Chapter 8

It took time for Tom to divulge the depths of his plans to Anastasia. She was inducted into the meetings, but it was clear the boys had topics they were not to discuss in front of her. Her days became more and more associated with Tom. She sat next to him in many classes, ate with him at all meals, and they even studied in the library together. She felt his watchful gaze constantly upon her. Her world was intoxicated by him. She felt herself change. People noticed her now, and it wasn't because she was the butt of a joke. Girls smiled at her and boys stared. She couldn't hide how much she loved it. She finally felt she was getting the attention she always deserved. Instead of watching from the sidelines, she was at the centre and those she observed were watching her. Slytherins became nicer to her, and others became jealous.

Tom noticed how much Professor Slughorn liked him and Anastasia sitting with each other. The professor had always liked her as she was second in the class, after Tom, but due to her quiet nature had never gotten to know her well. Professor Slughorn began making small comments to the pair, and Tom realised the professor saw himself as a type of matchmaker. After one potions class Professor Slughorn asked a few select students to stay behind to give them invites to his Christmas dinner party. He handed one to Tom.

"Here is your invite Mr Riddle, and I have one for Miss Delaney also, but I presume you will be attending together?" The professor raised an eyebrow suggestively. Anastasia was about to object to the notion, but Tom took a step forward.

"Thank you, I believe we will Professor." Tom took Anastasia's hand as they left the classroom. When they turned down the corridor Anastasia released herself from his grip.

"So what was that about?" Anastasia questioned.

"This is your first task Miss Delaney." Tom looked down at her as they walked. "I'm Professor Slughorn's favourite student, but that doesn't mean he's not wary of me and my ideas. If he believes we are romantically involved it will soften his view of me. Not only will I be his most gifted student, but I'll also be a romantic gentleman." Anastasia smiled as she nodded.

"If there's one thing Professor Slughorn likes more than a talented witch or wizard, it's a talented couple." Anasatasia sighed. Tom nodded in response, giving her a smile to approve of her understanding. Once they reached the common room Tom stopped before turning to his dorm.

"Do you have an appropriate outfit for the party?" Anastasia smile slipped from her face. She had never been one for fashion, and she had no idea what would be considered "appropriate" for a dinner party.

"I can go to Hogsmeade tom-"

"Leave it to me." Tom turned on his heel and walked to his dorm. Anastasia wondered whether she trusted a man to pick out her outfit, how would he even know her measurements? However, she was just relieved that the fault would not be hers if it was wrong.

The day of the party arrived, and Tom had been using the image of Anastasia being his girlfriend more and more. At first it made her uncomfortable, but it was making him trust her more. She had set her aim to become his most important follower. The only teacher that seemed not taken with the new couple was Professor Dumbledore, and it angered Tom immensely. This only made Tom more set on manipulating Slughorn, and Anastasia could feel the pressure.

She found a box on her bed with a small note. She opened the piece of paper to read:

"Anastasia,

View tonight as a trial.

Wear your hair down.

Your devoted boyfriend,

Tom Riddle."

"Cheeky bugger." Anastasia laughed, opening up up the big white box. The smile quickly dropped from her face. She lifted the dress to reveal a green floor-length satin gown. She gasped as she ran her fingers over the black laced details. She had never seen a more beautiful piece of clothing in her life. She felt overwhelmed, she wasn't used to such extravagance. She took a deep breath and removed her school skirt and jumper. She slipped into the gown and went to look at herself in the mirror. She hadn't realised how fitted the top part would be. The lace short sleeves slipped delicately off her shoulders as the corset showed off the curves of her breasts and waist. The emerald green satin fell over her hips to the floor like a waterfall. She ran her hands over her body, admiring her breasts and waist for the first time. She had never really looked at her body before. Her fingers touched her cleavage and her collarbones, leaving trails of goosebumps. She let her hair down and frame her face, feeling the waves fall down her back. She went back to the box to find a pair of black heels with a pointed toe. She slipped them on and put on her only pair of nice earrings, a small pair of gold hoops her father had given her before he was arrested. She walked around her room a few times, trying to get used to the shoes. She caught a glimpse of herself in the mirror again and din't even recognise herself. She looked rich. She looked like a lady.

Anastasia noticed the time and realised she was going to be late. She rushed out of her room and made her way towards the party. When she began approaching she saw Tom standing by the entrance waiting for her, checking his watch. She slowed down her jog, shook herself slightly, took a deep breath and began walking slowly with hopes of appearing as if she fit in. As she got closer she couldn't help but feel shocked at the sight of him. He wore a crisp black tux that matched his hair. He clenched his jaw, exposing his sharp jawline. She stopped in front of him and Tom looked up. His eyes grew as he examined her body, landing on her face. Her green eyes matched the dress perfectly, her wisps of brown hair outlining her face. Tom couldn't help but smile.

"I knew you would look ravishing in this colour." Anastasia rolled her eyes, but her cheeks burned pink. She turned to go in, but he quickly grabbed her arm and squeezed.

"One final touch Miss Delaney." Tom revealed a gold necklace with a diamond charm. Anastasia froze. He placed it around her neck. The gold glistened as the diamond sat in the middle of her collar bone. He smiled down her.

"Perfect.' He placed a hand on the small of her back, sending a shiver into her legs. As they walked in together everyone turned to look at them, but for once everyone was looking at her, not him.