Twenty One

The Ball

  Rosie and Lily stood amidst a flurry of fabric.

  "What about this one?" Rosalie yelled from across the room, picking a rather casual blue dress out from her bag and holding it up against her body. Lily paused what she was doing and looked over it, disgust written all over her face.

  "Throw it out. You aren't wearing that to the ball." She yelled back, resuming her frantic search through her own bag to see if there were any fit contenders to wear that night.

  The door of Lily's bedroom creaked open, and William and Coriolanus, holding a large black bag, reluctantly walked through, careful not to step on any clothing thrown across the floor, covering it like a rug.

  "William, please. We're not in the mood to speak right now, we're very busy if you can't already tell for yourselves." She screamed slightly, completely wound up by the fear and anticipation of it all.

  Coriolanus and him chuckled, looking over at Rosalie who had all but given up on choosing anything she had bought. 

  "It can't be that hard to choose, can it?" Coriolanus's voice rung through the air and Lily paused and looked up at him with death shrouding her mind.

  "You were the one who gave us A DAYS notice to find a ball dress that neither of us own!" She screamed even louder, looking as though she were about to run over to him and strangle the man herself.

  Rosalie looked up and smiled, though still feeling her frustration.

  Coriolanus's exasperated gesture and the resounding thud of the bag hitting the floor signalled his frustration. With a pointed glance at the girls, he delivered his revelation as if it were the most obvious thing in the world.

  "Well, I wouldn't leave you empty-handed. Mother went shopping and brought at least ten dresses for the both of you to choose from each."

  Lily's eyes widened in surprise, quickly discerning the sincerity in Coriolanus's tone. Without hesitation, she darted towards the bag, her eagerness palpable as she unzipped it and began unfurling the array of dresses within.

  Rosalie, more cautious in her approach, approached the bag with guarded curiosity, her gaze meeting Coriolanus's with a newfound determination.

  "And who will be there tonight?" She inquired, her tone cool and composed, betraying none of the fear that simmered beneath the surface.

  Coriolanus observed silently as Rosalie sank to the floor, her fingers grazing over the delicate fabrics in search of the perfect dress. He noted her swift selection of a silky white fabric, a choice that spoke volumes about her taste.

  "Everyone, I meant it," he reiterated, his voice tinged with a hint of gravity. "That does mean you'll see a few people who sit at your father's table."

  Rosalie swallowed hard, the weight of his words settling uneasily in the pit of her stomach. With practiced composure, she pushed aside her apprehension, burying the unsettling revelation deep within her mind.

  "I'm taking this one!" Lily screamed at the sight of an olive green wide skirted gown, she twirled it around the room and winked at William, who smirked at her, happy to see her finally happy.

  Rosalie admired the ethereal white dress, its delicate straps and flowing silhouette enveloping her in a soft embrace of silk. A smile played at Lily's lips as she observed her friend's reflection in the mirror.

  "If you don't snatch it up, I just might," Lily teased, playfully nudging Rosalie with a wink.

  Coriolanus chimed in, a hint of satisfaction in his tone. "Mother had a feeling that one would catch your eye," he remarked, a smug grin tugging at the corners of his lips.

  Rosalie arched an eyebrow, her amusement evident. "Well, I'm not wearing it to impress your mother," she retorted, her playful defiance laced with a hint of sass.  

  "She's wearing it so Tom will pick her up and ravish her."  Lily joked, William looked at her. Coriolanus swallowed and looked at Rose like it was true and it wasn't some silly comment.

  Rosalie's eyes widened in disbelief at Lily's brazen comment, a mixture of amusement and exasperation flickering across her features.

  "Lily!" she exclaimed, her tone a mixture of reproach and amusement.

  William's disapproving glare bore into Lily, his expression a silent reprimand. "I told you, you can't talk about him like that," he chided.

  Undeterred, Lily responded with a cheeky grin, poking her tongue out in defiance. "What's he gonna do? Kill me?" she quipped, her words playful. "Rose would never speak to him again."

  Rosalie couldn't help but roll her eyes at her friend's audacity, shaking her head in exasperation.

---

  The dress was chosen, Lily was happy, all was well in the Rosier mansion. 

