Tom Riddle X Reader | ✓

Part 97: It All Ends Here. The Reader's final choice.

"Let me help you" - you stretched your hand towards his injured body, now on the gloomy texture of his hideout's floor.

But he wouldn't let you touch him, pushing your arm out of the way as he limped upwards "I'm fine"

"But I sho--"

"I said I was fine." - irritability glinted in his eyes

You backed up, letting him grab balance on his own, still making sure he wouldn't fall "Do you want me to--"

"Leave me."

"But--"

"LEAVE." - Riddle's voice shook as he sneered. His fists were clenched so tightly, his short nails dug into his flesh.

He caught sight of the shimmery look in your glare and his rage diffused. Then he noticed your briefly parted lips.

You were just caring for him - he realized

His eyebrows lifted as he exhaled and grabbed you in for a hug.

As he held you tightly to his heart, he gently squeezed before letting go, then looked straight into your eyes "I will end anyone and everyone who oppose us"

"Us?" - you repeated "Is there finally an us?"

"Do not make me change my words." - Tom softly said "Leave." - he barely muttered "Please."

You nodded, respecting his wish "Alright"

It was interesting how much he had changed since Hogwarts.

---

Months passed, and ever since that one battle, Tom had been oddly distant. There was something that bothered him but he wouldn't discuss it with you. Whenever you'd try to catch him here or there, he'd be so blunt, it'd feel as if you were talking to a wall.

And the rest of the death eaters would curl their lips and frown your way. None of them would trust you. At all. But none would try to kill you anymore either, not even Bellatrix. 

But this would only happen whilst you were under the protection of the Dark Lord.

And if that would be gone - so would be you.

---

One day, you had gotten a letter. An owl delivered you a mustard yellow parched envelope with black ink engraved on the front. It was an invite to the Potter house that you made sure nobody else would see.

Still living a double life, and knowing you cleared your name with James Potter, you set out to visit them.

---

When Lily opened the door, looking as thin as ever, she immediately jumped in for a tight embrace. 

"So happy you came" - her eyes wrinkled with delight

"Of course, you made it sound like an emergency."

When you walked into their living room, your eyes locked with firmly standing James, who appeared rather awkward in your presence as his arms fidgeted at your approach "Welcome. Please, sit down" - he pointed at the couch behind him.

You agreed, as Lily trailed you to the sofa too. Next thing you knew, you were all quietly seated for the next couple minutes as the grandfather's clock ticked loudly in the background. 

"Nice walls" - your glance darted around the room

"Hmm?" - Lily stretched before catching your sight and realizing what you meant "Oh, right. Thank you"