Chapter 7

"Anastasia?" She woke up to Matilda Crabbe nudging her side. She looked around to realise she had fallen asleep in herbology again. "God, you look like you haven't slept in weeks." Matilda's voice seemed concerned. 

She was right to be concerned, Anastasia hadn't slept in days since her evening in the room of requirement. Tom had asked her to find an object she believed worthy of becoming a Horcrux. At first she was filled with pride, as Tom had yet to reveal to anyone what objects he had used, so she was overjoyed at this promotion. However, as the days had gone on and her research began her mind began to question him. She knew well enough now that Tom didn't really trust anyone, definitely not enough to share such an important piece of information. He had changed slightly after creating the first Horcrux last year. He spoke little about how he had learned to do it or what it entailed, but Anastasia was unable to leave herself in the dark. She had read all she could on the subject and confronted him, asking who he had killed. She thought he would be furious, but that was the moment she separated herself from the rest of the group in his eyes. She did fear her understanding of his deeds made him more paranoid, however, and he severely warned her not to try discover the object he had used. Anastasia had no idea what he deemed appropriate and she had read all the books on ancient symbolisms of objects in the magical world. She was no closer to deciding on what to bring to Tom, and she expected him to ask her at any moment.

After classes she walked swiftly back to her dorm. There had to be something in one of the symbology books that would spark an idea to her. She lay on her bed flipping through the pages, almost losing hope, when an image caught her eye. The page was dedicated to the imagery of skulls, being the most common symbol of death.

"Of course!" Anastasia shouted, jumping up form her bed. She pulled out her trunk and began scavenging. She pulled out a small box and blew off the dust. When she opened it she felt a huge wave of relief.

"Perfect." She smiled, putting the box in her pocket. Realising the time she left for dinner, feeling quite pleased with herself. As she walked down the corridor her concerns began to work their way back into her mind. Why had he asked her to pick a Horcrux? Was he testing her? As she was caught up in thought she suddenly felt a strong pair of hands grab her waist. Before she knew what was happening she was dragged into the darkness of a cupboard.

"Lumos!" Anastasia shouted, her wand at the ready. As the insides of the cupboard began to glow that infamous stare illuminated in front of her.

"Tom" She released a deep breath. "What the-" Tom placed his hands over her mouth. She turned the light off and began listening to voices outside.

"I am only saying we should be wary, Headmaster." Anastasia recognised the voice, it was Professor Dumbledore. "I have felt dark magic, I have heard a whisper of warning." Anastasia felt Tom tense up in front of her. There was a long pause before Headmaster Dippet responded, but by that time they were too far passed the cupboard and neither could understand what he said. Tom's breathing deepened.

"Tom what-"

"Have you found an object yet?" His voice was urgent. The slit in the door allowed Anastasia to see the curves of his face.

"Yes." 

With that simple answer, Tom threw his face into hers, connecting their lips. Anastasia dropped her wand at the impact. He grabbed her waist roughly, pulling him in to her causing her to release a small moan. She wrapped her arms around his neck, pulling him closer to her. As they kissed Tom bit her lip and she tasted iron. The blood mixing in their mouths only spurred Tom on and he dug his fingers into her waist. Anastasia had never experienced Tom like this, so needing. She pulled his hair and he moaned into her mouth. Suddenly the pair heard two female voices walking past, and they snapped back to reality. Once the voices had passed Tom opened the door and warily looked out. He bent down and picked up Anastasia's wand. She followed him out, looking flustered. Tom smiled and leaned down, running his finger over the small cut he had caused on her bottom lip. Anastasia brought her hand up and wiped the blood away from the corner of his mouth. While smiling up at him she placed her finger on her tongue and licked the blood and saliva. Tom's smile dropped as he watched her in yearning. He leaned down to her ear.

"You'll meet me tonight." She grinned, all concerns forgotten in that moment.