Tom and Elizabeth's meetings had been brief but to the point since then. They'd met in lessons and worked together at Tom's request.

"You're my only match," he'd said at the time, "No one else's work even compares to mine."

Elizabeth had laughed but she didn't really find the words themselves amusing. She just found Tom's excuses to be close to her hilarious. She acknowledged this.

Tom, on the other hand, didn't realise Elizabeth's attempts to stay close to him. The first time she'd done so was when Slughorn began to speak to the pair.

"You two are invited to the party tonight!" He said cheerfully. Tom and Elizabeth had clearly missed out on part of Slughorn's conversation about a Slug Club get-together.

"Our pleasure, professor," Elizabeth replied quickly before Tom said anything, "I'll make sure Mr Riddle arrives on time."

"Oh, Elizabeth!" The man clad in checkered patterns and a silly hat responded, "You are both so responsible!"

Tom smiled falsely. The professor grinned back, not knowing any better about Tom's teacher-impressing antics.

"Are you going to attend?" Elizabeth asked as Slughorn got far enough away not to overhear their conversation.

"Of course," Tom's voice was smooth and unwavering. A smirk appeared on his features as he returned the question.

"Of course," Elizabeth mocked him, a gleeful smile forming on her lips, "Perhaps we should go together."

Tom laughed, "Did you expect anything otherwise?"

Their connection came to them naturally. Neither of them realised it but they were becoming inseparable. And in their personal time, their thoughts were only filled with each other.

Elizabeth picked out her dress earlier that evening. She'd had it for a while but often skipped Slughorn's parties for studying - which was the only reason why the potions teacher wouldn't let someone attend - so she'd never had the chance to wear it.

It was a plain black dress with a sweetheart neckline but lace covered her cleavage and the sleeves were of the same lacy material - they hung just below her shoulders. Elizabeth felt her confidence in her outfit as she pulled it down a little to go just above her knees.

With the assistance of a few charms, her hair was in springy curls and her makeup was dark and precise. She was ready to go.

She walked down the stairs steadily in her small black heels. She wasn't brave enough to wear anything higher.

She met Tom as soon as she reached the bottom.

He thought he looked good. But then again, when didn't Tom Riddle think highly of himself? He smirked as he saw Elizabeth approach him. They matched perfectly.

Tom was wearing a pair of black suit pants with a matching blazer, a crisp, white shirt and a black tie. His hair was styled into more of an organised fashion than usual and his hands were shoved casually into his pockets.

"You look ravishing," he commented as they began to walk to the venue of Slughorn's party.

"Is that a joke?" Elizabeth giggled. Tom never really complimented her. The only nice thing he said about her was that they were about on par in academics. About.

"No," Tom replied defensively, "It isn't."

"Right."

The rest of the walk was silent. They arrived at the same time as most people. Tom decided not to sit by Elizabeth at the large, round table. On the surface he wanted to believe that it was because she was a hindrance to him, but on the inside he knew it was because he wanted to enjoy the pure sight of her. He wanted to stare at her from across the table and make her quiver and blush under his gaze as she noticed. He needed her to know that he felt something. Even if it wasn't love.

But how could she if he didn't know it himself?

"Welcome, welcome!" Slughorn announced loudly, his pitch excitable and high, "I know you all understand why you're here. This is a congratulations to your regular successes throughout this year!"

A few students chattered amongst themselves as Slughorn began to cheer, rather lonesomely. No one was really interested.

"May the feast begin!"

Tom and Elizabeth were less interested in the range of luxurious foods in front of them and rather more interested in each other. They were playing a game with their eyes.

Who could win? Elizabeth thought she'd defeat Tom, but she felt herself become heated and bothered by Tom's undying gaze. He didn't blink but that didn't matter. He was testing her. He was seeing if she'd look away first.

Despite the blood rushing to her cheeks, Elizabeth made no attempt to hide it. She breathed heavily, closing her chocolatey eyes briefly before opening them again to meet Tom's cold blue ones.

"Oh, Tom m'boy! Are you not hungry?" Slughorn asked, interrupting their unspoken competition. Tom's eyes were forced away from Elizabeth's as he turned to the professor to engage in a conversation about how he wasn't feeling great.

Elizabeth took those moments to wipe any bad thoughts away as well as cool down her cheeks.

Tom turned back to her soon enough and they were back on the battlefield. Before they knew it, the night was over and they were walking back to the Slytherin dungeons alone.

"I see I won our little game," Elizabeth smirked. Gloating wasn't her thing but she sure enjoyed belittling Tom.

"What game would that be, Miss Marin?" Tom asked tauntingly as he stepped in the doorway, holding the door for Elizabeth. She entered and instantly took of her heels.

"Thank god," she said as she held them out in front of her.

"I would suggest a debate over the use of high-heeled shoes, but it is getting rather late. Goodnight, Elizabeth."

"Goodnight, Tom. I await the night that you call me by my desired name," Elizabeth replied disapprovingly, "It's Lizzie, had you forgotten."

"I do not forget," Tom responded before a pool of darkness took over his figure and he was gone.