Rosalie ⎮ Tom Riddle

Twenty Five

Fright

   "It appears the secret is out, Rosalie," Dumbledore remarked, his voice carrying a weight of understanding as he strode across his office, the heavy door closing behind them, sealing off the outside world just as the day's classes had concluded.

  Rosalie maintained her composure, though, beneath her calm facade, a storm of emotions brewed. She had endured the stares and whispers at dinner the previous night and throughout the morning classes, all eyes lingering on her, aware of her lineage and perhaps fearing she might inherit her father's darkness.

  "Yes, well, no need to rub it in, Professor," Rosalie replied, her retort laced with a hint of resignation and a touch of self-pity.

  Dumbledore settled himself slowly behind his desk, leaning forward with his elbows resting on the polished surface, cradling his head in his hands. He exhaled heavily, a soft tut escaping his lips as he tilted his head in thought.

  "I cannot imagine what it must have been like to live with that man for seventeen years," he mused, his gaze distant with empathy.

  "And you say that as someone who was once in love with him," Rosalie interjected softly, her voice tinged with curiousity.

  "What should I do, Professor?" she implored, her tone laden with uncertainty.

  "Your place is here at Hogwarts, Rosalie. You are welcome regardless of your father's actions," Dumbledore reassured her gently. "But, would you like your records changed to reflect a different last name?"

  Dumbledore's expression shifted, his features contorted with a pained reluctance. It weighed heavily on him to talk about such a delicate subject. Yet, when Rosalie's name was connected with the destruction and death a Grindelwald had caused, he couldn't help but wonder if she might welcome the opportunity for a fresh start.

  Rosalie hesitated for a moment before shaking her head. "No, thank you. I plan on changing my last name soon anyway," she responded with a determined resolve.

  Her Professor paused, a light flashing behind the depths of his knowing gaze.

  "I would advise caution if you are considering taking the name 'Riddle,'" Dumbledore cautioned, his expression grave.

  Rosalie's mouth dropped slightly, her heart beating. She closed it quickly and looked her professor directly in the eyes, feeling as though he was trying to play father with her, perhaps out of pity for who her real father was.

  "I still hold hope for him, Professor. Please respect that," Rosalie pleaded, her voice tinged with defiance.

  Dumbledore looked down, the stern look she held telling him that no amount of persuasion or argument could sway her unwavering loyalty to Riddle, despite the darkness that surrounded his name.

  "Of course," Albus conceded, his eyes softening with understanding, real understanding.

---

  As Rosalie deftly tied Tom's black tie, her fingers moving with practiced ease, she couldn't help but notice the frustration etched into his features. His typically composed demeanour seemed momentarily frazzled, and she couldn't suppress the small smile that tugged at her lips.

  "Next time just get me to do it from the start, I don't understand how you could mess up typing a tie so badly," she teased gently, her voice laced with affection as she adjusted the knot.

  Tom let out a huff of annoyance, his breath catching slightly as her proximity sent a flutter through his chest. It was like even after all this time she could still catch him off guard. She looked up at him sheepishly, though she looked as beautiful as ever.