boys I had seen at lunch, with the addition of another. In the middle of the group stood, in my opinion, the most handsome teenage boy I had laid eyes on, and that was saying something.

Tom Marvolo Riddle was in all senses; stunning. He was a tall young man with full wavy jet black hair and striking ice blue eyes. His pale skin seemed to both oppose and support his inky locks, adding to his appealing features all the more.

His tall well-built body was adorned with finely ironed Slytherin robes and a shiny 'prefect' badge pinned to his right side pocket—the Slytherin emblem on his left. As soon as he entered his presence alone almost dominated the entire classroom. He was definitely not the oldest of his little group, but they all appeared to look to him as his leader.

A charming smile was placed on his lips that looked so natural and dare I say 'innocent,' that no one could ever suspect this well-mannered boy to be the cause of any anarchy. Even I was I taken by surprise; this was Voldemort? No nose, paper-skinned, skull face?

Multiple girls swooned at the sight of him, all flashing him shy smiles—which he returned with a small shake of his head. The stern-faced Professor Merrythought handed him a friendly smile, causing him to give another one of his award-winning looks her way.

His feet carried him away from his group of 'friends' and approached the Professor who stood at her desk.

"Good afternoon Professor, I see that we are dueling today?" He addressed her charmingly, placing his hands behind his back.

Most people would need to strain in order to hear their conversation. I; on the other hand, was able to hear it perfectly—as if the two were standing right next to me. Another 'perk' as you may call it to being a Nephilim. Extremely intensified senses. Sight, touch, smell, sound, and taste were all advanced for me.

"Hello Tom, and yes we are." The Professor smiled. "It will help me test how strong our new student is at dueling." She explained, causing Tom to momentarily falter—his eyes flashing in confusion.

"New student?" He questioned, tilting his head.

The Professor's eyes lit up in realization. "Oh yes, she was announced during lunch—you were probably studying through it. Her name is Rhiannon Lightly, and she is a fifth-year student—sorted into Gryffindor. Her parent's sent her over here, all the way from Ilvermorny. Ilvermorny, can you believe it? Her parent's sent her all the way from safe America to war-torn Europe." Merrythought said, shaking her head.

I rose a brow, surprised at how she just gave away her thoughts to Tom like that. "Yes, that is quite odd." Tom nodded in agreement, his eyes beginning to scan the class no doubt looking for me.

Before his gaze fell upon me, the Professor caught his attention. "You know Tom; she's quite the desirable girl. I'm sure the two of you will get along just nicely." She smiled at Tom in a way that spoke she was thinking we would get together.

I couldn't stop myself from glowering and crossing my arms. The last thing I needed was the teacher's trying to set me up with Voldemort.

Tom gave a small laugh, shaking his head—though I could sense a small bout of annoyance radiating off of him that the teacher didn't catch. "My studies surely come first, Professor," Tom told her.

"Hmm, well she's just over there with Rowle and McQuillon." Professor Merrythought pointed to us.

I quickly turned my eyes away from the two before they caught me eavesdropping, and pretended to listen in on whatever it was Lavender and Walter were discussing.

"I have no doubts that you will score no less than an 'E' on any of your O.W.L's, Lavender." Walter sighed.

"An E, you don't think I am capable of getting straight O's." Lavender raged, causing Walter to flinch.

"That is not what I meant." He scrambled to explain.

I could feel Tom's eyes on my form but pretended not to notice. I knew I had to gain Tom's trust to switch him from his dark course. In order to gain his trust, I had to get closer to him. How was I suppose to do that when he obviously didn't talk to many students outside his friends.

Get his interest.

I realized I would need to keep him interested in me to do this. My thoughts were cut short by the Professor clapping her hands looking to the class. "Today we will be dueling according to partners, so please listen for your name with who you're against." She announced, fixing her glasses as she looked at a clipboard.

At of the corner of my eye, I noticed Tom slowly draw his eyes away from me, his eyebrows furrowed in what seemed to be confusion. It didn't take a genius to figure he was trying Legilimens—what the wizarding world called mind reading.

He wouldn't be able to even glance in my head unless I worked really hard on trying to take down my natural border. For the average witch or wizard, they would need to perform Occlumency—the ability to block one's mind from peeking eyes. For me, my powers or angelic grace as most call it—naturally block my mind against anything. Meaning there was no possible way that Tom Riddle would ever be able to look in my mind no matter how powerful he was—unless, I granted him the ability to do so.

"Matilda Fletcher and Markus Lovegood. Gordon Parkinson and Denis Barry. Demetri Mulciber and Samara Colbine. Lavender Rowle and Vivian Nordone. Walter McQuillon and Amanda Flavius. Marcellus Nott and Kordelia Carrow." A few snickers went out across the room at those names. Walter leaned into my side whispering words of information. "Marcellus Nott and Kordelia Carrow are betrothed." Walter snickered in my ear.

My eyes went to a good-looking blonde female who strutted her way up to Nott. Dolohov patted him on the back, moving aside so his friend's fiance could come in. She held a confident look in her eye as she gazed challenging to her future husband.

