Chapter 3

"Tom slow down!" Anastasia shouted from behind him.

"We're running late thanks to you being a fascinatingly slow eater Miss Delaney." Anastasia rolled her eyes.

"It's your meeting my Lord, you're allowed to be late." Tom stopped dead in his tracks and turned to face her, making Anastasia run directly into his chest. Tom threw his hand around her throat and squeezed slightly, pushing her against the corridor wall.

"I told you never to call me that in public Anastasia." He spoke through gritted teeth. Anastasia lifted her hand and placed it lightly on his chest. She flashed her emerald green eyes up at him and he pushed his body even harder against hers. She released a small gasp.

"You're pushing your luck today Miss Delaney, at this rate I'll be punishing you all night." A slight smirk grew on his lips. Anastasia couldn't help but tremble slightly. He loved the effect he had on her. With one last squeeze he lifted his hands from her throat and pushed his body off of hers. He swiftly turned to continue down the corridor leaving Anastasia to force her weak legs to move. She followed Tom into the classroom to find the usual suspects waiting for them. No one questioned Tom's timing, Avery had learned that lesson the hard way.

"I have big plans for us this year." Tom began, Anastasia went to take a seat next to Rosier. "I have now created a second Horcrux-"

"A second one?" Anastasia questioned. The boys all looked at one another trying to hide their concern.

"Yes Miss Delaney, a second one. I have decided I will make seven of them. This will take up most of my time and interest this year so you will all continue with your own tasks that I have assigned." Tom watched the group before landing on Anastasia. For a split second he considered obliviating her, as he was concerned about the amount of time he spent thinking about her, but the longer he looked he realised she remained useful. He quickly removed his eyes from her, not allowing himself to think so pathetically.

"So who wants to update me first?" As the boys went down the line discussing their deeds for the Dark Lord Tom listened quietly. However, when it reached Anastasia's turn to talk Tom lifted up his hands towards the group.

"Thank you all. I believe each of you know what to do. We'll meet next week." As the boys got up Anastasia remained seated, glaring at Tom. She did not like being treated differently to his other followers. She knew Tom still viewed girls as weak, but she thought he viewed her differently.

"Can I have a word, my Lord?" Anastasia hissed towards Tom as the others began leaving the classroom. Tom snapped his head towards her and grimaced.

"Of course, Miss Delaney." The pair waited until the boys had left and closed the door. Anastasia focused in on Tom.

"I do not appreciate being made to feel lesser than the others, especially considering they consist of boys with mummy issues and daddy's coins clanging in their pockets." Anastasia crossed her arms and kept her eye-line piercing. Tom released a small sigh.

"Miss Delaney, I would have thought by now you would realise I do not see you as lesser. If anything, your mind is of more use to me than all of them put together." Tom leaned back on the teachers desk, staring down at her. "The tasks I require from you are secret, Anastasia. I don't want you to discuss them with the others." Anastasia couldn't help but smile slightly.

"Then why don't we just get rid of them, Tom?" She stood up and walked over to him. "You know we could do all of this without them, they're imbeciles." She grabbed his tie and gently yanked it down so his face would bend towards hers.

"They are rich, pureblood imbeciles Anastasia. Unfortunately, neither of us have those much needed qualifications in this world." He leaned down and placed a cold peck on her lips.