  Exiting Lily's bedroom, Rosalie felt the weight of the world lift from her shoulders. The oppressive tension had dissipated, replaced by a sense of fragile tranquility. Yet, looming in the recesses of her mind was the looming prospect of encountering her father's associates later that evening.

  Her footsteps carried her to the sanctuary of the second-floor balcony, offering a panoramic view of the estate bathed in the soft glow of the afternoon sun. The gentle rustle of the wind and the melodic chirping of birds provided a soothing backdrop as Rosalie settled onto a bench, a basket of berries and fruits serving as a welcome distraction for her rumbling stomach.  

  She reached her hand down to pick up a handful of raspberries, one of her favourites.

It was as she raised the berries to her lips that she sensed a presence behind her. With a quick turn, Rosalie found herself face-to-chest with Tom.

  His gaze, assessing and inscrutable, met hers as he reached for a raspberry from her outstretched hand, the tension between them palpable. With a deliberate slowness, he savored the berry before speaking in a hushed whisper.

  "I always thought you'd be a strawberry girl." 

  His tease made her face go pink.

  "Maybe you don't know me as well as you think." She teased back, reluctantly shoving the last of the berries in her hand into her mouth.

  Tom watched her mouth as she chewed, and her throat as she swallowed. His eyes flicked back to Rosie's eyes, a secretive gaze of desire behind them.

  "Maybe not." He said.

  "Whatever you're planning tonight- be careful." Rosalie said quickly, pushing the silence out of the conversation.

  Tom tutted, still bitter that she hadn't joined him last night.

  "I always am, Love." He raised his arm and felt his fingers touch down the side of Rosalie's arm. It sent a shiver down her spine and she took a step back.

"Don't call me that here," Rosalie hushed, her voice barely above a whisper, her eyes darting around anxiously, wary of prying ears.

  A mischievous glint danced in Tom's eyes as he leaned in closer, his words laced with a suggestive undertone. "You'll have to join me in my room tonight so I can call you that."

  Rosalie's expression hardened, her tone sharp with urgency. "Tom, I'm serious. Be careful. These families are loyal to my father. Just be careful what you say," she snapped, her concern palpable as she attempted to make him understand the gravity of the situation. Yet, despite her best efforts, she felt her cheeks flush with a mixture of frustration and apprehension.

  Tom regarded her with a newfound seriousness, his nod a silent acknowledgment of her warning.

  "Thank you for caring, but I must remind you, I'm quite charming," he remarked, a smirk playing at the corners of his lips as his gaze narrowed.

  Leaning in closer, Tom's breath tickled her ear as he spoke, his proximity sending a shiver down her spine. "I always get what I want—one way or another."

  With a lingering glance, Tom withdrew and sauntered away, leaving Rosalie to her own dirty thoughts. As she watched him disappear into the mansion, she couldn't shake the feeling that he didn't just mean the pureblood families.

---

  Tom sat in the dimly lit library, a thin trail of smoke curling from his fingers as he contemplated the impending night. His thoughts swirled with anticipation and a gnawing sense of unease, He was meant to meet with the girls, William and Coriolanus before leaving.

  A subtle knock at the door shattered his reverie, drawing his attention to the figure of Coriolanus entering with a stiff smile etched on his jaw.

  "We're ready, my lord," Coriolanus announced reluctantly, his demeanour betraying a hint of trepidation as he made to leave.

  "Wait," Tom's voice cut through the air, halting Coriolanus in his tracks.

   Coriolanus hesitated, then complied, slipping back into the room.

  "Close the door and have a seat, Rosier," Tom commanded coolly, his mind racing with memories of his past with Rosalie. A pang of resentment flickered within him at the thought of Coriolanus being with her again, even if it was all part of their orchestrated facade of engagement. It was a role he played all too convincingly, a deception he could ill afford to unravel.

  Coriolanus settled into a chair opposite Tom, his arms crossed defensively as he awaited his lord's interrogation. Tom leaned forward, his hands clasped together as he fixed his steely gaze upon his 'loyal' servant.

  "Why did you give Grindelwald personal information about me?" Tom's voice simmered with restrained anger, the frustration of Coriolanus's betrayal boiling to the surface. He had tolerated his disobedience for far too long, and Tom wasn't sure he could contain his wrath much longer.