"Tom Riddle and Vincent Morgue. Abraxas Malfoy and Rhiannon Lightly." A few people turned to look at me, but I ignored them focused on my own thoughts.

This was a real chance I had at gaining Tom Riddle's interest. My only problem was, how. I didn't know any spells that I could say, and pointing my wand tapping into Enochian magic wasn't really an option either. Of course, if I pointed the wand in the right movement while also saying the incantation, it wouldn't raise any suspicions. There was the same problem though—I didn't know any incantation so it would look like I was using silent magic. That was when a sudden idea hit me causing me to smile to myself. I knew the perfect way to gain his interest.

Throughout the whole of the dueling's Riddle's eyes continuously moved to me, trying to crack open my mind. I; however, pretended not to notice and didn't even give him as much as another glance.

Walter and Lavender had both won in their duel's, but I suppose that was to be expected considering they were prefects. Next up was Marcellus Nott and Kordelia Carrow. I watched as the two got in readying positions for the duel, Kordelia holding a look of determination in her blue eyes.

Nott simply looked wary, weakly holding out his wand. "3, 2, 1." Merrythought's voice rang out.

"Expelliarmus!" Kordelia shouted powerfully, voice clear as she stepped forward a bit.

A violent blue light left her wand and surged forward hitting Nott square in the chest. Nott yelped as he went flying backward dropping his wand, landing painfully on his backside. I noticed Tom scowl at him, as Nott groaned slowly getting up. Kordelia smirked, walking off the stage pride gleaming in her eyes.

Nott followed in suit, embarrassment clear on his features. He seemed to shrink under the look Tom was giving him, not being able to meet his eyes. I rose a brow at that becoming intrigued, obviously Lavender was right. They were more followers than friends of his.

Next much to my delight was Tom and Vincent. As they went the entire class seemed to be on the edge of their seats watching Tom. The Professor has barely uttered three before Tom raised his wand.

"Stupefy." He hardly said the word, as if he really didn't even need to be saying anything.

The green light left his wand so fast, I barely even saw it hit Vincent sending him flying back. His body hit the ground hard, causing for him to let out a series of pained moans. I then realized that Tom didn't even need to say the words, he only did it to stay on the down low.

The duel was over so fast I could barely even blink, Professor Merrythought grinned largely clapping her hands. "Very well done, Tom! Ten points to Slytherin."

Tom smiled coyly at her, waltzing off the stage; Vincent limping behind. As he passed by me, our eyes met in a powerful way—his eyes analyzing me hard. As I locked his eyes I could see behind all the charm was darkness. A powerful, insane monster waiting to be released. That was what I had to get rid off, that monster that he hides had to be gone, and it was my job to do just that.

However, I highly doubted I could completely rid him of it. Perhaps I would be able to make Tom a better man, but the monster lurking underneath would always be there. I would simply need to teach him to not give into it.

"Malfoy and Lightly, you're next." The Professor exclaimed.

I followed behind Malfoy, planning exactly how I was going to pull this off in my head. He strolled on stage across from me, myself praying that this boy was daft enough to fall for what I was about to pull. If this doesn't gain Tom's attention, I don't know what will. I tried to make it look as if I was scared, which effectively worked on Malfoy as his eyes softened slightly.

"3, 2, 1!" The Professor shouted, my mind reeling with this plan.

Quickly, my eyes drifted to some spot behind him, dramatically widening. "Merlin! What is that?" I cried pointing to something random behind him, causing him as well as the rest of the class to turn to what I was pointing to—Tom Riddle included in this.

Within seconds I darted to Malfoy, him turning back to me one second too late. He yelled as kicked his knee hard enough to distract him. Immediately I pulled his wand from his hand, holding it as if it were a prize.

"Ha! I won, and I didn't even use magic!" I snickered loudly, smirking at him.

Malfoy's eyes lit up in rage, as he turned to the Professor. "What! She can't do that!" He cried, holding his now sore knee.

"Actually, in a real duel, you can do anything." Merrythought shrugged, amusement shining in her eyes. "Technically you shouldn't have let her distract you like that. Lightly wins, and for creativity—five points to Gryffindor." The Gryffindor's in the class all cheered at me. I handed Malfoy his wand back, with a smirk.

He glowered at me, but before he could say anything, the bell rang signaling the end of class. "Better luck next time Malfoy, but probably not." I taunted him, giving him a mock sorry glance before jumping off the stage.

Students flooded out the classroom doors, myself simply walking up to Lavender and Walter. Lavender looked at me with a smile, Walter a look of amusement. "You know I think the rest of this year is going to go by just fine." Lavender shook her head, linking our arms.

"Come on; we have Charms next." She leads me out of the room, Walter following.

I knew by the look Tom Riddle was giving me I had effectively gained his interest. My next move, continue gaining his interest—become his own little Riddle. I flashed Tom a coy smile, as I left the room thoughts whirring through my mind at unprecedented speeds. Let's see if I actually succeed in this little mission of mine.