Joy and Sorrow at the Astronomy Tower

Tom took a step back, widening the distance between them. Just as he was about to say something, his wrist was caught, and he was pulled into a warm embrace. A familiar scent wafted to his nose. "Let go of me... you idiot..."

Obediently loosening his hold on the person in his arms, Abraxas smiled tenderly. "Will you dance with me under the stars~"

Pressing his lips together tightly, Tom turned his head and snorted. He didn't know any dance steps! This guy was definitely trying to mess with him. Damn him, one day he would be someone everyone looked up to. At that time...

"I... I need to go back."

Sighing with regret, Abraxas nodded and said no more. He led Tom down from the tower, holding his hand all the way to the dormitory before letting go. He looked down at his palm, which still held a trace of warmth, and placed his hand over his heart.

After today... he would return to Malfoy Manor and hold his engagement ceremony with Olivia Greengrass. To appease the Greengrass family, he had to show his 'love'. "Haa... Grow up quickly, little Tom..."

Back in his dormitory, Tom lay on his bed, burying his face in the pillow. Perhaps he could believe that Abraxas liked him? He wasn't alone, he wasn't some unwanted outcast. "This feeling is so good... Is this what it feels like to be cherished?"

His spirits remained high throughout the Easter holiday. Tom happily continued with his studies. Thanks to Legilimency, he no longer dreamed of that annoying 'other self'. Everything was developing for the better.

Returning from the library, Tom entered the common room and stared blankly at the man and woman before him. What was he seeing? Why was Abraxas... looking at the Greengrass witch with such a gentle expression, holding her softly?

As if he had forgotten how to breathe, Tom jolted awake with a feeling of suffocation. He turned and fled the room, running all the way to the Astronomy Tower. He didn't understand. That person had only ever shown that expression to him...

"I must be hallucinating... Yes... it's all fake..."

'Heh~ How long are you going to deceive yourself?'

A cold, sibilant hiss echoed in his mind. Tom covered his ears and let out a sharp cry. "No!" Go away! Go away! He wasn't asleep. This voice was fake, all fake. Abraxas wouldn't do this to him. That person was his... his investor...

Slowly, Tom lowered his hands, his eyes gradually becoming vacant. As if petrified, he knelt on the spot. Yes, Malfoy was his investor. Everything was his delusion, wasn't it? What was he hoping for...

'That's right~ I told you, no one will ever truly love you... Only I won't betray you...'

'Go away. Even so, I don't need you... At least I still have Professor Dumbledore...'

The voice in his mind went quiet for a moment, followed by a burst of wild laughter. Tom desperately used Legilimency, but he still couldn't stop the voice. He heard the words he least wanted to hear right now...

'Haha~ Dumbledore? Don't forget the way he looks at you, Tom Riddle. You've never earned his trust... What a pathetic and laughable fool...'

Tom covered his ears again, completely emptying all his emotions. He didn't believe it. He didn't believe a single word this guy said. But why did he remember Professor Dumbledore's wary, scrutinizing gaze?