  Coriolanus swallowed hard, the weight of their previous discussions heavy upon him.

  "My family had other loyalties. I was pressured," he confessed, his tone tinged with regret.

  "Your only loyalty should have only ever been be to me," Tom reminded him, his voice a sharp rebuke.

  "I understand. It was a one-time mistake," Coriolanus stammered, his resolve wavering under Tom's intense scrutiny.

  "If it does happen again," Tom's voice dripped with menace, "I will make you suffer. I will destroy everything you hold dear, and save you for the very last."

  The threat hung heavy in the air, a stark reminder of the consequences of betrayal in Tom's world of deceit and manipulation.

  Though, the threat he had given didn't seem to have even half the intended impact Tom thought it would have on Coriolanus. He, in turn, smiled to his dark lord.

  "Well, that would be quite impossible for you my lord." He cheeked him, even while knowing the dire situation he had placed himself in.

  Tom was filled with anger... and intrigue.

  "Do tell." He spat.

  Coriolanus remained unfazed, his calm demeanour unsettling in the face of Tom's wrath. "You can't kill the one person I love the most," he declared, his words hanging in the air like a damning confession.

  Tom's eyes narrowed.

  "You're in love with her as well," Coriolanus stated.

  Coriolanus met Tom's gaze evenly, a ghost of a smile playing at his lips. "But unlike you, by the end of the night, she'll always obey me more than you," he taunted, a smugness colouring his words. 

  The insult cut deep, a sharp pang of jealousy coursing through Tom's veins. With a surge of rage, he lashed out of his seat, his fist connecting with Coriolanus's jaw in a vicious blow.

  "Rosalie isn't one to obey those she hates," Tom seethed, his voice dripping with venom as Coriolanus fell to the floor. His mind raced as he looked at the man in front of him, who had overstepped his stay one two many times.

  The moment he moved again, Tom reached down to grab his collar, punching him square in the nose for a second time, knocking him out quicker than he would've intended. He dropped Coriolanus back to the floor and stood above him, victorious, allowing his harsh breathing to stabilise.

  Tom adjusted the cuffs of his shirt, his own thoughts settling heavily upon him. With a firm resolve, he reached down and hoisted the limp body, its weight heavy against his frame. Rather slowly, he made his way over to the corner in careful steps.

  Tom slammed Coriolanus's body against the back of a cupboard, and used his wand to cast a purple haze over his face as he muttered a few words, an intent in his mind to keep Coriolanus knocked out as long as possible. 

  He shut the door quickly and let go of Coriolanus, locking the cupboard in place as the metallic clang echoed in the stillness, he hurled the key to the farthest corner, its dull clatter fading into the silence. Straightening out his pristine white shirt, he coughed nervously before storming out of the library. 

  As though nothing had happened.

---

  The clock clicked past their arranged meeting time. 

  Rosalie, Lily, and William stood at the pinnacle of the grand staircase. With a gallant gesture, William extended his arm to Lily, who accepted it with a radiant smile, her eyes sparkling with excitement.

  Lily's olive dress draped gracefully around her figure, its hem trailing behind her in a subtle cascade of fabric. Beside her, Rosalie stood in her white silk dress, its form-fitting silhouette accentuating her curves with subtle allure. Though it lacked the trailing elegance of Lily's gown, it wasn't something to be understated.

  "He's still not here." Rosalie looked at the clock one last time, seeing Coriolanus had yet to arrive, which made little to no sense, as it was his own home.

  It wasn't that she was the slightest bit worried about him- but if he wasn't there, she would be forced with the prospect of speaking to all her fathers followers alone.

  Just as her own worry threatened to overwhelm her, Tom walked through the corridor beside them, immediately catching Rosalie's curious eye. His suit was dashing, hugging into his chest and making him look all the more handsome. His hair was messy but styled, pushed back effortlessly like he had no knowledge of just how gorgeous he looked.

  Rosalie swallowed as he approached, his presence both unexpected but strangely reassuring. With a charming smile, he extended her arm to her as he approached, just as William had done for Lily.

  Lily looked at William and knew better than to intervene, she pulled her boyfriend ahead of them, descending the staircase without them, leaving them in the privacy of each others own intimate thoughts.

