It was shaping up to be one of those days for Tom Riddle. He awoke to find the area outside his dormitory swarming with young witches from both Hogwarts and Beauxbatons. They knew he was eligible to attend the Yule Ball.
In truth, this ball, held before the second task of the Triwizard Tournament, was compulsory for the champions but optional for other students and professors like Tom. Of course, professors like Severus Snape could simply lurk in the shadows without dancing.
However, contrary to the witches' expectations, Tom had no intention of waltzing. Although he could dance, he considered it utterly boring. In fact, far more appealing than dancing was watching Snape's face sour at the ball due to the overt displays of affection, then following the indignant Snape to resolve the "Hogwarts puppy love problem," and mocking Snape for being a lonely bachelor every time they caught a couple…
That was what he wanted to do, not dance under Dumbledore's "knowing" gaze. Yes, that was also precisely why Tom didn't want to dance. It was obvious that no matter whom he partnered, he would catch Dumbledore's knowing, avuncular smile the moment he stepped onto the dance floor.
Besides, that old man was particularly vindictive; he had often tricked him in the past, and he certainly wouldn't miss this opportunity to needle him.
"…"
Thinking of the outrageous comments Dumbledore might make, Tom's expression grew stormy. But upon closer consideration, it seemed he could also retaliate.
Still pondering, Tom casually cast an Illusion Charm to bypass the gaggle of witches blocking his door.
There are still a few days until the ball, right?
Tom mused, deciding there was plenty of time. Maybe he could blow up Nurmengard and kidnap Gellert Grindelwald. Didn't that old codger claim he refused to leave Nurmengard, even as he was getting on in years? Then wouldn't it be just fine if Nurmengard was gone?
"Seems like I could really give it a try."
As long as he could spoil Dumbledore's fun, kidnapping Grindelwald from afar wasn't a problem for Tom; in fact, he was quite willing to do it.
Once he felt he was a safe distance from the teachers' quarters, Tom canceled the Disillusionment Charm.
But he underestimated the persistence of these witches; they were as numerous as fish in the sea. Someone had already anticipated his movements—several someones, in fact.
So Tom encountered several more hopeful witches on his way, and his response to them was…
"Thank you for the invitation, but I must decline."
"…"
"I am sorry, but I cannot dance, and I do not wish to learn."
"…"
"Why waste time dancing? If you do not seize this opportunity to outshine everyone else in your N.E.W.T. exams, what will you do?!"
"…"
"Young lady, I am pleased that you dared to invite a dance partner, but since you invited me, I find myself displeased."
Tom's words, spoken in the tone of an elder, left the young witch speechless. Professor, I'm already seventeen, and you've just turned twenty! You're not that much older than me!
However, since Tom was so insistent in his refusal, she couldn't force the issue. Fortunately, she had anticipated this, so it wasn't as devastating as she had imagined.
Having successfully resolved another minor inconvenience, Tom walked toward his office with a lighter step.
On the way, he encountered Miss Delacour, also known as Fleur, whom he had met before. She was strolling around Hogwarts with little Gabrielle.
The two sisters greeted Tom warmly, especially little Gabrielle.
Then, seemingly casually, Fleur brought up the ball. "Professor, are you aware that there is a ball during the Triwizard Tournament?"
"Yes."
"And will you be attending, Professor…?"
"I cannot say with certainty, but Dumbledore will certainly be dancing."
"Oh, very well."
Fleur nodded, and then her true intentions surfaced. "Then, Professor, do you also require… I mean, do you need a dance partner?"
"…"
Tom didn't reply. Fleur, noticing Tom's gaze, seemed a touch nervous.
Two and a half minutes later, Fleur left with little Gabrielle, somewhat disappointed, glancing back at him.
"Hmph… If nothing unexpected transpires, Dumbledore shall not witness my amusement. That way, I can slowly relish his discomfiture."
...
Click.
Tom pushed open the wooden door to his office and found someone else sitting in his seat.
None other than Cassandra Volle, who was becoming increasingly "disrespectful to Tom."
"…"
Tom silently went over and flicked Cassandra on the head.
"Ouch…"
Cassandra, clutching her head, glared at Tom resentfully as she vacated his chair. "Tom's an idiot."
"What? Are you blaming me for 'doing something wrong' after I caught you?"
Looking at Cassandra's pout, Tom found amusement in it.
"No…"
Although she denied it, Cassandra's expression clearly betrayed her dissatisfaction.
"Alright, then I shall assume you mean it."
Tom settled into his chair, and seeing this, Cassandra promptly brought over the tea she had prepared earlier.
Accepting the tea, Tom took a small sip. "So, what does Miss Volle, who was 'caught red-handed but has already given up,' want with this idiot?"
Hearing this, Cassandra's expression turned serious. "I am a participant in the Triwizard Tournament, so I am forced to attend the ball."
At this, Tom rested his arm on the table, propped his chin on his hand, and subtly smirked. "You want me to help you circumvent this requirement."
"…"
Cassandra was unsure if he was genuinely clueless or merely feigning ignorance. "No, I require a dance partner."
"You were rejected due to your unsavory temper, so you are coming to me to vent?"
Tom wanted to tease his rebellious student, but seeing Cassandra's increasingly menacing expression, he desisted. "Alright, how do you wish me to assist you?"
"You come with me."
"…"
Although he'd anticipated this, Tom still found it a bit difficult. "As a professor, it is not actually required that I dance."
"I asked Dumbledore, and he said you are welcome to join in the dancing."
"…"
Damn that old Dumbledore!
"I defeated Anne, just as you instructed; can I not receive a small reward?"
"…"
Tom remained silent but mentally "predicted" what would transpire if he answered "no"… Damn it! Rebellious apprentice!
"Very well, perhaps I can find some time to dance with you."
"You said it; do not go back on your word!"
"Practice your dancing first, you silly little apprentice."
"...Silly Tom."
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