Sacred Silence | A Tom Riddle Story

21: Jealousy.

Siobhan didn't even have time to change. She was still in her school uniform when she climbed up the stairs towards the astronomy tower with Florance by her side.
Her friend seemed very unsure about this plan. She didn't like the students they were supposed to hang out with, and most of all, she hated how much time Shiv had been spending with Tom.

'I don't get it,' Flo sighed, out of breath from all the stairs, 'You and Milo have been dancing around each other since year one. I mean, I'm not happy he chose my best friend to crush on, but I don't understand why you avoid Milo so much, but have no problem spending all your free time in the library with Riddle.'

Siobhan didn't immediately know how to respond. Flo had a point. She had been avoiding Milo like the plague. Every time they talked, she saw a hint of longing in his eyes. It made her feel bad, like she wasn't coming up with an answer about their situation quickly enough. Milo kept reassuring her that she had to take all the time she needed, that he would wait, but Shiv felt an immense pressure.
Especially when she admitted to herself that she was terrified of what Milo could bring her. Stability, support, love. All things that she had never known, and had no idea how to receive.

'That seems to imply that I enjoy spending that time with him.' The remark left her lips a little more defensive than she wanted. She didn't really mind all the hours she spent in the library, hovered over old books. She loved research and studying; it was her happy place.

'I just don't like you hanging out with him that much. You know he's like legitimately insane, right?' Flo said in a voice seeping with distain.
She was the second one to tell her to stay away from Tom. It didn't help that Shiv was always way more interested in anything people told her not to engage with.
It was the same curiosity that had led her to being sorted into Ravenclaw instead of Slytherin.

Sionhan felt the cold February air hit her cheeks as she and Flo made their wat up the spiral staircase towards rhe top of the astronomy tower. The door at the end of the stairs was a jar and had a broken lock dangling on it. They heard laughter and loud voices coming from the other side.

Shiv faked a sense of confidence and stepped into the big circular tower. The centerpiece of the room was an enormous, detailed constellation of planets. One side of the room opened up into a large balcony that overlooked Hogwarts and it's grounds. The open space let in the freezing wind, and Shiv could make out a couple of people sitting on the edge of the balcony.
She gave Flo's hand a small squeeze and made her way over to the group.

Abraxas and Anthony were seated on the ground and played a game of cards. They seemed to be very invested. They didn't even notice the two girls entering the tower.
Rome had his legs hanging over the side of the balcony and leaned his chin on the banister as he threw small branches down the high tower. Antonin was sitting next to him and seemed very fascinated by his friends actions.
Tom stood a little to the side. His elbows on the railing, staring into the distance. Smoke was trailing upwards from a cigarette between his lips. He held a glass full of amber liquid in his hands.

'Shiv!' Antonin said with a smile, and he seemed genuinely happy to see her. She had spent last weeks charms lessons next to him because Florance had been sick with the flu. He was friendly towards her and seemed to appreciate the help she had given him on a couple of occasions.
Anthony Lestrange turned around quickly. He opened his mouth to greet Shiv, but remained mute when he saw Florance. Shiv could almost feel Flo's nerves rise. The pair had a couple seconds of awkward eye contact before Abraxas leaped up from the ground and strode towards the two friends.

Shiv gave him a hug and handled him a bottle of wine she and Flo had stolen from the kitchens. He looked at it with a pleased grin and gestured for them to join the group.