  "Coriolanus is caught up in the bathroom. Must've been something he ate." He lied so effortlessly that even someone like Rosalie was finding it hard to be unbelieving of him.

  Rose hesitated for a moment, uncertainty flickering through her eye, but with a resigned not, she took his arm, and allowed him to lead her down the staircase and into the main ballroom.

  As they entered the room, all eyes were on them. Rosalie could feel the stares of Coriolanus's parents from a mile away- but coming with Tom was better than sticking it out alone. To put it plainly- she hoped everyone would stay away from them.

   It was a sight few had anticipated though- Rosalie, the daughter of Grindelwald, on the arm of Tom Riddle, instead of her presumed date, Coriolanus Rosier. Yet, despite the curious gazes and raised eyebrows, Rosalie held her head high, her determination unwavering as she navigated the sea of judgers by Tom's side.

  Though, it wasn't long before she was waved over by a few familiar faces. Rosalie smiled back and began slowly pulling Tom in the same direction

  "Tom, we have to go and meet some people. Remember what I said."

  "What did you say? I'm not sure I remember" He teased.

  Rosalie jabbed him in the stomach, barely hurting him, though it took him by surprise. They got to the older couple rather quickly, immediate greetings flying through the air like a practised melody.

  "Mr Williams, Mrs Williams." Rosalie greeted with a kind nod, Tom standing tall at her side.

  "Always lovely to see you Rosalie, though I'm sure you know your father is eager to see you. Though I also suppose you are rather busy in your studies!" Mr Williams exclaimed, trying to keep the conversation light even though it had the opportunity to go much darker.

  Rosalie forced a laugh to match Mr and Mrs Williams.

  "You are quite right. Anyway, beg my pardon, this is my classmate Tom Riddle, Head Boy and also top in our year." Rosie tried to give him the best opening she could possibly think of. Mr Williams worked in education in the ministry, a rather high positon that he kept well.

  Mr Williams looked at him, offering him a firm handshake. Tom took it with strength, sending a smile onto the mans face. 

  "Smarter than our Rosie herself hey? You must be quite the young man then." He nodded, looking him up in down with a slight anticipation.

  "Well- We're more equal." Rosalie murmured, though they all heard it.

  "She's modest for me- I'm much better than her." Tom laughed in gentle sarcasm, his smile so captivating that both Mr and Mrs Williams couldn't help but laugh along with him. Rosalie rolled her eyes, but found herself playing along in his charade of charisma. It helped him greatly that he looked the way he did- Mrs Williams couldn't keep his eyes off of him.

  Though it was a stupid reaction, and she was at least forty years older than the both of them, Rosie found herself clinging tighter to Tom's arm protectively. Tom tried to hide his beaming smile, though he covered it up easily in conversation.

  The conversation flowed rather easily after that, and Rosalie felt dumb for even thinking Tom would need help in winning any people over. It was only five minutes into the conversation before Mr Williams had offered Tom a job in the ministry when he was done with school.

  "We're always looking for bright minds like yours Tom." Williams patted him on the arm, nodding his head structurally. Rose couldn't help but look at him and see a normal- well behaved boy. His act was so perfect she wanted to believe it herself.

  "Think about it, and let me know." Mr Williams smiled brightly and began walking away with his wife to find some new victims to torment with their elderly advice.

   As soon as they were out of earshot, Rosalie couldn't hold back her slight frustration any longer. She loosened her grip on his arm. Tom looked down to where she had let go.

  "Did you really have to do that?" she muttered, her gaze averted from his.

  The music swelled in the ballroom, the rich strains of a live classical orchestra filling the air as they began to play "Merry-Go-Round of Life."

  Tom let out a scoff, shifting to catch a glimpse of the sour expression on her face. "Do what? Make them warm up to me?" he replied, a hint of amusement dancing in his eyes at her evident annoyance.

  "It was a bit much- 'Oh, Mr. Williams! I excel at all my classes! My professors adore me! I come from pureblood lineage!'" Rosalie mimicked in a mockingly high-pitched voice, and Tom couldn't help but find her rendition oddly entertaining.

  "Now you're the one being dramatic. I believe you're just a tad bit jealous," he teased, his tone light yet tinged with underlying meaning.

  "Jealous? Of what?" Rosalie countered, her brow furrowing in confusion.

