Stolen Time A Tom Marvolo Riddle Fanfiction completed

Chapter Twenty-eight

He closed his arms around her waist, trying to keep control of his body, his eyes boring into hers. She looked back at him and he moved even closer, taking in the beautiful warmth that was shining in her eyes.

When she finally whispered, "Get us away from here, Tom," he didn't have to think twice. He tightened his grip around her waist and apparated them away.

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When Tom entered the dining room of Houlton Manor the next morning, Cassiopeia was already sitting at the table, reading the Daily Prophet. She cast him a glance, a smile crossing her face, before she turned back to the newspaper. He walked to the empty seat opposite her and sat down. Immediately a plate appeared in front of him. He eyed his breakfast for a moment. Then he cleared his throat.

"We have to obliviate the Mu...," he stopped mid-sentence and coughed before he continued, "...the boy".
He glanced at Cassiopeia. Her gaze was still fixed on the paper. Looking back at his plate, he asked casually, "Who's going to do it?"

Cassiopeia kept her eyes trained on the paper in front of her and replied matter-of-factly, "Neither of us."

Immediately she sensed Tom's gaze back on her. He sounded surprised, when he asked, "You want him to remember what happened? Isn't that a little inconvenient?"

Cassiopeia looked up, cocking her head slightly. "Inconvenient for whom?"

Tom raised his eyebrows. "For both of us, I should think." He pushed his plate away and leaned back on his chair. "Do you want him to go tell his classmates and teachers that you called Lord Voldemort to help him get rid of his unfortunate, bad disease?"

"Are you afraid he might tell them that Lord Voldemort actually came and cured him?" Cassiopeia asked in return, slight amusement in her voice.

"Aren't you afraid what the others will think about you consorting with me?" Tom retorted, his voice matching hers.

They looked at each other, their gazes locked, neither of them willing to avert their gaze first.

Cassiopeia narrowed her eyes just the slightest bit. "I don't want to mess with his mind again."

"Well, you don't have to." Tom shrugged. "I'll do it."

"I don't like you messing with his mind either. It's rude, constantly robbing him of his memory," she said, shaking her head.

Tom quirked an eyebrow, the look in his eyes silently prompting her to provide an alternative.

Cassiopeia bit her lip. "We could just prevent him from telling anyone."

Slowly, a smirk appeared on Tom's features. "And you're honestly telling me my suggestion is rude? I'd rather thought using the Tongue-Tying Curse were rude. But then again, it's just me." He grinned. "Probably I'm not qualified to judge."

He pulled his plate back towards him and took a bite of his breakfast. After a moment he said, "Alright, we'll do it your way. If you prefer Tongue-Tying to Obliviating, then it's that." He continued eating before he looked up again, the smirk back on his face. "So you wanna cast the curse?" His voice was teasing. "Or is it rather up to me to be the bad guy again?"

"Well, obviously you have a reputation at stake. I surely don't want to prevent you from keeping up an appearance." Cassiopeia shot him a sweet smile.

"You're never at a loss for an excuse, are you?" Tom smirked.

"Obviously I learned from the best," Cassiopeia retorted drily.

They finished breakfast in silence before they went to Ben's room together. Cassiopeia opened the door and stepped inside, Tom following her.

Ben was lying in bed but he was awake. Cassiopeia walked over to him. "How are you feeling?"

"Better, I guess?" Ben threw a wary glance in Tom's direction. Tom looked back at him, his face expressionless.

"Good." Cassiopeia cleared her throat. "Uhm, well, there's one thing we came to talk to you about..." She paused. "Uhm, yesterday you saw and heard a few things we prefer to keep....quiet....so..."

"We won't risk that you ever talk about what happened here," Tom cut in, plastering a very fake smile on his face. "Yet, no need to worry, it's very simple. As long as you're not telling anyone what you witnessed, everything's going to be alright. But if you attempt to disclose anything, the consequences will be very ugly and painful for you."

Ben shot Tom a fearful glance before he gazed at Cassiopeia.

She looked back at him, smiling apologetically. "Obviously, that's the deal, Ben."

Ben swallowed and nodded. "Of course I won't tell anyone. I promise."

"That's nice," Tom said, his voice full of sarcasm. "But surely you understand that I never rely on anyone's promises." He drew his wand. "You had better hope that this is the last time I have to raise my wand against you, boy..." His voice trailed away and with a swift movement he flicked his wand at Ben.

Ben stared at Tom, a frown on his face. "I....I don't feel any different?"

Tom raised an eyebrow. "Haven't you listened to me? Nothing happens as long as you don't try to betray us."

There was a moment of silence.  Then Cassiopeia cleared her throat. "Well, then, I have to be off to school." She glanced at Ben. "You stay here. Dissy, the house elf, will care for you and bring you something to eat. I'll be back in the afternoon."

Ben cast another look at Tom. "I'm not sure if that's a good idea. Maybe I should return to my dorm..." His voice trailed off.

Tom smirked, his lip curling slightly. "Oh, don't worry, I won't be staying here with you if I can help it." He turned on the spot and was gone.

Cassiopeia shrugged. "Get a rest, Ben. I'll be back." Then she turned on the spot as well and left Ben staring at the now empty room, his thoughts whirling.

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Author's note: Thanks for reading!!