  "I haven't quite figured that out yet," Tom replied cryptically, a mischievous glint in his eyes.

"But for now, let's set aside your silly little indifference towards me and enjoy the evening, shall we?" he suggested, extending his hand to her with a playful grin.  

  It was a silent invitation to the dance floor. With a hesitant look, she couldn't hide her smile away any longer, and she accepted, allowing him to lead her into the swirling throng of dancers.  

  The strains of the music enveloped them, its haunting notes weaving a spell of enchantment around them as they moved in perfect harmony. Tom's movements were fluid and graceful, his skill as a dancer evident in every step he took.

  But for Rosalie, the world seemed to fade away as they danced, her focus drawn only to the touch of his hand on her waist, sending shivers of anticipation coursing through her veins. They moved as if in a trance, their gazes locked in an unspoken exchange of longing and desire.

  Amidst the whirl of the dance floor, they were lost in each other's eyes, oblivious to the world around them. It was as if time itself had stood still, allowing them this fleeting moment of connection, a moment that held the promise of something deeper, something more profound than just this dance.

  The music brought them together, and Tom swirled Rosalie around the dance floor against the beating heart in his chest.

  "Why do you have to be like this?" Rosalie asked in a low voice, as if it were a mistake that wasn't meant to leave her own head.

  "Like what?"

  "There are two of you. Tom Marvolo Riddle, and Lord Voldemort. I cannot live with the both of of them." She felt his heart beat, her ears no longer tuning into what had been beautiful music. The sound of Tom's own soul was something that couldn't be beat.

  "It's only me Rosalie." He pulled her closer, fearing this moment would be over quicker than he needed. Though, he wasn't sure if he was okay with any length of time that wasn't forever with her.

  "If it's any consolation, you make me reconsider my view on a few aspects of life." He quickly added.

  "Like what?" She asked, fast and eager.

  Before Rosalie could press further, Tom smoothly redirected the conversation. "Speaking of aspects, you look absolutely stunning tonight," he remarked, his gaze lingering appreciatively on her.

  Rosalie's expression softened, but she couldn't help but raise an eyebrow skeptically. "Flattery will get you nowhere, Tom," she quipped, her guard still firmly in place. "You must want something from me if you're resorting to charm."  

  Tom chuckled, a glint of amusement dancing in his eyes. "Ah, but can't a man appreciate beauty without ulterior motives?" he countered, his smile playful.

  Rosalie considered his words for a moment, a hint of skepticism still lingering in her gaze. But despite her reservations, she couldn't deny the flutter of warmth that stirred within her at his compliment.  

  All of a sudden, Coriolanus burst out of the room with a furious expression, his face flushed with anger and beads of sweat glistening on his brow. Rosalie instinctively pulled away from Tom, her concern evident as she saw the look of complete rage on his face.

  "Coriolanus, where have you been?" She demanded, her voice tinged with slight worry and frustration.

  But Corio ignored her, his attention fixated solely on Tom, who stood there, aware of what he was about to do. For some reason, he wanted Rosalie to see this. He wanted her to see that he wasn't the only one who could terrify her. 

  With a primal roar, Coriolanus charged forward, his fist connecting with Tom's jaw with a sickening thud. Tom staggered backward, blood streaming from his split lip and a gash forming on his cheek.

  Reacting swiftly, Tom drew his wand, his movements fluid and precise. With a flick of his wrist, he cast a spell that sent Corio hurtling backward, crashing into the wall with a resounding thud. People were gasping, watching as Tom defended himself.

 The impact knocked him unconscious, leaving him slumped against the wall, a bruised and defeated figure.

  Rosalie stood frozen in shock, a single tear tracing a silent path down her cheek as she witnessed the violence unfold before her eyes. Lily moved to comfort her, but Rosalie broke free from her grasp, her heart heavy with anger. 

  At every turn, Tom seemed to only ever be able to act with destruction.

  Tom watched in silence as Rosalie fled from the room, his expression unreadable as he took in the aftermath of the altercation. Without a word, he began to walk after her, his footsteps measured and deliberate. Each step brought him closer to her, his goal to get her back was firm, despite the uncertainty that clouded his mind.

A/N

lets just say... things get a little... heated... next chapter... stay tuned...

vote and comment to give me motivation to write it lol